Best Truck Shipping Companies
Finding the right company for shipping your truck is crucial. In 2024, several top truck shipping companies stand out for their reliability, affordability, and ease of service. Whether you’re moving your truck across the country or just a short distance, these top-rated providers ensure a safe and timely delivery. Explore the best truck shipping options of 2024 to make your transport experience smooth and hassle-free.
Keynotes
- Top Picks: Reliable and affordable truck shipping companies for 2024.
- Transport Options: Open vs. enclosed vs. flatbed shipping.
- Cost Factors: What affects truck shipping prices and how to get the best quotes?
- Preparation & Insurance: How to prepare your truck and what insurance covers.
- Timeline: How distance and conditions affect shipping time.
- Recommended Providers: Top companies like Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport.
Understanding Truck Shipping
Shipping a truck involves a straightforward process. Leading companies offer specialized truck shipping options, including open and enclosed carriers. This guide explains how truck shipping works, including key steps and top-rated companies. Whether moving your truck locally or across the country, understanding the process and comparing quotes will help ensure a smooth, efficient shipment.
Choosing the Best Truck Shipping Option: Open vs. Enclosed Transport
When it comes to shipping a truck, you have two main options: open and enclosed transport. Open transport is the most common and cost-effective choice. It allows carriers to transport multiple trucks at once, making it a popular option for everyday trucks and both regional and cross-country moves. However, with open transport, your truck will be exposed to weather and road conditions during transit.
On the other hand, if you have a truck that is a vintage model or requires protection from the elements, enclosed transport is the better choice. This method shields your truck from external conditions, offering full protection throughout the journey. Enclosed carriers typically handle fewer trucks, which makes this option more expensive, often costing between $300 to $1,000 more than open transport, depending on the distance.
Flatbed Truck Shipping: The Go-To for Oversized Vehicles
Flatbed shipping is your best option if your truck has a high lift kit, oversized tires, or other modifications that make it too large for standard carriers. Flatbed trailers are designed to accommodate oversized vehicles that can’t fit on open or enclosed carriers. While more costly due to the limited number of cars they can carry, flatbed shipping ensures your truck is transported safely and securely without risking damage.
Getting the Best Truck Shipping Quotes
After deciding on the type of transport, the next step is to gather quotes from multiple auto transport companies. Rates can vary significantly depending on the season, distance, and the carrier network each company works with. By comparing quotes, you can find the best deal for your specific needs.
Finalizing Your Truck Shipping Service
Once you’ve found a quote that fits your budget, it’s time to book the shipment. Some companies may ask for a small down payment upfront, while others might offer the option to pay in full or in installments. Auto transport companies usually arrange vehicle pickups within a week, but if you’re in a hurry, you can opt for expedited services at an additional cost.
Preparing for Truck Pickup and Delivery
Before your truck is picked up, make sure to remove all personal items and ensure the vehicle is in good working order. Coordinate with the carrier to schedule the pickup and meet them in person to inspect the truck and sign the bill of lading, which notes its current condition. This process is repeated at the drop-off location, where you’ll inspect the vehicle again and sign off on the delivery.
While damage during transit is rare, it’s crucial to understand the carrier’s insurance coverage in case any issues arise. Some auto transport brokers also offer additional insurance for extra peace of mind.
By carefully choosing the right shipping method and company, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free truck shipping experience.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Truck in 2024?
Shipping a truck typically costs around $1,198, but prices can vary based on several factors. Below is a breakdown of the average costs for transporting a Ford F-150 over different distances using both open and enclosed transport methods.
Cost Breakdown for Shipping a Ford F-150
| Distance | Transport Type | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 549 miles | Open transport | $495 to $839 | $683 |
| 1,588 miles | Open transport | $1,034 to $1,709 | $1,273 |
| 1,588 miles | Enclosed transport | $1,405 to $2,189 | $1,784 |
| 2,877 miles | Open transport | $1,193 to $1,809 | $1,452 |
These estimates are based on quotes from leading auto transport companies in 2024.
Comparing Truck Shipping Rates
Shipping a truck costs approximately $130 more on average compared to shipping a standard sedan like a Honda Civic. Here’s how the costs compare for shipping a Ford F-150 versus a 2020 Honda Civic across the same distances:
| Distance | Transport Type | Cost Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 549 miles | Open transport | $115 |
| 1,588 miles | Open transport | $235 |
| 1,588 miles | Enclosed transport | $251 |
| 2,877 miles | Open transport | $315 |
This comparison highlights the additional expense of shipping a Ford F-150 compared to a Honda Civic.
Factors Affecting Truck Shipping Prices
Several factors can influence the cost of shipping a truck:
- Distance: Longer distances generally cost more in total but less per mile.
- Transport Type: Open transport is more economical compared to enclosed transport.
- Delivery Type: Terminal-to-terminal shipping can be cheaper than door-to-door service, though not all companies offer this option.
- Season: Costs can rise during peak times, such as summer or January, due to higher demand.
- Carrier Availability: Prices may increase if carriers are in short supply or demand is high.
- Vehicle Condition: Inoperable trucks can incur additional costs due to the extra time needed for loading.
- Pickup Timing: Immediate pickup requests may cost more compared to scheduled pickups.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Truck?
Understanding the timeline for shipping a truck involves considering a few key factors. Here’s a breakdown of what affects the delivery time and how you can estimate how long your truck will be on the road.
1. Distance Matters
The distance between the pickup and delivery points is the most significant factor. Shipping a truck across the country, such as from San Diego to Boston, naturally takes more time than a shorter journey, like from New York to Boston.
2. Location Specifics
The accessibility of pickup and delivery locations can also impact the timeline. Trucks shipped to or from remote or less accessible areas might experience delays due to the extra distance the carrier needs to travel to reach these locations.
3. Number of Vehicles
Often, your truck will be shipped alongside other vehicles. This means the carrier may need to make multiple stops, which can extend the overall shipping time.
4. Weather Conditions
Weather can play a crucial role in shipping times. Adverse conditions such as snow, ice, rain, or storms can slow down transport and affect the carrier’s schedule.
5. Road Conditions
Road construction, traffic, and detours can also influence delivery times. Unexpected delays on the route can impact how long it takes for your truck to reach its destination.
6. Driver Regulations
Truck drivers are subject to regulations set by the Department of Transportation, which limits their driving hours to ensure safety. Drivers can operate for a maximum of 70 hours per week, which can affect shipping schedules, especially if long-haul journeys are involved.
How to Ship Your Truck Across the Country
Shipping a truck across the country can be a smart choice for various reasons, whether you’re moving, buying a vehicle online, or simply avoiding a long drive. With trucks like the Ford F-150 and other top models making waves, understanding how to get your vehicle from point A to point B efficiently is crucial. Here’s a closer look at why shipping your truck might be the best option and how to make the process seamless.
Top Trucks in the US
The Ford F-150 leads the pack as the best-selling light truck in the U.S., but it’s not alone in popularity. Here are some other favorites that might be part of your truck fleet:
- Ford F-150
- Chevrolet Colorado
- GMC Canyon
- Honda Ridgeline
- Ram 1500 Classic
- Toyota Tundra
- Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Sierra
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Tacoma
Why Shipping Your Truck Makes Sense
Save Time and Avoid the Hassle
Driving your truck across the country can take days, if not longer. Instead, opt for truck shipping to save time and reduce stress. You can schedule the shipment to fit your timeline, allowing you to fly or take a train while your truck travels separately.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Shipping a truck is often more affordable than flying it or hiring someone to drive it. Plus, you avoid the wear and tear on your vehicle and the hidden costs of additional travel expenses. Enjoy competitive rates and special discounts, such as those for military personnel and returning snowbirds.
Reliable and Secure Transport
Choose a trusted auto transport company like SGT Auto Transport, known for its thorough vetting process for carriers. Your truck will be handled with care and equipped with the right tools for a safe journey. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in good hands and will arrive on time.
Minimize Wear and Tear
Long-distance driving can cause significant wear and tear on your truck, impacting its resale value and leading to costly repairs. Shipping your truck avoids these issues and keeps it in top condition. Plus, you reduce the risk of accidents associated with extended road trips.
Convenient Pickup and Delivery
Auto transport companies offer door-to-door service, picking up your truck as close to your home as possible and delivering it near your new location. This convenience eliminates the need for additional travel arrangements.
Ship Multiple Vehicles
If you’re part of the 33.1% of U.S. households with multiple vehicles, you can easily arrange to ship more than one truck at a time. This service streamlines the process and can often be more cost-effective.
By choosing to ship your truck, you’re opting for a solution that saves time, reduces costs, and keeps your vehicle in prime condition. Whether you’re relocating, purchasing a new truck, or simply need to transport your vehicle, truck shipping offers a practical and efficient alternative to driving.
What Insurance Coverage is Provided When Shipping Your Truck?
When you choose to ship your truck with an auto transport company, your vehicle is protected under the motor carrier’s insurance from pickup to delivery. Here’s what you need to know about insurance coverage:
Coverage Details
Motor carriers must meet the insurance requirements set by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Coverage levels vary based on the type of transport and carrier:
- Open Transport: Typically offers coverage between $100,000 and $150,000.
- Enclosed Transport: Provides more comprehensive protection, ranging from $250,000 to $3,000,000. Always request a copy of the insurance certificate to review the details of the coverage.
Insurance Included
At SGT Auto Transport, insurance is included in the shipping cost, ensuring your truck is covered throughout its journey. Check with other companies to confirm their insurance policies before booking.
How Flexible is the Delivery Schedule?
Shipping schedules are estimates and can be affected by various factors. Here’s how flexibility plays a role:
Factors Affecting Delivery
Weather, road conditions, traffic, and mechanical issues can cause delays. Being flexible with your schedule helps manage these uncertainties.
Carrier Reliability
Choose a reputable carrier with a well-maintained fleet and strong communication practices. Reliable carriers proactively update you about any changes and work to minimize delays.
Strategic Planning
Carriers use advanced logistics and route optimization to ensure timely deliveries. Regular vehicle maintenance and contingency plans for unexpected challenges help keep shipments on track.
Communication
Effective communication between you and the carrier is crucial. Transparent updates and a collaborative approach to handling delays contribute to a smoother shipping experience.
Top Truck Shipping Companies
Shipping a truck can be a bit pricier than shipping a car, but finding the right company makes it a breeze. To get the best value, compare quotes online and choose a provider that fits your budget and needs.
Top Truck Shipping Companies to Consider
For reliable and efficient truck shipping, check out these top-rated companies:
AutoStar Transport Express
Our Rating: 4.5/5
4.2
4.88
5.0
4.5
Why We Choose It?
AutoStar Transport Express provides cross-country car transport in U.S.A with all the transporting modes. They can transport all types of vehicles including regular sedans, SUVs, luxury cars, RVs, and motorcycles. They have a network of 20,000+ carriers and trucks across the country in the United States.
- Customer Service: With a solid 10,000+ consumer reviews in Google, Transport Reviews, Yelp, and Facebook, and an impressive A+ rating in Better Business Bureau (BBB), AutoStar Transport Express has earned a reputation in customer services by getting positive client reviews from more than 21 platforms.
- Discounts and Flexible Payments: They charge only once the carrier is assigned to you. They offer discounts to students, military, and dealerships. Moreover, if your car gets dirty during transportation on an open transport trailer, they offer a free car wash.
- Insurance: They provide adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle. They take protecting your vehicle one step further by working with certificate holders on the insurance of the carriers only.
- All Types of Shipping: They do all kinds of vehicle shipping with open and enclosed auto transport options, from light to heavy-duty equipment, and classic and luxury vehicles.
- Coverage: They transport cars to all 50 states including Alaska, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Hawaii. They also ship to Nigeria.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Operating a fleet of 20,000 specialized car transporters.
- Over 17+ years of industry expertise and knowledge.
- Special discounts for military, students, and repeat customers.
- Multilingual assistance is available in both English and Spanish.
- Works with a network of licensed and insured carriers.
Cons
- 24/7 service is not available. Available in limited office hours.
- No mobile app.
Services Offered
AutoStar Transport Express offers a wide variety of car shipping services across the country. With its enclosed containers, it also specializes in luxury and classic car shipping by protecting prized vehicles from the elements during transport, other services including
- Open auto transport.
- Door to Door and Terminal to Terminal Car Shipping.
- Single and Multi-car transport facility.
- Expedited or guaranteed pickup service is available.
- Motorcycle shipping
- Heavy machinery and construction machinery transportation.
Customer Reviews and Rating
AutoStar Transport Express has been reviewed on 21+ consumer review platforms. This includes big names like Google, Facebook, Transport Reviews, and many more.
- It has won several awards for its customer service, including the “Best Customer Service” award from Transport Reviews.
- Customers on bbb.org rated AutoStar Transport Express with 4.88 out of 5.
Montway Auto Transport
Our Rating: 4.3/5
4.7
A+
4.0
4.4
Why We Choose It?
Our review team was impressed by Montway’s car shipping services, customer service, and discounts the company offers. Below you will find what makes Montway stand out from its competitors:
- Customer service: Montway has extended service hours, where representatives are available every day from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. Montway’s customer service has received some of the highest customer review ratings on websites like Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google.
- Discounts and flexible payments: Montway offers plenty of discount options that lower the company’s below-average industry rates even further. For example, Montway customers aren’t required to make upfront payments. Yet for customers who are willing to pay some money upfront, Montway offers a discount for paying the remainder in cash.
- Insurance: All carriers that work with Montway are licensed, thoroughly vetted, and must carry a minimum of $100,000 in cargo insurance. In case there is a denial of the carrier’s policy, the standard carrier insurance is backed up by Montway’s $250,000 policy, which is included in your shipping price.
On the other side, Montway does not offer transportation services for RVs, campers, or boats. Secondly, the cost estimate provided is not a binding quote. Thirdly, once your order is handed over to the carrier, a $199 cancellation fee will be applicable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers a wide range of shipping services, including open and enclosed transport.
- Special discounts for military personnel and repeat customers.
- Competitive pricing offered.
- Enjoy a great reputation among customers.
Cons
- Pricing is not guaranteed.
- Strict cancellation policy If you cancel, there will be a minimum fee of $199.
- No transportation services for RVs, campers, or boats.
Services Offered
Almost similar to Sherpa, Montway does not ship ATVs, recreational vehicles, boats or campers. Instead, Montway specializes in providing quality transportation services specifically for automobiles. The auto transport broker offers a wide range of shipping services, including:
- Open and enclosed transport.
- Shipment tracking.
- Multi-car transport.
- Auto shipping to the 50 states.
- Door-to-door shipping.
Customer Reviews and Rating
- Montway has been recognized for its excellent customer service by winning the “Best Customer Service” award from Transport Reviews in 2024.
- It has an excellent 5.0 star rating out of 5.0 on BBB also.
A1 Auto Transport
Our Rating: 4.5/5
2.9
2.4
1.0
1.7
Why We Choose It?
Our team ranked A1 Auto Transport 4th as A1 Auto Transport Auto Transport has the following featured services:
- Price Lock Promise: A1 Auto Transport stands out among car shipping companies due to its Price Lock Promise, ensuring that the initially quoted rate remains unchanged. If the rate goes higher, they compensate customers with $300. This guarantee provides security and peace of mind for those concerned about sudden price increases.
- Clean Car Guarantee: Upon vehicle arrival at the destination, the company will cover the cost of a car wash, ensuring customers receive their cars in pristine condition.
- Insurance Coverage: A1 Auto Transport prioritizes safety with $1 million in commercial auto liability and $100,000 in cargo insurance coverage for all carriers they work with. Furthermore, they facilitate the insurance claiming process by being included as a policyholder on carriers’ insurance policies. This emphasis on insurance coverage assures customers of protection during transportation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Prices are guaranteed up to $300 over the estimated quote.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Excellent customer service.
Cons
- No motorcycle or ATV shipping.
- Shipping services do not extend to Alaska or Hawaii.
- The customer should make a call for an estimated price.
Services Offered
Similar to Montway, A1 Auto Transport is not a generalist that deals with various types of vehicles like ATVs, recreational vehicles, boats, or campers. Instead, A1 Auto Transport focuses solely on delivering top-notch transportation services exclusively for automobiles. As an auto transport broker, they offer a diverse array of shipping options such as open and enclosed transport, shipment tracking, multi-car transport, shipping to the 48 contiguous states, door-to-door service, and three-day pickup windows. This specialization ensures that customers receive specialized and reliable car shipping solutions.
Customer Reviews and Rating
- It holds a 4.7-star rating out of 5.0 on Google based on over 1,300 reviews.
- This company has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, based on over 256 reviews.
- A1 Auto Transport has also been recognized for its customer service by winning the “Best Customer Service” award from Move.org in 2021.
Conclusion
Shipping your truck in 2024 is a convenient and effective way to move your vehicle. By choosing a reliable company and understanding your options, you can ensure your truck arrives safely and on time. With careful planning, comparing quotes, and selecting the right shipping method, you can save time and money while keeping your truck in excellent condition.
FAQ’s
How much does it cost to ship a truck?
Shipping a truck generally costs around $1,198, varying with distance and transport type.
What affects the cost of shipping a truck?
Costs depend on distance, transport type (open vs. enclosed), delivery method, seasonal demand, and vehicle condition.
How long does truck shipping take?
Delivery time is influenced by distance, location, weather, road conditions, and driver regulations.
What insurance coverage is provided?
Coverage ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 for open transport and $250,000 to $3,000,000 for enclosed transport. Always check the insurance certificate.
How flexible is the delivery schedule?
Delivery schedules are estimates and can be affected by various factors. Good communication with the carrier helps manage any delays.
Who are the top truck shipping companies for 2024?
Top options include Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, and SGT Auto Transport.
a4AutoTransport is a group of auto transport researchers and experts that comes in handy for anyone who wants to move their car/vehicle without putting extra miles on the odometer. At a4AutoTransport, We researched over a hundred car shipping companies, interviewed real customers and industry leaders, and collected nearly 500 quotes to find the nation’s best auto transport companies. With our combined 5 years of industry experience and research, we’ll help you find the right car shipper for your budget.
