What Are the Best Car Transport Companies This Year?

Top Auto Transport Companies in 2025

AutoStar Transport Express

Rating: 4.7 / 5

MC #: 600908

Experience: Almost 2 decades

Pros:

• Nationwide coverage across all 50 states & international shipping (Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, USVI, Caribbean)
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Licensed, bonded, and FMCSA-registered
• Ships all types of vehicles: cars, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs & oversized units
• Bilingual customer support (English & Spanish)
• Reliable door-to-door service (open & enclosed transport options)
• Access to 25,000+ vetted carriers nationwide
• High rate of repeat customers and strong word-of-mouth reputation

Cons:

• Tracking is available but not in real time; customers may need to call or email for detailed updates.

Real Review: "Easy to book. The communication was great. Several people worked this to make sure I got my car where it needed to go in a reasonable amount of time at a reasonable cost. The transport driver and his team made sure I got up to date info through the journey. Reviews helped me make my decision. Glad I trusted the process." — Google Reviewer

Montway Auto Transport

Rating: 4.48 / 5

MC #: 611862

Experience: 17+ Years

Pros:

• Depth of Network, 24/7 support

Cons:

• Quotes can change after assignment, purely broker-based

AmeriFreight

Rating: 4.62/5

MC #: 597401

Experience: 20 Years

Pros:

• Discounts for military, students, seniors; robust protection plans.

Cons:

• Final price varies by carrier; communication slow during peak season.

Sherpa Auto Transport

Rating: 4.62/5

MC #: 1555035

Experience: 8 Years

Pros:

• "Price Lock" guarantee, clean-car delivery promise, top-tier support.

Cons:

• Premium pricing, no international shipping.

Ship a Car Direct

Rating: 4.54/5

MC #: 632461

Experience: 17 Years

Pros:

• Video inspections, damage-free promise, no deposit.

Cons:

• Broker-only, basic tracking.

uShip

Rating: 4.4/5

MC #: 1614161

Experience: 21 Years

Pros:

• Wide price range via bidding, multiple transport types.

Cons:

• Quality varies, less guidance for first-timers.

Easy Auto Ship

Rating: 4.26 / 5

MC #: 103888

Experience: 12 Years

Pros:

• Fast scheduling, free rental car if delayed.

Cons:

• Pricing may shift, non-real-time tracking.

RoadRunner Auto Transport

Rating: 4.24 / 5

MC #: 1477776

Experience: 30 Years

Pros:

• Large carrier network, real-time GPS tracking, swift quotes.

Cons:

• Cancellation fees, some pickup delays.

How We Calculated Our Ratings: Comparison of Top Car Transport Companies Across Review Platforms

Tips for Choosing a Car Transport Company Wisely

Many auto transport companies claim they’re the best, but the real test comes when you ask the right questions. Their answers will reveal more than any advertisement.

Key questions to ask before booking:

• What’s your MC#? – Verify their FMCSA registration to ensure they’re legally authorized.
• Is the quote guaranteed? – Ask if today’s price is locked in and for how long.
• Who’s my main contact? – Know exactly who to call if there’s a delay or problem.
• Do you have recent reviews for my route? – See feedback from customers with similar shipments.

Pro tips:

• Read the terms and conditions — you can paste them into a tool like ChatGPT to simplify the legal language.
• Compare at least 3–4 quotes. Don’t automatically choose the cheapest option — low bids can mean slower dispatch or unreliable carriers.
• Use ChatGPT to quickly compare multiple quotes side-by-side for pricing, delivery windows, and carrier ratings.

Open transport is the most common and budget-friendly option. Cars travel on an open-air trailer, making it ideal for everyday sedans, trucks, and SUVs that don’t need extra protection. You can learn more about open carrier car shipping to see if it’s the right choice for your vehicle.
Covered or protected transport, on the other hand, shields vehicles inside a trailer, safeguarding against weather and road debris. It’s best for luxury, classic, vintage, or high-value cars, though it typically costs 30–50% more due to limited space and higher care standards. For a detailed overview, explore enclosed car transport.

Quick tip: Choose open transport for cost savings and reliable service on standard vehicles. Opt for covered transport if your car is rare, expensive, or you want maximum protection. Always compare quotes to see the exact price difference.

How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping (First-Timer’s Guide)

A little prep goes a long way toward a smooth, safe transport:

• Wash your car – A clean car makes pre-shipping damage checks easier.
• Remove personal items – Most companies don’t allow belongings inside.
• Check tires & battery – Properly inflated tires and a charged battery prevent loading issues.
• Take clear photos or video – Document your car from all angles for insurance purposes.
• Disable alarms – Avoid unwanted interruptions during transport.
• Keep ¼ tank of fuel – Enough for loading/unloading without adding extra weight.
• Have keys ready & share special instructions – Note any quirks like manual transmissions or hidden alarm switches.

Following these quick steps helps avoid delays, protects your vehicle, and keeps the shipping process stress-free.

Car Shipping Costs and Pricing Guide 2025

Base Pricing Structure

Per-Mile Rates:

• Short distance (under 500 miles): $1.00 – $1.50 per mile
• Medium distance (500-1,500 miles): $0.75 – $1.00 per mile
• Long distance (1,500+ miles): $0.60 – $0.85 per mile

Sample Route Pricing (Open Transport)

Cost Factors That Affect Pricing

Hidden Fees to Watch For

Which Auto Transport Company is Right for You?

What to Look for When Choosing the Right Transport Company for Cars

Red Flags: Auto Transport Scams to Avoid

Pricing Red Flags

Communication Red Flags

Credential Red Flags

How to Protect Yourself

Common Auto Transport Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Many people make avoidable errors that cause frustration or extra costs. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Booking too late: Last-minute bookings often cost more or limit carrier options. Book 1-2 weeks in advance when possible.
• Choosing by price only: Extremely cheap quotes often mean poor service or hidden fees. Check credentials first.
• Not verifying insurance or registration: Always ask for FMCSA and insurance details to protect yourself.
• Skipping vehicle inspection: Take photos and document your car’s condition before pickup.
• Ignoring the fine print: Read terms about cancellations, fees, and delivery windows carefully.

Avoiding these mistakes saves time, money, and headaches.

• Total pricing and what’s included
• Type of transport (open or enclosed)
• Delivery timeframes
• Insurance coverage and customer support

By comparing quotes side by side, you’ll find the best value for your specific vehicle and route. Start with a free quote from AutoStar Transport Express and explore your other options.
The best decision is the one that gives you peace of mind and a smooth delivery experience and don’t forget to share the service feedback.

FAQs: Best Car Shipping Companies 2025

A4 AutoTransport

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.