Matson Car Shipping Reviews 2025

If you’re considering Matson for your vehicle transport needs, you’re not alone. As one of the most recognized names in ocean freight, Matson has long offered car shipping services, especially to and from Hawaii. In this guide, we break down Matson car shipping reviews 2025, covering real customer feedback, pricing transparency, service reliability, and overall value.

Overview of Matson

Matson is a leading ocean transportation and logistics company best known for its shipping services between the U.S. mainland and Pacific destinations like Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and Micronesia. The company has built a strong reputation for reliability, especially in vehicle transport across ocean routes.
Founded in 1882, Matson started as a steamship line serving Hawaii and played a key role in developing trade in the Pacific. Over the decades, it has grown into a major player in auto shipping, offering both personal and commercial vehicle transport.

Matson Auto Transport: A Comprehensive Overview

Key Ratings of Matson Car Shipping on Reputable Platforms

• BBB Score: 2 out of 5
• Yelp: 3.2 out of 5
• Trustpilot: 3.7 out of 5
• Facebook: 4.2 out of 5

How Matson Auto Shipping Works

• Booking: Schedule your shipment online or by phone, selecting your pickup and delivery ports (commonly from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii or Guam).
• Vehicle Drop-off: Deliver your vehicle to the designated Matson terminal on the scheduled date.
• Inspection: Matson performs a pre-shipment vehicle inspection to document its condition.
• Loading: Your vehicle is driven onto the roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel and securely fastened for transport.
• Shipping: The vessel transports your car across the ocean to the destination port.
• Tracking: Matson provides shipment tracking updates so you can monitor progress.
• Pickup: Once the vehicle arrives, you retrieve it from the receiving terminal after showing the required documents.
• Required Documents: Prepare registration, valid ID, and proof of ownership for smooth processing.

Matson Car Shipping Costs and Quotes

Matson offers a transparent pricing structure, allowing you to estimate your car shipping expenses with ease. Here’s a breakdown of estimated shipping rates for various routes across Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Saipan, and the mainland U.S.

Which types of vehicles Matson shipped?

Matson ships a variety of vehicles, including:

• Cars
• SUVs
• Trucks
• Vans
• Motorcycles
• ATVs
• UTVs
• Snowmobiles
• Boats
• Trailers

Matson also ships commercial vehicles, such as:

• Buses
• RVs
• Semi-trucks
• Delivery trucks
• Construction equipment
• Farm equipment

What are Matson car shipping requirements?

Matson has the following requirements for shipping cars:

• The vehicle must be in operating condition, with a working emergency brake.
• The vehicle must have all four tires properly inflated.
• The vehicle must have a minimum of 1/4 tank of fuel.
• The vehicle must be free of leaks, including fuel leaks, oil leaks, and coolant leaks.
• The vehicle must be free of loose items, including loose change, valuables, and personal belongings.
• The vehicle must have a clean exterior.
• The vehicle must be in a condition that is safe to transport.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

To gauge the quality of a service, it’s essential to consider customer reviews and ratings. Matson Car Shipping has received positive feedback from many satisfied customers. Their professionalism, punctuality, and attention to detail are often highlighted.

Reviews

Here are a few customer reviews of Matson car shipping reviews:

• “I recently used Matson to ship my car across the country, and I couldn’t be happier with their service. The entire process was seamless, from booking to delivery. My car arrived in perfect condition, and the communication throughout was excellent. I highly recommend Matson for anyone needing reliable car shipping.” – John D.
• “Matson exceeded my expectations when it came to shipping my classic car. They handled it with the utmost care and professionalism. The online tracking feature was convenient and provided real-time updates. I felt confident throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for a trustworthy car shipping company, look no further than Matson.” – Sarah L.
• “I had a great experience with Matson for shipping my vehicle overseas. Their team was knowledgeable, and they guided me through the entire process. The pricing was fair, and my car arrived in perfect condition and on time. I highly recommend Matson for international car shipping.” – Michael S.

Potential Drawbacks

While Matson Car Shipping has many advantages, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks such as longer transit times for international shipping or limited availability in certain regions.

Some common pitfalls to avoid when using Matson for auto shipping

• Failing to properly prepare your vehicle for shipment, such as leaving personal items inside or failing to disable your car alarm.
• Not properly inspecting your vehicle upon delivery, which can make it more difficult to file a claim if there is damage or issues with your vehicle.
• Failing to communicate with Matson about any special requirements or concerns you may have regarding your vehicle shipment.

Matson vs Alternatives

While Matson is a top choice for ocean-based vehicle transport, especially for routes involving Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and other remote regions, it may not be the best option for every customer. If you’re looking for greater flexibility, competitive pricing, or door-to-door convenience, these three reputable alternatives are worth considering:

1. AutoStar Transport Express

AutoStar Transport Express is one of the top car shipping companies that offers a wide range of services across the continental U.S., Hawaii, and international locations. Unlike Matson, AutoStar provides true door-to-door service, removing the need to coordinate port drop-offs and pickups. They’re also known for strong customer satisfaction and transparency.

2. Montway Auto Transport

Montway auto transport is well-regarded for its reliable nationwide ground transport. While it doesn’t handle ocean freight like Matson, Montway specializes in domestic car shipping with extensive carrier networks and flexible booking options. It’s a top pick for coast-to-coast or long-distance auto moves within the mainland U.S.

3. AmeriFreight

AmeriFreight is another trusted name in the auto transport industry, particularly for those seeking competitive rates and great customer service. Although their overseas coverage is limited, they offer excellent coverage for standard vehicle shipping, including options for enclosed transport and special discounts for select groups.

Why Choose Matson Car Shipping?

Choosing Matson Car Shipping comes with several advantages. Their reputation for reliability, extensive network, and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a top choice for many. Whether you’re moving domestically or internationally, Matson has you covered.

Benefits of Choosing Matson Car Shipping

• Reliability: Matson’s long-standing reputation for reliability speaks for itself.
• Network: Their extensive network ensures that your vehicle can be transported virtually anywhere.
• Variety of Services: Matson offers a range of services to cater to different needs.
• Customer Satisfaction: They prioritize customer satisfaction, striving to make every move as smooth as possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Matson Car Shipping has earned its reputation as a reliable and customer-centric option for transporting vehicles. By considering their services, reading reviews, and understanding their commitment to excellence, you can make a well-informed decision when it comes to shipping your vehicle.

FAQs

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.