RoadRunner Auto Transport Review (2026): Is It a Legit Car Shipper?
RoadRunner Auto Transport Review: Is RoadRunner Auto Transport Legit in 2026?
RoadRunner Auto Transport provides car shipping services across all 50 states, plus Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and select Caribbean destinations. They offer fair pricing that generally ranges from $300 to $2,100 depending on the route, vehicle type, and transport method. Pickup typically occurs within 1 to 5 business days after booking, with expedited options available if you need faster service.
RoadRunner has been operating for over 30 years and is a USDOT-licensed auto transport broker (USDOT No. 3124544). They work with a network of more than 14,000 vetted carriers nationwide. With thousands of completed shipments and a presence across multiple review platforms, they are a legitimate company, though customer experiences vary and it helps to know exactly what to expect before booking.
RoadRunner Auto Transport: Quick Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Founded | 30+ years in business |
| Headquarters | Bethpage, New York |
| USDOT Number | 3124544 |
| Operates As | Broker (not a direct carrier) |
| States Served | All 50 states + Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Caribbean |
| Carrier Network | 14,000+ vetted carriers |
| Tracking | 24/7 online tracking provided |
| Deposit Required | No upfront deposit required |
| Payment | Credit card at booking; balance to carrier (cash/certified check) |
| Phone | 888-777-2123 |
Is RoadRunner Auto Transport a Broker or Carrier?
RoadRunner Auto Transport is a broker, not a carrier. They do not own trucks or transport vehicles directly. Instead, they connect customers with a network of independent licensed carriers to handle the physical shipment. Once you book with RoadRunner, their dispatch team assigns a carrier to your route based on availability, route demand, and pricing. This is the standard model across the auto transport industry, and most well-known companies operate the same way.
Because RoadRunner acts as an intermediary, your experience on delivery day depends partly on the carrier assigned to your route. RoadRunner requires all carriers in their network to meet FMCSA registration standards and carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in auto liability and $100,000 in cargo coverage.
What Are the Ratings of RoadRunner Auto Transport on Trusted Platforms?
RoadRunner Auto Transport has a presence across several major review platforms. Their ratings vary significantly depending on which site you check, which reflects both the volume of shipments they handle and the mixed customer experience common in the broker model.
| Platform | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.4 / 5 | 1,700+ reviews |
| Google Reviews | 4.1 / 5 | Nearly 5,000 reviews |
| ConsumerAffairs | 4.3 / 5 | Strong on punctuality |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | F rating | 150+ complaints in 3 years |
| Yelp | 1.4 / 5 | High volume of complaints |
So Is RoadRunner Auto Transport Legit?
Yes, RoadRunner Auto Transport is a legitimate and licensed auto transport broker with over three decades of operating history. They hold an active USDOT registration (No. 3124544) and work with a network of FMCSA-compliant carriers, which means they meet the federal requirements to legally broker vehicle shipments in the United States.
How Much Does RoadRunner Auto Transport Cost?
RoadRunner Auto Transport pricing depends on the distance, vehicle type, transport method, and time of year. Open transport is the more affordable option while enclosed shipping costs more but provides better protection for high-value vehicles. Prices also rise during summer when shipping demand peaks. Here is a general breakdown of what to expect:
| Route | Vehicle Type | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Distance (under 500 miles) | Sedan / Coupe | $300 – $450 | $500 – $700 |
| Short Distance (under 500 miles) | SUV / Truck | $400 – $550 | $600 – $850 |
| Medium Distance (500 – 1,000 miles) | Sedan / Coupe | $600 – $800 | $900 – $1,100 |
| Medium Distance (500 – 1,000 miles) | SUV / Truck | $700 – $950 | $1,000 – $1,300 |
| Long Distance (1,000 – 2,000 miles) | Sedan / Coupe | $900 – $1,100 | $1,300 – $1,600 |
| Long Distance (1,000 – 2,000 miles) | SUV / Truck | $1,000 – $1,200 | $1,500 – $1,800 |
| Cross Country (2,000+ miles) | Sedan / Coupe | $1,100 – $1,400 | $1,600 – $1,900 |
| Cross Country (2,000+ miles) | SUV / Truck | $1,200 – $1,500 | $1,800 – $2,100 |
Disclaimer: These prices are estimates and may vary based on route conditions, carrier availability, fuel prices, and seasonal demand. Inoperable vehicles typically add $100 to $300 to the base rate.
How Long Does RoadRunner Auto Transport Take to Ship a Car?
RoadRunner typically assigns a carrier within 1 to 5 business days of booking, though this can stretch longer during peak summer months. Delivery times after carrier assignment depend on the distance and specific route. Expedited shipping reduces pickup time to within 24 to 48 hours but comes at an additional cost.
| Route | Distance | Standard Delivery | Expedited Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local / Regional | Under 500 miles | 1 – 3 days | 1 – 2 days |
| Medium Distance | 500 – 1,000 miles | 3 – 5 days | 2 – 3 days |
| Long Distance | 1,000 – 2,000 miles | 5 – 8 days | 3 – 5 days |
| Cross Country | 2,000+ miles | 7 – 14 days | 5 – 7 days |
Disclaimer: Transit times are estimates. Actual delivery windows depend on carrier availability, route conditions, and seasonal demand.
What Factors Affect Car Shipping Costs With RoadRunner Auto Transport?
Several factors play a role in determining your final quote with RoadRunner. Understanding these helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises at pickup
- Distance and Route: Longer routes cost more overall, but popular corridors between major cities tend to be cheaper than rural or off-highway routes due to higher carrier availability.
- Vehicle Size and Weight: SUVs, trucks, and vans take up more space on a carrier and increase transport costs compared to standard sedans.
- Transport Type: Open transport is the most affordable option. Enclosed transport typically costs 30 to 50 percent more and is recommended for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles.
- Inoperable Vehicle: Cars that cannot be driven require a winch and special loading equipment, adding approximately $100 to $300 to the base rate.
- Expedited Shipping: Requesting pickup within 24 to 48 hours comes at a premium compared to standard lead times.
- Seasonal Demand: Summer months, particularly May through August, see higher pricing across the entire industry due to increased demand and tighter carrier availability.
Most Prominent Features of RoadRunner Auto Transport
- Door-to-door vehicle delivery across all 50 states
- Open and enclosed auto transport options
- 24/7 real-time vehicle tracking
- No upfront deposit required
- Expedited shipping available
- Free instant online quotes
What Services Does RoadRunner Auto Transport Offer?
RoadRunner covers a wide range of shipping needs, making them one of the more versatile brokers in the industry.
- Standard Car Shipping: RoadRunner handles everyday vehicle shipping for sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and wagons across all 50 states. This is their most commonly booked service and is available with both open and enclosed transport.
- Enclosed Auto Transport: For luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value vehicles, enclosed transport provides full protection from weather, road debris, and dust during transit. It costs more than open transport but is the right call when the condition of your vehicle matters.
- SUV, Truck, and Oversized Vehicle Shipping:RoadRunner ships larger vehicles including full-size SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, RVs, buses, and heavy equipment. Oversized vehicles carry an additional fee due to the extra space required and specialized carrier needs.
- Motorcycle Shipping: RoadRunner offers dedicated motorcycle shipping using enclosed containers with the bike strapped to a pallet for secure transport. Both open and enclosed options are available depending on the value of the motorcycle.
- Inoperable Vehicle Shipping: If your car does not run, RoadRunner can still arrange transport using specialized winch equipment to safely load it onto a carrier. Additional fees apply due to the extra handling required. You can select the inoperable option directly in their online booking form.
- Boat and Specialty Vehicle Shipping: RoadRunner also handles boats, campers, tractors, construction vehicles, and other specialty items that fall outside the standard car shipping category. This level of versatility makes them one of the broader options in the market.
- Hawaii, Alaska, and Caribbean Shipping: RoadRunner arranges ocean transport for vehicles headed to or from Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Caribbean destinations including the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, St. Maarten, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These shipments use weekly sailing schedules and include online tracking.
- Military and College Student Shipping: RoadRunner is a veteran-owned company and frequently offers discounted rates for active-duty military personnel managing a PCS move. College students are also encouraged to ask about available discounts. Both groups should contact a representative directly to check current eligibility
- Snowbird and Seasonal Transport: RoadRunner handles seasonal vehicle relocations for snowbirds traveling between northern and southern states. Demand for this service spikes during fall and spring, so advance booking is recommended for better rates and carrier availability.
- Dealer and Auction Shipping: RoadRunner works with car dealers and auction buyers to ship vehicles purchased remotely or at auction, including salvage auction lots. Fleet shipping for multiple vehicles is also available for business clients.
What Are the Pros and Cons of RoadRunner Auto Transport?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Licensed USDOT broker (No. 3124544) | F rating on BBB with 150+ complaints over 3 years |
| Ships to all 50 states, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Caribbean | Final price can differ significantly from the initial quote |
| No upfront deposit required | Limited control over specific carrier assignment |
| 14,000+ vetted carriers in network | Carrier assignment can take up to 5 business days |
| 24/7 real-time vehicle tracking | Weekend customer service limited |
| Wide range of services including motorcycles, boats, RVs, inoperable vehicles | Delays more common during peak summer months |
| Military and college student discounts available | Damage claims go through the carrier, not RoadRunner |
| Free instant online quotes | No price lock guarantee |
| Veteran-owned company with 30+ years experience | Yelp reviews heavily negative |
| Top-load service available on open carriers | Cannot book terminal-to-terminal transport |
How Do We Rate Different Services of RoadRunner Auto Transport?
| Service | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 3.8 / 5 | Mixed reports; responsive on weekdays, limited on weekends |
| Pricing & Transparency | 3.5 / 5 | Competitive initial quotes but price increases post-booking are a common complaint |
| Pickup & Delivery Time | 3.8 / 5 | Most shipments complete on time; peak season delays reported |
| Vehicle Safety & Handling | 4.0 / 5 | Carrier network is vetted; damage incidents are infrequent |
| Tracking & Communication | 3.7 / 5 | 24/7 tracking portal available but real-time accuracy has been questioned |
| Guaranteed Price | 2.5 / 5 | Initial quote is not locked; final price can change based on carrier demand |
| Overall Experience | 3.7 / 5 | A solid option for standard routes; results vary more on specialty shipments |
How Is RoadRunner Auto Transport Compared to Competitors?
RoadRunner holds up well on coverage and service variety but lags behind on pricing consistency and BBB standing compared to some top competitors. Here is how they compare on key features:
| Feature | RoadRunner | Montway Auto Transport | Sherpa Auto Transport | AmeriFreight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door-to-Door Delivery | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosed Transport | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Expedited Shipping | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Instant Online Quote | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price Lock Guarantee | No | No | Yes (up to $300) | No |
| Military Discount | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Inoperable Vehicle Shipping | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motorcycle Shipping | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Boat / RV Shipping | Yes | No | No | No |
| No Deposit Required | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Hawaii / Alaska Shipping | Yes | No | No | No |
| 24/7 Tracking | Yes | Yes | No | No |
What Do Customers Actually Say About RoadRunner Auto Transport?
Customer reviews for RoadRunner Auto Transport span a wide range depending on the platform and the specific carrier assigned to a shipment. The majority of reviews on Google and Trustpilot describe smooth, on-time deliveries with good communication. However, a notable portion of reviews on the BBB and ConsumerAffairs describe price increases, carrier no-shows, and difficulty reaching support during delays.
Here are two real examples from verified review platforms that represent both sides of the experience:
Positive Review (ConsumerAffairs):
“Within minutes of finding Road Runner, I already had my appointment. A day later they picked up the car, the next day it was delivered all without missing a beat. It was easy.” — Verified ConsumerAffairs Review
Negative Review (BBB):
“On the pickup day they called to say that they have transportation ready but want an added $1,000 or the driver won’t come.” — Allan M., BBB Review.
When comparing the two, the positive experience reflects what the majority of customers report: a fast, straightforward process from quote to delivery. The negative review highlights the most common pain point with RoadRunner specifically, which is the potential for price increases after booking, particularly when a carrier has already been assigned. This is worth factoring into your decision before committing.
How Is RoadRunner Auto Transport Service During Peak Seasons?
Shipping demand spikes significantly during the summer months, particularly between May and August, as well as during snowbird season in fall and spring. During these periods, carrier availability tightens across the entire industry and wait times for pickup can stretch longer than usual.
RoadRunner customers have reported longer carrier assignment times during peak summer months, which is consistent with patterns seen across all brokers. If you are planning a summer move, booking at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance can help you secure better carrier availability and lock in a more competitive rate before prices climb.
What Happens if Your Car Gets Damaged During Shipping With RoadRunner Auto Transport?
Since RoadRunner operates as a broker, the carrier assigned to your shipment is responsible for any damage that occurs during transit. Each carrier in RoadRunner’s network is required to carry a minimum of $100,000 in cargo insurance and $1,000,000 in auto liability coverage. Before your vehicle is picked up, a Bill of Lading is completed documenting the existing condition of the car. If damage is found at delivery, you note it on the Bill of Lading at the time of delivery and file a claim directly with the carrier’s insurance.
Is RoadRunner Auto Transport Good for First-Time Shippers?
RoadRunner is a reasonable starting point for first-time shippers. Their website offers an instant quote tool, educational resources on the shipping process, and a customer support team available Monday through Saturday to walk you through the steps. The no-deposit policy is also a low-risk way to get started since you are not committed financially until a carrier is assigned.
The broker model can feel unfamiliar at first because you are not dealing directly with the driver. RoadRunner provides tracking updates and carrier contact details once your vehicle is assigned. Reading the contract carefully before booking is always recommended, particularly around pickup windows, price adjustment terms, and the cancellation policy.
Does RoadRunner Auto Transport Offer Any Discounts?
RoadRunner Auto Transport offers discounts for active-duty and retired military personnel. As a veteran-owned company, they frequently provide specialized rates for PCS moves, so it is worth asking a representative directly when booking. College students are also encouraged to ask about eligibility for discounted rates. Booking during off-peak months like fall and winter can also result in meaningfully lower rates compared to summer pricing.
Conclusion
RoadRunner Auto Transport is a long-established and legitimate auto transport broker with over 30 years in the industry and a network of 14,000+ vetted carriers. They offer one of the broadest service ranges available, covering everything from standard car shipping to motorcycles, boats, RVs, inoperable vehicles, and international shipments to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. Their no-deposit policy and free instant quotes make the process easy to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RoadRunner Auto Transport a legitimate company?
How do I get a quote from RoadRunner Auto Transport?
Can RoadRunner Auto Transport ship a non-running car?
How far in advance should I book with RoadRunner Auto Transport?
Does RoadRunner Auto Transport provide real-time tracking?
What payment methods does RoadRunner Auto Transport accept?
Is enclosed transport worth the extra cost with RoadRunner Auto Transport?
Can I ship personal items inside my car with RoadRunner Auto Transport?
Can RoadRunner Auto Transport ship to Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico?
Why did my RoadRunner quote change after booking?
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.