How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Best car transportation service
Direct answer: AmeriFreight is the best car transportation service for most buyers, because it combines strong customer ratings, no upfront payment while a carrier is found, and optional gap protection up to 2,000 dollars. It suits a standard car moved door to door across the country. Montway is the main alternative for long distance moves and wide coverage.
Most services in this guide are brokers, not carriers. A broker takes your order, vets a carrier, and coordinates pickup and delivery. The truck belongs to the carrier, so the broker matters for vetting, communication, price protection, and help when something goes wrong. A marketplace works in a different way, because carriers bid for your job and you choose among them.
Price is almost always a quote, not a fixed menu price. The same car can cost far more on a busy summer route than on a quiet winter route, and an SUV costs more than a sedan. This guide gives starting figures from vendor pages and third party quote checks, and flags cases where sources disagree.
Key takeaways
- AmeriFreight is the top pick for most buyers, with no upfront payment while a carrier is found and optional gap protection up to 2,000 dollars.
- Montway suits long distance moves, with service in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and Guam, and a TruePrice Guarantee for 30 days.
- Sherpa suits buyers who want a locked price, with its Price Lock Promise and coverage from 100,000 dollars to 1 million dollars.
- SGT suits buyers who want a price match and a total refund if they cancel, while uShip suits buyers who want to compare several carrier bids.
- Open transport costs about 0.60 to 1.20 dollars per mile, while enclosed transport costs about 1.00 to 2.00 dollars per mile.
How we picked
We compared eight services on price transparency, delivery time, insurance coverage, carrier vetting, and customer support. We opened each vendor homepage on 14 November 2026 to confirm it loads, and checked each vendor pricing page where one is published. Most vendors do not publish a fixed price list, because the final price depends on route, vehicle size, transport type, and season. Where the vendor does not publish a price, we used third party reported sample quotes, checked 14 November 2026, and flagged conflicts. We did not test any service hands on.
Comparison table
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
| AmeriFreight | Best overall | From 769 dollars | No; free quote only |
| Montway Auto Transport | Long distance moves | From 0.59 dollars per mile | No; free quote only |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Locked pricing | From 750 dollars | No; free quote only |
| SGT Auto Transport | Price matching | From 1,097 dollars | No; free quote only |
| uShip | Comparing carrier bids | From 936 dollars | No; free to list |
| Easy Auto Ship | Delay protection | From 0.40 dollars per mile | No; free quote only |
| Nexus Auto Transport | Clear pricing | From 1,100 dollars | No; free quote only |
| Ship a Car Direct | Damage free guarantee | From 199 dollars | No; free quote only |
How much does car transportation cost
Most cross country open transport costs 1,200 to 2,400 dollars for a 2,000 mile trip, at about 0.60 to 1.20 dollars per mile. Short trips cost more per mile, because loading, pickup, and delivery take similar work for fewer miles. Montway publishes 1.85 dollars per mile for trips of 1 to 500 miles, 0.91 dollars per mile for 500 to 1,500 miles, and 0.59 dollars per mile for trips over 1,500 miles, checked 14 November 2026.
Enclosed transport usually adds 40 to 60 percent to the open price. Sherpa reports enclosed transport averages 614 dollars more than open transport, based on 335,037 actual shipments, updated July 2026. A large SUV costs more than a sedan, and an inoperable car costs extra because it needs a winch to load. Move.org reports an average extra charge of 212 dollars for an inoperable vehicle. Booking in fall can cost 10 to 30 percent less than a peak summer booking, according to MoveBuddha.
Should you choose open or enclosed transport
Open transport is the right choice for most standard cars, because it is cheaper, widely available, and faster to book. Your car travels on an open multi car trailer, exposed to weather and road debris. That exposure is normal for a daily driver, and most cars shipped in the United States travel this way.
Enclosed transport is the right choice for a luxury, classic, exotic, or high value car, and for a car with fresh paint or a value near or above 70,000 dollars. An enclosed trailer shields the car from weather and road debris, and enclosed carriers often carry higher cargo insurance. SGT reports enclosed cargo cover of 250,000 to 3,000,000 dollars, against 100,000 to 150,000 dollars for open carriers. The trade off is price and availability, because enclosed trailers carry fewer cars.
How long does car shipping take
Most cross country car shipping takes 7 to 10 days from pickup to delivery, while a move to a neighbouring state takes 1 to 3 days. The carrier normally travels 250 to 300 miles per day, according to Ship a Car Direct, so a 2,000 mile trip needs about a week on the road after pickup. Most brokers quote a pickup window of 1 to 5 days rather than an exact day.
Lead time varies by service. AmeriFreight and Sherpa state same day lead time in third party comparisons, while Montway states 2 days and SGT states up to 2 weeks. Those figures describe how soon the broker can start work, not how soon the car arrives. Easy Auto Ship reports delivery in 4 to 7 days for cross country moves. Weather, traffic, and pickup access can extend the window, so build slack into your plans.
What to check before booking a car transportation service
Check the broker licence first. A legitimate broker lists a USDOT number and a Motor Carrier number, and you can verify both through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. AmeriFreight lists USDOT 2238770 and MC 597401 on its homepage, and Sherpa lists USDOT 4085166 and MC 1555035. If a company hides its licence numbers or asks for a large deposit before a carrier is assigned, treat that as a warning sign.
Check insurance in writing. Carrier cargo insurance is the main cover, and the limit depends on the carrier and the trailer type. Ask for the carrier certificate of insurance, and ask what the broker adds on top. Montway adds contingent cargo cover up to 250,000 dollars, AmeriFreight offers optional AFTA gap protection up to 2,000 dollars, and Sherpa requires carriers to carry at least 1 million dollars in liability. Check cancellation terms before you pay, and photograph the car at pickup and delivery.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 AmeriFreight | Best overall car transportation service | From 769 dollars for a 1,200 mile open move, vendor route table checked 14 November 2026; sample quotes 969 dollars and 1,137 dollars reported by third parties for a 900 mile move | No; free quote only |
 Montway Auto Transport | Long distance car transportation | From 0.59 dollars per mile for long distance open transport, about 1,180 dollars for a 2,000 mile trip, vendor page checked 14 November 2026 | No; free quote only |
 Sherpa Auto Transport | Locked pricing for classic and luxury cars | From 750 dollars for open transport, third party reported; vendor calculator average 1,238 dollars, based on 335,037 shipments, updated July 2026 | No; free quote only |
 SGT Auto Transport | Price matching and flexible cancellation | From 1,097 dollars for a 900 mile open move, reported by Move.org; FreightWaves estimates 1,380 dollars for 500 miles | No; free quote only |
 uShip | Comparing carrier bids in one marketplace | From 936 dollars for a 900 mile open move, reported by Move.org; other sources report 976 dollars for the same trip | No; free to list |
 Easy Auto Ship | Delay protection with a rental car if delivery runs late | From 0.40 dollars per mile for trips over 2,500 miles, published rates reported by MoveBuddha in October 2026 | No; free quote only |
 Nexus Auto Transport | Clear pricing and coordinated support | From 1,100 dollars for a 1,500 mile open move, reported by MoveBuddha; vendor range 1,250 to 2,500 dollars cross country | No; free quote only |
 Ship a Car Direct | Damage free guarantee for high value cars | From 199 dollars listed on the vendor site; third party cross country range 1,150 to 1,400 dollars | No; free quote only |
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The 8 best car transportation services
Starting priceFrom 769 dollars for a 1,200 mile open move, vendor route table checked 14 November 2026; sample quotes 969 dollars and 1,137 dollars reported by third parties for a 900 mile move
Free planNo; free quote only
AmeriFreight is a broker founded in 2004, and it is the top pick here because it balances price, protection, and service. Its homepage, opened 14 November 2026, shows door to door service in all 50 states and a vetted carrier network checked against FMCSA data. Price conflict: Move.org reports a 900 mile sample quote of 1,137 dollars and ConsumerAffairs reports 969 dollars.
What we like- No upfront payment while a carrier is found
- Optional AFTA gap protection up to 2,000 dollars
- Discounts for seniors, students, and first responders
Watch out for- Cancellation can cost the deposit, and tracking runs by phone or email rather than live GPS
#2
Montway Auto Transport
Best for: Long distance car transportation
Visit montway.com
Starting priceFrom 0.59 dollars per mile for long distance open transport, about 1,180 dollars for a 2,000 mile trip, vendor page checked 14 November 2026
Free planNo; free quote only
Montway is a broker founded in 2006, and it suits long distance moves where coverage and scale matter. Its homepage, opened 14 November 2026, states contingent cargo insurance up to 250,000 dollars if the carrier policy fails to cover a valid claim. Price conflict: Montway publishes 0.59 dollars per mile for long distance open transport, while Move.org reports a 900 mile sample quote of 1,299 dollars and ConsumerAffairs reports 1,219 dollars.
What we like- Service in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and Guam
- TruePrice Guarantee covers price rises for 30 days
- More than 1 million cars shipped
Watch out for- Cancellation costs 249 dollars after a driver is assigned, and online tracking is not available
Starting priceFrom 750 dollars for open transport, third party reported; vendor calculator average 1,238 dollars, based on 335,037 shipments, updated July 2026
Free planNo; free quote only
Sherpa is a broker founded in 2017, and it suits buyers who want price certainty more than the lowest quote. Its homepage, opened 14 November 2026, states it has shipped more than 100,000 vehicles. Its cost calculator, updated July 2026, reports a car average of 1,225 dollars and an enclosed average of 1,852 dollars. Price conflict: third party guides report an open average of 750 to 1,075 dollars, while Sherpa own calculator reports 1,238 dollars.
What we like- Price Lock Promise holds your quoted price, with Sherpa contributing up to 300 dollars if carrier costs rise
- Carriers must carry at least 100,000 dollars in cargo insurance
Watch out for- Average prices run about 200 dollars above the industry average, so you pay a premium for the locked price
Starting priceFrom 1,097 dollars for a 900 mile open move, reported by Move.org; FreightWaves estimates 1,380 dollars for 500 miles
Free planNo; free quote only
SGT is a broker with more than a decade in the market, and it has delivered more than 150,000 vehicles, according to its homepage, opened 14 November 2026. Its quotes are valid for 7 calendar days, because rates change weekly. Price conflict: Move.org reports a 900 mile sample quote of 1,097 dollars and ConsumerAffairs reports 1,192 dollars, while FreightWaves estimates imply a higher per mile rate.
What we like- Total refund if you cancel
- Price match promise
- Open cargo cover of 100,000 to 150,000 dollars and enclosed cover up to 3,000,000 dollars
Watch out for- Lead time can run to 2 weeks in third party comparisons, so it is less suited to a last minute move
#5
uShip
Best for: Comparing carrier bids in one marketplace
Visit uship.com
Starting priceFrom 936 dollars for a 900 mile open move, reported by Move.org; other sources report 976 dollars for the same trip
Free planNo; free to list
uShip is a marketplace founded in 2004, not a broker, and it suits buyers who want choice and are willing to vet carriers. Its homepage, opened 14 November 2026, states it has more than 35,000 active carriers. Price conflict: Move.org reports a 900 mile sample quote of 936 dollars, while ConsumerAffairs reports a Los Angeles to Miami sample quote of 1,625 dollars, so do not pick on price alone.
What we like- Multiple carriers bid for your job, so you can compare price, reviews, and timing in one place
- Carrier profiles show verified reviews and insurance details
Watch out for- Quality varies by carrier, because you choose the carrier yourself, and the lowest bid can mean a less reliable carrier
Starting priceFrom 0.40 dollars per mile for trips over 2,500 miles, published rates reported by MoveBuddha in October 2026
Free planNo; free quote only
Easy Auto Ship is a broker founded in 2013 in Youngstown, Ohio, and it suits buyers who want a delay safety net. Its homepage returned a 403 access denied response to our text crawler on 14 November 2026, but third party reviews from November 2026 confirm the site and service are live, and MoveBuddha reports it now trades as Easy Cargo Ship. Price conflict: published rates imply about 1,440 dollars for a 3,600 mile trip, while a sample quote for a Dodge Caravan from South Carolina to Oregon was 1,902 dollars cash.
What we like- Rental car cover if delivery is delayed
- Published per mile rates from 1.00 dollars under 500 miles down to 0.40 dollars over 2,500 miles
Watch out for- No guaranteed pickup or delivery dates on standard orders, and Trustpilot reviewers report price rises after booking, with a score of 2.7 out of 5 from 39 reviews in October 2026
Starting priceFrom 1,100 dollars for a 1,500 mile open move, reported by MoveBuddha; vendor range 1,250 to 2,500 dollars cross country
Free planNo; free quote only
Nexus is a broker established in 2015, and it suits buyers who want a clear estimate fast. Its homepage, opened 14 November 2026, states it is rated number one on FreightWaves and offers door to door service in all 50 states. Its cost page lists open transport at 0.80 to 1.25 dollars per mile for trips under 500 miles, falling to 0.40 to 0.60 dollars per mile for longer trips. Price conflict: FreightWaves estimates 1,225 dollars for 500 miles and 2,300 dollars for 2,500 miles, while MoveBuddha reports 1,100 dollars for 1,500 miles.
What we like- Instant quote calculator with clear per mile bands
- 20,000 plus vetted carriers and more than 500,000 vehicles delivered
Watch out for- Initial quotes have risen before pickup in some third party reviews, by as much as 30 percent in one case, so a quote is not a locked price
Starting priceFrom 199 dollars listed on the vendor site; third party cross country range 1,150 to 1,400 dollars
Free planNo; free quote only
Ship a Car Direct is a broker founded in 2008 in Los Angeles, and it suits owners of high value cars who want a guarantee behind the shipment. Its homepage, opened 14 November 2026 at shipacardirect.com, states it screens out more than 80 percent of carriers that fail its standards. Note: shipacar.direct now shows a parked GoDaddy page, so use shipacardirect.com. Price conflict: the vendor site lists prices from 199 dollars and cites a Forbes coast to coast average of 1,650 dollars, while third party guides report 1,150 to 1,400 dollars.
What we like- Industry only Damage Free Guarantee, with the company stepping in if carrier insurance does not cover damage
- No upfront deposit
- A plus BBB rating since 2008
Watch out for- The 199 dollar figure is a listed from price, not a typical cross country price, and enclosed transport costs about twice open transport
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a car across the country
Most cross country open transport costs 1,200 to 2,400 dollars for a 2,000 mile trip, at about 0.60 to 1.20 dollars per mile. Enclosed transport costs about 1.00 to 2.00 dollars per mile, so the same trip often costs 2,000 to 4,000 dollars enclosed. The final price depends on distance, vehicle size, and season.
Is open or enclosed transport better for my car
Open transport is better for most standard cars, because it is cheaper, widely available, and faster to book. Enclosed transport is better for a luxury, classic, exotic, or high value car, and for a car with fresh paint or a value near or above 70,000 dollars. Enclosed trailers shield the car from weather and road debris, but they cost 40 to 60 percent more.
How long does it take to ship a car
A move to a neighbouring state usually takes 1 to 3 days, while a cross country move usually takes 7 to 10 days after pickup. Carriers travel about 250 to 300 miles per day, and pickup itself takes 1 to 5 days while the broker finds a carrier. Weather and pickup access can extend the window, so build slack into your plans.
Do car transportation services include insurance
Yes, the carrier cargo insurance is the main cover, and the limit depends on the carrier and the trailer type. Open carriers often carry 100,000 to 150,000 dollars in cargo cover, while enclosed carriers often carry 250,000 dollars or more. Some brokers add cover on top, such as Montway contingent cover up to 250,000 dollars.
What should I do before the carrier picks up my car
Wash the car, photograph it from every angle, remove toll tags and personal items except for the small allowance the broker states, and make sure the battery is charged. Note any existing damage on the bill of lading at pickup, and inspect the car again at delivery before you sign.
Sources we checked (11)
- https://www.amerifreight.net/
- https://www.montway.com/how-much-does-it-cost-ship-car
- https://www.sherpaautotransport.com/guides/car-shipping-calculator/
- https://www.sgtautotransport.com/
- https://www.uship.com/
- https://www.movebuddha.com/blog/easy-cargo-ship-review/
- https://nexusautotransport.com/ship-a-car-across-country/
- https://shipacardirect.com/
- https://www.move.org/best-car-shipping-company/
- https://baltimore.consumeraffairs.com/auto-transport-baltimore/
- https://www.freightwaves.com/checkpoint/cheapest-car-shipping/
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.