Best Car Shipping Companies in 2025: Reviews & Comparisons

Finding the absolute best car shipping company or one of the top car transport companies means looking for true competence, not just the loudest marketing. When you search for car shipping companies and auto transport companies, you quickly see there are hundreds of options. 

This huge number makes selecting the right one a significant challenge. You need to know which companies offer professional car shippers and which are just middlemen. Our goal is to simplify this process for you. We show you the facts so you can easily compare best car shipping companies in USA and choose a reliable car shipping partner without stress. This guide helps you find the right trusted car shipping companies that deliver on their promises.

Ready to move your vehicle with a company that puts you first? Get your free, fast quote for auto shipping now.

What Makes a Car Shipping Company the Best in 2025?

As a veteran in the auto transport industry, experts don't rely on flashy marketing. We evaluate top car transport companies on a rigorous set of criteria that truly reflect reliability and service quality.

The foundational element for any legitimate provider is proper licensing. You must verify their operating authority with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which grants them an MC number, which you can confirm via FMCSA Licensing and Authority.

Beyond that, the best auto transport companies excel in:

• Insurance & Transparency: A high-quality company provides robust cargo insurance coverage and transparent terms, ensuring your vehicle is protected from bumper to bumper. They offer clear, upfront information on all costs, avoiding hidden fees.

• Customer Satisfaction & Delivery Speed: Top ratings depend on a proven track record for on-time delivery and high customer satisfaction. This metric assesses everything from initial quote accuracy to the final, damage-free vehicle handover.

To gauge a company's standing, you should check external review sources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and dedicated sites like Transportvibe. Look for consistency in feedback, not just star ratings.

What You Should Look For In A Car Shipping Company

When you are ready to ship a car, your focus should shift to practical service capabilities tailored to your needs. This starts with evaluating their operational footprint.

You need to confirm their coverage area—do they offer nationwide shipping, or are they a better fit for a shorter, regional transport? Next, examine their pricing and communication.

Finally, the quality of their service hinges on their logistics network. A substantial fleet size and strong, vetted carrier partnerships are critical. This network ensures they can secure a reliable truck quickly and offer both open and enclosed transport options, providing you with a seamless and dependable vehicle shipping experience.

Top 10 Best Car Shipping Companies in the USA (2025 Rankings)

If you’re planning a move, finding the best car shipping companies in USA is your first critical step. You need more than just a cheap quote; you require reliable car shipping backed by a proven track record.

As a veteran in this industry, I’ve compiled the definitive 2025 ranking of top car transport companies. This list is designed to help you easily compare car shipping companies based on crucial, verifiable factors, separating the best from the rest.

We break down the estimated car shipping costs for a typical 1,000-mile journey and confirm who offers solid insurance coverage. We have detailed the average car shipping costs, the company's business model (broker, carrier, or hybrid), and their standing with the BBB Rating.

Use this table as your blueprint to quickly identify the most suitable professional car shippers who align with your budget and service needs. This is how the leading auto transport companies stack up for 2025.

Explore our comprehensive list of transport companies available in the USA. Here you can evaluate them better, 

How Much Does Car Shipping Cost in 2025?

Let’s be frank: the cost is the first thing you look at. Understanding how much does car shipping cost starts with knowing the levers that move the price. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when calculating car shipping quotes.

The most significant variables are distance and route demand. Generally, the cost per mile decreases the farther you ship, but popular routes naturally attract more competitive pricing from auto transport companies.

Next, consider the mode. Choosing standard open car transport is the key to finding the most affordable car shipping companies. Opting for secure enclosed car transport for a classic or exotic vehicle adds a premium—typically 30–50% more.

Beyond that, your vehicle's specific size, its condition (running or inoperable), and any modifications will affect the rate. The destination matters too; difficult location accessibility like remote areas often increases the final price.

Finally, be aware of seasonal fluctuations. Peak moving seasons, like summer, always drive prices up due to higher demand. Booking ahead or being flexible is vital to controlling your total car shipping costs.

Here is a comparison table that showcases estimated pricing for car shipping based on distance. 

 

Which Car Shipping Companies Offer the Best Value for Money?

The search for the best car shipping company is actually a search for the best value auto transport. It’s not simply about the lowest dollar amount; it’s about balancing car shipping costs with a guarantee of service quality.

I can tell you that rock-bottom prices often mean unreliable service, poor communication, and difficult claim handling. You need affordable car shipping companies that still provide reliable car shipping.

This section cuts through the noise. We explain the real difference between budget and premium services, guiding you toward finding the best possible value for your dollar.

Affordable vs. Premium Services Explained

Finding value begins with understanding the core differences in service tiers. Car shipping quotes are directly tied to the level of convenience and protection you require.

Affordable Services (Basic Protection):

• Open Car Transport: The industry standard and always the most cost-effective method. Your vehicle is exposed to the elements, but carrier damage insurance is still included.

• Flexible Delivery: You receive a wider pickup and delivery window, typically 1 to 5 business days, allowing the carrier to optimize their route. This flexibility is how cheapest car shipping companies in 2025 keep their rates low.

• Basic Insurance: Covers major damage incurred during transport, which is standard across all carriers.

Premium Services (Maximized Protection & Convenience):

• Guaranteed Pickup Windows: For an extra fee, you can secure a specific day or a 24-hour window, eliminating schedule uncertainty.

• Enclosed Transport: Essential for luxury, classic, or customized vehicles, this protects against weather and road debris. It is the gold standard for high-value moves.

• Insurance Add-ons: Some brokers offer supplemental coverage or deductibles. Always verify the primary carrier’s full insurance limits.

Understanding these options is critical to ensuring your door-to-door car shipping experience matches your expectations for the price.

Cheapest Car Shipping Companies in 2025

We understand the drive to save money, and thankfully, several top car transport companies consistently offer low-cost quotes without totally sacrificing service.

We highlight the brokerage models that compete fiercely on price: AmeriFreight, Easy Auto Ship, and uShip.

• AmeriFreight: Offers some of the best value auto transport options, particularly for students and military members with their dedicated discounts.

• Easy Auto Ship: Known for having one of the lowest initial price points and unique perks, like free rental car reimbursement if your shipment is delayed.

• uShip: This is a marketplace, not a broker, leading to the lowest prices due to competitive bidding.

Crucial Advice: While these are the cheapest car shipping companies in 2025, remember why "cheap" isn’t always "best." The quality of the actual carrier they dispatch, driver communication, and reliable claims handling are often where the lowest-priced quotes fall short. Always verify recent car shipping company reviews to ensure you are getting value, not just a discount.

Which Companies Offer Specialized or Enclosed Transport Options?

When shipping a high-value, classic, or exotic vehicle, you need more than a standard open carrier. You need specialized auto transport, which primarily means enclosed car shipping. This service provides maximum protection from road debris, weather, and theft, offering peace of mind for your valuable investment. Not all enclosed car carriers are equal. It is vital to select from the most reliable enclosed auto transport companies to guarantee a smooth and secure car delivery service.

Choosing the right enclosed vehicle transport provider is the single most important decision for a luxury vehicle owner. Here, we break down some of the top-rated companies for specialized and long-distance car shipping in the US and beyond, focusing on their unique strengths in 2025.

Ship a Car Direct : Damage-Free Guarantee

Ship a Car Direct has carved out a premium niche for itself, specifically appealing to customers who view their vehicle's pristine condition as non-negotiable. If the thought of a stray rock or road grime makes you wince, their service is worth the extra expense.

They are renowned in the car shipping world for their ironclad commitment to risk mitigation. Unlike many competitors who simply rely on the carrier's insurance, Ship a Car Direct offers a supplemental Damage-Free Guarantee for extra peace of mind. This means you have an additional layer of financial protection on top of the carrier’s coverage, which is a massive relief for owners of vintage or luxury models.

• Key Advantage: The unique guarantee minimizes your risk and hassle should the unthinkable happen, reinforcing their commitment to damage-free vehicle shipping.

• Carrier Vetting: They pride themselves on a rigorous vetting process for their carrier network, selecting only those enclosed haulers with a proven track record.

• Door-to-Door Service: Expect premium door-to-door auto transport service, ensuring minimal handling and direct, personalized pickup and drop-off, which is crucial for low-clearance sports cars.

When you choose Ship a Car Direct, you are not just buying a transport service; you are buying an assurance that your vehicle will be treated like a museum piece on its journey. If you want to learn more about the various protection plans available, check out our guide to car shipping insurance options.

Montway Auto Transport : Enclosed Transport for Luxury Cars

Montway Auto Transport is consistently cited as one of the best overall choices in the industry, and they truly excel when it comes to enclosed transport for luxury cars and classic automobiles. Their strength lies in their massive, highly-vetted network of carriers, giving them exceptional reach across the country.

For high-end or exotic car transport, Montway offers specialized enclosed carriers equipped with features designed for premium vehicles. These often include:

• Soft-Tie Straps: Ensuring no metal-on-metal contact or damage to the vehicle's finish.

• Hydraulic Liftgates: Essential for safely loading and unloading low-clearance vehicles like a Lamborghini or a Porsche without scraping the undercarriage.

• GPS Tracking: Many of their enclosed haulers offer real-time tracking, so you can monitor your classic car or luxury SUV’s progress from your phone.

As a highly-rated auto transport broker, Montway uses its vast resources to quickly find a qualified enclosed carrier, even on less common routes. When you need nationwide coverage combined with specialized equipment for a reliable car shipping experience, Montway is a powerhouse. They are particularly recognized for shipping the most valued vehicles, offering an excellent combination of service quality and competitive pricing for enclosed car shipping costs.

A1 Auto Transport : International Enclosed Services

Moving a vehicle overseas is a completely different ballgame than domestic transport. If you are looking for international enclosed services for your car, whether it’s a high-value import or a beloved classic, A1 Auto Transport is a comprehensive option you need to consider.

While many companies focus strictly on the domestic US market, A1 Auto Transport has the logistical expertise and global partnerships to handle complex international car shipping. They are veterans in coordinating the intricate process of overseas transport, including:

• Containerization: For maximum security, they utilize private, fully-enclosed shipping containers, isolating your vehicle from other cargo. This is the gold standard for high-value classic car transport.

• Customs and Documentation: Their team assists with the often-confusing export and import documentation, which is a critical, complex step in all overseas vehicle shipping.

• End-to-End Service: They offer door-to-port and even port-to-door enclosed transport in many foreign locations, ensuring your vehicle remains protected from its origin to its final destination.

When you're shipping a priceless vehicle across an ocean, you must deal with a company that understands both the domestic enclosed transport leg and the rigorous demands of international auto transport. A1 Auto Transport has the scale and experience to manage this specialized, high-stakes logistics challenge. 

Who Offers the Best Long-Distance Car Shipping?

When you’re talking about cross-country auto transport, particularly routes exceeding 1,500 miles, the best companies distinguish themselves through sheer logistical efficiency, massive carrier networks, and predictable pricing. Forget the local haulers; for these long routes, you need a national leader.

Compare Reliability, Cost, and Speed for 1,500+ Mile Routes

Long-haul vehicle transport is a delicate balance of three factors: reliability, cost, and speed. My experience has shown that you rarely get all three perfectly, but the best companies optimize the trade-offs.

• Reliability: For routes over 1,500 miles, reliability hinges on the size and quality of a company’s national carrier network. Larger networks mean fewer delays and a higher chance of finding a vetted driver.

• Cost: Long-distance car shipping is often priced per mile, but the rate decreases over distance. Companies with major routes have higher volume, which can sometimes translate into better pricing for you.

• Speed: Cross-country routes inherently take longer. The fastest service will be an expedited option on an enclosed carrier, but this will significantly increase your car shipping cost.

I’ve found that companies like RoadRunner Auto Transport and Montway Auto Transport offer great long-distance coverage. RoadRunner, with over 30 years in the business, boasts a network of over 25,000 certified carriers, which provides the capacity needed for reliable cross-country moves, even to hard-to-reach locations like Alaska or the Caribbean. Montway, as mentioned before, also leverages a vast network to secure quick and reliable spots on major transport lanes.

Emphasize Companies with Strong National Carrier Networks

For any true long-distance auto transport, the strength of the company's network is the only measure that matters. You want a brokerage or a carrier group that controls a significant portion of the country’s transport lanes.

Here’s why a strong national network is crucial for long-haul shipping:

• Faster Dispatch: A larger network can dispatch a carrier more quickly, cutting down on the waiting time before your vehicle even starts its journey.

• Wider Coverage: It ensures true door-to-door auto shipping even between two less-traveled points, avoiding the need for you to drop off or pick up at a remote terminal.

• Route Flexibility: Strong networks can adapt to weather delays or driver issues by quickly re-routing or re-assigning the load, keeping the overall transit time on schedule.

In this space, companies like Sherpa Auto Transport and AmeriFreight also stand out. Sherpa's "Price Lock Promise" is an excellent feature for long-haul routes, where pricing can sometimes fluctuate due to the complexity of the journey. AmeriFreight is known for great value and diverse service options. When your vehicle is traveling coast-to-coast, you need a broker with the national reach to make the logistical puzzle stress-free and straightforward. Always prioritize the company's network size and reputation for a dependable auto delivery service.

Essential Vehicle Transport Queries 

When shipping your car, it's normal to have a lot of detailed questions. Here are the most common inquiries our customers have before booking.

Is door-to-door auto transport service available for every address?

While we strive for door-to-door service, a large carrier may not fit on every residential street. If access is an issue, the driver will arrange to meet you nearby. 

How long does it actually take to ship a car cross country?

Transit time varies by distance, weather, and route. Generally, it takes about 2-7 days for trips under 2,000 miles and up to 14 days for longer cross-country routes. 

What documentation do I need to supply to ship my vehicle?

You typically need the car's registration and proof of insurance. We also require a signed Bill of Lading at pickup and delivery. Photo ID is also needed. 

Can I ship a car that is not running or has mechanical issues?

Yes, we can arrange to ship non-running vehicles, but this requires specialized equipment. Make sure to clearly state that the car is "inoperable" when booking. 

What is the difference between an auto transport broker and a carrier?

A carrier is the company with the truck that physically moves your car. A broker, like us, coordinates your shipment by finding a reliable carrier for the best price. 

Do I have to be available for pickup and delivery of my vehicle?

You don't have to be there personally, but someone 18 or older must be present. They need to perform the inspection and sign the Bill of Lading on your behalf. 

Can I leave any personal items in the trunk of my car when shipping?

Most carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal, non-valuable belongings secured in the trunk. These items are typically not covered by the carrier's insurance.

Make Moves in Auto Transport With Safeeds

Choosing a reliable auto transport company is the key to a stress-free vehicle relocation. Whether you are moving across state lines or purchasing a car from a distance, professional car shipping services ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time. We specialize in providing efficient, door-to-door service across the United States, giving you peace of mind.

Don't let the logistics of moving your vehicle slow down your life. Our expertise in nationwide auto transport is designed to save you time and money. For the most secure and dependable car shipping experience, take the first step today.

Ready to ship your car? Get your free, no-obligation estimate right now!