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Crash Course:
- Auto shipping quotes online range from $0.47 per mile to $2.03 per mile, according to our 2024 secret shopper study, with rates varying due to shipping distance and other factors.
- The cheapest car shipping quotes for 2024 came mostly from Mercury Auto Transport, with Ship a Car Direct, Montway Auto Transport, and AmeriFreight also consistently offering affordable rates.
- You may be able to get cheaper shipping quotes by being flexible about your shipment and diligent with your research.
In recent years, getting car shipping quotes online has become much simpler and faster. That makes the job of finding the cheapest transport prices far easier than it used to be.
Getting and comparing car shipping quotes online can help you save big on your next car shipment. During our research, our team found a more than $500 difference between the cheapest and most expensive quote for a 535-mile open container shipment.
Our research team compiled this guide to teach you the best ways to get quotes from the top auto shipping companies and compare them. We’ve also provided some sample auto transport costs to give you a better idea of what you might pay for your next shipment.
What Is a Car Shipping Quote?
A car shipping quote is the estimated cost of auto transport services to a specified destination. According to our research, car shipping rates range from $0.47 to $2.03 per mile.
The total cost of car shipping in our 2024 secret shopper study ranged from $565 to $2,211. Factors such as distance, options, and timing are all part of your vehicle shipping costs, which is why the range is so large. Because costs vary so widely, getting quotes is the only way to get an accurate idea of how much an auto transport broker will charge you.
Best Service Options
How To Get Online Car Shipping Quotes
Most auto transport companies have forms on their website where you can request free car shipping quotes. The process is typically straightforward and only requires a few steps.
1. Prepare Your Information
It’s a good idea to prepare the information you’ll need for your quote before you get started. While the information you’ll need varies between providers, you’ll be asked to provide some combination of the following:
- Pickup date and delivery location
- Type of vehicle
- Preferred timeline for car transportation
- Contact information (name, phone number, and email address)
- Desired type of shipping: open carrier or enclosed transport, terminal-to-terminal shipping or door-to-door shipping, expedited shipping
2. Submit Your Information
Once you have your information together, go to the websites of your top choices for car shipping providers. If you don’t have any in mind, you can start with our list of the best auto shipping companies as a guide. The more quotes you request, the more likely it is you’ll find the best price.
These forms usually only take a few minutes to fill out. You may receive a large number of emails after submitting your form, so consider using an email address other than your main account for getting quotes.
3. Compare Car Shipping Quotes
After requesting quotes, companies will begin to contact you – usually by email or phone, but sometimes both. While some auto shippers offer instant quotes, others may take a little time to get back to you. Wait for all of the quotes you requested online to come in before making any decisions.
There’s also more to consider than just the raw price you get from an auto transport company. Other things to think about include:
- Additional fees: Some shippers give you the full price up front in their online quotes, while others may not reveal fees that appear on your bill later. Read your quote carefully and consider doing additional research on companies to see if they’re known for prices increasing after the initial quote.
- Service options: Make sure that your quote includes the services you want for your shipment. For example, you could receive an attractive price from a company that is for terminal-to-terminal shipping when you need door-to-door service.
- Shipment timing: Some companies offer different pickup and delivery windows than others. Before deciding on a quote, make sure that the windows provided fit your schedule.
4. Choose a Quote
After considering your options, select the moving company that best fits your needs and budget. This may not be the absolute cheapest.
Once you’ve made your decision, it’s a good idea to block the email addresses of companies that you didn’t choose. Some companies are very aggressive about pursuing customer leads and may continue to contact you well after you’ve chosen another company.
Best Car Shipping Quotes
As part of our 2024 car shipping study, the Automoblog research team conducted a secret shopping activity to get comparable quotes from the industry’s top providers. In the following sections, we share those quotes to give you a better idea of how each company’s prices compare to each other. Expand the section below to see the details of our queries.
Car Shipping Secret Shopping Methodology
For our research, we requested identical car shipping quotes from more than 20 auto transport providers. We asked about the cost to ship a 2020 Nissan Rogue under the following conditions:
- 535-mile shipment in an open container from Orlando, FL to Durham, NC
- 1,500-mile shipment in an open container from San Francisco, CA to Austin, TX
- 1,500-mile shipment in an enclosed container from San Francisco, CA to Austin, TX
- 2,445-mile shipment in an open container from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA
| Car Shipping Company | Cost per Mile (535 Miles, Open Shipping) | Cost per Mile (1,500 Miles, Open Shipping) | Cost per Mile (1,500 Miles, Enclosed Shipping) | Cost per Mile (2,445 Miles, Open Shipping) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Auto Transport | $1.06 | $0.64 | $0.88 | $0.47 |
| Ship a Car Direct | $1.12 | $0.65 | $0.95 | $0.52 |
| RoadRunner Auto Transport | $1.37 | $0.66 | $1.03 | $0.49 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1.29 | $0.72 | $1.04 | $0.56 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1.42 | $0.75 | $1.10 | $0.83 |
| AmeriFreight | $1.45 | $0.68 | $1.15 | $0.49 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $1.67 | $0.90 | $1.28 | $0.70 |
| American Auto Shipping | $1.19 | $0.71 | $1.29 | $0.55 |
| Nexus Auto Transport | $1.36 | $0.91 | $1.31 | $0.68 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1.45 | $0.83 | $1.33 | $0.59 |
| Industry average | $1.43 | $0.82 | $1.25 | $0.63 |
Compare Car Shipping Quotes
How To Get Cheaper Car Shipping Quotes Online
Most of the factors that contribute to car shipping rates are beyond your control. However, if the prices in the auto transport quotes you received are higher than you can or want to pay, there are a few ways you can try to lower your costs.
- Consider open shipping: While enclosed container shipping protects your vehicle better during transit, it’s also usually far more expensive than open shipping. Choosing an open container can help bring your costs down.
- Choose terminal-to-terminal shipping: While terminal-to-terminal shipping – in which your vehicle is picked up and dropped off between two points chosen by the motor carrier company – is less convenient than the door-to-door option, it also comes with a much smaller price tag.
- Wait for the right time of year: Car shipping costs are seasonal. Shipping a car costs more during the summer. If you can wait for a less expensive time to ship your car, you can save a good bit of money on your shipment.
- Try using a marketplace: While the process isn’t always as smooth as going with a broker, you may find better rates with a car shipping marketplace. Sometimes this means waiting a few days for a quote, so make sure to plan ahead.
- Look for discounts: Discounts aren’t very common in the car shipping industry, but some providers do offer them. One of the more common ones is a discount for paying in cash. You may also be able to find discounts for belonging to certain groups like military members, teachers, or senior citizens. Some providers offer discounts for booking early.
Car Shipping Fees
When shopping for the right vehicle hauler, it’s essential to know that not all car shipping providers disclose the complete, final pricing when you get a quote. Many companies tack on service fees or insurance coverage costs at a later time. Some vehicle shipping providers guarantee the price you’re quoted is the price you pay, which is pretty rare in the auto transport industry.
Car Shipping Quote Calculators
Another way to estimate your auto transport costs is to use a car shipping calculator. These work in much the same way as quote tools on car shipping company websites. You put in information about your shipment and the tool calculates a price.
Calculators only provide a shipping estimate which will likely differ from your actual costs. You’ll need to get actual car shipping quotes online over the phone to get an accurate figure.
However, they can still be useful for shopping for a transport provider. Unlike requesting quotes, many calculators don’t need your contact information. That makes them a good way to get a rough idea of your costs before you’re ready to hand over your personal information to one or more shipping companies.
Auto Shipping Quotes Online: Conclusion
If you want to find the cheapest rates for your auto shipment, getting car shipping quotes online is the best way to do it. Most companies offer easy-to-use forms on their websites for getting transport quotes for free.
When you compare these quotes, remember that there is more to consider than just the quoted price. Some auto transport companies add hidden fees to the final price or may not provide the exact service you’re looking for. And some companies are just better than others. More than cheap rates, you want a car shipper you can depend on.
Recommended Providers for Car Shipping Quotes
We examined every major auto transporter in the car shipping industry by looking at car shipping quotes online, services offered, customer reviews, and more. The companies listed below are a great place to start your search.
Montway Auto Transport
Quick Facts
- Average cost: $1,392
- Transport options: Door-to-door, open shipping, enclosed shipping, international shipping
- Type of Company: Shipping broker
- Availability: 50 states, international
Montway Pros and Cons
| Montway Auto Transport Pros | Montway Auto Transport Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong industry reviews | No real-time tracking tool |
| Easy car shipping quotes online | No price guarantee |
| 24/7 online chat support | No shipping options for RVs or boats |
What We Like About Montway
Montway is one of the best car shipping companies according to our study, and it makes it easy to get auto transport quotes online. Since opening for business in 2006, Montway has acquired a network of over 30,000 auto transport carriers. The Schaumburg, Illinois-based car transport company says it ships over 250,000 vehicles per year on average.
The company offers a range of car transport services, including door-to-door transport, open and enclosed auto transport, and expedited shipping. However, Montway does not ship from terminal to terminal as many of its competitors do.
Montway customers can obtain discounts for shipping multiple vehicles, having served in the military, or paying with cash. You can also ship a classic car with Montway.
Montway Reviews
The company is rated an A+ and accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Montway boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on the BBB website, based on more than 1,800 customer reviews. Many customer reviews mention a smooth shipping process from the moment they get an auto shipping quote all the way through to vehicle delivery.
Best Service Options
Sherpa Auto Transport
Quick Facts
- Average cost: $1,369
- Transport options: Door-to-door, open shipping, enclosed shipping
- Type of Company: Shipping broker
- Availability: 49 states
Sherpa Pros and Cons
| Sherpa Auto Transport Pros | Sherpa Auto Transport Cons |
|---|---|
| Price lock promise | No options for terminal-to-terminal shipping |
| Real-time tracking | Few discounts available |
| Free car wash | Slightly pricier than other auto transport companies |
What We Like About Sherpa
Sherpa Auto Transport offers a healthy selection of services at affordable rates. In our study, Sherpa earned high marks for its reputation and customer service rating as well.
However, what we like most about the provider is its Price Lock Promise. This program guarantees that the price you see in your car shipping quote online is the price you’ll pay. That’s rare.
So while you might see higher rates on your initial car shipping quotes online than from some of Sherpa’s competitors, after you account for fees and price fluctuations, you may end up with a lower rate by the time you pay the bill. That’s something many customers may appreciate.
Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews
Sherpa Auto Transport has a positive reputation within the industry and with customers. The BBB issued an A+ rating for the company and has accredited it as well. In the customer review portion of the BBB website, Sherpa has a 4.9 out of 5-star rating from over 600 reviews.
We go into more detail about the provider in our Sherpa Auto Transport review.
AmeriFreight
Quick Facts
- Average cost: $1,182
- Transport options: Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, open shipping, enclosed shipping, alternative vehicles, expedited shipping
- Type of Company: Shipping broker
- Availability: 50 states
AmeriFreight Pros and Cons
| AmeriFreight Pros | AmeriFreight Cons |
|---|---|
| Large selection of discounts | No real-time tracking available |
| Great customer and industry reputations | Quotes process can be inefficient |
| Transportation options for specialty vehicles | No locked-in pricing |
What We Like About AmeriFreight
Having first opened its doors in 2004, AmeriFreight was one of the more veteran providers in our study. Like the other providers on this list, it offers a solid selection of car shipping services at competitive rates.
But what stood out to us about AmeriFreight was the company’s numerous discount opportunities. Military personnel, students, seniors, first responders, and many other people can access discounts to make their car shipping service just a little more affordable.
AmeriFreight also offers additional insurance coverage through its AFta Total Assurance Plan to help cover gaps in the carrier’s coverage. This might be of interest to people who want a little extra protection during their shipment.
AmeriFreight Reviews
The company has an impressive reputation online. Customers gave AmeriFreight a 4.7 out of 5 stars on the BBB website. Over on Google, AmeriFreight has a 4.7 out of 5.0-star rating.
AmeriFreight has an A+ rating from the BBB itself. It is also accredited by the organization.
Read our AmeriFreight review for a more in-depth look at the auto transport company.
SGT Auto Transport
Quick Facts
- Average cost: $1,174
- Transport options: Open shipping, enclosed shipping, door-to-door transport, alternative vehicle shipping, military car shipping, Hawaii shipping, express shipping, guaranteed pickup dates
- Type of company: Broker
- Availability: 49 states (Alaska excluded)
SGT Auto Transport Pros and Cons
| SGT Auto Transport Pros | SGT Auto Transport Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers a price matching policy | No live GPS tracking |
| Huge selection of shipping options | Doesn’t offer terminal-to-terminal option |
| Offers express shipping for an additional fee | Some reviews mention price increases from quotes |
What We Like About SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport excels in the services department. While you may find other companies that offer a larger selection of services, SGT has a lot of options to help you ship your car in the way that’s best for you. That includes the option to expedite your shipment or guarantee your pickup dates, for example. The company’s price match policy also means that even if you don’t get the cheapest quote initially from SGT Auto Transport, there’s a good chance that they’ll work to get there.
SGT Auto Transport Reviews
SGT Auto Transport has a strong reputation among customers online. The company currently has a 4.6 out of 5.0-star rating from customers on the BBB website.
Easy Auto Ship
Quick Facts
- Average cost: $1,470
- Transport options: Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, open shipping, enclosed shipping, alternative vehicles, expedited shipping
- Type of Company: Shipping broker
- Availability: 50 states
Easy Auto Ship Pros and Cons
| Easy Auto Ship Pros | Easy Auto Ship Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable rates | No real-time tracking tool |
| Shipping for boats, RVs, and other specialty vehicles | Some complaints of late carriers |
| Honors quotes for up to 30 days | No 24/7 customer support option |
What We Like About Easy Auto Ship
Those in pursuit of cheap car shipping quotes online might want to consider Easy Auto Ship. The auto transportation provider offers lower transport rates per mile than most car shipping companies and has discounts similar to Montway’s.
You can save up to $150 by paying in cash, earn more savings for bulk shipping, and receive a military discount if you’re a veteran or active duty member of the armed forces. Easy Auto Ship also offers shipping options for classic cars.
Easy Auto Ship Reviews
Like Montway, Easy Auto Ship earned accreditation and an A+ rating from the BBB. Easy Auto Ship averages 4.6 out of 5.0 stars after more than 600 transport reviews from customers on the BBB.
FAQ: Car Shipping Quotes Online
Below are some frequently asked questions about car shipping quotes:
What is the cheapest way to ship my car?
The cheapest way to ship vehicles is by choosing an open carrier and terminal-to-terminal shipping. It would help if you avoided the busy summer season, had flexible shipping dates and saw what discounts you qualify for.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Auto shipping costs depend on the distance, the vehicle, the type of transport, and external factors such as fuel price.
Does AAA offer car shipping?
The roadside assistance provider AAA does not offer car shipping, although a vehicle shipment company has a similar name.
How do you get a car shipped?
The first step involves getting a quote from a transport broker or independent carrier. You’ll give general information about the vehicle, your transport preferences, and pickup and delivery dates. After you get a quote, you can finalize details with the auto shipper of your choice.
How do I get a car transport quote?
Different companies have different methods of getting car transport quotes to you. Some have instant quote tools, others have quote calculators, while others require you to fill out a form and wait for a reply.
Can I ship my car with stuff in it?
Some auto transporters allow you to ship personal items in your car. However, this usually comes with size and weight restrictions, as well as instructions about how your items must be packed.
Do you need insurance to get your car shipped?
All car movers are required to carry a valid insurance policy that covers damages to vehicles that occur during transit. However, these policies often come with lots of fine print and only cover very specific types of damage. If you want full protection for your vehicle, you can purchase additional cargo insurance.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car shipping companies.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, services, and shipping routes to give this rating.
- Shipping Options: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that an auto transport company offers an array of services. We take into account the availability of services, ability to guarantee pickup and drop-off dates, and insurance coverage options.
- Operations: We take a close look at how each auto transport company operates, including how quickly vehicles get picked up, average transit times, insurance coverage options, and more.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, a company’s history of service, and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Service: Reputable car shippers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
