Are you planning a cross-country move, buying a vehicle out-of-state, or sending a car to your college kid? Then you’re likely searching for the best car shipping companies in the USA. In 2025, with rising fuel costs, longer delivery routes, and increased demand for enclosed transport, it’s more important than ever to choose the right auto transport service.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
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The top-rated car shipping companies in the USA
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How to choose the right one for your needs
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Key things to consider before booking
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Price ranges, insurance, customer service & more
Let’s get rolling!
🚚 Why People Use Car Shipping Services in the U.S.
Whether you’re a snowbird heading south for the winter, buying a classic car in another state, or relocating for work, shipping your car can be safer, more convenient, and even cheaper than driving long distances.
Top Reasons Americans Ship Their Cars:
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Cross-country relocations (e.g., CA to FL)
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Online car purchases (e.g., eBay, Carvana, auctions)
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Military deployments
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College moves
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Seasonal travel for retirees (snowbirds)
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Luxury or exotic car transport
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Fleet vehicle delivery for businesses
⭐ Top 7 Best Car Shipping Companies in the USA (2025)
After researching hundreds of companies and reviewing customer feedback, here are the 7 best car shipping companies Americans trust this year:
1. Montway Auto Transport
🏆 Best Overall
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Headquarters: Schaumburg, IL
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Coverage: Nationwide (including Alaska & Hawaii)
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Services: Open & enclosed transport, expedited shipping
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Insurance: Yes (included up to $100K+)
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BBB Rating: A+
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Website: montway.com
Why Choose Montway:
Montway is one of the most reliable and top-rated car transport brokers in the U.S. They partner with over 15,000 carriers and offer both door-to-door and expedited shipping.
Average Price: $600 – $1,300 (depending on distance & type)
2. AmeriFreight
💲 Best for Discounts
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Headquarters: Peachtree City, GA
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Services: Enclosed & open shipping, discounts for military/students/seniors
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Insurance: Yes + gap coverage available
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BBB Rating: A+
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Website: amerifreight.net
Why Choose AmeriFreight:
They offer one of the best discount programs in the market, especially for military families and college students. You also get an AFta Plan that covers up to $2,000 in damages.
3. Sherpa Auto Transport
🧾 Best Price Guarantee
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Headquarters: Charlotte, NC
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Unique Feature: Price Lock Promise
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BBB Rating: A+
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Website: sherpaautotransport.com
Why Choose Sherpa:
What sets Sherpa apart is their locked-in pricing model — no surprise fees. Their “Clean Car Guarantee” even reimburses up to $20 for a car wash after delivery.
4. uShip
🌐 Best Online Marketplace
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Type: Peer-to-peer shipping platform
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Coverage: USA + international
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Website: uship.com
Why Choose uShip:
Think of uShip as the Airbnb of car shipping — you post your shipping needs, and vetted carriers bid for your job. It’s great for those who want to compare offers and negotiate.
5. Easy Auto Ship
⚡ Best for Fast Pickup
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Headquarters: Youngstown, OH
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Services: Expedited shipping, exotic vehicles, RV & motorcycle transport
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BBB Rating: A+
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Website: easyautoship.com
Why Choose Easy Auto Ship:
If you need to ship your car ASAP, Easy Auto Ship is known for quick pickups (as little as 24–48 hours) and transparent pricing.
6. Ship A Car Direct
🔒 Best Damage-Free Guarantee
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Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA
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Unique Feature: Damage-Free Guarantee & free inspection app
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BBB Rating: A+
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Website: shipacardirect.com
Why Choose Ship A Car Direct:
They’re one of the few that offer a guarantee if your car is damaged — and they vet every carrier thoroughly. Great choice for classic or luxury vehicles.
7. AutoStar Transport Express
🛡️ Best for Long-Distance Moves
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Headquarters: Miami, FL
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Services: Nationwide auto shipping, snowbird specials
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BBB Rating: A+
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Website: autostartransport.com
Why Choose AutoStar:
Great for cross-country and coast-to-coast moves. Offers real-time tracking and bilingual support for Spanish-speaking customers.
📈 Average Cost to Ship a Car in the USA (2025)
| Distance | Type | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 300 miles | Open transport | $450–$650 |
| 1,000 miles | Open transport | $900–$1,100 |
| 2,000+ miles | Open transport | $1,200–$1,600 |
| 2,000+ miles | Enclosed | $1,600–$2,500 |
Factors affecting price:
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Distance
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Size & type of car
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Enclosed vs. open transport
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Seasonal demand (snowbird routes cost more in winter)
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Fuel prices & route popularity
✅ How to Choose the Right Car Shipping Company
Here’s a quick checklist:
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Check Reviews on Google, BBB, and Trustpilot
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Compare Quotes from at least 3 providers
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Ask about insurance coverage
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Choose door-to-door vs. terminal-to-terminal
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Review the pickup & delivery timelines
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Ask if they offer tracking
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Ensure there’s no large upfront deposit
📦 Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping
| Feature | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ✅ More affordable | ❌ More expensive |
| Protection | ❌ Exposed to weather | ✅ Full protection |
| Ideal for | Daily drivers | Luxury, vintage, exotic cars |
| Speed | ✅ Faster availability | ❌ May take longer |
🕒 How Long Does It Take?
| Distance | Time |
|---|---|
| 0–500 miles | 1–2 days |
| 500–1,000 miles | 2–4 days |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | 4–6 days |
| 2,000+ miles | 7–10 days |
🛑 Red Flags to Avoid
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Asking for full payment upfront
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No written contract or confusing terms
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Lack of DOT registration or MC number
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Pushy sales tactics or fake reviews
Always verify their DOT credentials at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
🗽 Shipping Your Car to or from Major U.S. Cities
Popular routes for car shipping in the USA:
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Los Angeles ↔ New York
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Miami ↔ Chicago
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Texas ↔ California
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Atlanta ↔ Seattle
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Boston ↔ Phoenix
These cities often have lower rates and faster availability due to high demand.
🇺🇸 Final Thoughts: Best Car Shipping Options for U.S. Residents
Whether you’re moving across the country or buying a car online, a trusted auto transport company can make all the difference. The best car shipping companies in the USA offer affordable rates, solid insurance, and reliable tracking — with no hidden surprises.
🏁 Our top pick for overall value? Montway Auto Transport
💰 Want discounts? AmeriFreight is great for military/students
⏱ In a hurry? Choose Easy Auto Ship
