Finding the Best Auto Transport Companies

Sajib Alam was ready for his big move from Chicago to Seattle. New job, new city, new start. But his reliable gray pickup truck? Driving it 2,000 miles wasn’t an option: too much time, too much gas, and too much wear on his tires. A friend mentioned auto transport companies, and suddenly, Sajib saw a solution. But with so many companies out there, how do you choose the best auto transport companies ? If you’re in the same boat, needing to ship your car, SUV, or even a motorcycle, this guide’s for you. It’s written like a conversation with a friend who’s been there, packed with clear info, real stories, and practical tips to make your car shipping experience smooth.

We’ll follow Sajib’s journey, break down what makes a company trustworthy, and share ways to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re moving cross-country or sending a vintage car to a show, this article covers costs, services, and top picks to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Let’s dive in and find the best auto transport companies for your move.

Why Ship Your Car?

Auto transport companies save you from the hassle of driving long distances. For Sajib, a 2,000-mile road trip meant spending over $500 on gas, food, and hotels, plus days away from settling into his new job. Shipping his truck made more sense—it saved time and kept his vehicle in good shape. But not every company delivers the same results. Sajib’s coworker, Nadia, learned this the hard way. She picked a cheap company online, only to deal with a late delivery and a dented fender. “I wish I’d checked them out first,” she told Sajib. To avoid Nadia’s mistake, Sajib wanted a company that was reliable, affordable, and careful with his truck. Let’s look at what you need to focus on to find one.

What to Check for in a Great Company

Choosing a car shipping company is like picking someone to watch your house you want them to be trustworthy and professional. Sajib made a checklist to find the best auto transport companies. Here’s what he focused on:

Customer Reviews: Look at what others say on Google or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A 4.5-star rating or higher is a good sign. Sajib found a company with 4.8 stars and reviews praising their on-time deliveries.
Licenses and Insurance: Make sure the company is registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They should have cargo insurance to cover your car’s value. Sajib checked the FMCSA website to confirm his company was legit.
Honest Pricing: Good companies give clear quotes with no hidden fees. Sajib’s quote was $950 for his truck, with everything upfront.
Service Options: Some companies offer open or enclosed trailers, door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal delivery. Sajib chose door-to-door for convenience.
Updates and Tracking: The best companies keep you in the loop, often with GPS tracking or driver texts. Sajib got regular updates, which eased his mind.

Using these points, Sajib felt confident he’d pick a company that would treat his truck right. You can use the same checklist to find a solid option.

Top 4 Auto Transport Companies for 2025

After researching dozens of companies, we’ve narrowed down four of the best auto transport companies for 2025. They stand out for their service, pricing, and customer feedback, and each fits different needs. Here’s a quick look:

Company	Best For	Average Cost (1,000 miles)	Key Features
Ez Auto Movers	Great Value	$700	Free rental if delayed, open/enclosed options, 4.7 stars
Sherpa Auto Transport	Fixed Prices	$750	Price Lock Promise, free car wash, door-to-door
Montway Auto Transport	Wide Reach	$720	Ships to all 50 states, motorcycle shipping, real-time tracking
AmeriFreight	Budget Deals	$680	Discounts for military/students, extra insurance, no deposit

Easy Auto Ship: A top choice for those watching their budget, like Sajib. They ship cars, trucks, and RVs with open or enclosed trailers. Their 4.7-star rating and free rental car for delays won Sajib over.
Sherpa Auto Transport: Perfect if you want a guaranteed price. Their Price Lock Promise means no surprises, and they throw in a free car wash. Sajib’s friend used them for a luxury sedan and loved their service.
Montway Auto Transport: Great for tough routes, like Alaska or Hawaii, with a network of over 30,000 drivers. They’re pros at shipping motorcycles too. Sajib’s neighbor shipped a bike with Montway and raved about their tracking.
AmeriFreight: Stands out for discounts (military, students, seniors) and extra insurance up to $2,000. Sajib saved $25 with their student discount, making it a wallet-friendly pick.

Sajib went with Easy Auto Ship for its balance of cost and reliability, but any of these could work based on your needs.

Open or Enclosed Transport: What’s Best?

Sajib had to decide between open and enclosed transport for his truck. It’s a choice between cost and protection, and it depends on your vehicle. Here’s how they compare:

Open Transport: The most popular and affordable option, costing $0.50–$0.90 per mile. Your car rides on an open trailer, exposed to weather but secure for standard vehicles. Sajib chose this for his pickup and saved $250.
Enclosed Transport: More expensive at $0.80–$1.40 per mile, this protects high-value or classic cars in a covered trailer. Sajib’s friend, who owns a 1968 Camaro, used enclosures to keep it safe from road grime.

Transport Type	Cost per Mile	Best For	Protection Level
Open	$0.50–$0.90	Standard cars, trucks	Basic, weather-exposed
Enclosed	$0.80–$1.40	Luxury, classic cars	High, fully covered

Sajib picked open transport since his truck was sturdy, but he confirmed the company’s insurance covered any potential damage. If you’ve got a fancy or vintage car, enclosed is the safer bet.

How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?

Shipping costs vary, and Sajib was surprised by what affects the price. On average, expect $500–$2,000, or $0.50–$1.40 per mile. Here’s what drives the cost:

Distance: Longer trips cost more overall but less per mile. Sajib’s 2,000-mile move cost $950, about $0.48 per mile, while a 400-mile trip might cost $0.80 per mile.
Vehicle Size: Bigger vehicles like trucks or SUVs cost more than small cars. Sajib’s pickup was pricier than a sedan.
Transport Type: Enclosed costs 30–50% more than open. Sajib saved with open transport.
Season: Summer (May–September) is peak season, so prices rise. Sajib shipped in spring to keep costs down.
Delivery Method: Door-to-door is pricier but easier than terminal-to-terminal, where you drop off and pick up at a facility.

Sajib got quotes from $650 to $1,000 and avoided the lowest one, suspecting hidden fees. Comparing quotes helped him find a fair deal.

How to Ship Your Car: Easy Steps

Sajib was new to car shipping, but these steps made it straightforward:

Research Companies: Check licenses on the FMCSA site and read reviews. Sajib spent time browsing Google for feedback.
Get Quotes: Contact 3–5 companies. Sajib used online forms and followed up by phone.
Choose Your Service: Pick open or enclosed, door-to-door or terminal. Sajib went with door-to-door open transport.
Prep Your Car: Clean it, remove personal items, and take photos of its condition. Sajib left a quarter tank of gas, as suggested.
Sign the Bill of Lading: This records your car’s condition at pickup. Sajib checked it carefully.
Track the Shipment: Look for companies with tracking or updates. Sajib got texts from his driver.
Inspect on Arrival: Check for damage and compare it to the Bill of Lading. Sajib’s truck arrived in perfect shape.

These steps helped Sajib get his truck to Seattle without a hitch.

Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping

Nadia’s dented fender taught Sajib to be cautious. Here are traps to steer clear of:

Going Too Cheap: Low quotes can mean delays or poor service. Sajib skipped a $600 quote that seemed shady.
Skipping Insurance Checks: Confirm the company’s insurance covers your car’s value. Sajib verified $80,000 coverage.
Ignoring Reviews: Bad feedback often signals trouble. Sajib avoided a company with complaints about late deliveries.
Not Prepping Your Car: Leaving items inside or skipping photos can lead to disputes. Sajib documented everything.

By being careful, Sajib avoided Nadia’s headaches and had a smooth experience.

Real-Life Shipping Stories

Here are a few more stories to show how the best auto transport companies make a difference:

Maya’s Motorcycle Move: Maya shipped her motorcycle from Florida to Colorado for a rally. She chose Montway for their bike expertise and tracking. Her bike arrived ready to ride.
Arjun’s Classic Car: Arjun had a 1972 Mustang he needed shipped to a car show. Sherpa’s enclosed transport and fixed pricing kept his car safe and his budget intact.
Lila’s Budget Move: Lila, a student, shipped her small car from Ohio to Arizona. AmeriFreight’s student discount saved her $20, and their insurance gave her confidence.

These stories show how the right company fits your car, budget, and needs.

FAQs About Car Shipping

Here are four common questions about car shipping, answered in detail to help you plan.

1. How do I pick the best auto transport company?
Finding a reliable company means checking a few key things. First, verify they’re registered with the DOT and FMCSA to ensure they’re legit. Looking at reviews on Google or BBB 4.5+ stars is a good benchmark. Sajib picked a company with a 4.8-star rating after reading about their punctual deliveries. Get quotes from 3–5 companies, but don’t fall for the cheapest option, as it might mean delays or damage. Confirm their insurance covers your car’s value (Sajib checked for $80,000 coverage). Look for services like door-to-door delivery or tracking updates. Decide if you need open transport for a standard car or enclosed for a classic. By comparing reviews, prices, and options, you’ll find a company that keeps your car safe and your move stress-free.

2. How much does it cost to ship a car in 2025?
Car shipping will cost $500–$2,000, depending on a few factors. Distance matters most: Sajib paid $950 for 2,000 miles ($0.48/mile), while shorter trips cost more per mile. Larger vehicles like trucks cost more than small cars. Open transport ($0.50–$0.90/mile) is cheaper than enclosed ($0.80–$1.40/mile). Summer shipping is pricier due to demand, so Sajib chose spring to save. Door-to-door delivery costs more than terminal-to-terminal. Sajib got quotes from $650 to $1,000 and picked a middle option to avoid hidden fees. Discounts, like AmeriFreight’s $25 student deal, can lower costs. Always ask about extra charges to get a clear price.

3. How long does it take to ship a car?
Shipping times depend on distance. Short trips (under 500 miles) take 1–3 days, mid-range (500–1,500 miles) take 3–7 days, and cross-country (over 1,500 miles) take 7–12 days. Sajib’s 2,000-mile trip took 9 days. Weather, traffic, or peak seasons like summer can slow things down. Expedited shipping, which costs extra, can cut time Maya’s motorcycle took 4 days with Montway’s fast option. Companies like Sherpa or Montway offer tracking for updates, which Sajib found helpful. Ask about delivery windows when booking, and stay flexible to save money. Knowing the timeline helps you plan your move smoothly.

4. Is open or enclosed transport better?
Your car and budget decide this. Open transport ($0.50–$0.90/mile) is the most common, great for standard cars like Sajib’s truck. It’s exposed to weather but safe for most vehicles. Enclosed transport ($0.80–$1.40/mile) protects luxury or classic cars, like Arjun’s Mustang, from dust or debris. Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars, so they’re pricier and may take longer to schedule. Sajib saved with open transport, but Arjun chose enclosed for his show car. Check insurance enclosed often includes higher coverage. For everyday cars, open is fine; for special vehicles, enclosed gives extra peace of mind.

Your Car’s Ready for the Road

Sajib’s pickup arrived in Seattle without a scratch, thanks to his research and picking one of the best auto transport companies. He checked reviews, compared quotes, and prepped his truck, avoiding Nadia’s mistakes. Whether you’re shipping a family SUV, a classic car, or a motorcycle, the right company makes it easy. Use this guide to find a reliable option, steer clear of traps, and get your car where it’s going.

Ready to ship? Check out companies like Easy Auto Ship, Sherpa, Montway, or AmeriFreight. Get quotes, read reviews, and verify licenses for a worry-free move. Your car deserves a safe trip, just like Sajib’s did.