TruckInfo.net Content Lead · Researcher & Data Journalist
Shipping a car is a high-trust purchase. Here's how we narrowed 25+ options down to the 10 we'd recommend.
Whether you're shipping your car across the country or across the ocean, you want an auto transport company you can trust — one that is reliable, offers fair pricing, has the right insurance, and answers the phone when something goes wrong.
We researched more than 25 of the most popular auto transport brokers and carriers, cross-checked reputation data across Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, Sitejabber, and the BBB, and filtered the list down to the 10 companies we'd actually recommend based on your route, vehicle, and priorities.
Our top three below are the quick answer. Below that, you'll find the full comparison and how we'd choose.
TruckInfo.net is a guide site. We may earn a referral fee from the partners listed above, which never influences editorial placement. See our methodology for how we evaluate carriers.
How to Choose the Right Car Shipping Company
With so many companies out there offering to move your vehicle across the country or around the world, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. Here are the factors that actually matter when you're deciding.
Vehicle Type
Before you reach out to a shipping company, consider the vehicle you need to ship. Many companies handle a wide range of vehicle types — cars, pickups, SUVs, RVs, motor homes, motorcycles, ATVs, heavy machinery, and even marine vehicles like speedboats and sailboats. Others only handle standard cars.
If you're moving a specialized or oversized vehicle, online price estimates are not a true reflection of what you'll pay. Shipping anything other than a standard car usually comes with price increases. A detailed quote should lay out these fees clearly.
Broker vs. Carrier
Most vehicle shipping companies operate as brokers. That means they take your order and then contract with a carrier — the company that actually drives the truck or operates the ship — to perform the shipping. A reputable broker is selective about which carriers they work with.
For individual customers: It's possible to skip the broker and book directly with a carrier, but it's a challenge. Carriers rely on brokers to fill loads for routes they already have planned and rarely have robust customer service for one-off shipments. Marketplaces like uShip exist, but vet carefully.
For business customers shipping a fleet, working directly with a carrier can make sense. Your fleet may fill or substantially fill a carrier's truck, and developing a direct relationship cuts out the middleman over time.
Business Reputation
Research the reputation of every shipping company you consider. Reliable review sources include:
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Trustpilot
Yelp
Google Reviews
Transport Reviews
Read beyond the overall rating. Avoid businesses with consistent negative reviews, and be cautious with companies that have very few reviews — unscrupulous operators sometimes change names to escape a trail of complaints.
Also check when and how customer service is available. Will you be able to reach them when something goes wrong with your shipment?
How Will the Vehicle Be Shipped?
Choosing the right company depends on where it's going and how:
Locations served — Many US companies cover the lower 48 but not Alaska, Hawaii, or international. Match the company to your route.
Transport method — Truck is most common; rail works for some long-haul routes; container ships handle international, Alaska, and Hawaii. Air cargo exists but is significantly more expensive.
Open vs. enclosed — Open is cheaper and more common. Enclosed costs roughly 30–50% more and is worth it for classics, exotics, and high-value vehicles that shouldn't be exposed to the elements.
Door-to-door vs. terminal-to-terminal — Door-to-door is convenient but usually costs more. Terminal service is cheaper but requires you (or someone) to drop off and pick up.
Pricing
Pricing comes from online or phone quotes. A range of factors affects cost, so requesting real quotes from a few companies is the only reliable way to know what you'll pay.
Online instant quotes are often changeable — if carrier availability tightens, your quote can jump before pickup. Look for companies that lock in prices or book within 2–3 weeks of your needed ship date.
Payment typically splits into a deposit or broker fee and a balance paid on delivery. Delivery payments are often directly to the driver, sometimes cash only. If you want to pay the whole thing on a credit card, you may need to pay the full amount upfront.
Discounts to ask about: military, veteran, student, senior, first responder, and repeat customer.
Insurance
Insurance is usually included in the shipping price but may be limited to the carrier's insurance. Most carriers hold cargo insurance, which should cover damage to your vehicle during transit. Ask about what's covered and the claim process.
Your personal auto insurance typically acts as supplemental coverage if the carrier's insurance doesn't pay out, but check your policy for specifics.
Customers shipping overseas should obtain marine insurance to cover the vehicle during ocean transit.
The 10 Best Car Shipping Companies of 2026
The companies below earned their spots through a combination of reputation, transparency, coverage area, and service depth. Ratings shown are preliminary composites of Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, Sitejabber, and BBB reviews — we'll finalize with a weighted score from our standalone review of each carrier.
14,000+ vetted carrier network — one of the largest
24/7 real-time online tracking portal
Instant online quotes in under 60 seconds
Veteran-owned with military discounts
Widest vehicle coverage in the industry
Accident-free safety record per FMCSA
Cons
Door-to-door only — no terminal-to-terminal option
No international shipping outside US states & territories
Reputation
Shopper Approved: 5.0/5 (30,000+ reviews)
Trustpilot: 4.5/5 (1,800+ reviews)
Google: 4.1/5 (~5,000 reviews)
ConsumerAffairs: 4.5/5 (700+ reviews)
Vehicles Transported
All types: cars, SUVs, trucks, vans, motorcycles, RVs, boats, heavy equipment, classic and exotic cars, inoperable vehicles.
Regions Served
All 50 states (including Alaska and Hawaii), Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, and other Caribbean destinations.
Delivery Options
Door-to-door.
Pricing
$0 upfront deposit — nothing until pickup is confirmed
Nationwide average: ~$1,215 for a mid-sized sedan (987 mi median)
Cross-country (2,500+ mi): $1,000–$1,500 (open)
Enclosed: +$400–$650 depending on distance
Top-load: +$99 flat
Military discounts available
Insurance
All carriers required to maintain minimum $100,000 cargo insurance and $1,000,000 auto liability. Additional comprehensive coverage available at booking.
Vehicle Tracking
24/7 online tracking portal
Text and email milestone notifications
Phone call when driver is assigned
Live agent chat in the tracking portal
Overview
With over three decades of experience and a network of 14,000+ vetted carriers, RoadRunner Auto Transport has earned its place as the top-rated auto shipping company in the US. Headquartered in Bethpage, New York, RoadRunner is a veteran-owned broker that stands apart with its $0 upfront deposit policy — you don't pay a single penny until your vehicle pickup is confirmed. That eliminates the financial risk that comes with most competitors who require deposits at booking.
RoadRunner's 24/7 online tracking portal is a genuine differentiator, giving customers real-time shipment visibility at any hour. Combined with instant online quotes, the widest vehicle-type coverage in the industry, and over 30,000 five-star reviews on Shopper Approved, RoadRunner delivers premium-level service at competitive market rates. Whether you're relocating cross-country, shipping a car you bought online, or moving a fleet for your dealership, RoadRunner has a solution.
Lower 48, Alaska, Hawaii, and international (mainly European ports).
Delivery Options
Door-to-door; terminal-to-terminal available for some major cities.
Pricing
Instant quotes on site
~$1.95/mile for trips under 500 mi
~$0.94/mile for 500–1,500 mi
~$0.59/mile for trips over 1,500 mi
Cash payments receive discounted pricing
Insurance
Carrier insurance.
Vehicle Tracking
Call for tracking updates.
Overview
A family-owned business with over 10 years in the industry, Corsia Logistics ships across the entire US and can handle international shipments, mainly to Europe. They make it easy to get instant quotes online and offer both door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service.
Cash payments receive discounted pricing. A deposit is required once a carrier is assigned, with the balance due on delivery. Credit and debit card payments are processed in full once a carrier is assigned.
Hawaii Car Transport is a dedicated specialist in vehicle shipping to and from the Hawaiian Islands, servicing all major ports — Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Kona, and Nawiliwili. They handle the complete logistics chain, from mainland door pickup through ocean freight to island port delivery.
Their online tracking system provides port-to-port visibility, and live gate cameras at facilities give customers an extra layer of transparency. For anyone relocating to or from Hawaii, this focused expertise makes them the go-to choice for island auto transport.
Human-generated (not algorithm) quotes — more accurate
Ships all vehicle types
No deposits or upfront payments
Door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal
Cons
Newer company with a small review base
US shipping only
Reputation
Google Reviews: 5.0/5 (13+ reviews)
Yelp: 5.0/5 (3+ reviews)
Vehicles Transported
All types (cars, SUVs, motorcycles, vans, etc.).
Regions Served
Lower 48, Alaska, Hawaii.
Delivery Options
Door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal.
Pricing
No upfront payments or deposits until pickup
Human-generated custom quotes (usually more accurate than instant quotes)
All payment types accepted
Insurance
Carrier insurance + optional coverage that reimburses up to $2,000 toward the owner's deductible.
Vehicle Tracking
Tracking by email or phone request during business hours.
Overview
Innovative Ways Logistics sets itself apart from most brokers by providing human-generated quotes, which tends to produce more accurate pricing than algorithm-based instant quotes. The company doesn't require deposits or upfront payments — you only pay after your vehicle is picked up.
Staffed by a team of experienced professionals, Innovative Ways works with reputable carriers and provides a personalized shipping experience. The tradeoff is a smaller review base than the industry's biggest players.
All types, including RVs, ATVs, and travel trailers.
Regions Served
Lower 48, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam.
Delivery Options
Door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal.
Pricing
Contact for quote; limited general estimates available in their FAQs.
Insurance
Carrier insurance. Mercury states they only work with carriers holding FMCSA-required insurance — that's the regulatory minimum, not guaranteed extra coverage.
Vehicle Tracking
Contact driver directly.
Overview
Mercury Auto Transport offers shipping options for all kinds of vehicles across the US, including shipments to Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam. That makes them a good choice for non-standard vehicles like RVs, ATVs, or travel trailers.
Mercury does not track vehicles in transit — they share the driver's contact so customers can reach out directly. Driver responsiveness varies since drivers don't work for Mercury. Mercury only works with carriers holding FMCSA-required insurance, which means coverage is at the regulatory minimum unless you buy supplemental protection.
Estimated rates: $0.50–$0.65/mile for over 1,500 mi; $1.75–$2.00/mile for under 500 mi.
Insurance
Carrier insurance.
Vehicle Tracking
Contact eShip for tracking updates.
Overview
eShip provides a wide range of services across the US and Canada, and is unique in offering auto transport to and from Puerto Rico. Online guides and customer service resources are available for Spanish-speaking customers.
The full range of vehicle types and shipping methods are on offer. What makes eShip stand out is their ability to also book household moving services, letting customers consolidate vehicle and household relocation through a single provider.
Optional app for documenting vehicle damage before and after shipping
Strong reputation across review platforms
Cons
Date estimates are not firm
No extra insurance coverage included
Lower 48 only
Reputation
Google Reviews: 4.6/5 (902+ reviews)
Yelp: 4.0/5 (538+ reviews)
BBB: 4.76/5 (133+ reviews)
Vehicles Transported
Cars, SUVs, pickups, vans.
Regions Served
Lower 48.
Delivery Options
Door-to-door.
Pricing
Open transport starts ~$600 under 500 mi; enclosed starts ~$1,800 over 2,500 mi.
Insurance
Carrier insurance plus reimbursement of up to $500 on the customer's deductible if the carrier's insurance won't cover damage caused by the carrier.
Vehicle Tracking
Call for tracking during business hours.
Overview
Ship A Car Direct caters to individual car owners looking for door-to-door service. The company has built a solid reputation over 15 years in business. Unlike many other shippers, Ship A Car Direct does not require an upfront deposit — payment is only required after a carrier has been selected.
Customer reviews indicate competitive pricing quotes, though the company does not offer defined discounts.
Online tracking portal; customer service Mon–Sat, 9 AM–9 PM.
Overview
Puerto Rico Car Transport is a leading provider of automobile shipping services to and from the port of San Juan. They specialize exclusively in Puerto Rico routes and handle both the stateside trucking and all port/customs paperwork, which significantly simplifies the process for customers unfamiliar with Puerto Rico shipping requirements.
The company contracts with Crowley Maritime Services for ocean transport. Port pickup in Puerto Rico requires dealing with Crowley's facility directly, and additional documentation (title, registration, valid ID) is required at the port. Jacksonville, FL is typically the most affordable mainland departure point.
Credit card for deposits only; balance at delivery must be cash
Reputation
Google Reviews: 4.0/5 (380+ reviews)
Yelp: 2.8/5 (37+ reviews)
Vehicles Transported
Cars, SUVs, pickups, vans, boats, RVs. No EVs or plug-in hybrids currently.
Regions Served
Lower 48, Alaska, Hawaii (inter-island and to/from mainland), Guam and Micronesia.
Delivery Options
Terminal-to-terminal.
Pricing
Contact for quote or see estimates in FAQs. $100 military discount for active duty service members.
Insurance
Carrier insurance when shipping by truck. Customers need to purchase separate marine insurance when shipping by boat.
Vehicle Tracking
Online tracking system (port-to-port).
Overview
Matson is one of the only shipping companies that functions as both a carrier and a broker. With over 140 years of Pacific shipping experience, Matson operates its own fleet of vessels for ocean transport to and from Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam.
Individual car shippers need to drop off and pick up vehicles from Matson's port terminal locations. Matson is one of the few shipping companies that allows shipping of personal items in the car on certain routes, priced by weight.
Important: Due to lithium-ion battery safety concerns, Matson has currently suspended acceptance of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on its vessels.
Hawaii (Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului) ↔ California (San Diego, Los Angeles, SF Bay Area).
Delivery Options
Terminal-to-terminal.
Pricing
Contact for quote or use the online booking tool. Pricing varies by vehicle, route, and add-ons.
Insurance
Basic carrier liability included. Additional insurance available for purchase (recommended).
Vehicle Tracking
Online tracking through booking portal.
Overview
Pasha Hawaii is a specialized ocean carrier that operates its own roll-on/roll-off vessels in the Hawaii trade. Established in 1947, The Pasha Group is a family-owned company trusted by major automobile manufacturers for Hawaii vehicle transport. Their fleet includes purpose-built vessels like the M/V Jean Anne, M/V Marjorie C, M/V George III, and M/V Janet Marie.
Pasha offers direct service between Hawaii terminals (Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului) and California terminals (San Diego, Los Angeles, SF Bay Area). Mainland coverage is limited to California ports, so additional land transport must be arranged separately for vehicles originating from other states.
How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?
Car shipping pricing is driven by four main variables: distance, vehicle type, transport method, and timing. Most state-to-state shipments fall between $500 and $1,500, with coast-to-coast routes often running higher depending on vehicle and service level.
A few rules of thumb:
Longer routes are cheaper per mile — carriers prefer to fill a full truck for a long haul, so shipping 2,000 miles is not double the cost of shipping 1,000.
Enclosed transport runs 30–50% more than open transport. Worth it for classics, exotics, and anything where open-air exposure is a risk.
Snowbird seasons push prices up. Midwest-to-Florida in fall, Florida-to-north in spring. Summer is the busiest shipping season overall.
Book 2–3 weeks out. Last-minute shipments come at a premium.
For a deep-dive on what drives state-to-state pricing and how to get an accurate quote, see our full guide: What Does It Cost to Ship a Car State to State? (coming soon).
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book car shipping?
Book at least 2–3 weeks before your ideal pickup date. That window gives carriers time to find a driver on your route and gives you access to lower quotes. Last-minute shipments (less than a week out) almost always pay a premium because the only available carriers are ones looking to fill empty capacity on short notice.
Is my car insured during shipping?
Yes — the carrier's cargo insurance covers your vehicle during transit. Most reputable brokers require carriers to hold at least $100,000 in cargo and $1,000,000 in auto liability coverage. Your personal auto policy usually acts as supplemental coverage if the carrier's insurance doesn't pay. For ocean transport, you'll want a separate marine insurance policy. Always ask for the certificate of insurance before pickup.
Can I pack items in the car during shipping?
Most carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or below the window line of the back seat, but policies vary. Personal items are not covered by cargo insurance — if something is damaged or stolen, that's on you. Don't pack valuables, electronics, or anything you can't afford to lose.
Open transport or enclosed transport — which should I choose?
For a standard daily driver, open transport is fine. It's cheaper, it's what the vast majority of shipments use, and modern carrier trucks do a good job protecting vehicles. For classics, exotics, luxury cars, or anything where open-air exposure is a risk worth avoiding, pay the 30–50% premium for enclosed. A top-load position on an open carrier is a cheaper middle ground — your car rides on the upper deck and avoids fluid drips from vehicles above it.
How long does car shipping take?
Cross-country moves typically take 7–10 days from pickup. Regional moves (under 1,000 mi) take 2–5 days. Hawaii and Alaska shipments add ocean transit time — typically 10–20 days total. Weather, fuel stops, and carrier capacity all influence actual delivery.
Do I need to be there for pickup and delivery?
Someone needs to be there — it doesn't have to be you. Most carriers will accept a designated representative (friend, family member, neighbor) who can inspect the vehicle with the driver, sign the bill of lading, and note any pre-existing damage. Identify your representative up front so the driver has their contact info.
What if my vehicle is damaged during shipping?
Document everything at delivery. Walk around the vehicle with the driver, note any damage on the bill of lading, and take photos. If you find damage after the driver leaves, your claim gets much harder. File a claim with the carrier's insurance within the timeframe on your bill of lading (usually 24–48 hours). If that falls short, your personal auto insurance may step in as supplemental coverage.
Can I ship an inoperable or non-running vehicle?
Yes, but it costs more. Inoperable vehicles require special loading equipment (usually a winch or forklift) and fewer carriers are equipped for it. Expect a $150–$300 premium over a comparable running vehicle. Tell the broker upfront — if the driver shows up and the car doesn't start when they expected it to, they can refuse pickup.
The Bottom Line
Car shipping is a high-trust transaction with a lot of low-trust operators in the market. The right company for you depends on your route, your vehicle, and what matters most — price, speed, tracking, or specialty handling.
Best overall / general-purposeRoadRunner Auto Transport$0 upfront deposit, 14,000+ carriers, 24/7 tracking — our top pick for most shippers.
International (Europe)Corsia LogisticsInstant quotes, European port coverage, cash discount available.
Hawaii routesHawaii Car TransportDedicated Hawaii specialist with port-to-port tracking and live gate cameras.
Whoever you choose: get at least two quotes, confirm the carrier's insurance, and don't hand over a deposit until you're confident the booking is real.
Kyle Fretwell
TruckInfo.net Content Lead
Kyle Fretwell has worked as a researcher and data journalist for over a decade. His work has appeared in publications such as Bloomberg, Fox Business, MSN, USA Today, CNBC, and the Houston Chronicle. He manages TruckInfo.net's content team and is a regular fixture at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville.
