The Best Car Shipping Companies of 2026

Shipping a vehicle is one of those decisions where the wrong choice is painfully obvious after the fact. A car that arrives damaged, a quote that balloons at pickup, or a carrier who goes silent mid-transit, any one of these can turn what should be a straightforward process into an expensive headache. To help you avoid exactly that, between January and April 2026 our research team analyzed 47 licensed auto transport companies operating across the United States.

Our methodology was built specifically to surface the companies that get it right by highlighting the factors that matter most to real customers. We evaluated each provider using a weighted scoring algorithm designed to identify the most reliable, transparent, and customer-focused vehicle shipping services available to consumers today.

We scored each provider across seven weighted criteria:

• Carrier Vetting Process (25%)
• Specialty Vehicle Capability (20%)
• Location Coverage (15%)
• Real-Time Tracking Technology (15%)
• TransportReviews.com Rating (10%)
• Year Founded (10%)
• Price Range (5%)

We rank-ordered the contenders based on this algorithm. The table below highlights the top-performing companies, with in-depth reviews of each following the comparison chart.

The Best Car Shipping Companies of 2026

Price Range Legend *(Based on standard 1,000-mile open carrier sedan transport)*

• $ = Budget ($400-$700)
• $$ = Affordable ($700-$1,000)
• $$$ = Mid-Range ($1,000-$1,400)
• $$$$ = Premium ($1,400+)

*Star ratings sourced from TransportReviews.com as of April 2026.*

1. AutoStar Transport Express, for technology-driven transparency

AutoStar Transport Express has shipped over 500,000 vehicles, according to the company, through a network of 25,000+ licensed and vetted carriers since its founding in Miami in 2007. Their service offerings include door-to-door transport, enclosed shipping, EV handling, oversized vehicle transport, and maritime shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A few differentiators worth noting that set AutoStar apart from the broader auto transport market: the company does not sell customer contact information or spam leads, which matters considerably when requesting quotes from multiple providers simultaneously. AutoStar also shares driver credentials directly with customers before pickup, a transparency practice uncommon in the industry. That transparency is backed up by AutoStar's real-time GPS tracking and automated status update system, which keeps customers informed at every stage of transit without requiring them to chase down information.

AutoStar's AI-assisted routing and carrier-matching system draws on years of real shipment data to recommend the most efficient and cost-effective option for each job, then puts a human coordinator behind every booking to make sure nothing gets lost in translation. Their quotes reflect real carrier market rates rather than lowball estimates designed to attract bookings and inflate at pickup. Though their price range sits higher than some competitors, the number quoted is the number customers pay, period.

• Location: Miami, FL
• Founded: 2007
• Price Range: Mid-range with premium options
• Carrier Network: 25,000+ vetted carriers
• Services: Door-to-door, enclosed, EV, oversized, maritime (AK/HI/PR/USVI), expedited, classic/exotic

Summary of Online Reviews: Customers consistently highlight clear communication, accurate upfront pricing, and careful handling of specialty vehicles. Many specifically mention receiving driver credentials before pickup as a reassuring detail. While some note higher quotes than competitors, most say the delivery experience justified the cost.

2. Mercury Auto Transport, for a transparent pricing model

Founded in 2007 in Davie, Florida, Mercury was built specifically to address the hidden-fee problem endemic to auto transport. The company's business model centers on upfront, guaranteed pricing: their service agreements lock in your rate, and their "Mercury Guarantee" offers a 100% money-back promise if anything goes wrong. Customers pay nothing until a carrier is assigned and can cancel anytime before that point without penalty.

With a 5-star rating on TransportReviews.com, BBB accreditation since 2021, and 24/7 support, Mercury is an especially strong fit for first-time shippers or anyone who has previously been burned by bait-and-switch pricing. However, it ranks below AutoStar due to narrower specialty vehicle capability and no maritime or territorial shipping.

• Location: Davie, FL
• Founded: 2007
• Price Range: Mid-range
• Carrier Network: FMCSA-verified carrier network
• Services: Open carrier, enclosed, flatbed, door-to-door, terminal

Summary of Online Reviews: Customers emphasize transparent pricing with no surprises and thorough process explanations. Responsive 24/7 support is frequently praised. Some note mid-range rather than budget pricing, though most appreciate the guaranteed rate certainty.

3. Auto Shipping Group, for affordable multi-vehicle shipping

Operating since 2003 out of Tempe, Arizona, Auto Shipping Group manages multiple shipping brands under one parent company, giving it unusual scale for a mid-tier provider. Their volume-focused model enables competitive pricing and fast carrier assignment, and customers frequently report pickups arranged within days of initial contact.

With over two decades in business and a 5-star rating on TransportReviews.com, Auto Shipping Group has demonstrated the kind of staying power that only comes from consistent execution at scale. The trade-off is personalization: Auto Shipping Group's efficiency-first approach can feel less attentive than boutique providers, and premium handling options are limited. Overall, it's an option best-suited for straightforward, cost-conscious shipments of standard vehicles.

• Location: Tempe, AZ
• Founded: 2003
• Price Range: Mid-range
• Carrier Network: Extensive multi-brand carrier network
• Services: Open carrier, enclosed, door-to-door, terminal, multi-vehicle, fleet

Summary of Online Reviews: Reviews praise quick carrier matching and professional service. A few note limited premium service options, though most find the competitive pricing and efficient process meet their needs.

4. RoadRunner Auto Transport, for technology and convenience

With a network of 14,000+ vetted drivers nationwide, RoadRunner has built a strong reputation in auto transport on the back of a platform designed around digital convenience: instant online quotes, 24/7 shipment tracking, no upfront deposit required, and extended support hours that cover all U.S. time zones.

RoadRunner's no-deposit-until-pickup scheduling policy is a meaningful differentiator for customers wary of committing money before a carrier is confirmed. The company also coordinates shipments to Puerto Rico and Caribbean ports, expanding its reach beyond most competitors. However, some reviewers note that carrier availability can be inconsistent on less-trafficked routes, particularly during peak seasons.

• Location: Bethpage, NY
• Founded: 2012
• Price Range: Mid-range with premium options
• Carrier Network: 14,000+ vetted drivers
• Services: Open, enclosed, expedited, door-to-door, dealer/fleet, military/college discounts, AK/HI/PR

Summary of Online Reviews: Customers highlight the easy online booking process and 24/7 tracking. A few mention variable carrier availability on less common routes, though most report smooth, on-time experiences.

5. Montway Auto Transport, for high-volume reliability

One of the largest auto transport companies in the U.S., Montway's scale gives it strong carrier availability on high-traffic corridors - an advantage that translates to faster pickup times and more competitive pricing on popular routes. Their "TruePrice Guarantee" offers price protection from quote to delivery, directly addressing one of the most common frustrations in the industry.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, Montway serves a broad customer base including individuals, auto dealerships, military personnel, and seasonal snowbird routes. Their proprietary technology platform handles dispatch, tracking, and automated customer updates efficiently at high volume. The main limitation noted in reviews is customer service response times during busy periods.

• Location: Schaumburg, IL
• Founded: 2006
• Price Range: Affordable/mid-range
• Carrier Network: One of the largest carrier networks in the U.S.
• Services: Open, enclosed, expedited, motorcycle, door-to-door, corporate/dealer, military

Summary of Online Reviews: On-time delivery and the TruePrice guarantee are the most frequently praised elements. A few mention slower customer service response during peak seasons; most commend the tracking technology and overall consistency.

6. SGT Auto Transport, for military-focused service

SGT Auto Transport was founded in 2014 in Bohemia, New York, with a focus on military personnel, veterans, and civilians navigating time-sensitive relocations. The company's core differentiator is its guaranteed pickup window: a meaningful offering for customers with PCS orders, deployment timelines, or other inflexible schedules where standard pickup windows of one to five days aren't viable.

SGT offers both open and enclosed transport across 49 states - Alaska is not covered; Hawaii is available via ocean freight. As a younger company, its review base of 78 ratings on TransportReviews.com is narrower than most competitors on this list, and some customers have reported discrepancies between initial quotes and final costs. Customers with firm timelines will find SGT's guaranteed pickup model compelling; those prioritizing pricing predictability may prefer alternatives.

• Location: Bohemia, NY
• Founded: 2014
• Price Range: Affordable/mid-range
• Carrier Network: National carrier network
• Services: Open, enclosed, guaranteed pickup, military relocations, door-to-door

Summary of Online Reviews: Guaranteed pickup windows and military-specific service are the top praise points. Some reviews flag pricing changes from initial quotes; careful contract review is recommended.

7. AmeriFreight, for budget-conscious shipping

AmeriFreight has accumulated more verified reviews on TransportReviews.com than any other company in this comparison, a reflection of over two decades of consistent, no-frills service at scale. Based in Tyrone, Georgia and founded in 2004, AmeriFreight operates as a streamlined broker connecting cost-conscious customers with available carriers at competitive price points. Open carrier is the core offering, with enclosed transport available but limited.

The company has earned recognition from U.S. News for its budget-friendly positioning, and its straightforward booking process and online quote calculator make it accessible for customers who want to move quickly without a lot of back-and-forth. AmeriFreight is an option best suited for standard vehicles with flexible timelines; customers shipping high-value or specialty vehicles will find more tailored options elsewhere on this list.

• Location: Tyrone, GA
• Founded: 2004
• Price Range: Budget/affordable
• Carrier Network: National broker carrier network
• Services: Open carrier, enclosed (limited), door-to-door, online quote calculator

Summary of Online Reviews: Competitive pricing and a simple, low-friction booking process are the consistent themes. Some note fewer premium amenities; most find the value trade-off acceptable for everyday vehicles.

Spin-Off Rankings

Not every car owner prioritizes the same things. Here's how the top car shipping companies stack up when evaluated on three specific dimensions.

Best for First-Time Shippers

1. Mercury: Money-back guarantee and no-payment-until-carrier-assigned policy remove the biggest financial risks for new customers.
2. AutoStar: No upfront payment, no spam calls, no sold leads, and driver credentials shared before pickup. First-time shippers who request quotes from multiple companies will quickly appreciate the difference.
3. AmeriFreight: Simple, low-complication process; 29,000+ reviews provide confidence before booking.
4. Montway: The TruePrice Guarantee directly addresses the most common first-timer concern: that the quoted price won't be the final one.
5. RoadRunner: No deposit until pickup is scheduled, and an intuitive online platform makes the booking process approachable for customers who have never shipped a vehicle before.

Best for Long-Distance Moves

1. AutoStar: Strong on high-volume corridors (CA->FL, CA->NY); unique maritime coverage for AK, HI, PR, and USVI.
2. RoadRunner: Coast-to-coast nationwide coverage; 24/7 tracking valuable for multi-day transits.
3. Montway: Large carrier network optimized for popular long-distance routes; TruePrice protection.
4. Mercury: Transparent pricing and 24/7 support for extended transits.
5. Auto Shipping Group: Fast carrier assignment and multi-vehicle discounts make it a practical option for customers relocating households with more than one car.

Best for Luxury & Exotic Vehicles

1. AutoStar: Enclosed transport is ~20% of total volume; driver credential sharing and comprehensive vetting before every pickup.
2. Mercury: 100% bumper-to-bumper insurance guarantee; enclosed and flatbed options.
3. Montway: Competitive enclosed rates with established specialty carrier relationships.
4. RoadRunner: Demonstrated experience with high-value vehicle transport; enclosed options with enhanced insurance available.
5. SGT: Guaranteed pickup windows reduce the uncertainty that makes exotic and classic car owners most nervous about transport timing.