Independent Rankings · Updated July 2026

Best Car Shipping Companies of 2026

We evaluated dozens of auto transport providers on pricing transparency, carrier vetting, customer communication, and actual delivery performance. These are the ten that earned a spot.

10 companies ranked · Updated July 2026 · No paid placements

Shipping a car sounds straightforward until you're actually doing it. Quotes vary by hundreds of dollars for the same route, pickup windows slip, and some companies quote one price and collect another. After evaluating dozens of auto transport providers, these are the ten companies that earned a spot on this list.

RoadRunner Auto Transport is our top pick. They have been in this business for 30 years, they do not play games with pricing, and their in-house team actively manages your shipment rather than handing it off and disappearing. The nine companies below them are worth considering depending on your situation: budget, vehicle type, timeline, and how much support you want along the way.

Quick Picks — 2026
01RoadRunner Auto TransportBest Overall
02Easy Auto Ship
03Mercury Auto Transport
04Nexus Auto Transport
05Passport Transport
06Ship A Car Direct
07Sherpa Auto Transport
08AmeriFreight
09Auto Shipping Group
10SGT Auto Transport
1.RoadRunner Auto TransportBest Overall

RoadRunner has been shipping cars for 30 years and that operational history shows. They run a proprietary load board and an in-house team of transport coordinators, dispatch specialists, and shipment support agents who stay with your order from booking through delivery. Pricing is transparent upfront with no deposit required at booking; you pay only when a carrier is confirmed. They offer both open and enclosed transport, door-to-door delivery in most markets, and real-time tracking. For the majority of standard shipments, RoadRunner offers the best combination of price, reliability, and customer accountability.

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Pros

  • Transparent pricing; no bait-and-switch
  • No deposit required at booking
  • In-house team actively manages your shipment
  • Nationwide coverage including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
  • Real-time tracking and responsive support
  • 30-year operational track record

Cons

  • Pickup windows can stretch during peak season
  • No international shipping
2.Easy Auto Ship

Easy Auto Ship has built a reputation around making the process genuinely simple. Quotes are easy to get, the booking flow is clean, and their customer service team is consistently responsive. They include a few extras that many competitors charge for or skip entirely: rental car delay coverage and a free car wash on qualifying shipments. A great fit for first-time shippers who want a frictionless experience from quote to delivery.

Pros

  • Low-friction, well-designed booking process
  • Rental delay coverage on qualifying shipments
  • Consistently responsive customer service
  • Strong fit for first-time shippers

Cons

  • Mid-range pricing; not always the cheapest option
  • Coverage extras have eligibility conditions
3.Mercury Auto Transport

Mercury handles more than standard passenger cars. RVs, ATVs, and travel trailers are all in scope, and their coverage extends to all 50 states plus Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam; one of the few brokers that ships to Guam at all. Open, enclosed, and flatbed transport are available. A guaranteed delivery date option sets them apart from most competitors in this industry, where firm dates are rare. Vehicle tracking works through direct driver contact rather than an online portal, and standard insurance is at the FMCSA minimum unless supplemental coverage is arranged separately.

Pros

  • Ships to Guam in addition to all 50 states
  • Guaranteed delivery date option available
  • Handles RVs, ATVs, and non-standard vehicles
  • Open, enclosed, and flatbed transport offered

Cons

  • No vehicle tracking portal; must contact driver directly
  • Insurance is FMCSA minimum only unless supplemented
  • No discounts advertised
4.Nexus Auto Transport

Nexus has earned some of the best reviews in the industry specifically for the reliability and efficiency of their pickups and deliveries, an area where many competitors fall short. Pricing is competitive on standard routes, coverage is nationwide, and customer service is consistently reachable. A dependable choice for shippers who prioritize a smooth, on-time experience over chasing the lowest possible price.

Pros

  • Strong reputation for on-time pickup and delivery
  • Competitive pricing on standard routes
  • Nationwide coverage; open and enclosed
  • Reachable, responsive customer service

Cons

  • No major specialty differentiator beyond reliability
  • Variable experience depending on assigned carrier
5.Passport Transport

Passport Transport has specialized exclusively in enclosed transport since 1970, and that 55-plus year focus shows. As a direct carrier rather than a broker, they use their own fleet of custom-built, hard-sided, lift-gate trailers, with no upfront fees; payment is due only once your order is dispatched for pickup. Insurance coverage runs up to $1.5 million per vehicle, among the highest in the industry, and their driver training and equipment are built specifically around the needs of low-clearance, exotic, and classic vehicles. A standard seven-day pickup window applies, with date-specific pickup available for an additional fee.

Pros

  • Enclosed-only; over 55 years of specialization
  • Direct carrier with company-owned fleet
  • Up to $1.5 million in cargo insurance coverage
  • No upfront fees; pay once dispatched
  • Deep experience with classic, exotic, and collector vehicles

Cons

  • Enclosed only; no open carrier option
  • Standard 7-day pickup window; date-specific costs extra
  • Premium pricing relative to standard brokers
6.Ship A Car Direct

Ship A Car Direct built its reputation on one specific commitment: your car arriving in the same condition it left in. Carriers are vetted specifically for their damage-free track record, and photo documentation is standard at both pickup and delivery. For anyone shipping a vehicle they care about and wanting a clear paper trail, Ship A Car Direct is a strong, reliable option.

Pros

  • Damage-free carrier vetting is thorough
  • Photo documentation at both pickup and delivery
  • Strong customer review record
  • Responsive customer service

Cons

  • Not always the cheapest option
  • Pickup availability varies by route
7.Sherpa Auto Transport

Sherpa stands out for international car shipping, guiding customers through the process via sister companies AES Shipping and AFL Vehicle Transport, with frequent status updates along the way. Roll-on/roll-off and container shipments are available, and even large trucks can be accommodated; air freight is offered as a pricier expedited option. Their Price Lock Promise adds up to $300 toward your quote to help ensure a carrier picks up your order on schedule, a useful hedge against the marketplace pricing volatility common in this industry.

Pros

  • International car shipping via sister companies
  • Price Lock Promise adds up to $300 toward your quote
  • Extended customer service hours, seven days a week
  • Roll-on/roll-off, container, and air freight options

Cons

  • Quotes tend to run higher than many competitors
  • No guaranteed pickup date
  • Does not service some specialized vehicle types
8.AmeriFreight

AmeriFreight is one of the more established names in the industry, with a long operational history and a discount program that stands out: military, students, first responders, and repeat customers can all qualify for meaningful savings. Their pricing model includes an optional insurance gap coverage add-on. A strong choice if you qualify for a discount or value a company with a long track record.

Pros

  • Strong discount programs (military, students, first responders)
  • Long operational history
  • Optional insurance gap coverage available
  • Broad carrier network

Cons

  • Pricing structure can be confusing without a discount
  • Customer service experience varies by region
9.Auto Shipping Group

Auto Shipping Group has coordinated vehicle transport since 2003 and works with a wide network of vetted carriers across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and select international destinations. Both open and enclosed transport are available, along with door-to-door service as standard. Every quote includes up to $100,000 in damage coverage, and a military discount is available. Pickup dates are not guaranteed, and a $129 cancellation fee applies once a carrier has been assigned.

Pros

  • Open and enclosed transport available
  • Up to $100,000 in damage coverage included
  • Door-to-door service as standard
  • Military discount available

Cons

  • No guaranteed pickup date
  • $129 cancellation fee after carrier is assigned
  • Some reports of price changes after initial quote
10.SGT Auto Transport

SGT operates as a broker on standard open carrier routes. Pricing tends to come in at the lower end of the range, and the booking process is straightforward. One feature worth noting is the ability to select a specific pickup date, which is less common. Service is functional; do not expect much proactive communication or personalization.

Pros

  • Competitive pricing on standard routes
  • Specific pickup date selection available
  • Straightforward booking process

Cons

  • Minimal proactive communication
  • Less personalized than higher-ranked options
  • Enclosed transport not a strength

How We Rank

Every company on this list was evaluated independently based on pricing transparency, carrier vetting practices, customer communication, delivery performance, complaint resolution, and overall value. Rankings are reviewed quarterly and updated when a company's performance changes materially. Learn more about our process →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about car shipping

What is the best car shipping company?

RoadRunner Auto Transport is our top pick based on 30 years of operational history, transparent pricing, no deposit at booking, and an in-house team that actively manages your shipment.

How much does car shipping cost?

Open carrier shipping typically costs $500 to $1,400 depending on distance, vehicle type, and time of year. Enclosed transport costs $200 to $500 more for the same route.

How long does car shipping take?

Most domestic shipments take 1 to 2 weeks. Cross-country moves typically take 7 to 10 days from pickup to delivery.

Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?

Someone needs to be present to sign the inspection report at pickup and the delivery report on arrival. This does not have to be the vehicle owner but should be someone you trust to document the vehicle condition carefully.

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