Car Shipping Quotes
The average car shipping quote ranges from $500 to $2,000 based on your transport distance. Rates tend to start between 58 cents and $1.96 per mile.
From our #1 rated provider, 
The Gist
- Car shipping quotes can range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 on average
- Montway Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, and uShip are great companies to start with when looking for car shipping quotes
- Always compare quotes from multiple providers before making your decision on a car shipping service.
There’s no quicker or easier way to discover potential auto transport costs than getting car shipping quotes online. However, the process varies from provider to provider, and many car transporters don’t offer this service.
While reviewing the country’s best car shipping companies, we noted which ones offer easy car shipping quotes online. In this article, we’ll share our findings and explain how to get the lowest rates on auto transport using a quote calculator.
What Is A Car Shipping Quote?
When you receive a car shipping quote online, you get an estimate of your potential vehicle transport costs. Since car shipping rates vary wildly, an auto shipping quote calculator can help you know what to expect to pay for your shipment.
Best Car Shipping Quotes
In terms of reputable national car shipping companies, Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, SGT Auto Transport, and Easy Auto Ship offer the best quotes to ship a vehicle.
You can expect to receive quotes below the industry standard no matter how far you need to ship your vehicle. The table below highlights the cost ratings of each auto transport company you can expect to give the best car shipping quotes.
| Provider | Cost Rating |
|---|---|
| AmeriFreight | 4.6 |
| Montway Auto Transport | 4.5 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | 4.5 |
| uShip | 4.5 |
| SGT Auto Transport | 4.4 |
Car Shipping Company Quotes
Car shipping quotes depend on several factors, including the distance of shipment and the type of carrier you chose, rather it be open or enclosed. The average quotes we receive from shipping companies give you a good indicator of which company will provide you with the best quote.
The table below shows the best quotes we received from our top-rated car shipping companies.
| Provider | Average Quote |
|---|---|
| AmeriFreight | $1,140 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,401 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1,475 |
| uShip | $1,659 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1,339 |
* Average quotes include short, medium, and long-distance shipments using either open or enclosed carriers.
Compare Car Shipping Quotes
Our top picks to compare car shipping quotes are Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, SGT Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, and uShip. You will often get the best quotes from these companies.
Car Shipping Services Quotes
Aside from distance, the type of carrier you choose to transport your vehicle is the second biggest factor that influences quotes. Open car shipping quotes are almost always lower than enclosed quotes. This is because open-air carrier transports are more commonly available and can ship more vehicles at a time which lowers several factors, including the price of fuel.
Enclosed Car Shipping Quotes
We received the best car shipping quote for enclosed shipping of 1,504 miles from AmeriFreight. The company quoted us $1,414 for a 2018 Hyundai Elantra sent from Rapid City, SD, to Atlanta, GA. Below you can see the best prices we received from the industry leaders in the auto transport business:
| Provider | Shipping Distance | Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AmeriFreight | 1,504 miles | $1,414 | |
| Montway Auto Transport | 1,504 miles | $1,779 | |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | 1,504 miles | $1,850 | |
| SGT Auto Transport | 1,504 miles | $1,910 | |
| uShip | 1,504 miles | $1,970 | |
| Easy Auto Ship | 1,504 miles | $2,016 | |
Open Car Transport Quotes
We compared some open car shipping quotes from top providers below. You can get a car shipping quote from AmeriFreight for around $1,200 for a 1,500-mile trip. As you can see, it is cheaper than enclosed car transport, but this method leaves your vehicle open to the elements.
| Provider | Shipping Distance | Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | 1,504 miles | $1,419 |
| Easy Auto Ship | 1,504 miles | $1,516 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | 1,504 miles | $1,650 |
| uShip | 1,504 miles | $1,632 |
| AmeriFreight | 1,504 miles | $1,214 |
| SGT Auto Transport | 1,504 miles | $1,325 |
Compare Car Shipping Quotes By Distance
It is common for short-distance quotes to be lower than long-distance quotes overall. However, you will find that long-distance shipping quotes are substantially lower on a per-mile basis. You can see how distance affects quotes in the table below.
| Provider | Short Distance Quote | Medium Distance Quote | Long Distance Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | $659 | $1,419 | $1,749 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $727 | $1,516 | $1,808 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $700 | $1,650 | $1,700 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $565 | $1,325 | $1,559 |
| uShip | $679 | $1,632 | $2,357 |
| AmeriFreight | $833 | $1,214 | $1,100 |
Auto Transport Quotes: What To Know
You can get instant car shipping quotes online or by calling the broker. The easiest way to get a quote is to use car shipping calculators. We recommend getting quotes from at least three auto transport companies for the best rate and transport type that suits your needs.
Car Shipping Quotes Online
Most car shipping companies are brokers. This means the company is a mediary between you and the auto transport carrier. However, some companies, such as uShip, provide an online marketplace that connects clients directly with car shipping carriers.
uShip and other car shipping marketplaces provide a platform for clients to post their shipment details for carriers to bid on. The marketplace will notify you of each bid, and you can pick the one that best suits your needs. uShip also has automatic quotes if you’re looking for a quicker shipping process, however, if you’re willing to wait you will often get the best price.
Car Shipping Marketplace Quotes
Although marketplaces do not have an instant quote option, you will likely find a better price since carriers have to compete against one another to win the bid directly. Car shipping marketplaces do not verify the insurance coverage of the carriers who bid on your shipment. However, uShip does offer an insurance add-on for an extra fee.
Guaranteed Car Shipping Quotes
Most online car shipping quotes are not all-inclusive so providers may add fees to your final cost. Car shipping companies may also change the prices from your online quote if you do not book the trip right away. This is not the case for all auto transport companies, however. Easy Auto Ship pledges on its website to avoid hidden fees, while Sherpa Auto Transport’s Price Lock Promise means you will never pay more than the shipping price you were originally quoted. Typically this will make Sherpa Auto Transport seem as if it is a more expensive option, however, with added fees from other companies the prices are comparable.
What You Need To Get A Car Shipping Quote
Whether you get an online quote using a car shipping calculator online or call the transport provider for a quote, you will need the following information on hand to get the most accurate quote:
- Drop-off and delivery locations
- Drop-off and delivery dates
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Shipping preferences; enclosed or open transport as well as door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal shipping
- Your email and phone number
How To Get Cheap Car Shipping Quotes
Getting the best possible price should be one of your main concerns when shopping for car shipping quotes online. Here are a few tips you can follow to help lower your overall car shipping costs:
- Choose terminal-to-terminal shipping: This option transports your car to a terminal rather than your door. While this is less inconvenient, it can help you save quite a bit on costs. Keep in mind, though, that not every shipping provider offers terminal-to-terminal shipping.
- Select open transport instead of enclosed trailer transport: Choosing open transport can help you save hundreds of dollars in shipping costs. The only downside is your vehicle will be exposed to the elements during transport, which could put it more at risk for damages.
- Book in advance: The earlier you book your car shipment in advance, the better. You’ll avoid paying hefty fees for expedited shipping since the auto transport broker will have time to find a car carrier.
- Pickup and drop-off date flexibility: Vehicle shipping costs can depend heavily on carrier availability. If you’re flexible with your pickup and drop-off dates, car shipping companies can find you better rates.
- Book Your Quotes: Once you find a quote that suits your needs, you must finalize your booking. Once the booking is confirmed, the auto transport company will secure a carrier. After securing the carrier, you are committed to shipping your car with them, and if you cancel after the fact, you will have to pay a cancellation fee.
Car Shipping Estimates
Auto transport prices fluctuate based on the time of year, demand, and competition. Below, we’ve highlighted some factors that impact prices to help you find cheap car shipping quotes online.
- Shipping provider: Some providers specialize in low-cost car transport services.
- Size, weight, and type of vehicle: The pricier and larger a car like an SUV, the more costly it is to move. Classic cars also add a considerable amount to shipping costs.
- Car transport type: Enclosed auto transport is more expensive than open transport. This is because your car will not be exposed to road and weather conditions.
- Delivery method: While less convenient, terminal-to-terminal shipping is more cost-effective than door-to-door delivery.
- Time of year: The summer months and January tend to cost more due to increased demand.
- Urgency of request: Being flexible with your delivery date can save you money, while expedited shipping will increase your overall cost.
- Distance: Long-distance and cross-country trips cost more overall but have better transport rates per mile. Shipping from New York to Florida will be cheaper than shipping a car to Hawaii or Alaska.
- Car carrier competition: When more providers serve a route, they often charge less.
- Vehicle condition and operability: Inoperable vehicles are more expensive to ship.
- Fuel costs: If fuel costs are high, the shipment rate will likely reflect that.
Car Shipping Quote Calculator
Most auto transport brokers have their own car shipping calculators, which you can use to learn the approximate price of your car delivery. Not every provider has an instant quote calculator, though. Some vehicle moving companies ask you to call for car shipping cost estimates instead.
Get Car Shipping Quotes
Many enclosed carriers will give you car shipping quotes online, but make sure your chosen company is reputable. Our team has researched and evaluated major providers, and we’ve identified Montway Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, and uShip as some of the top auto transport carriers in the car shipping industry.
Montway Auto Transport Rating: 4.6 Stars
Montway Auto Transport offers an instant quote calculator, so you’ll get car shipping quotes online within minutes. It’s a hassle-free process with zero phone calls or middlemen required. Montway Auto Transport reviews show that it consistently gives customers low pricing and quality car shipping services.
| Review Category | Ratings Score |
| Reputation | 5 |
| Price | 4.3 |
| Services | 4.8 |
| Customer Experience | 4.6 |
| Overall Rating | 4.6 Stars |
While Montway Auto Transport doesn’t have the auto transport industry’s highest customer satisfaction scores, the vast majority of drivers are happy with its service and responsiveness towards quotes. We believe that Montway Auto Transport offers excellent value, which is why we named it the Best Reputation car delivery service.
Easy Auto Ship Rating: 4.4 Stars
Easy Auto Ship makes auto transport simple, starting with its calculator for instant car shipping quotes online. Customers can receive auto transport quotes online in under two minutes–no phone call is required.
Another key benefit: Easy Auto Ship pledges to avoid hidden fees. That means that the rate you’re quoted should remain constant throughout the shipping process. It’s a benefit that not all car shipping companies provide.
You can see how our review team rated Easy Auto Ship in the table below.
| Review Category | Ratings Score |
| Reputation | 4.6 |
| Price | 4 |
| Services | 4.9 |
| Customer Experience | 4.4 |
| Overall Rating | 4.4 |
Though Easy Auto Ship reviews are somewhat lower than other auto shippers’, its prices are among the cheapest. You can expect reliable auto transport services at exceptional rates if you go with Easy Auto Ship.
uShip Rating: 4.5 Stars
Rather than being a broker or a carrier like most shipping providers, uShip is an online auto transport marketplace. While customers can still get car shipping quotes online using the standard method, most drivers instead post details about their vehicle shipments online for haulers to bid on.
| Review Category | Ratings Score |
| Reputation | 4.5 |
| Price | 4.5 |
| Services | 5.0 |
| Customer Experience | 4.2 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5 |
According to uShip customer reviews, the competition between shippers usually leads to lower car transport costs. You can ship many things besides cars using uShip, like motorcycles, heavy appliances, and just about anything that is difficult to move.
One potential downside is that while uShip’s website makes the process nearly seamless, some customers prefer the peace of mind that comes with letting shipping brokers decide the best overall bid. If you’re willing to do some research, you might find highly competitive car shipping quotes online with uShip.
Car Shipping Quote Comparison: Conclusion
The best car shipping quotes can be found using an online car shipping calculator or contacting car shipping companies directly. To get the best quotes, we recommend reaching out to our top-rated car shipping companies, who consistently offer the best quotes in the industry.
Free Car Shipping Quote: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about car shipping quotes online:
What is the cheapest company to ship your car?
According to our research, Easy Auto Ship provides the cheapest car shipping services. Quotes we received from the auto transport broker ranged from $704 for a 500-mile trip to $1,407 for a 1,500-mile shipment, making it about $100 cheaper than its competitors.
Is it cheaper to ship or drive a car?
It is typically cheaper to ship your car rather than buy a new vehicle at your destination. Car shipping costs average around $1,350 for a 1,500-mile transport, while a new car can cost you several thousand dollars.
What is the best company to ship my car?
After thorough research, we think that Montway Auto Transport is the Best Overall car transport company for most vehicle owners. Other excellent choices include Easy Auto Ship, AmeriFreight, Sherpa Auto Transport, and uShip.
What’s the cheapest way to ship your car?
The best way to find the cheapest car shipping rates is by getting auto transport quotes online from multiple providers. Using a quote calculator lets you uncover the market’s lowest prices. Other ways to save money include choosing open carrier transport and terminal-to-terminal shipping, along with keeping vehicle shipping dates flexible.
Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?
It’s generally a bad idea to keep personal items in your vehicle during a car shipment. Items inside your vehicle lack insurance coverage during the transport, and most car shipping companies explicitly ban the practice. One exception is Montway Auto Transport, which allows up to 100 pounds of personal items inside each vehicle.
How much does a car shipping quote cost?
Car transport quotes are free and come with no obligations to purchase. Auto shipping companies want customers to view their lowest rates, so they do not charge for car shipping quotes online or by phone.
What is the cheapest car shipping company?
Our research found that Montway Auto Transport and Easy Auto Ship offer some of the cheapest ways to ship a car. Be sure to compare car shipping quotes from multiple reputable providers before making your final decision. You may end up finding better rates from other reputable providers such as AmeriFreight, uShip, and Sherpa Auto Transport.
How much does it cost to ship a truck?
The cost of shipping a truck depends largely on its size and weight. Truck transport is generally pricier than car transport due to the added weight of a larger vehicle. To determine exact pricing, reach out to multiple transport companies for car shipping quotes online.
How We Rate Auto Shippers
Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of car shipping companies. While there are multiple qualities that make an auto transport provider successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:
- Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact auto shipping rates. To determine our cost score, we perform a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and routes.
- Services: Our team of experts looks at the types of services available, as well as insurance coverage and the ability to guarantee drop-off and pickup dates. Ratings also take into account whether the transport company is a broker or a carrier.
- Reputation: It’s important that a car shipping provider is able to deliver your vehicle in a safe and timely manner. Companies with a strong rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) score well in this category. Established providers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
- Customer Experience: We comb through consumer reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Car transport companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
