Moving a car across the country can be a hassle, but the best car moving companies in the USA make it simple, safe, and affordable. Whether you’re relocating for a job, buying a vehicle online, or sending one to family, these companies handle the logistics so you don’t have to drive long distances. Johns, a teacher from Texas moving to California, chose a top company to ship his classic Ford Mustang. It arrived in five days, scratch-free, saving him time and stress. Let’s explore what makes these companies stand out, their costs, services, and tips to ensure a smooth move.
Car shipping is popular for many. Lisa, a nurse from Florida, ships her SUV yearly to avoid winter drives. Mike, a student in New York, sent his truck to Texas for college, skipping a tiring trip. These stories show how the best car moving companies in the USA help people move vehicles efficiently.
Why Choose Professional Car Movers?
Top car moving companies offer reliability, insurance, and convenience. Driving long distances costs gas, hotels, and wear on your car. Pros handle the trip, protecting your vehicle from road risks like potholes or storms. Johns avoided a 1,800-mile drive, paying $1,100 for his Mustang to arrive safely. Over 500,000 cars are shipped yearly in the USA for jobs, school, or retirement moves. These companies provide open or enclosed trailers, tracking, and coverage up to $100,000, ensuring peace of mind.
Top Car Moving Companies
Here are five of the best car moving companies in USA, based on customer ratings, services, and value:
- Montway Auto Transport: 4.8/5 stars, known for nationwide coverage and GPS tracking. Ships 200,000+ cars yearly.
- AmeriFreight: 4.9/5, offers discounts (military, student) and gap coverage up to $2,000.
- Sherpa Auto Transport: 4.8/5, guarantees locked prices to avoid surprises, averaging $875.
- Easy Auto Ship: 4.5/5, provides free car washes and price matching, around $851.
- American Auto Shipping: 4.5/5, no upfront deposit and binding quotes, averaging $649.
Johns picked Montway for its tracking, paying $1,100 for 1,800 miles. Lisa used AmeriFreight’s senior discount, saving $150 on her SUV. These companies serve all 50 states, offering open/enclosed options and insurance.
| Company | Rating (out of 5) | Best For | Average Cost | Key Feature |
| Montway Auto Transport | 4.8 | Nationwide Reach | $700-$1,200 | GPS Tracking |
| AmeriFreight | 4.9 | Discounts | $600-$1,100 | Gap Coverage |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | 4.8 | Locked Prices | $800-$1,300 | Price Guarantee |
| Easy Auto Ship | 4.5 | Extra Perks | $650-$1,150 | Free Car Wash |
| American Auto Shipping | 4.5 | Budget-Friendly | $600-$1,000 | No Deposit |
Best Car Moving Companies in USA
The best car moving companies in the USA balance cost, speed, and safety. Montway leads with reliable delivery (95% on-time) and tracking apps. AmeriFreight’s strict carrier vetting and discounts make it popular. Sherpa’s price lock ensures no surprises, ideal for budget planners. Easy Auto Ship offers flexibility with expedited options, while American Auto Shipping keeps it simple with no deposits. Mike shipped his truck with Sherpa for $950, locked in, despite a weather delay. These firms ship millions of vehicles yearly, earning high BBB ratings (A+).
How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?
Costs range from $500-$2,000, depending on distance, car size, and service. Short trips (500 miles) cost $500-$900; long hauls (2,500 miles) run $1,000-$2,000. Sedans are cheaper than trucks by about $200. Open trailers save 40% over enclosed. Summer and winter prices rise 25% due to demand. Fuel costs and rural pickups add $100. Expedited shipping costs $300 more. Johns paid $1,100 for enclosed transport in spring, avoiding peaks.
| Distance | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer | Key Cost Factors |
| 500 miles | $500-$700 | $700-$900 | Car size, season |
| 1,500 miles | $800-$1,200 | $1,200-$1,600 | Fuel, rural pickup |
| 2,500 miles | $1,000-$1,500 | $1,500-$2,000 | Expedited option |
Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
Open trailers carry 8-10 cars, making them cheaper ($500-$1,200) and faster. They’re great for standard vehicles like sedans or SUVs. Lisa used open for her SUV, saving $200. Enclosed trailers protect luxury or classic cars from weather, costing $700-$1,500. Johns chose enclosed for his Mustang’s safety. Both offer door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal delivery. Open suits most; enclosed is for valuable cars.
- Open: Affordable, quick, slight weather risk.
- Enclosed: Protective, pricier, slower.
How Long Does Shipping Take?
Delivery takes 2-10 days. Short trips (500 miles): 1-3 days. Long hauls (2,500 miles): 5-8 days. Weather or peak seasons can add a day. Expedited cuts time by 1-2 days for $300 extra. Johns’ 1,800-mile move took 5 days with tracking updates.
| Distance | Standard Time | Expedited Time |
| 500 miles | 1-3 days | 1-2 days |
| 1,500 miles | 3-5 days | 2-4 days |
| 2,500 miles | 5-8 days | 4-6 days |
Preparing Your Car for Shipping
Prep ensures a smooth move. Clean your car to spot scratches; take photos of all sides. Remove personal items – limit 100 lbs in trunk, no valuables (insurance excludes them). Fill gas to 1/4 tank. Check tires, battery, fluids. If your car doesn’t run, inform the company for special equipment ($100-$200). Johns signed the bill of lading, noting his car’s condition.
Steps:
- Clean and photograph.
- Remove valuables.
- Check mechanics.
- Inspect with driver.
- Track delivery.
Avoiding Common Issues
Delays from weather or demand are possible. Book off-peak and stay flexible. Hidden fees? Choose companies with locked quotes, like Sherpa. Inspect on delivery for rare damage. Johns had a storm delay but stayed updated via tracking.
Benefits of Professional Movers
Pros save time, reduce car wear, and offer insurance. They’re eco-friendly, moving multiple cars on one trailer. Johns flew to California stress-free while his Mustang arrived safe. It’s ideal for busy schedules.
FAQ
What Are the Best Car Moving Companies in the USA?
The best car moving companies in the USA include Montway Auto Transport (4.8/5), AmeriFreight (4.9/5), Sherpa Auto Transport (4.8/5), Easy Auto Ship (4.5/5), and American Auto Shipping (4.5/5). Montway excels with nationwide coverage and GPS tracking, shipping 200,000+ cars yearly. AmeriFreight offers discounts (military, student) and $2,000 gap coverage. Sherpa locks prices at $800-$1,300, ensuring no surprises. Easy Auto Ship provides free washes and price matching, averaging $851. American Auto Shipping requires no deposit, with quotes at $600-$1,000. All serve 50 states, offer open/enclosed trailers, and include insurance ($100,000+). Johns used Montway for his Mustang, paying $1,100 with tracking. Customers praise reliability: “Delivered on time, perfect condition” for Montway. Peak seasons may delay. Compare 3-4 quotes for the best deal.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Car shipping costs $500-$2,000. Short trips (500 miles) range $500-$900; long hauls (2,500 miles) cost $1,000-$2,000. Sedans are cheaper than trucks by $200. Open trailers ($500-$1,200) save 40% over enclosed ($700-$1,500). Summer/winter prices rise 25%. Fuel and rural pickups add $100; expedited adds $300. Montway averages $700-$1,200; AmeriFreight $600-$1,100 with discounts. Johns paid $1,100 for 1,800 miles enclosed. Insurance ($100,000) is included, but confirm coverage. Avoid fees by limiting trunk items to 100 lbs. Book off-peak for savings.
What Services Do Top Car Movers Offer?
Top movers offer open/enclosed transport, door-to-door or terminal delivery, tracking, and insurance. Open suits standard cars; enclosed protects luxury vehicles. Extras include expedited shipping, multi-car discounts, and RV/boat transport. Montway provides GPS; AmeriFreight offers gap coverage. Sherpa guarantees prices; Easy Auto Ship includes washes. American Auto Shipping skips deposits. Johns used enclosed tracking for his Mustang. Services fit students to retirees. Peak delays possible. Choose based on car type and urgency.
How Do I Prepare My Car for Shipping?
Clean your car to spot scratches; photograph all angles. Remove valuables, limit trunk to 100 lbs (insurance excludes personnel). Fill gas to 1/4 tank. Check tires, battery, fluids; report inoperable cars for $100-$200 extra. Disable alarms. Johns signed the bill of lading for inspection. Book early, meet driver, track shipment. Inspect on delivery. Prep avoids issues like fees or damage disputes.
