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By Kiah Treece
The cheapest shipping companies include SGT Auto Transport, American Auto Shipping and AmeriFreight.
Quick Summary
- Average cost to ship a car: $1,284 (based on 1,500-mile transport in an open carrier)
- Cheapest shipping method: Open carrier
- Cheapest company: SGT Auto Transport
Shipping a car doesn’t have to break the bank, and that’s where cheap car-shipping companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing affordable transportation options for your vehicle, offering a range of services to suit different needs and budgets. The best cheap car-shipping companies distinguish themselves through reliability, customer service and transparent pricing.
Understanding these factors will help you choose the best service to meet your car-shipping needs without overspending. Here’s what you need to know about the best affordable car-shipping companies of 2026:
Key Takeaways
- The cheapest car-shipping companies charge less than $0.80 per mile.
- SGT Auto Transport and American Auto Shipping offered the lowest rates, based on quotes we requested.
- Many car-shipping companies offer discounts for college students, military service members and veterans, and seniors.
Best Cheap Car Shipping Companies of 2026
- Montway Auto Transport — Best Overall
- Sherpa Auto Transport — Best for Transparent Pricing
- SGT Auto Transport — Best for Affordable Shipping
- AmeriFreight — Best for College Students
- uShip — Best Online Marketplace
- Easy Auto Ship — Best for International Shipping
- Mercury Auto Transport — Best for Flatbed Transport
- American Auto Shipping — Best 24/7 Support
Car-shipping companies transport vehicles using open or enclosed trailers, helping customers move to another state or transport inoperable vehicles. Costs vary by company; the below table highlights the cheapest car-shipping companies:
| Best For | Lowest Cost | Transportation Options | Trustpilot Rating | |
| Montway Auto Transport | Best overall | $1,389 | EnclosedOpen | 4.0 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Best for transparent pricing | $1,475 | EnclosedOpen | 4.3 |
| SGT Auto Transport | Best for affordable shipping | $834 | EnclosedOpen | 4.5 |
| AmeriFreight | Best for college students | $1,274 | EnclosedOpen | 4.8 |
| uShip | Best online marketplace | $1,359 | EnclosedOpen | 4.5 |
| Easy Auto Ship | Best for international shipping | $1,280 | EnclosedOpen | 3.4 |
| Mercury Auto Transport | Best for flatbed transport | $1,287 | EnclosedFlatbedOpen | 4.6 |
| American Auto Shipping | Best for 24/7 support | $1,084 | EnclosedOpen | 3.9 |
| *Prices based on quotes for open carriers transporting a 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross 1,500 miles from Florida to Maine | ||||
Best Overall: Montway Auto Transport
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast and easy online quote process | Over 100,000 five-star customer reviews (across all platforms) |
| Cash, military and multivehicle discounts | $249 cancellation fee for dispatched orders |
| Multiple ways to contact customer service | Quote for international car-shipping requires calling |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Types of Transportation | Open, enclosed |
| Geographic Availability | Nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii |
| Estimate (1,500 Miles Open) | $1,389 |
| Discounts | Multivehicle, military, cash |
Why we chose it: Montway takes the lead as the overall best cheap car shipping company because of its convenient online quote tool, discounts and positive online reviews.
Montway Auto Transport is an Illinois-based auto-shipping agent founded in 2007. The company works with an extensive network of carriers that serve the entire U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska. Montway Auto Transport has reportedly shipped more than 1 million vehicles to all 50 states.
The company offers several car-shipping services, including open and enclosed door-to-door transport and expedited services. The online quote tool makes it easy to experiment with different pickup and delivery locations and shipping options — even showing how much you’ll pay for open versus enclosed transport and what you can save by paying cash. Montway boasts an A+ rating through the Better Business Bureau and a 4.0-star Trustpilot rating based on more than 2,000 reviews.
Best for Transparent Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
| Pros | Cons |
| Price Lock Promise helps secure carrier | Newer than many of its competitors |
| Expedited service available | Not all quotes available online |
| Motorcycle shipping services | International shipping limited to sister company |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Types of Transportation | Open, enclosed |
| Geographic Availability | Nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii |
| Estimate (1,500 Miles Open) | $1,475 |
| Discounts | Military, first responders, multivehicle, returning customers |
Why we chose it: Sherpa Auto Transport ensures transparent pricing by backing its quotes with a Price Lock Promise.
Founded in 2017, Sherpa Auto Transport is one of the newer providers on our list. Still, it has an A+ rating from the BBB and a 4.92-star rating on the platform based on over 790 reviews. The company assists with a wide range of vehicle and motorcycle shipment needs, including nationwide relocation, military moves and seasonal travel. Shipping is also available to and from Alaska and Hawaii — a service only offered by some of the best car-shipping companies.
Sherpa streamlines the car-shipping process with its online quote tool and Price Lock Promise. Quotes cover your all-in shipping cost, and if Sherpa can’t secure a carrier for your quoted price, it will contribute up to $300 to maintain your fixed shipment rate. The company also offers several discounts to keep prices low, including for shipping multiple vehicles and for returning customers.
Best for Affordable Shipping: SGT Auto Transport
| Pros | Cons |
| 24-hour price match guarantee | Not available in Alaska |
| 24/7 customer support | Must provide phone number for quote |
| Quotes include full insurance coverage | B rating from the BBB |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Types of Transportation | Open, enclosed |
| Geographic Availability | 49 states; not available in Alaska |
| Estimate (1,500 Miles Open) | $834 |
| Discounts | Availability varies |
Why we chose it: SGT Auto Transport’s price match guarantee means the company price matches its bookings to help you get the cheapest car-shipping service possible.
SGT Auto Transport is an auto transport management company that transports vehicles and motorcycles through more than 25,000 carriers.
The company offers open and enclosed door-to-door transport in 49 states (not Alaska) and has delivered more than 100,000 vehicles since its founding in 2014. While the company has a B rating from the BBB, it has a 4.53-star rating based on more than 1,600 customer reviews. Online reviews are also positive through Trustpilot, where SGT has a 4.5-star rating based on more than 1,300 reviews.
The company also indicates it price matches its bookings so you can get the best possible price. You can also opt for express auto transport to have your vehicle picked up in one to two business days. SGT’s guaranteed pickup service means you can book within a 24-hour window. The online quote process is straightforward, and you can contact the company via phone for additional details.
Best for College Students: AmeriFreight
| Pros | Cons |
| More than 20 years in the industry | Actual cost may be higher than quote |
| College student discount | No international shipping |
| Flexible payment plans | Limited customer support on weekends |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Types of Transportation | Open, enclosed |
| Geographic Availability | Nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii |
| Estimate (1,500 Miles Open) | $1,274 |
| Discounts | Military, first responders, medical personnel, students, senior citizens, early birds, return customers, multiple vehicles |
Why we chose it: AmeriFreight stands out for its competitive prices, flexible payment plans and extensive industry experience — as well as its student discount that helps college students save when shipping their cars.
Founded in the early 2000s, AmeriFreight has almost two decades of experience in the auto transport industry. The company provides car-shipping services nationwide — including in Alaska and Hawaii, where some carriers don’t offer transport. Shipping is available for a wide range of vehicles and motorcycles. The company has an A rating from the BBB and a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating based on more than 600 reviews.
AmeriFreight’s online quote tool is also easy to use, though some customers report final costs higher than their quoted amounts. Even then, the company offers payment plans to help you spread out the cost of shipping your car. You also may qualify for numerous discounts, including for military, first responders, medical personnel, students, senior citizens and more. Payment isn’t due until a carrier is dispatched to you, and you can cancel for free before booking your carrier.
Best Online Marketplace: uShip
| Pros | Cons |
| Lets you see quotes from multiple carriers | Must join uShip to get a quote |
| Ability to get lower quote from marketplace | Charges uShip service fee of 15%-20% |
| Some carriers offer GPS tracking | Doesn’t specialize in car shipping |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Types of Transportation | Open, enclosed |
| Geographic Availability | Nationwide, international |
| Estimate (1,500 Miles Open) | $1,359 |
| Discounts | Vary by carrier |
Why we chose it: Unlike many car-shipping companies, uShip is an online marketplace that lets you view quotes from multiple carriers and create listings to get a competitive rate.
Austin, Texas-based uShip is an online marketplace that connects consumers with shipping carriers — including for auto transport. Because the company aggregates quotes from a large network of shippers, you can use it to transport cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats, heavy equipment and more. Like many of the best cheap car-shipping companies, uShip offers nationwide shipping with open and enclosed carriers. That said, fewer instant quotes are available for Alaska or Hawaii.
UShip’s online quote tool is easy to use and lets you compare instant quotes from multiple carriers. You can also create a listing to get more competitive quotes from the marketplace. Doing so may provide more flexible pickup and delivery dates and result in lower shipping costs. Either way, you’ll be able to view details about the carrier and its quote acceptance rate.
Like other top providers, uShip has an A+ rating from the BBB; it also has a 4.5-star rating based on more than 12,000 customer reviews on Trustpilot.
Best for International Shipping: Easy Auto Ship
| Pros | Cons |
| International shipping available | Some customers experience confusion around pricing and pickup dates |
| Free cancellation before driver confirmed | Service quality varies by carrier |
| Full insurance included in quote | Higher costs than some competitors |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Types of Transportation | Open, enclosed |
| Geographic Availability | Nationwide, international |
| Estimate (1,500 Miles Open) | $1,280 |
| Discounts | Military, cash, multiple vehicles; may vary by carrier |
Why we chose it: Not all cheap car-shipping companies offer international shipping, but Easy Auto Ship can assist with nationwide and international shipping via air, land and sea.
Easy Auto Ship can connect you with carriers for state-to-state, cross-country and international shipping. Standard door-to-door transport is available with open and enclosed carriers, but you can also opt for expedited shipping. Easy Auto Ship can also help you ship motorcycles, mobile homes, heavy equipment and golf carts. As part of the international shipping process, Easy Auto Ship also provides customs guidance, and all vehicles are covered by cargo insurance.
As with other cheap car-shipping companies, you can get an online quote by providing your pickup and drop-off locations, preferred transport type and vehicle information. You’ll also receive an email from the company that includes a quote reference number and a phone number to connect with customer service. The company is also well rated online with an A+ rating and 4.63 stars through the BBB.
Best for Flatbed Transport: Mercury Auto Transport
| Pros | Cons |
| Open, enclosed and flatbed transport available | No international shipping |
| Ability to ship wide range of vehicle types | Online quote process less convenient than competitors |
| Price includes bumper-to-bumper insurance | Only BBB-accredited since 2021 |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Types of Transportation | Open, enclosed, flatbed |
| Geographic Availability | Nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii |
| Estimate (1,500 Miles Open) | $1,287 |
| Discounts | Military, student, senior |
Why we chose it: In addition to standard open and enclosed auto transport, Mercury Auto Transport offers flatbed transport for vehicles that can’t be loaded on conventional carriers.
Mercury Auto Transport is based in Davie, Fla., and has been in business since 2007 — longer than many of its competitors. The company offers open and enclosed vehicle transport nationwide — including in Alaska and Hawaii — but also provides flatbed shipping options. There are fewer flatbed carriers available, making it a more expensive option, but it may be the only option for certain vehicles. Mercury can help you determine which type of carrier is ideal for your needs.
While Mercury Auto Transport has only been BBB accredited since 2021, the company has an A rating from the BBB. It has a 4.76-star rating through the BBB based on almost 500 customer reviews. Customer reviews are similarly positive on Trustpilot, where it has a 4.6-star rating based on more than 300 reviews.
Best 24/7 Support: American Auto Shipping
| Pros | Cons |
| Free rental car if delivery delayed excessively | Negative online reviews |
| Available nationwide | Tracking options limited |
| 24/7 customer support | Email quotes come from third-party shipping companies |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Types of Transportation | Open, enclosed |
| Geographic Availability | Nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii |
| Estimate (1,500 Miles Open) | $1,084 |
| Discounts | Vary by carrier |
Why we chose it: American Auto Shipping boasts 24/7 customer support and instant online quotes that can make the car-shipping experience more convenient.
Part of the auto transport industry for over 20 years, American Auto Shipping is a vehicle transportation agent that can connect you with open and enclosed shipping options. According to the company, it has provided 629,000 quotes and shipped 153,000 vehicles, and it services all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Transport options are available for cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles and heavy equipment, making it more flexible than some competitors. American Auto Shipping also specializes in military auto shipping and facilitates auto transport by truck or rail. The company caters to customers in urban, suburban and rural areas by providing local and long-distance auto transport.
How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?
Car-shipping costs vary widely depending on several factors. In general, though, the cost to ship a car domestically within the continental U.S. ranges from $500 to $2,500. The variation in pricing is based on several factors, including the distance of the shipment, type of vehicle being transported, shipping method (open or enclosed transport) and time of year.
Discounts
The best cheap car-shipping companies often provide a variety of discounts to make their services more affordable. Understanding these discounts can help you save money on your auto-shipping expenses.
- Cash discounts: The best cheap car-shipping companies provide quotes for cash and standard payments. You can typically save by paying cash.
- Military discounts: Many car-shipping companies offer reduced rates to active-duty military personnel and veterans as a way to show appreciation for their service.
- Student discounts: To assist students who may need to transport their vehicles to and from college or university, some companies offer special discounts for students.
- Early booking discounts: If you plan ahead and book your car shipment well in advance, you may be eligible for an early booking discount. This can be an incentive to solidify your plans early, allowing the company to streamline its scheduling.
- Multiple vehicle discounts: Shipping more than one vehicle at the same time can often result in a bundling discount.
- Seasonal discounts: Off-peak seasons, when demand is lower, may offer opportunities to take advantage of lower rates or special seasonal promotions.
- Return customer discounts: If you have previously used a car-shipping company’s services, you may be rewarded with a discount on future shipments.
- Referral discounts: Some companies offer discounts if you refer a friend or family member who ends up using their car-shipping services.
How to Find Cheap Car Shipping
Finding affordable car shipping can be a challenge, but with the right strategies and a bit of research, you can secure a good deal without compromising on quality. Here are some tips to help you find the best rates for shipping your car:
- Compare multiple quotes. Obtain quotes from several car-shipping companies to compare their rates and services. This comparison allows you to gauge the market rates and identify outliers.
- Book in advance. Planning ahead and booking your car shipment well in advance can help you secure better rates.
- Choose open transport. Open carriers are more common and can transport multiple vehicles simultaneously, making them a cost-effective choice.
- Be flexible with pickup and delivery dates. Shipping companies often offer discounts for flexible schedules, as it allows them to optimize their routes and consolidate shipments.
- Avoid peak seasons. If possible, schedule your car shipment during off-peak times when rates are generally lower.
- Consider terminal-to-terminal shipping. Terminal-to-terminal shipping involves dropping off and picking up your vehicle at designated terminals rather than door-to-door service.
- Look for discounts. Many car-shipping companies offer discounts for various groups such as military personnel, students and senior citizens.
What to Look For in the Best Cheap Car-Shipping Companies
Choosing the right car-shipping company is crucial to ensure your vehicle is transported safely, efficiently and at a reasonable cost. Here’s what to look for in the best cheap car-shipping companies:
- Reputation and reviews: Look for companies with solid reputations and positive customer reviews. Reliable companies often have testimonials on their websites or favorable ratings on review platforms.
- Licensing and insurance: Ensure the company is properly licensed and has the necessary insurance to cover any damages during transit. Check for valid U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration registration numbers.
- Pricing: Compare quotes from multiple companies to get a sense of the average cost. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others, as they might compromise on service quality.
- Shipping options: Consider the types of shipping options available and choose one that fits your transport needs and budget.
- Delivery timeframes: Look for companies that provide clear and realistic delivery timeframes. The flexibility of shipping dates can also impact the cost and convenience of the service.
- Customer service: Assess the quality of customer service by contacting the company directly. Responsive, knowledgeable and courteous customer service can make the process smoother and more reassuring.
- Experience and expertise: Companies with years of experience in car shipping are often more reliable and better equipped to handle unforeseen issues. Look for companies specialized in transporting your type of vehicle, such as carriers that specialize in exotic or classic cars.
Auto transport brokers vs. carriers
As you shop for a car-shipping company, you’ll likely get quotes from car-shipping carriers and brokers; understanding the difference between them is key.
- Carrier: A car transport carrier is the company that actually owns the transport trailers or flatbeds and employs drivers. Carriers usually only serve certain regions or on specific schedules.
- Broker: An auto transport broker doesn’t transport vehicles. Instead, the broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and carriers. Based on your needs, it connects with its network of carriers to find an appropriate option. Brokers can make it easier to find affordable options for long trips, such as moving to the other side of the country.
What Affects Car-Shipping Rates?
The factors that affect vehicle shipping rates vary widely and have a significant impact on the final cost of transporting your vehicle. Here are the key factors that affect car-shipping rates:
- Distance: Longer distances generally result in higher overall costs, although the cost per mile typically decreases over longer hauls.
- Vehicle type and size: Larger and heavier vehicles take up more space and add more weight to the carrier, leading to higher costs. Specialty vehicles and equipment may also require additional care and equipment that cost more.
- Transport type: Open transport is more economical and widely used but exposes the vehicle to weather and road debris. Enclosed transport offers enhanced protection by housing the vehicle in a covered trailer — albeit at a higher price.
- Transit time frame: Expedited services, where the vehicle is shipped faster than usual, come at a premium. The flexibility of delivery dates can also impact pricing.
- Pickup and delivery locations: Urban areas with high traffic and accessibility might offer more competitive rates due to the abundance of carriers operating in those regions. Rural locations may lack carrier options, leading to higher costs.
- Vehicle condition: Functioning vehicles are easier to load and unload, making the shipping process more straightforward and cost-effective.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can impact shipping rates, as fuel costs constitute a significant portion of the expenses for transport companies.
Cheap Car Shipping FAQ
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
The cheapest service to ship a car is typically open transport, as it allows carriers to move multiple vehicles simultaneously. To find the best rates, compare quotes from various companies, book in advance and stay flexible with your pickup and delivery dates. Opting for terminal-to-terminal shipping can also offer cost savings.
Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive?
It can be cheaper to drive if the distance is short and you factor in fuel, lodging and wear-and-tear costs. For long distances, shipping may be more cost-effective, especially when avoiding extended travel time and higher expenses. Compare both options based on distance, personal time constraints and vehicle condition for the best decision.
What is the average cost to ship a car across the US?
The average cost to ship a car 1,500 miles ranges from $600 to $2,500 for open transport. Enclosed transport, offering additional protection, can cost between $1,000 and $2,500 for a 1,500-mile trip. Rates vary based on factors such as distance, vehicle size and seasonality. Comparing quotes and planning ahead can help you secure the best price.
What month is the cheapest to ship a car?
The cheapest time to ship a car is typically between December and February. During these off-peak months, demand for car shipping decreases, leading to lower rates. Avoiding peak seasons, such as summer and end-of-year holidays, can result in significant savings by taking advantage of reduced competition for carriers.
How do I choose the best car-shipping company?
Choose the best car shipping company by researching and comparing reviews, ratings and pricing from multiple companies. Look for licensed, insured and experienced carriers with transparent policies. Once you narrow down the list, ensure each company meets your needs, whether for open or enclosed transport.
Are car-shipping companies regulated?
Yes, auto-shipping companies are highly regulated. Both brokers and carriers are required by law to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They also need a U.S. Department of Transportation number. You can look up any company’s registration online on the FMCSA website.
How We Chose the Best Cheap Car-Shipping Companies of 2026
When choosing the best cheap car-shipping companies, we evaluated numerous companies based on several key factors. Here are the criteria we considered:
- Pricing: We got quotes from each company to ensure they offer competitive and transparent pricing and a streamlined quote process.
- Customer service: We evaluated the quality of customer support, including availability, responsiveness and helpfulness, to identify user-friendly shipping companies. We also considered customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
- Insurance coverage: We assessed the insurance policies offered by each company to ensure vehicles are protected during transit.
- Service range: We considered the geographical coverage of each company, including their ability to handle state-to-state and international. We prioritized companies that operate in all 50 states.
Disclosure: We earn a commission from partner links from this article.
