The Best Auto Transport Companies of 2026

Most auto transport companies sound identical until something goes wrong. A quote that doubles at pickup, a carrier who goes silent mid-transit, a vehicle that arrives damaged: these aren't rare outcomes. They're what happens when you choose based on the lowest number rather than the right signals.

To help you find those signals before you hand over your keys, between January and May 2026 our research team evaluated more than 40 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 today.

We scored each provider across seven weighted criteria:

• Price Transparency (22%)
• Trustpilot Score (18%)
• Carrier Vetting Standards (15%)
• Real-Time Tracking & Communication (15%)
• Geographic Coverage (15%)
• Transport Type Versatility (10%)
• Years in Operation (5%)

Companies were ranked by aggregate score across all seven factors. The table below shows where each stands at a glance, with full reviews following.

The Best Auto Transport Companies of 2026

1. AutoStar Transport Express, for end-to-end accountability

AutoStar Transport Express has operated continuously since 2007, completing more than 300,000 vehicle shipments across all 50 states and U.S. territories including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Every carrier in their 25,000+ network holds active FMCSA/DOT authority and full insurance coverage, and that vetting doesn't stop at onboarding. Carriers are subject to ongoing performance monitoring throughout their time in the network, which is a meaningfully higher standard than most brokers in this category publish.

What distinguishes AutoStar operationally is the combination of its dedicated coordinator model and its AI-assisted carrier-matching system. Rather than routing customers through a general support line, AutoStar assigns a single point of contact to every shipment from quote through delivery: someone responsible for scheduling, carrier assignments, and proactive updates if anything shifts in transit. Their routing technology draws on years of real shipment data to match each job with the most efficient and cost-effective carrier option available, then puts a human behind that recommendation to manage execution. Quotes reflect actual carrier market rates, not lowball figures designed to attract bookings only to spike at pickup. The number quoted is the number customers pay, every time.

Basic Info:

• 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: Reviewers highlight the consistency of communication from booking through delivery, and frequently mention that the final cost matched the original quote. Critical feedback tends to center on price, though the same reviewers rarely report issues with the service itself.

2. Road Runner Auto Transport, for coast-to-coast open and enclosed shipping

Road Runner Auto Transport offers a no-deposit booking policy and instant online quotes, two features that reduce friction for first-time shippers making initial comparisons. The company provides 24/7 online shipment tracking, a meaningful step ahead of brokers that rely solely on driver contact, and covers all major U.S. corridors via both open and enclosed transport, with additional coverage extending to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean.

Road Runner's 4.6/5.0 Trustpilot score ties AutoStar for the second-highest in this dataset, reflecting strong customer satisfaction on high-volume routes. It ranks second overall because its pricing model is less consistent than AutoStar's all-inclusive structure and its carrier vetting process is less formally documented, though it remains a solid option for fleet clients with straightforward corridor-based shipping needs.

Basic Info:

• Location: Bethpage, NY
• Founded: 2012
• Price Range: Mid-range
• Services: Open transport, enclosed transport, oversized, motorcycle, fleet, military, door-to-door, seasonal, AK/HI/PR/Caribbean, 24/7 tracking

Summary of Online Reviews: Reviews frequently credit Road Runner for fast and easy online quoting, flexible no-deposit booking, and consistent delivery timelines. A recurring criticism involves limited proactive communication once a carrier is assigned.

3. Nexus Auto Transport, for competitive pricing on long-distance routes

Nexus Auto Transport has built a broad operational footprint in roughly a decade, working with a network of vetted carriers across 50 states and serving more than 500,000 clients. One of its more customer-friendly policies is a refundable deposit structure, giving shippers flexibility if move dates shift: a meaningful advantage for military families or corporate relocations on uncertain timelines.

Nexus earns a 4.3/5.0 Trustpilot rating across more than 2,100 reviews, reflecting strong overall satisfaction on standard long-distance routes. However, its carrier network is smaller than AutoStar's, its coverage excludes Hawaii, and its specialty service depth is more limited, making it better suited for straightforward point-to-point shipments than complex multi-vehicle or territory-based moves.

Basic Info:

• Location: Schaumburg, IL
• Founded: 2015
• Price Range: Mid-range
• Services: Open transport, enclosed transport, expedited, door-to-door, 49 states (excl. Hawaii)

Summary of Online Reviews: Customers highlight competitive pricing, a smooth booking process, and professional drivers. Some reviews note variability in pickup scheduling accuracy on lower-volume routes.

4. AmeriFreight, for discount programs and supplemental gap coverage

AmeriFreight has operated since 2004, making it one of the most tenured brokers in this dataset. Its AFta Total Assurance Plan provides supplemental gap coverage that activates when a carrier's primary insurance falls short on a damage claim, a meaningful safety layer for high-value shipments. Discount programs cover a wide range of groups: military, seniors, students, medical personnel, and first responders.

AmeriFreight holds the highest Trustpilot score in this dataset at 4.8/5.0 across more than 630 verified reviews. Two limitations worth noting: its carrier network is smaller than most competitors in this dataset, and it does not offer real-time GPS tracking.

Basic Info:

• Location: Tyrone, GA
• Founded: 2004
• Price Range: Budget/affordable
• Services: Open transport, enclosed transport, classic car, military, specialty, luxury, motorcycle, boat, expedited, AFta gap coverage

Summary of Online Reviews: Reviewers consistently note outstanding customer service, transparent total cost, and strong handling of damage claims. A smaller segment describes the website and booking interface as feeling dated relative to more tech-forward platforms.

5. Sherpa Auto Transport, for price-lock guarantee on standard vehicles

Sherpa Auto Transport was founded in 2017 with a specific focus on one of the industry's most persistent friction points: quotes that change by the time a carrier is assigned. Its Price Lock Promise commits the company to covering up to $300 of any carrier rate increase over the original quote, making it one of the stronger performers in the dataset on price transparency. The company also maintains an internal "do not use" list of underperforming carriers as a quality control measure.

Sherpa holds a 4.3/5.0 Trustpilot score and earns consistently strong marks across third-party review platforms. Its limitations are largely structural: it does not offer terminal-to-terminal shipping, and its carrier network is smaller than AutoStar's, restricting flexibility on fleet volumes and shipments to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Basic Info:

• Location: Charlotte, NC
• Founded: 2017
• Price Range: Mid-range
• Services: Open transport, enclosed transport, door-to-door, expedited, motorcycle, Price Lock Promise, AK/HI coverage

Summary of Online Reviews: Customers consistently reference Sherpa's transparent pricing commitment, attentive agents, and vehicles arriving in the condition promised. Some note that final costs run above comparable brokers for similar routes.

6. SGT Auto Transport, for guaranteed pickup date scheduling

SGT Auto Transport has operated out of Bohemia, New York since approximately 2012 and works with a vetted network of FMCSA-licensed carriers. Its clearest differentiator is guaranteed pickup scheduling: while most brokers offer a 1–5 day window, SGT allows customers to book a confirmed pickup date for an additional fee. That’s a real advantage for shippers with fixed move-in deadlines or employer-driven relocation timelines.

SGT earns a 4.3/5.0 Trustpilot score across more than 1,450 reviews and requires no upfront deposit. The company offers real-time GPS tracking and 24/7 customer support, though a $199 cancellation fee once a carrier is dispatched contributes to recurring feedback about pricing unpredictability between the initial quote and final booking.

Basic Info:

• Location: Bohemia, NY
• Founded: 2012
• Price Range: Mid-range with premium options
• Services: Open transport, enclosed transport, door-to-door, guaranteed pickup, expedited, military, motorcycle, EV, classic/luxury, international, snowbird routes, and dealership transport

Summary of Online Reviews: Customers frequently cite zero upfront deposit, professional and punctual drivers, and a reliable guaranteed pickup window. Recurring feedback involves pricing adjustments between the initial quote and final booking.

7. A-1 Auto Transport, for broad service marketplace and international moves

A-1 Auto Transport has operated since 1988, giving it the longest track record of any company in this dataset. The company functions as a large-scale marketplace connecting customers with carriers across a wide range of needs: international shipping to 150+ countries, motorcycle transport, heavy equipment, classic and exotic vehicles, boats, RVs, and EVs. Its breadth of service types is difficult to match among mid-size brokers.

A-1 holds a 3.5/5.0 Trustpilot score, the second lowest in this dataset, which reflects a structural limitation common to large marketplace models: carrier assignment is less curated than in dedicated networks, pricing consistency varies by route, and communication quality depends heavily on the individual carrier assigned. For standard domestic shipments where price certainty and proactive coordination matter most, more specialized brokers tend to outperform the marketplace model.

Basic Info:

• Location: Aptos, CA
• Founded: 1988
• Price Range: Market-rate/variable
• Services: Open transport, enclosed transport, motorcycle, heavy equipment, classic car, military, boats, RVs, EVs, and exotic vehicles, international shipping to 150+ countries

Summary of Online Reviews: Customers acknowledge A-1's extensive range of services, competitive marketplace pricing, and helpful initial consultation. Reviews across platforms reflect inconsistency in carrier quality and communication variability depending on route and service type.

8. Montway Auto Transport, for high-volume open transport

Montway Auto Transport has been one of the most active brokers in the U.S. since its founding in 2007, with more than 1 million vehicles shipped and a carrier network of 40,000+ vetted professionals, the largest of any company in this dataset. Its online quote tool does not require a phone number, and coverage extends to all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, and international shipping.

Montway's 3.5/5.0 Trustpilot score is the lowest among companies with a substantial review base in this dataset, driven in part by recurring complaints around last-minute pricing changes. The company does offer GPS tracking through its platform, though customer feedback consistently flags pricing unpredictability and difficulty reaching support once a vehicle is in transit.

Basic Info:

• Location: Schaumburg, IL
• Founded: 2007
• Price Range: Affordable/mid-range
• Services: Open transport, enclosed transport, expedited, door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, motorcycle, military, classic/luxury, EV, inoperable vehicles, international shipping

Summary of Online Reviews: Reviewers frequently credit Montway's easy online quote process, helpful agents, and timely delivery. A notable segment of customers report prices running higher than initially quoted and difficulty reaching support once a vehicle is in transit.

Spin-off Rankings

Top Auto Transport Companies for Long-Distance Shipping

1. AutoStar Transport Express: Dedicated coordinator model and all-inclusive pricing make it the most reliable option for cross-country moves.
2. Road Runner Auto Transport: No-deposit booking and 24/7 tracking make it a low-friction option for standard coast-to-coast open transport.
3. Nexus Auto Transport: Competitive long-distance pricing with a refundable deposit structure that suits shippers with flexible timelines.
4. SGT Auto Transport: Guaranteed pickup date scheduling is a practical advantage for shippers with fixed move-in deadlines on long-distance moves.
5. Montway Auto Transport: Largest carrier network in the dataset, with strong coverage density on high-volume interstate corridors.

Top Auto Transport Companies for Enclosed & Luxury Vehicle Shipping

1. Sherpa Auto Transport: Price Lock Promise and curated carrier list make it a strong fit for shippers prioritizing condition and cost predictability on high-value vehicles.
2. AutoStar Transport Express: Driver credentials shared before pickup, real-time tracking, and enclosed options across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
3. Road Runner Auto Transport: Enclosed transport available on major corridors with solid customer satisfaction scores for standard luxury vehicles.
4. A-1 Auto Transport: Broad marketplace reach covers exotic, classic, and specialty vehicle types that more specialized brokers may not accommodate.
5. AmeriFreight: AFta gap coverage provides an added protection layer for high-value shipments where a carrier's primary insurance may fall short.

Top Auto Transport Companies for Fleet & Corporate Transport

1. AutoStar Transport Express: Dedicated fleet coordinator, multi-location pickup capability, and volume-based pricing make it the most operationally complete option for business fleet moves.
2. Nexus Auto Transport: Large carrier network and straightforward pricing work well for companies moving vehicles across standard long-distance corridors at scale.
3. Road Runner Auto Transport: Reliable performance on high-volume routes with a booking process that scales reasonably for repeat corporate shipments.
4. A-1 Auto Transport: Marketplace breadth accommodates diverse fleet compositions, including heavy equipment and specialty vehicles alongside standard inventory.
5. SGT Auto Transport: Guaranteed pickup scheduling and a broad service range make it a practical option for corporate relocations with fixed move-in deadlines.

This comparison is based on third-party research and publicly available information as of July, 2026. Details may have changed. If you spot an inaccuracy, we'd love to hear from you at info@autostartransport.com.