Best Car Shipping Companies in the U.S.
Compare how top-rated brokers and carriers stack up on reliability, insurance coverage, and communication before you book.
What are the best car shipping companies in the U.S. right now?
Focus on providers that combine national reach, vetted carrier networks, and responsive support. Full-service brokers such as Montway, Sherpa, and Safe Ship Moving Services consistently earn high marks because they pair digital quoting with curated fleets and dedicated issue resolution teams. On the carrier side, look for operators that publish Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers, maintain spotless inspection histories, and carry at least $1M in liability coverage.
Safe Ship works alongside many of these leaders. Our marketplace benchmarks average transit times, damage claim rates, and communication cadences so you can see how a recommended carrier compares with national averages before you book.
How should I compare brokered quotes versus booking a carrier directly?
Direct carriers can occasionally undercut market pricing on short lanes they already service, but you’re limited to their availability. Brokers give you access to hundreds of vetted drivers and can swap in a backup if weather or breakdowns occur. Ask brokers how they vet insurance, whether they monitor FMCSA safety scores daily, and how quickly they commit a carrier after you sign. If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it experience, the broker route usually wins.
When you request a Safe Ship estimate, we flag whether a quote is brokered or carrier-direct, outline the pros and cons, and document every agreed service level in writing so you know exactly who will show up on pickup day.
What insurance protections separate the top companies from the rest?
The best shippers verify $100K–$250K in cargo coverage for open trailers and $500K or more for enclosed equipment. They also confirm that the driver’s policy lists your vehicle on the bill of lading and provide supplemental gap coverage if you request it. Avoid firms that dodge insurance questions or refuse to share certificates prior to pickup.
Our team reviews policy expirations in real time and stores copies in your shipment portal. That way, if you ever need to file a claim, you already have the insurer’s details, deductible, and claim process in hand.
Which review signals matter when shortlisting companies?
Prioritize recent feedback on Google, Transport Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for trends around pickup punctuality, communication gaps, and claim resolutions. A single poor review isn’t a deal breaker; repeated mentions of hidden fees or unanswered calls are red flags. Confirm that the company responds publicly to any critical review with a documented resolution path.
Safe Ship layers verified customer surveys onto public data, so you see how each suggested carrier performed on similar shipments within the last 90 days.
When is it worth investing in a premium carrier?
Choose premium or enclosed transport when you’re moving a luxury, classic, or performance vehicle, or when route timing is inflexible. Top-tier providers commit to narrow pickup windows, smaller truck assignments, and dedicated dispatchers. They also offer photo updates at every milestone, GPS tracking, and condition reports signed by both parties.
Our coordinators will outline the cost difference between standard and premium options and help you decide if white-glove service aligns with the value of your vehicle and your deadlines.
Ready to compare carriers?
Request a Safe Ship shortlist and we’ll pair each recommendation with reliability scores, insurance details, and transit timelines so you can book with confidence.
If you already have quotes, upload them to the dashboard—we’ll benchmark pricing and make sure the underlying carriers meet the same standards the best companies uphold.