The Best Car Shipping Company for Cross-Country Moves

When relocating across the country, shipping your car safely, affordably, and efficiently is paramount. With countless options available, it can be daunting to know which one stands out. In this blog, we'll explore what makes the best car shipping company for cross-country moves—a title based on reliability, pricing, coverage, and customer experience.

1. What Defines the “Best Car Shipping Company”?

Before naming winners, let’s define what sets the best car shipping company apart:

• Coverage Nationwide (and beyond) – Ability to ship to and from all 50 U.S. states, preferably including Alaska and Hawaii.

• Transparent, Competitive Pricing – Clear quotes and pricing structures, with options for budgeting or flexibility.

• Strong Customer Reputation – High ratings from independent reviewers and customer testimonials.

• Comprehensive Services – Open and enclosed carriers, expedited shipping, specialty vehicle transport, etc.

• Security & Peace of Mind – Options like price-lock guarantees, gap coverage, vetting of carriers, and reliable delivery.

Now, let’s look at companies that consistently rank among the top for cross-country moves.

2. Expert Picks for the Best Car Shipping Company

AmeriFreight – Best Overall (Move.org, ConsumerAffairs)

• Why it shines: According to Move.org’s August 2025 guide, AmeriFreight is the top choice overall for cross-country auto transport, thanks to its excellent customer reviews, gap coverage, competitive pricing, and over 20 years of experience.

• Stand-out features:

  • A-rated BBB

  • Highly vetted drivers

  • Flexible service tiers (Economy Saver, First Class, Priority) to match timing and budget needs.

  • Gap coverage up to $2,000 toward deductibles.

• Strengths: Reliable, cost-effective, comprehensive services.

• Trade-offs: Some online users report confusion navigating the quote tiers and restrictions with the number of free quotes.

Mercury Auto Transport – Consistently Top Rated

• Praised by ConsumerAffairs as the top pick overall for 2025, Mercury stands out for its wide service range and competitive pricing.

• Automoblog’s 2024 overview also highlights Mercury as the best overall provider, citing its reputation, affordability, and diverse service options.

• Best For: Those seeking trusted value with transparent quotes—though real-time tracking may be limited.

Montway Auto Transport – Best for Long-Distance & Reliability

• Ranked best overall by Cars.com and celebrated for safety and reliability.

• Handles over 1 million shipments across all 50 states and even internationally.

• Pros: Broad coverage, strong vetting of carriers, online quoting, and discounts.

• Cons: Some users report cancellation fees and limited tracking options.

Nexus Auto Transport – Best Overall Value (FreightWaves)

• Tops FreightWaves’ list as the best overall value for cross-country shipping and offers real-time GPS tracking and instant online quotes.

• A+ BBB rating and wide service coverage—including RVs and boats—make it a compelling option.

• Best For: Shoppers who value transparency, versatility, and tech-enabled convenience.

Sherpa Auto Transport – Best for Price Lock Guarantees

• Known for its Price Lock Promise, which prevents post-quote price increases, and a Clean Car Guarantee that includes reimbursement for a free car wash.

• Consistently features in best-lists for long-distance reliability and customer satisfaction across the contiguous U.S.

• Appeals to: Customers wanting budget assurance and courteous extras.

SGT Auto Transport – Best for Classic, Luxury & Specialty Vehicles

• Recognized by ConsumerAffairs for matching prices and handling luxury or classic cars with care.

• Move.org commends SGT’s customer service and affordability.

• Ideal for: Enthusiasts shipping vintage, luxury, or modified vehicles who want meticulous service and options like enclosed transport.

3. Comparison Table: Quick Look at the Best Car Shipping Companies

Company	What Makes It Stand Out	Best For
AmeriFreight	Overall excellence, customer satisfaction, gap coverage	Cross-country value seekers
Mercury Auto Transport	Reliability, pricing, broad services	General transport needs
Montway Auto Transport	Nationwide coverage, safety, experience	Long-distance confidence
Nexus Auto Transport	Value, tech features, instant quoting	Price-conscious with tracking needs
Sherpa Auto Transport	Price-lock, clean car perks	Budget-maximizing movers
SGT Auto Transport	Specialty vehicle expertise, customer service	Classic, luxury, or specialty vehicle moves

4. How to Choose the Right “Best Car Shipping Company” for You

Choosing the best car shipping company depends on your specific needs:

Know Your Budget & Pricing Preferences

• Want low cost? Try AmeriFreight’s Economy Saver or Nexus for competitive rates.

• Need price certainty? Sherpa’s Price Lock or reputable flat quotes (Mercury, Montway) are ideal.

Shipping Distance & Timeline

• Making a cross-country move? Ensure the company ships coast-to-coast and has options for expedited transit—AmeriFreight, Montway, Nexus, Sherpa are all good bets.

• Booking ahead pays: Avoid rush-week surcharges; AmeriFreight offers same-day pickup, but you can save if you plan weeks ahead.

Vehicle Type

• Standard car or SUV? Any top provider will do.

• Specialty vehicle? Go with SGT (classic/luxury), and consider enclosed transport — widely offered by Merc, AmeriFreight, Montway.

Transparency & Tracking

• Want GPS tracking and online tools? Try Nexus or Montway.

• Comfortable with phone-based updates and a vetted carrier network? AmeriFreight or Mercury may suffice.

Insurance & Peace of Mind

• AmeriFreight has generous gap coverage.

• Sherpa adds a cleanliness guarantee.

• All top picks emphasize vetting and reliability.

Customer Service

• SGT regularly ranks high for service.

• Montway and Mercury have sturdy reputations, but read recent customer reviews for dates and experiences.

5. Smart Steps to Book with Confidence

1. Request multiple quotes – Use instant tools from Nexus or Sherpa, or call brokers like AmeriFreight for comparisons.

2. Check current pricing – For a broad estimate: cross-country open transport generally costs $800–$1,500, and enclosed shipping $1,200–$2,500.

3. Clarify hidden costs – Ask about cancellation fees, extra services, or delivery surcharges.

4. Inspect coverage and insurance – Verify damage coverage, deductible options, and any extras like gap protection.

5. Prepare your vehicle – Clean it, document existing damage, remove personal items, leave just a quarter tank of gas, and have keys ready.

6. Be available (or appoint someone) – Someone must sign at pickup and delivery, or you can designate a proxy.

6. Final Take: What’s Your Best Car Shipping Company?

If you want one name that consistently earns high marks across pricing, reliability, and customer satisfaction—it’s AmeriFreight. Move.org calls it the best overall, thanks to its robust service offering, decades of expertise, and policies that protect your bottom line.

But if your priorities differ:

• Need top value + tech ease? Go with Nexus Auto Transport.

• Want peace of mind with no surprises? Sherpa offers price-lock and clean-car perks.

• Ship a classic or luxury vehicle? SGT is tailored for that level of care.

• Get the best reputation for variety? Mercury is tried-and-true.

Selecting the best car shipping company ultimately depends on aligning your needs—budget, vehicle type, timing, service—with the strengths of each provider.

Conclusion

Relocating across the country is stressful enough—choosing a car shipping company shouldn’t be. By focusing on key factors like price, reliability, versatility, and peace of mind, you’ll find the best car shipping company to match your moving needs. AmeriFreight, Nexus, Sherpa, Montway, Mercury, and SGT each offer standout benefits—pick based on what matters most to your situation.

Happy moving, and safe travels to both you and your vehicle!