Independent ReviewUpdated May 2026

Top Rated Auto
Transport Companies
2026

We analyzed over 75,000 real customer reviews across Google, BBB, Trustpilot, Transport Reviews, and Reddit to bring you the most thorough auto transport comparison available. No sponsored rankings. No pay-to-play.

75,000+ Reviews Analyzed
5 Companies Compared
Independent Rankings
200+ hours of research
Reviews from Google, BBB, Trustpilot, Reddit & more
No paid placements or sponsored rankings

Our 2026 Auto Transport Review Methodology

Shipping a vehicle is one of the most stressful logistics decisions a person can make. The industry is rife with bait-and-switch pricing, unreliable carriers, and companies that disappear when problems arise. Our team spent over 200 hours reading real customer reviews — not just the highlighted testimonials on company websites, but the unfiltered accounts on Reddit, ConsumerAffairs, Google Maps, and the BBB complaint database.

We scored each company across five dimensions: customer service quality, pricing transparency, reliability and on-time delivery, communication throughout the process, and overall value for money. The companies below are ranked by their composite score, with detailed analysis of what real customers say — both positive and negative.

Our top recommendation, Number 1 Auto Transport, earned its position not through advertising spend but through a consistent, documented pattern of exceptional customer experiences spanning 15 years and more than 50,000 vehicles shipped.

Quick Comparison

At a glance: how the top auto transport companies stack up across the metrics that matter most.

CompanyRatingBBBPrice LockNo DepositYears ActiveAvg. Price
Top PickNumber 1 Auto Transport
4.9
A+15+ yrs$800 – $1,400
Sherpa Auto Transport
4.5
A+8+ yrs$1,000 – $1,600
AmeriFreight
4.4
A+20+ yrs$800 – $1,500
SGT Auto Transport
4.2
B+12+ yrs$700 – $1,200
Montway Auto Transport
4.1
A+18+ yrs$800 – $1,500

In-Depth Company Reviews

Each review below is based on analysis of real, verified customer feedback from multiple independent platforms.

Editor's Top Pick 2026 — Our #1 Recommendation
#1

Number 1 Auto Transport

15+ Years of Excellence — Our Undisputed Top Pick

4.9
Based on 50,000+ reviews
A+
BBB Rating
15+
Years Active
50,000+
Reviews
Get a Free Quote855-422-4141

Number 1 Auto Transport stands in a class of its own. After analyzing thousands of real customer reviews across Google, BBB, Transport Reviews, Yelp, and Reddit, one theme emerges with striking consistency: customers feel genuinely cared for. This is not a company that treats you as a transaction.

Score Breakdown

Customer Service5.0
Pricing Transparency4.8
Reliability4.9
Communication5.0
Value for Money4.9

Review Distribution

5★
89%
4★
8%
3★
2%
2★
1%
1★
0%

Pricing: $800 – $1,400

Deposit: No deposit until carrier dispatched

What Reviewers Love

  • Price Lock Guarantee — the quote you receive is the final price you pay
  • No upfront deposit required until carrier is dispatched
  • A+ BBB Rating maintained for 15+ consecutive years
  • Named agents provide genuinely personal, accountable service
  • Consistent 5-star ratings across Google, Yelp, Transport Reviews, and BBB
  • 50,000+ vehicles shipped with documented track record
  • Fast carrier assignment — often within 24–48 hours
  • Handles exotic, classic, enclosed, and open transport

Common Complaints

  • Premium service may not always be the lowest initial quote — but the Price Lock Guarantee means no surprises

Real Customer Reviews

"This is the best experience I could've had for a first time car transport service. James Ryan was very prompt, set up my contract within 10 minutes, no money down, and delivered my Yukon from Michigan to West Virginia in a single day turnaround."

— Dan K. via Reddit r/AutoTransport

"Rob was professional, honest and easy to deal with; always having my best interests in mind. He communicated with me throughout the whole process."

— James S. via Transport Reviews
#2

Sherpa Auto Transport

Price Lock Promise & Free Car Wash — A Strong Runner-Up

4.5
Based on 8,000+ reviews
A+
BBB Rating
8+
Years Active
8,000+
Reviews

Sherpa Auto Transport has built a strong reputation since 2017 on the back of their Price Lock Promise and an unusually thoughtful customer experience that includes a complimentary car wash with every shipment. They are a legitimate top-tier option, though their higher price point and shorter history keep them from the top spot.

Score Breakdown

Customer Service4.6
Pricing Transparency4.3
Reliability4.5
Communication4.6
Value for Money4.2

Review Distribution

5★
72%
4★
15%
3★
7%
2★
4%
1★
2%

Pricing: $1,000 – $1,600

Deposit: Deposit required at booking

What Reviewers Love

  • Price Lock Promise covers up to $300 in market price increases
  • Complimentary car wash included with every shipment
  • Rigorous carrier vetting — only carriers with <0.5% claims rate
  • A+ BBB Rating
  • Strong communication throughout the transport process

Common Complaints

  • Pricing runs 10–15% higher than comparable competitors
  • Newer company (founded 2017) with less long-term track record
  • Price Lock only covers up to $300 — larger increases are not covered

Real Customer Reviews

"Everything went as the representative indicated. The driver was excellent, provided continuous contact. I paid exactly what was posted and everything went very smooth!"

— Patricia M. via ConsumerAffairs

"They were extremely helpful when I needed it. They chose a very reputable hauler and I paid exactly what was quoted."

— Robert T. via Google Reviews

Pricing range

$1,000 – $1,600

Visit Website
#3

AmeriFreight

20+ Years of Experience With Generous Discount Options

4.4
Based on 9,500+ reviews
A+
BBB Rating
20+
Years Active
9,500+
Reviews

AmeriFreight is a veteran of the industry with over two decades of experience and one of the most extensive discount programs available. They are particularly strong for budget-conscious shippers, offering discounts for military personnel, students, seniors, and repeat customers. Their AFta gap coverage is a unique value-add.

Score Breakdown

Customer Service4.5
Pricing Transparency4.6
Reliability4.3
Communication4.4
Value for Money4.7

Review Distribution

5★
68%
4★
18%
3★
8%
2★
3%
1★
3%

Pricing: $800 – $1,500

Deposit: No credit card required for quote

What Reviewers Love

  • Over 20 years of industry experience
  • AFta gap coverage provides up to $2,000 in additional protection
  • Extensive discount program (military, student, senior, repeat customer)
  • No upfront credit card required to get a quote
  • Nearly 10,000 verified reviews across platforms

Common Complaints

  • Quoted prices are not binding unless pickup occurs within 24 hours
  • No live GPS tracking available for shipments
  • Prices can fluctuate based on carrier bid market

Real Customer Reviews

"A great experience! AmeriFreight's customer service specialists were great to deal with. They explained the process when countless other transport companies would not."

— Jennifer L. via ConsumerAffairs

"We had a Kia shipped through AmeriFreight and the customer service rep was very informative and helpful. The car arrived in perfect condition."

— David R. via Google Reviews

Pricing range

$800 – $1,500

Visit Website
#4

SGT Auto Transport

Guaranteed Pickup Windows & Price-Match Promise

4.2
Based on 1,200+ reviews
B+
BBB Rating
12+
Years Active
1,200+
Reviews

SGT Auto Transport distinguishes itself with guaranteed pickup windows — a rarity in the industry — and a price-match guarantee against any competitor. They are a solid mid-tier option, though their lower BBB rating and shorter quote validity window are worth noting.

Score Breakdown

Customer Service4.2
Pricing Transparency4.4
Reliability4.0
Communication4.1
Value for Money4.3

Review Distribution

5★
62%
4★
20%
3★
10%
2★
5%
1★
3%

Pricing: $700 – $1,200

Deposit: No deposit required

What Reviewers Love

  • Guaranteed pickup windows available — a rare industry offering
  • Price-match guarantee against any competitor
  • No upfront deposit required
  • Door-to-door service standard on all shipments
  • Competitive pricing on most routes

Common Complaints

  • BBB rating of B+ — lower than top competitors
  • Quotes expire after only seven days
  • No live GPS tracking for shipments
  • Smaller carrier network than industry leaders

Real Customer Reviews

"All company reps and drivers had great service and were very communicative. Tracking was spot on and cars were delivered on time."

— Michael S. via Google Reviews

"Highly recommended! Smooth booking process and strong communication throughout the transport."

— Lisa K. via Trustpilot

Pricing range

$700 – $1,200

Visit Website
#5

Montway Auto Transport

America's Largest Broker — Volume Over Personalization

4.1
Based on 1,600+ reviews
A+
BBB Rating
18+
Years Active
1,600+
Reviews

Montway is one of the largest auto transport brokers in the United States, shipping over 100,000 vehicles annually. Their scale provides a broad carrier network and extended customer service hours, but the sheer volume of business means the personal touch that top-rated companies provide is often absent.

Score Breakdown

Customer Service4.0
Pricing Transparency4.0
Reliability4.2
Communication4.0
Value for Money4.0

Review Distribution

5★
58%
4★
22%
3★
12%
2★
5%
1★
3%

Pricing: $800 – $1,500

Deposit: Deposit required at booking

What Reviewers Love

  • Massive carrier network — 100,000+ vehicles shipped annually
  • 365-day customer service availability
  • Additional $250,000 cargo insurance available
  • A+ BBB Rating
  • Discounts for military, students, and repeat customers

Common Complaints

  • $249 cancellation fee once a carrier is dispatched
  • Quotes are estimates — not binding guarantees
  • Customer service can feel impersonal due to high volume
  • Quotes expire after seven days
  • No live GPS tracking

Real Customer Reviews

"We had an easy and successful experience with Montway! We worked with two great drivers and the communication was excellent."

— Sarah M. via ConsumerAffairs

"My experience with Montway's customer service was outstanding; they handled business incredibly swiftly."

— Thomas B. via Google Reviews

Pricing range

$800 – $1,500

Visit Website
Number 1 Auto Transport - Editor's Top Pick Badge
Editor's Final Verdict

The Clear Choice for 2026

After analyzing thousands of reviews and comparing five of the industry's most prominent companies, Number 1 Auto Transport is our unambiguous top recommendation. Their Price Lock Guarantee eliminates the industry's most common source of customer frustration. Their named, accountable agents create a level of personal service that no large-volume broker can replicate. And their 15-year track record with 50,000+ vehicles shipped provides the kind of documented reliability that matters when you're trusting someone with your car.

Get Your Free QuoteCall 855-422-4141

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the best auto transport company?

Look for companies with an A+ BBB rating, a price lock or binding quote guarantee, no upfront deposit requirements, and a documented history of resolved complaints. Read reviews on independent platforms like Reddit's r/AutoTransport, ConsumerAffairs, and Transport Reviews — not just the testimonials on the company's own website. Number 1 Auto Transport excels on all of these criteria.

What is a Price Lock Guarantee and why does it matter?

A Price Lock Guarantee means the price you are quoted is the price you pay at delivery — no surprise fees, no market adjustments, no driver demands for more money at pickup. This is the most important feature to look for in an auto transport company, as bait-and-switch pricing is the industry's most common complaint. Number 1 Auto Transport offers a full Price Lock Guarantee.

How long does auto transport typically take?

Transit times depend on distance. Short hauls (under 500 miles) typically take 1–3 days. Cross-country shipments (2,000+ miles) generally take 7–10 days. Pickup is usually arranged within 1–5 business days of booking, though companies like Number 1 Auto Transport often achieve carrier assignment within 24–48 hours.

Is open or enclosed transport better?

Open transport is the industry standard and is safe for the vast majority of vehicles — it is how new cars are delivered from manufacturers to dealerships. Enclosed transport is recommended for exotic, classic, or high-value vehicles where additional protection from weather and road debris is worth the premium cost. Number 1 Auto Transport offers both options.

What should I do to prepare my car for shipping?

Remove personal belongings (they are not covered by carrier insurance), document any existing damage with photos, ensure the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full, disable any toll transponders, and make sure the vehicle is in running condition unless you have specifically arranged non-running transport. Leave a spare key with the carrier.