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Crash Course:
- Montway Auto Transport offers the most convenient and safest way to transport classic cars without breaking the bank. With this company, you can have your car shipped in an enclosed container with door-to-door delivery.
- Sherpa Auto Transport has an industry reputation for reliability and high-quality services, making it an excellent choice for classic car owners.
- AmeriFreight has been in business for 19 years and is known for its ability to ship valuable vehicles safely across the country.
Featured Car Shipping Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top car shipping providers. Here are our featured picks:
The top classic car transport companies can safely and efficiently move even the most delicate vehicles across the country with ease. Regardless of where you’re shipping your vehicle, you can expect strong service from the top providers mentioned in this article.
Our team reviewed the best car shipping companies to determine the providers that stand out from the rest. It’s critical that you pick a reputable car hauler if you’re considering classic car transport, as your vehicle may be both valuable and fragile.
Best Rated Classic Car Shipping Companies
We found that Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, and uShip all offer exceptional classic car transport services. Expect to receive relatively cheap car shipping, a secure transport, and a strong customer service focus from these top four providers. Whether you’re relocating or trying to get your model to a car show, you’ll likely have a positive experience.
#1. Montway Auto Transport: Best Service Options
Montway Auto Transport has been around since 2006 and can ship cars and motorcycles anywhere across the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. The company offers shipping options such as door-to-door transport, open trailer and enclosed auto transport, and expedited delivery. Customers are generally pleased by the company’s services, as seen by its 4.6-star rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site from over 2,300 reviews.
Read more: Montway Auto Transport review
#2. Sherpa Auto Transport: Best Value
Classic car owners should have an easy time working with Sherpa Auto Transport, considering the company’s 4.9-star rating on the BBB site. The company is known to have some of the highest-quality services in the industry, making it a safe choice for exotic, classic, and luxury cars. You’ll get locked-in rates from Sherpa Auto Transport as well, meaning that you won’t face any price increases mid-shipment.
Read more: Sherpa Auto Transport review
#3. AmeriFreight: Best Overall
With over 19 years of experience in the business, AmeriFreight knows how to securely haul valuable vehicles across the country. The company’s impressive expertise is reflected by its stellar 4.9-star score on the BBB site based on more than 800 reviews. AmeriFreight is known for its many discounts such as for military members, first responders, medical personnel, students, and senior citizens.
Read more: AmeriFreight review
#4. uShip: Best Marketplace
This company is a bit different from our other recommendations in that it’s a classic car transport marketplace instead of a broker. This model means that uShip lets you place your classic or sports car up for bidding by various haulers who scour the site for jobs. Since multiple truck drivers may be eyeing your delivery, it’s possible that you could get a highly competitive rate. Know that uShip doesn’t vet the car carriers on its site, meaning that you should do careful research before handing over your car keys to any trucker who reaches out.
Read more: uShip review
Featured Car Shipping Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top car shipping providers. Here are our featured picks:
How To Ship A Classic Car
Classic car transport is a bit different from the regular auto shipping process, but the variations aren’t too significant. Below, we’ll lay out a few steps to follow as you learn about how to move your classic or luxury vehicle to a new city or state.
1. Consider Various Auto Transport Services
While it’s possible for classic car owners to choose the most pared-down plan for car shipping, that leaves a valuable model vulnerable to damages. Since road hazards and bad weather could potentially destroy your vehicle if you choose open transport, we strongly suggest that you consider enclosed auto transport. See below for a summary of various shipping options, including enclosed vehicle transport.
- Open vehicle transport: The most common transport service, open auto transport means your vehicle will be exposed to the elements. This shipping process is best for budget-conscious drivers but will likely not be a good option for classic car enthusiasts.
- Enclosed vehicle transport: Your classic vehicle can be transported in an enclosed trailer or shipping container to prevent potential damages. While you’ll pay significantly more for enclosed car shipping services, it could save your car from major issues.
- Terminal-to-terminal shipping: Your classic car will be picked up and dropped off at predetermined locations instead of at your own address. While this service is relatively affordable, it’ll leave you with some driving hassle.
- Door-to-door shipping: With door-to-door transport, car movers will pick up and drop off your classic car as close to your specified addresses as possible. For classic car transport, this means that you’ll avoid potential car accidents on the way to your new home.
- Expedited shipping: Rather than waiting one to two weeks for transport carrier availability, drivers with time constraints can choose expedited shipping for a fee.
- Single-car transport: If you don’t want your classic or luxury car to be shipped with other vehicles, you can have it shipped alone in a closed container. While you’ll pay more to receive single-car shipping, it prevents nearly all possible damages during transport.
2. Compare Classic Car Shipping Quotes
Classic cars are somewhat more difficult to get instant quotes for because they can be more of a challenge to transport. Only certain auto shippers are willing to handle classic cars, meaning that you may need to search around for car shipping quotes online.
Despite this, it’s important that you compare rates from multiple car shipping companies before making a final decision. Prices can vary widely by provider and route, meaning that your best or cheapest transport option may be different from that of other classic car owners.
When getting classic car transport quotes, you’ll need to know your vehicle’s age, make, and model. That way, auto transport companies can get a better understanding of what kind of classic car they’ll be handling.
3. Pick a Provider and Prepare Your Car
Once you’ve set your pickup date and your dropoff date, it’s time to get serious. First, make sure that your vehicle is up to date on its insurance policy. Issues can pop up from time to time during classic car transport, making it essential that your model is fully covered.
Next, check your vehicle for damages and note them before the pickup. That way, you’ll have a record of what was wrong before the transport in case something occurs during the move. Also, make sure that you have a spare set of keys, remove all valuable possessions, and leave no more than a quarter tank of gas in your car on moving day.
4. Drop Off and Pick Up the Vehicle
The auto transporter will also want to record damages before classic or antique car transport begins. Once you hand over your keys, the vehicle will head to its final destination, where you’ll pick it up. Make sure to retain the car hauler’s phone number in case you need to know details about your car mid-shipment. Upon your exotic vehicle’s arrival, only sign the bill of lading if you’re satisfied with its final condition.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Classic Car?
Classic car shipping costs vary based on your chosen provider, the size and age of your vehicle, and your specific vehicle shipping route. We suggest that you compare multiple free quotes before choosing a provider if you’re seeking out lower-than-average car shipping costs.
Rate Estimates for Car Transport Services
Our research team got instant quotes from various providers to give you an estimate of how much shipping services could cost. While many of our quotes use enclosed carriers, they’re for a 2018 Nissan Rogue instead of for a classic car. All of these rates refer to a 1,750-mile vehicle shipment from San Francisco to Austin, Texas.
| Shipping Provider | Shipping Service | Total Cost |
| Montway Auto Transport | Open transport | $1,459 |
| Enclosed transport | $1,829 | |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Open transport | $1,075 |
| Enclosed transport | $1,275 | |
| AmeriFreight | Open transport | $1,199 |
| Enclosed transport | $2,038 | |
| uShip | Open transport | $1,605 |
| Enclosed transport | $1,995 |
Because these prices are for a 2018 Nissan Rogue rather than a classic car, you can expect to pay somewhat higher rates. Still, this should give you a ballpark estimate of how much car transport can cost, along with a view into why it’s important to compare rates.
Classic Car Shipping Companies: Conclusion
The thought of sending off a valuable and rare vehicle using classic car transport can be a bit stressful. Luckily, you’ll receive thoughtful and efficient services when you choose one of the reliable carriers listed above. It’s best to compare quotes from them and other reputable providers to make sure that you receive an excellent rate for exotic car transport.
Classic Car Transport: FAQ
How do I know if my vehicle is a classic car?
While there’s no exact definition for what is considered a classic car, it’s generally a term for valuable models that are at least 20 years old. If you’re going to register and insure your vehicle as a classic, it should be kept in its original design.
Is it better to ship my car using open or enclosed transport?
Enclosed car transport will always be a safer option than open carrier transport, but it’s also much pricier. Classic and vintage cars should be shipped using enclosed car shipping to prevent damages to these rare models.
Is it better to ship or drive my classic car?
Driving your classic vehicle from start to finish will almost certainly be cheaper, but it’s extremely risky. You’ll be putting wear and tear on a fragile car, subjecting it to road hazards and poor weather, and leaving it vulnerable to car accidents. Shipping a classic car is a better choice.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car shipping companies.
- Prices: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, services, and shipping routes to give this rating.
- Services: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that an auto transport company offers an array of services. We take into account the availability of services, ability to guarantee pickup and drop-off dates, and insurance coverage options.
- Reputation: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, a company’s history of service, and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Service: Reputable car shippers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
