Mercury Auto Transport

- Type of company
- Broker
- Services
- Ships all types of vehicles; door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service in open or enclosed carriers
- Availability
- All 50 states
After analyzing thousands of verified customer reviews, service offerings and overall value, Mercury Auto Transport earns the top spot among auto transport companies in 2025. Tempus Logix is a strong choice if you prioritize customer service and AmeriFreight stands out for its competitive pricing. Sherpa Auto Transport is ideal for long-distance transport, SGT Auto Transport excels at shipping classic and luxury cars and Montway Auto Transport is a great option for motorcycle shipping.
To help you choose the right option for your needs, we compare our picks for the best auto transporters based on costs, features and reviews.
Read our full methodology for details on how we selected our top picks. Note that our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us. This does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.
Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Types of vehicles transported | Delivery method | Sample quote* | Cancellation fees | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4.7
323 reviews
323 reviews
| Top pick overall | Cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles | Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal | $965 | Loss of deposit + $75 fee | Learn more |
![]() | 5.0
75 reviews
75 reviews
| Customer service | Cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats | Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal | $1,256 | Loss of deposit | Learn more |
![]() | 4.8
4,484 reviews
4,484 reviews
| Best value | Cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats | Door-to-door only | $969 | Loss of deposit | Get a Quote |
![]() | 4.9
5,247 reviews
5,247 reviews
| Long-distance transport | Cars, trucks, motorcycles | Door-to-door only | $1,350 | $50 fee | Get a Quote |
![]() | 4.6
1,068 reviews
1,068 reviews
| Classic and luxury cars | Cars, trucks, motorcycles | Door-to-door only | $1221 | $149 | Learn more |
![]() | 4.7
4,812 reviews
4,812 reviews
| Motorcycle shipping | Cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats | Door-to-door only | $1,219 | $249 fee | Get a Quote |
*To get the sample prices listed above, we got quotes to ship a common vehicle on a common long-distance route using the most typical shipping method so we could compare costs side by side. We chose a 2019 Toyota Camry to be shipped from Los Angeles to Miami on an open carrier.
Jump into our guides and start learning
Whether you’re moving, sending your kid to college far away or heading south for the winter, you may need to get your car from one place to another without actually driving it. Using an auto transport company to ship your car can come in handy. It may even be faster and less expensive than driving your car cross-country yourself.
Preparation and research are key to a smooth auto transport experience. Gathering quotes, choosing the right shipping method and preparing your vehicle properly can save time and money.
Jump to insightThe cost to ship a car ranges widely, influenced by factors like distance, vehicle type, shipping method and season.
Jump to insightLook for a company with transparent pricing, good customer reviews and proper insurance coverage to avoid unexpected costs and ensure your vehicle's safety.
Jump to insightA little preparation and research about how to ship a car will help you know what you can expect from the process and make informed decisions that suit your vehicle, timeline and budget.
Follow these steps for a smooth auto transport experience:
It’s also a good idea to clean and service your car before shipping it so you know it’s loaded onto the carrier in top condition. Be sure to check your battery and emergency brake, and make sure your tires are properly inflated.
When your carrier gets close to the delivery point, you should be contacted with a more precise estimated time of arrival.
After you’ve paid, you’ll get your keys, and the transport process is complete.
In general, the choices are between truck, train and ship — and open or closed container. Your ultimate choice will come down to your timeline, budget and how much you’re willing to expose your car to the elements on its journey.
You can plan to spend from about 40 cents to $2 per mile to ship your car, depending on the shipping distance, the season and the type of vehicle.
While the average cost to ship a car ranges from 40 cents to $2 per mile, that price will vary, depending on factors like:
On average, you can expect to pay between $500 to ship a car a short distance and about $1,700 if your car needs to travel across the country.
A main draw of door-to-door shipping is convenience. Instead of having to drive to a drop-off point hundreds of miles away, a truck comes to your area. Your car is then loaded on the truck alongside other vehicles.
The term door-to-door shipping is a little misleading, though — it sounds like a company comes right to your home to pick up your car and then drops it off at your new driveway. In reality, it all comes down to how accessible your location is.
For instance, if you live on a narrow street or in a crowded city with limited space for the carrier truck, you may have to meet the carrier elsewhere. But if you live in an easy-to-reach home with plenty of parking, the truck should be able to come directly to you.
The major con of door-to-door shipping is cost — the ease of door-to-door pickup and delivery can come at a premium, especially if your final destination is far from a major city or hub. However, it’s a good option if you’re busy and willing to pay more for added convenience.
With this method, you drive to an auto shipping hub to drop off your car, then meet your car at the destination hub to drive it to your ultimate destination.
The exact price of this shipping method comes down to how far your car is traveling and the kind of car you have. Still, you can expect to save a few hundred dollars (compared with door-to-door transport) if you go with this type of shipping, which is generally considered the lowest-price method.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping may require more effort on your part, especially if the hub is far from where you live, but this method is a good option for those looking for a way to save on car shipping costs.
Open shipping is the most popular way to ship a car, and it comes with the lowest price tag (especially if you opt for terminal-to-terminal transport, too).
Open shipping is usually a good choice for those who only have to ship their vehicles a short distance. The primary downside: Your car is exposed to all road conditions, which may include debris, bad weather or traffic accidents. This method can put a bit of wear and tear on your shock absorbers, and it also comes with an increased risk of damage by the surrounding cars on the carrier.
If your car is older, though, the risk of a ding or two might be worth the lower cost. Prices start around $900 to ship a midsize car about 1,500 miles with door-to-door service.
Enclosed shipping means your car is covered during transport. This method adds an extra layer of protection for your vehicle, whether it’s a beat-up family car or a pristine classic car. Enclosed shipping also generally means there are fewer cars packed into the container, which gives your car a bit of space as it travels.
Be aware that enclosed shipping can add hundreds to your shipping bill. On average, you’ll pay a minimum of $1,400 to ship a midsize car 1,500 miles with door-to-door service.
If you love your car and have a few bucks to spare, enclosed shipping may be worth the extra cost for peace of mind.
If you need your car shipped as soon as possible, expedited shipping will generally get it to your destination in five days or fewer. You’ll also be in the loop regarding the exact delivery date, which sometimes feels impossible with other shipping methods.
Just like shipping a package overnight at the post office, you’ll pay extra for the speed of this service. If you need your car right away, though, expedited shipping may be the best option for you.
The cost to ship a car varies based on individual circumstances, but to help give you an idea of what it may cost we gathered an array of quotes from our top five car shipping companies.
Check out the table below for a sample of quoted prices from each of our top picks for a variety of vehicle makes and models, shipping methods and distances. Then, read on to learn more about how each of these variables can impact the final price tag.
Note that all of these quotes are for door-to-door auto transport. While three of our top companies offer both door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service (Tempus Logix, Ship a Car, Inc. and Mercury Auto Transport), their online quote tools didn’t give us the option to select terminal-to-terminal shipping.
Company | Type of vehicle | Transport type | Pickup location | Delivery location | Cost | Approx. cost per mile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sherpa Auto Transport | 2014 Toyota RAV4 | Enclosed | Atlanta, Ga. | Chicago, Ill. | $1,875 | $2.60 |
Tempus Logix | 2023 Tesla Model S | Enclosed | Boston, Mass. | St. Petersburg, Fla. | $1,167 | $0.85 |
Mercury Auto Transport | Inoperable 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Open | Austin, Texas | Omaha, Neb. | $1,155 | $1.37 |
AmeriFreight | 2011 Honda Civic | Open | Los Angeles, Calif. | San Francisco, Calif. | $400 | $1.05 |
Ship a Car, Inc. | 2018 Ford F-150 | Open | Aurora, Colo. | Honolulu, Hawaii | $2,650 | $0.79 |
The primary factor that affects shipping costs is distance. Transporting a car across the country or overseas will likely cost hundreds of dollars more than shipping the same car within a state.
The following factors will also contribute to the total cost of shipping your car:
The biggest factor, of course, is distance. Traffic and weather also often play a role: Severe conditions can cause significant delays, but you may get your car sooner than expected if everything is smooth sailing.
While it sometimes happens faster, it often takes one to two weeks to ship a car.
You may also have to wait for your carrier to get a full load before it can begin its journey. On the other hand, during a peak season when demand is high, it may take a little longer to find a carrier with room for your vehicle.
Every car shipping company has its own method of estimating pickup and delivery dates and times. Your provider will likely give you an estimated delivery timeline based on the length of the trip, the availability of carriers and anticipated road conditions.
Before booking a car shipping company be sure to review its pricing, customer reviews and insurance coverage.
A good auto transport company has a history of happy customers and is transparent about its pricing and additional fees.
Insurance can vary from state to state, but it usually covers basic liability. Ensure a carrier’s insurance covers pickup and delivery of your vehicle as well as the time your vehicle spends in transport. Also inquire about when the company’s liability for your car ends, and ask what additional insurance (if any) is included in the quote. (You can generally buy additional insurance from the carrier.)
“Read and understand the carrier’s policy carefully, and understand what is and what is not covered,” advised David Bennett, senior automotive manager at AAA. “For example, are items inside of the vehicle covered or not?”
Bennett also recommends checking with your own car insurance company to determine if your policy covers damage that may occur during transport.
Using an auto transport broker
Brokers are an intermediary between you and the actual auto shipping company. According to the Department of Transportation, they’re essentially a sales team. Brokers get all the information about your car, your budget and your timeline. They then sell that information to carrier companies who bid on the job.
On the upside, working with a broker means you’ll get a lot of bids to choose from. “(Using) a broker relieves the stress and hassle of contacting multiple carriers to find the best equipment and price,” said Bennett. “A broker should be able to consult with you on the best type of transport that fits your specific needs.”
On the downside, the initial estimate you get may be a far cry from the final cost. Brokers may offer low bids to entice you to use their services — consider a broker that offers some kind of price guarantee, and be prepared to get a number of cold calls and emails vying for your business.
Auto transport brokers act as middlemen to find you the lowest rate. Carriers are the actual auto haulers that ship and deliver your vehicle.
Using an auto transport carrier
You can also work with an auto transport carrier directly. This means picking up the phone (or going online) to give your information to several different companies yourself. You’ll share the make and model of your car, the ZIP codes of your starting and drop-off points and your transport dates.
While this may be more time-consuming than working with a broker, you may be able to get a more accurate price from the get-go.
Choosing an auto transport carrier company also means that you have a direct line of contact with the staff that will handle and transport your vehicle.
Keep in mind that with any estimate you get, if a price is unbelievably low, it’s best to stay away. And remember that some initial quotes are not the price you’ll pay when you pick up your car at its final destination. We suggest you always get your initial estimate and contract in writing as a safeguard against price gouging.
Shipping your car can be a smooth process, but there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to ensure everything goes according to plan:
Whether you should use open or closed transport to ship your car all comes down to two factors: how much you’re willing to pay and how much you want to protect your car.
About 90% of people who transport their car use open transport because it’s the least expensive option. Your car may arrive in need of a good scrubbing when it gets to its destination, but the price of a car wash may be well worth the overall savings.
If you have a valuable vehicle, like a luxury, exotic or classic car, you may want to opt for enclosed transport. While this transport method is more expensive, your car is likely to arrive in pristine condition.
You should schedule your auto transport as soon as you know you need to transport a car. If possible, aim to book your shipment at least a month in advance. This way, you have more control over when your car arrives — and you’ll avoid any rush fees.
If your car gets chipped by debris or damaged by another car, your carrier will take care of paying for the repair. A carrier usually pays for minor repairs out of pocket, but if a car is badly damaged, a carrier might use its insurance.
It’s crucial for you to inspect your car and document any existing damage before you hand it off to an auto shipper. That goes double for when you pick up your car — before you drive away, do a thorough inspection for any type of damage and report what you find.
The bill of lading is the official legal document that serves as a contract between you and the carrier that transports your vehicle. The bill of lading (sometimes abbreviated B/L or BOL) contains details about:
If your car gets damaged in transit, the carrier should note it on the bill of lading. Make sure that you review this document before signing it at both ends of your car’s journey.
Yes, you can ship an inoperable vehicle. It may cost you more money and a bit more time than shipping a car that runs perfectly, but many car shipping companies can transport a nonrunning car.
Make sure to communicate the condition of the vehicle when you make your shipping arrangements so the carrier knows to bring the necessary equipment for loading and unloading a car that doesn’t run.
You may not need your own auto insurance while your car is in transport, but it’s a good idea to have it in case of unforeseen circumstances. Also, you need insurance if you’re driving your car to and from pickup and drop-off points.
You may want to buy extra auto insurance coverage while your car is in transport, especially if you have a vintage, exotic or expensive car, to help offset any potential damages.
Some auto transport brokers offer additional insurance that can help cover repair costs if your car is damaged during the shipping process. When you choose a car shipping company, check its website to find out what kind of cargo insurance, liability insurance and gap coverage it offers.
Yes, you can ship your motorcycle. While the process of shipping a motorcycle is similar to shipping a car, make sure the company you work with has specific experience shipping motorcycles.
Yes: If you’re moving overseas, you can take your car with you.
When you ship a car overseas, expect to wait at least a month before it arrives on the next shore. This is partly due to the fact that your car will travel by cargo ship (even if you travel by plane). It generally takes 30 to 40 days to ship a car overseas from the U.S.
Note that shipping a car overseas will involve more paperwork than transporting a vehicle domestically. However, an overseas shipping company should be able to handle all this for you.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach informed by our expert editors to choose the best auto transport companies. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks.
To decide our six top picks for buyers with different priorities (like our pick for best value), as well as our top overall auto transport company, we used a weighted scoring system that took into account both reviews about each company from ConsumerAffairs users and specific company offerings that we researched.
The weightings for each pick were:
The process for scoring each company across all six categories and overall is entirely statistical. To complete it, the team did the following:
The company with the highest score in each category’s uniquely weighted formula was given the “Our pick for” designation. In some cases where a single company received the top score across multiple categories, the company with the second-highest score was named the winner.
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
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Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4.9
5,247 reviews
| Provides door-to-door vehicle transport. Free, all-inclusive quote, with $0 due until a carrier is secured. Price Lock Promise means the quoted price is the price you pay. Offers $20 reimbursement for car wash after delivery. | Get a Quote |
![]() | 4.7
4,812 reviews
| Average costs of $588 to $930. No upfront charges. Open, enclosed and expedited shipping. Nationwide coverage with an extensive carrier network and guaranteed pickup dates. Founded in 2007. | Get a Quote |
![]() | 4.6
1,068 reviews
| Brokers shipping for all types of vehicles. Open and enclosed options. Offers door-to-door transport, cross-country shipping, express shipping, international shipping and more. Price-match promise. Vehicles are fully insured. | Read reviews |
![]() | 4.8
4,484 reviews
| Costs range from $495 to $1,300.Offers door-to-door transport for cars, boats and motorcycles. Discounts for seniors, students and first responders. No upfront payment required. Quotes available in writing. Founded in 2004. | Get a Quote |
![]() | 4.2
49 reviews
| Ships vehicles in the continental U.S. and Hawaii. Open or enclosed transport. Network of 10,000+ vetted carriers. Licensed and insured. Ship new and used vehicles, motorcycles, boats and ATVs. Typically costs $500-$1,500+. | Get a Quote |
![]() | 4.9
3,682 reviews
| Depending on vehicle type, distance and season, costs range 35 cents to $1 per mile for door-to-door service. No upfront payment. Free estimates available in writing. Guaranteed damage-free delivery. Founded in 2008. | Read reviews |
![]() | 2.8
85 reviews
| No up-front payments. Offers open and enclosed transport options. Topload preference available. Can facilitate international shipments. Ships motorcycles, oversized and inoperable vehicles. No hidden fees. | Read reviews |
![]() | 4.7
323 reviews
| Auto shipping broker. Sends quote requests to a nationwide carrier network. Licensed, insured and bonded. Assists in price negotiations. No cancellation fee. Separate broker fee and carrier fee. Pay after carrier contract signed. | Read reviews |
![]() | 4.0
236 reviews
| Thousands of service providers in its network. Shipment tracking available. User-friendly app. Can receive multiple bids and choose your own carrier. Allows you to transport nearly everything. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.0
3,521 reviews
| Average cost around $750 for medium-distance car shipping. Expedited and enclosed options. Transports for motorcycles, RVs and boats. Provides personal agent and vehicle tracking. No upfront deposit. Founded in 2012. | Read reviews |
![]() | 5.0
75 reviews
| Provides instant auto shipping quotes from transporters. Partners with 25,000-plus carriers. Deposit and broker fees are required. Available throughout the U.S. Experience shipping a variety of vehicle types. | Read reviews |
![]() | 4.7
184 reviews
| Transport broker using fully insured and bonded carriers. Open and enclosed carrier options. Door-to-door transport in all 50 states. Free quote, with no deposit to find a carrier. Ships all types of vehicles and equipment. | Read reviews |
![]() | 4.4
1,058 reviews
| Starting cost to ship a sedan 1,000 miles is $800. Door-to-door shipping for cars, RVs, trailers, boats and machinery. 24/7 online tracking. Offers free quotes and full insurance coverage. Founded in 1986. | Read reviews |
![]() | 4.3
58 reviews
| Connects customers to licensed and insured auto transportation companies. Offers a vast selection of vehicle shipping services. Partners carry up to $1 million in insurance. Requires a phone call for pricing. | Read reviews |
![]() | 4.1
45 reviews
| Nationwide vehicle shipping. Open and enclosed transport options. Door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal pickup and delivery services. Expedited shipping available. Specializes in personal and commercial vehicle moves. | Read reviews |
![]() | 3.4
145 reviews
| Shipping from New York to Florida costs around $1,000. Offers shipping by open or enclosed transport. Oversized transport, international shipments and snowbird services available. Live vehicle tracking. Founded in 2010. | Read reviews |
![]() | 2.7
1,326 reviews
| Estimated transport cost from Dallas to Atlanta is $900. Offers door-to-door shipping. Domestic shipping in 50 states. Multivehicle, large vehicle, expedited and international options. 24/7 customer service. Founded in 2010. | Read reviews |
![]() | 2.1
162 reviews
| Nationwide and overseas door-to-door shipping for cars, trucks, RVs, boats and heavy equipment. Costs vary. Based in Florida. Free quotes. Coast-to-coast routes take seven to 10 days. Founded in 2011. | Read reviews |
![]() | 2.0
274 reviews
| Coordinates vehicle relocations. Get custom quotes through an online calculator tool. Offers military and veteran discounts. Free to schedule. Motorcycle and heavy equipment shipping available. Founded in 2013. | Read reviews |
![]() | 2.0
13 reviews
| Average cost for open shipping for a sedan in California is $500. Offers standard, expedited and rush shipping. Most orders ship in a week. Insured, licensed and bonded. Deposit required. Founded in 2004. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.0
224 reviews
| Average rates from 60 cents to $1 per mile. Brokers open and enclosed carriers to transport any type of vehicle. Services all 50 states. Instant online quotes available. Founded in 1999. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.0
113 reviews
| Cross-country services range from $1,097 to $1,477 for a standard-sized vehicle shipped on an open carrier. Domestic and international transportation services for cars, motorcycles and heavy equipment. Founded in 1992. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.0
49 reviews
| Costs vary for auto and motorcycle shipping. Enclosed and dealer transport options. Available throughout the U.S., including in Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. All vehicles are fully insured. Founded in 2007. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.0
11 reviews
| Range of domestic and international services. Costs vary. Open and enclosed transport available. Licensed, bonded and fully insured. Three-day pickup windows. Track your shipment online. Established in 1980. | Read reviews |
![]() | No reviews | Find solutions for classic cars, exotic cars, nonrunning vehicles and more. Open, enclosed and express services. Door-to-door service with no upfront deposit. Offers standard, premium and express options. Founded in 1992. | |
![]() | No reviews | Costs start around $600. Domestic and international door-to-door shipping for cars, motorcycles and boats. Quotes include all costs. No upfront payment required. Average shipping takes less than 14 days. Founded in 2011. | |
![]() | No reviews | Provides an online marketplace for shippers and carriers. Find door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal delivery. Founded in 2001. | |
![]() | No reviews | Brokers door-to-door auto shipping nationwide. Same-day pickup often available. Looks for lowest prices from over 30,000 carriers. Open seven days a week. Open and enclosed transport. Ships RVs, motorcycles and boats. | |
![]() | No reviews | Specializes in coast-to-coast vehicle shipping. Doesn’t service the Northwestern U.S. Shipments require cash on delivery. Generally requires two to three weeks’ advance scheduling. Transit time is usually seven to 10 days. | |
![]() | No reviews | Offers nationwide shipping, including to Alaska and Hawaii. Assigns a personal representative to coordinate transport needs. Door-to-door service with full bumper-to-bumper insurance. No upfront money required. | |
![]() | No reviews | Nationwide door-to-door auto transport. Open and enclosed shipping options. Storage facility for drop-ship vehicles, overnight storage and early drop-off. 24/7 dispatch. $720 estimate to ship a sedan from Chicago to Miami. | |
![]() | No reviews | Transports any type of motor vehicle. Offers open, enclosed and door-to-door shipping options. Fifth wheel and lowboy heavy equipment transport available. Provides climate-controlled transport and online tracking. | |
![]() | No reviews | Domestic and international shipping. Open and enclosed options. Door-to-door service available. Coast-to-coast delivery typically takes seven to 10 days. To ship a sedan from Washington, D.C., to Oregon costs about $1,220. | |
![]() | 1.0
74 reviews
| Car transportation services range from $500 to $1,200. Door-to-door shipping for motorcycles and boats also available. Provides vehicle tracking. Get a free quote by phone. Founded in 2012. | Read reviews |