| Company | Customer rating | Transport type | Delivery method | Availability | Cancellation fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sherpa Auto Transport | Get a Quote | 4.9 | Open and enclosed shipping | Door-to-door only | All 50 states | Loss of deposit |
 Mercury Auto Transport | Learn More | 4.4 | Open and enclosed shipping | Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal | All 50 states | Loss of deposit + $75 |
 Tempus Logix | Learn More | 5.0 | Open and enclosed shipping | Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal | All 50 states and international | Loss of deposit |
 Easy Auto Ship | Learn More | 1.0 | Open and enclosed shipping | Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal | All 50 states and international | Loss of deposit or $195 fee, whichever is less |
 Montway Auto Transport | Learn More | 4.7 | Open and enclosed shipping | Door-to-door only | All 50 states | $249 |
More details about our top 5 classic car shipping picks
To select our top picks, we looked at transporters and brokers that meet key criteria for a smooth, successful transport experience:
- Enclosed transport: You don’t want to gamble with the condition of your classic car. Extreme heat or cold can damage the temperature-sensitive materials, finishes and adhesives on many vintage vehicles. Our top picks offer enclosed transport to move your car safely.
- High customer satisfaction rates: All our picks for classic car shipping companies have received positive feedback from verified customers through online reviews and ratings. We gave extra consideration to reviews that mentioned customer service, staff expertise and the delivery and shipping experience.
- Straightforward tracking: We selected companies that make it easy to track your car’s location in real time with online tools or direct communication with your dispatcher and driver.
- A history of shipping classic cars: Collector vehicles like classic, vintage and antique cars need special handling and care. We compared companies that have experience and expertise in transporting these unique vehicles.
Sherpa Auto Transport
- Type of company
- Broker
- Services
- Door-to-door transport for all types of cars, pickup trucks and motorcycles in either enclosed or open trailers
- Availability
- All 50 states
- Type of company
- Broker
- Services
- Door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping for all types of vehicles in open or enclosed carriers
- Availability
- All 50 states
- Type of company
- Broker
- Services
- Ships all types of vehicles; door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service in open or enclosed trailers
- Availability
- All 50 states and international
- Type of company
- Broker
- Services
- Ships all types of vehicles; door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service in open or enclosed trailers
- Availability
- All 50 states and international
- Type of company
- Broker
- Services
- Ships all types of vehicles; Door-to-door service in open or enclosed trailers
- Availability
- All 50 states
Classic car transport cost
Many auto transport companies offer a cost calculator to give you a rough cost estimate for shipping your car. Before using a car shipping cost calculator, though, it can be helpful to understand what numbers go into the equation.
A number of factors influence the cost of shipping a classic car:
- Vehicle details like make, model, size and weight
- What season you’re looking to ship
- The distance the car needs to travel
A greater shipping distance will yield a lower cost per mile.
The cost to ship a classic car with open transport typically starts at around $0.50 per mile for distances of 2,500 miles or more. However, the cost can reach around $3.40 per mile for enclosed transport at a distance of 100 miles or less.
Keep in mind that although enclosed auto transport typically costs 50% more than open-air shipping, it’s generally worth the cost to ensure your classic car is fully protected.
Average cost to ship a classic car
We gathered dozens of quotes from three of our top classic car auto transporters. Check out the tables below to compare rates across different distances, shipping methods and vehicle conditions.
For a 1975 Chevrolet Corvette in operable condition, shipped on a standard timeline and booked about 30 days in advance, we found the following shipping rates:
| Pickup location | Delivery location | Distance (miles) | Easy Auto Ship | Montway Auto Transport | Mercury Auto Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, Wash. | Spokane, Wash. | 280 | Open: $768 Enclosed: $1,043 | Open: $639 Enclosed: $949 | Open: $440 Enclosed: $680 |
| Atlanta, Ga. | Chicago, Ill. | 720 | Open: $815 Enclosed: $1,004 | Open: $879 Enclosed: $1,249 | Open: $730 Enclosed: $990 |
| Houston, Texas | Washington, D.C. | 1,400 | Open: $979 Enclosed: $1,429 | Open: $1,009 Enclosed: $1,599 | Open: $790 Enclosed: $1,160 |
Shipping a nonrunning car is often at least 10-20% more expensive than shipping a car that runs. For an inoperable 1975 Corvette (also booked about 30 days in advance, with standard shipping), we got the following quotes:
| Pickup location | Delivery location | Distance (miles) | Easy Auto Ship | Montway Auto Transport | Mercury Auto Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, Wash. | Spokane, Wash. | 280 | Open: $918 Enclosed: $1,193 | Open: $759 Enclosed: $1,069 | Open: $620 Enclosed: $860 |
| Atlanta, Ga. | Chicago, Ill. | 720 | Open: $965 Enclosed: $1,315 | Open: $1,059 Enclosed: $1,429 | Open: $910 Enclosed: $1,170 |
| Houston, Texas | Washington, D.C. | 1,400 | Open: $1,129 Enclosed: $1,579 | Open: $1,309 Enclosed: $1,869 | Open: $1,089 Enclosed: $1,420 |
» CALCULATE: Cost of shipping a car
What to look for in a classic car transport service
It’s important to look for a shipping company that has experience with classic car transport. The best enclosed car transport companies will have a long history of transporting classic cars and the expertise to match; the last thing you want is an inexperienced carrier that handles your car carelessly.
Steve Moskowitz, CEO of the Antique Automobile Club of America, names experience, referrals and safety record among the top factors to consider when selecting a company to ship your classic or collectible car. Auto transport is “not an item you want to pinch pennies on,” he said.
You can validate the company’s safety record by looking it up in the USDOT’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System. Whether it’s a broker or a carrier, a trustworthy car shipping company will have its USDOT number and MC number clearly displayed on its website. Use these numbers to search for the company in SAFER and check its history of inspections and crashes in the U.S. and Canada, as well as a federal safety rating.
Finally, we recommend selecting a company that offers enclosed transport in a covered, climate-controlled trailer. This shipping method protects it from rain, hail, dirt and road debris.
» MORE: Open vs. enclosed car shipping
There are a few other important items to consider when choosing an auto transporter:
Proof of insurance
Auto transport brokers approach insurance in different ways, but the carrier companies that brokers work with are mandated by federal law to carry liability insurance. These carriers should be able to provide proof of insurance when asked. You can also verify a carrier’s insurance information by searching its USDOT Number, MC Docket Number or business name in the USDOT’s licensing and insurance plic database.
Be sure to find out what damage the insurance covers and if the carrier or broker offers any no-damage guarantees. If you’re having a difficult time finding these details on the company’s website, you may need to search for a “terms and conditions” page, read the details of your contract or contact a customer service rep.
Options for door-to-door delivery service
This option will bring your classic car the closest to its final destination and save you the hassle of traveling to a terminal to pick up your vehicle.
Keep in mind that door-to-door service may not be possible for pickup or delivery locations that a transport truck can’t safely access, such as certain remote areas or very narrow city streets. If you’re concerned this might be the case for you, bring it up with your booking agent.
Expedited delivery options
Sometimes important dates sneak up on you, and you have to get your car somewhere quickly. Many auto transport companies offer expedited shipping for an additional fee. Some also offer guaranteed pickup and delivery dates (generally for an added cost).
Ability to communicate with the carrier
When shipping such a valuable vehicle, it’s essential that you’re satisfied with the level of customer service you receive. You should be able to communicate easily and frequently with a representative who can give you transit updates during shipment.
Keep in mind that it may not always be safe or feasible for your truck driver to give you status updates while they’re behind the wheel. Instead, you may be put in touch with the carrier company’s dispatcher.
Look for a broker that helps facilitate this communication between you and your carrier. Some may offer a dedicated phone line that you can call for location information, or an assigned customer service rep that proactively sends you updates.
GPS order tracking
Another feature to look for is real-time GPS tracking, which lets you check the location of your classic car with an online tool or mobile app.
Check with both the broker and carrier to see if either company offers this convenient feature. If neither offers a self-service tracking tool, ask your booking agent who you can contact for location updates during shipment. You could also consider leaving your own GPS tracker in your vehicle.
A reasonable enclosed auto transport quote
To make sure you get a fair price, we recommend gathering quotes from multiple transport companies. This will help you get a sense of the current market rates and let you compare your options side-by-side.
Be wary of any shipping quote that’s considerably lower than the other quotes you’ve received. Shipping a classic car isn’t cheap; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
A clear claims process
In the unlikely event that your vehicle is damaged in the shipping process, you want to be able to file a claim quickly. A good auto transport broker will be able to help you with this.
Check the company’s website for information about its approach to claims. Customer reviews may also paint a picture of how a company has handled damage claims in the past.
How to ship a classic car
Use our classic car shipping checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything important:
- Make sure your insurance is up to date. The carrier you work with should have adequate insurance to cover any damage your car might sustain during transport. But it’s nonetheless a good idea to confirm that your vehicle’s comprehensive and collision coverages are active prior to shipping.
“Make sure you are properly insured during transportation, just in case,” said Moskowitz. Your personal coverage can kick in if your carrier’s insurance falls short. - Request enclosed car shipping quotes from several companies. Ask several companies for quotes to help you determine the best price for shipping your car. Make sure to ask about various shipping and transportation options and how rates differ between open and enclosed shipping.
If a company gives you a remarkably low quote, research its past customer reviews thoroughly before you work with it. We recommend paying a bit extra to work with a highly-rated company and ensure your car arrives safely and on time. - Choose a company and select a shipping window. Keep in mind that a number of variables can influence the delivery date for your vehicle (weather, road conditions, carrier availability, etc.), so auto transporters usually don’t guarantee a specific arrival date. Your car will instead be scheduled to arrive within a multiday window of time.
“Consumers should understand the variables most contracts allow for,” said Moskowitz. “There is a level of unpredictability” around exact delivery timelines due to road closures, weather, equipment breakdowns and accidents, he added. - Prepare your classic car for transport. Wash your car and check with an experienced mechanic to confirm that it’s ready for transport. Also, remove any valuables from the car.
Your chosen car shipping company will have its own guidelines around leaving personal items in the vehicle and how much gas should be in the tank. Most companies request that the gas tank is no more than a quarter full, but double-check the instructions you’ve been given by your booking agent. - Document your vehicle’s condition. For your own records, take photos of your car’s exterior. Note any pre-existing scratches, dents or other damage. This gives you evidence of the car’s prior condition in case it’s damaged during transportation.
David Bennett, a senior automotive manager at AAA, also recommended that you have your vehicle appraised if it hasn’t been done recently, and make sure you have the documentation readily available. - Hand off your car to the carrier. When the carrier comes to pick up your vehicle, you’ll fill out the bill of lading. This paperwork will formally document the car’s condition before it enters the driver’s care.
You’ll do the same when the driver unloads the car at its final destination. Don’t sign off on the bill of lading unless the car is in the same shape it was in before you shipped it. - Check in on the status of your shipment. We suggest you keep in touch with your point of contact (the driver, dispatcher, booking agent or a dedicated customer service rep) to monitor your car’s journey. Your service provider may also offer a website or app for real-time location tracking.
When your carrier gets close to the delivery point, you should be contacted with a more precise estimated time of arrival. - Pick up your vehicle at the destination. Once the driver unloads your car from the carrier, you’ll inspect the vehicle together and fill out the bill of lading.
After you’ve signed the bill of lading and paid the driver any remaining balance, the transport process is complete.
» MORE: How to ship a car
Pros and cons of shipping a classic car
If you need to move your classic car from one part of the country to another, shipping it with an auto transporter may be the safest, most convenient option.
Shipping your car spares you the time, energy and logistical coordination of other transport methods, like driving the car to its destination or finding a trusted, experienced person to do it for you. Enclosed shipping also protects your car from the elements, and it generally gets your car from place to place in a timely manner.
Pros
- Convenient, door-to-door service
- Limits wear and tear
- Professional care and handling
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Some risk of damage
- Some variability in delivery schedules
The primary downside to shipping your classic car is the cost of service. Depending on the length of the journey, it can cost more than $1,000 to ship a vehicle using enclosed transport. For very short journeys, it may be more cost-effective to simply drive your car to its destination.
Look for discounts to help lower the cost of car shipping, from special prices for military or health care professionals to seasonal promotions or multicar bundles.
However, for a longer journey, it might actually save you money to ship your car. Between fuel, food and lodging — not to mention maintenance or repairs if your vehicle is damaged on the road — the expenses of a cross-country roadtrip can add up quickly.
Another factor to consider is the separation from your car. It can be stressful to leave a cherished vehicle in someone else’s care, especially when your delivery timeline is usually an informed estimate rather than a hard guarantee. If you can’t bear to let your car out of your sight, it might cause you more anguish than it’s worth to have it shipped.
That being said, there are many reputable, experienced classic car transporters that have the specialized expertise and equipment to protect your car during shipment. If anxiety around the care and handling of your car is holding you back from booking a transport service, it may give you peace of mind to see what other customers have experienced. Look for verified customer reviews and high satisfaction ratings for staff expertise and customer service.
If you’re not sure whether shipping your classic car is the best option, check out the other ways to transport a car.
FAQ
How long will it take to ship my classic car?
From pickup to delivery, you can expect it to take anywhere from a few days to two weeks to ship your classic car. International car shipping may take longer.
Once your car has been picked up, it may take a couple of days for the carrier to fill its truck with other vehicles. Stay in touch with your service provider (or use its online tracking tool, if it offers one) for updates on each stage of your car’s journey.
What if my classic car is inoperable?
If you’re transporting an inoperable classic car, look for a transporter that has specialty carriers, equipment, tools and expertise to load and unload your vehicle safely.
For a nonrunning vehicle that can still roll, your carrier can use a winch for loading and unloading. If the car is extremely damaged and incapable of rolling, it may require a forklift.
In either case, expect to pay more for the additional equipment and labor it takes to ship an inoperable vehicle.
What if I want to transport multiple classic cars?
Some classic car transport services specialize in moving fleets. If you’re a collector of classic cars and want to transport multiple vehicles to a car show in another state, you may want to look for an enclosed auto transport company that offers volume pricing or multicar discounts.
Should I ship my car open or enclosed?
We recommend enclosed transport for classic cars. Open transport is cheaper, but enclosed transport provides additional protection for your vehicle.
If you do wish to ship your car on an open carrier, ask if the carrier can guarantee top-load transport. Placement on the top level of the transport truck may reduce the risk of damage.
Is it safe to ship a classic car?
Yes, it is generally considered safe to ship a classic car, and it’s a convenient alternative to driving your vehicle long distances.
While it’s possible that damage to your vehicle could occur during transport, it’s unlikely. Some car shipping companies estimate that fewer than 1% to 5% of cars are damaged in transit, often from hail or other weather events. If you opt for enclosed shipping to protect your classic car from the elements, the risk of damage is lower.
If damage does occur, your car shipping company should help resolve it. Carrier companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to hold at least $750,000 in liability insurance. Many brokers offer additional insurance and fair claims processes to address damage and repairs.
Bottom line
Whether you’re buying a classic car and need it delivered to your home, you’re moving or you need to transport your vehicle temporarily for a car show or other event, you have a few options when choosing a reliable classic car shipping company.
We recommend looking for an auto transport service that:
- Offers enclosed transport
- Has a history of shipping classic cars
- Provides upfront tracking and insurance information
Keeping these things in mind as you gather quotes should lead you to a quality auto transporter that will ship your classic car with care.
