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Published: Sep 9, 2025, 12:10pm
Reviewed By
| Staff EditorTo identify the best car shipping companies in New Jersey, we researched and scored 44 car shipping providers. During this process, we evaluated important factors such as the range of services each company offers and the quality of their customer support. We also particularly considered the cost of the car shipping services by obtaining dozens of real price quotes from each company. Additionally, our team surveyed 1,600 individual car shipping customers to get real-world insight into the performance of each company.
Our team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use proprietary data and expert advice to inform all of our content, including the pros and cons of the top car-shipping companies and tips for choosing the best company for you. You can read more about our editorial guidelines for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
Nexus Auto Transport
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
2
Navi Auto Transport
BBB Score
Not Accredited
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
3
Montway Auto Transport
BBB Score
A+
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
Multiple components come into play when shipping a car and the leading car shipping companies perform well across the field. In our extensive research, we looked at the fine print of companies’ policies to get a comprehensive view of services.
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BEST FOR | ESTIMATE* | PRICE MATCHING | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.7    | Best Reliability | $800 - $1,100 | Yes | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Customer Communication | $840 - $1,225 | Yes | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Discounts | $677 - $1,151 | Yes | On AmeriFreight's Website | |
| 4.5 | Best for Customization | $839 - $1,259 | No | On Montway Auto Transport's Website | |
| 4.4 | Best Pricing | $579 - $829 | Yes | From Participating Partners |
Best Reliability
Best Reliability
Direct Connect Auto Transport
The best overall car shipping company in New Jersey is Direct Connect Auto, based on the results of our detailed methodology. Although Direct Connect’s prices aren’t the lowest on the list, the company comes through a damage-free guarantee. That gives customers the confidence that their repairs will be covered if anything goes wrong during transit.
This guarantee and more of Direct Connect Auto’s features have earned the company largely positive reviews from customers and an impressive 91% of Direct Connect customers told Forbes Home that their shipment was delivered on time.
We solicited quotes from Direct Connect Auto for prices to ship a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Direct Connect phone reps quoted $800 for an open carrier and $1,100 for enclosed. When we ran the same scenario through Direct Connect Auto’s online calculator, the rate came to $870 for open transport.
Services:
Forbes Home surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers to learn how everything went. We found that there was a good satisfaction rate among Direct Connect Auto Transport users, with 81% saying they would recommend the company to a family member or friend. Direct Connect Auto customers were equally positive about how simple it was to schedule service—with 82% saying they were satisfied with this step.
Best Customer Communication
Best Customer Communication
NX Automotive Transport
NX Automotive Transport shines for its focus on communication from booking to drop-off, with a few smart features that genuinely make a difference. Customers don’t pay a deposit until a carrier is assigned, and the company backs its shipments with a promise to cover any transit damage.
It also embraces real-time messaging, offering text updates during transit, a small but helpful touch that boosted satisfaction scores in our survey. In fact, 77% of NX customers said they were happy with communication throughout the shipping process, and 89% said they’d ship their car again.
Another key detail? NX uses guaranteed pricing, which helps eliminate surprise fees. Combined with a coast-to-coast network of 20,000+ vetted carriers and consistently high transparency scores, NX earns its place as a go-to option for dependable car shipping in New Jersey.
We collected pricing details from NX Auto Transport for a 2021 Hyundai Sonata headed from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Interestingly, the digital quote came in lower than what we were given by phone, $840 for open shipping if booked online versus $895 over the phone. For enclosed transport, the phone quote landed at $1,225 for this trip.
Services:
We recorded a range of reactions from NX Auto Transport customers during our survey of 1,600 participants. To start, 89% of respondents said they would use the company to ship their vehicle in the future, slightly above the industry average. Additionally, the pricing data we collected was approximately average.
However, not all feedback was exceptional. Only 20% of customers said they were “very satisfied” with the ease of booking and scheduling—a full 12 percentage points below the average across companies—suggesting some areas for improvement.
Best Discounts
Best Discounts
AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight leads for its budget-friendly discounts, including savings for military personnel, seniors and returning customers. There’s no deposit required upfront, and you can cancel for free until a carrier is assigned.
In our quote testing, AmeriFreight offered some of the lowest rates for open shipping, even before discounts. Plus, 13% of customers said they paid less than quoted, well above average.
The company also offers optional supplemental insurance for storage-related damage, up to $2,000 in protection, including if something happens off-route. Altogether, AmeriFreight combines savings through discounts with thoughtful extras that make shipping feel less like a gamble.
Learn More: AmeriFreight review
The Forbes Home team received quotes from AmeriFreight to ship a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Unlike with some companies, the prices we received were identical when we reached out to AmeriFreight over the phone and through the website: $677 for an open carrier or $1,151 for enclosed.
Services:
In responses to Forbes Home’s survey, AmeriFreight customers were mostly happy with their experiences shipping vehicles with the company—with 86% saying they would recommend the company to family or friends. The vast majority of AmeriFreight customers reported their vehicle was delivered on time and AmeriFreight customers were among the least likely to say any issues affected their service.
That said, AmeriFreight customers (41%) were more likely than any other group to say AmeriFreight could improve its pricing information.
Best for Customization
Best for Customization
Montway Auto Transport
With more than 25,000 carriers supporting service to all 50 states, Montway Auto Transport is one of the leading companies in New Jersey. With such a broad network, Montway can accommodate some unique shipping needs, with services including motorcycle shipping and rare or luxury car shipping. Customers can also request expedited shipping in cases where urgency is paramount.
It’s fast and simple to get a quote and many customers also complimented Montway’s communication: 88% were satisfied with communication before shipping and 84% were satisfied with it during transit.
However, one thing worth noting is its payment policy. If you’re paying by card, it will be charged for the full fee once a carrier is assigned. If you pay with cash, payments will be split up into two payments. Be sure to talk about the payment policy with the company beforehand to be sure that everyone is on the same page.
Learn More: Montway Auto Transport review
Our team reached out to Montway to get quotes for a sample route which involved transporting a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Over the phone, enclosed shipping was $1,100, which was a bit compared to a $1,259 online quote. For open shipping, we were quoted $839 via a phone representative.
Services:
In our survey, Montway received mostly positive reviews, with many respondents sharing good experiences. About 89% said they’d refer Montway to family or friends, a strong indicator of trust.
On the flip side, Montway’s pricing came in higher, averaging $1,427 versus $1,390 for competitors. Your final price depends on route, vehicle type and timing, so compare several estimates before booking.
Best Pricing
Best Pricing
A-1 Auto Transport
A-1 Auto Transport took a spot in our New Jersey ranking because of its competitive pricing and the value for what you pay. In fact, in our survey, A-1 customers reported paying $1,359, which was lower than the overall average of $1,390. Similarly, 50% of A-1 customers said they paid their quoted price or lower. The company also does not have a deposit requirement before carrier assignment, which always helps with affordability.
And it’s not just low prices that we like—A-1 also offers a variety of services such as transporting boats and yachts as well as heavy equipment and even international and expedited shipping.
As part of our pricing research, Forbes Home pulled sample rates from A-1 Auto Transport to ship a 2021 Hyundai Sonata between Brooklyn, New York (11202) and Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Overall, pricing was among the most affordable we found, especially when booked by phone.
For open transport on this route, the phone quote came in at $579, while the online estimate was slightly higher at $625. For enclosed shipping, our team received a quote of $829.
Services:
When we surveyed 1,600 car shipping customers, those who have worked with A-1 seemed fairly pleased with its service, particularly when it came to cost. For instance, 45% of customers said they paid exactly what the company had quoted, which was tied for the highest percentage for that metric of any company. A-1 customers also scored it above average for transparency of pricing and fees. As for other metrics, the company performed around average, with 88% of customers saying the company delivered their car on time, for example, which was consistent with the average for all companies.
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When you need to relocate a vehicle, the logistics can feel challenging—but that’s where the leading car shipping companies in New Jersey come in. To make a confident choice, you should also have a sense of your budget, timeline and unique needs. Along with considering important factors, look for a company that regularly services your area.
Choosing between standard and covered transport is one of the first decisions you’ll make when booking a carrier. Both options get your car from point A to point B, but how it travels, and what you pay, can differ significantly.
With open transport, your vehicle rides on a hauler that’s exposed to the elements. It’s the default method and usually the most cost-effective, especially for everyday vehicles. But keep in mind: exposure to weather or road grime is part of the deal.
Enclosed transport, on the other hand, shield your vehicle inside a hard-sided trailer, ideal for high-value or collector cars that require extra care. This method can cost more due to limited vehicle loads, but it adds peace of mind, especially over longer routes or during harsh weather.
If you’re shipping a vehicle from or to New Jersey, consider road conditions and seasonal climate patterns as these may influence which type of service is the better fit for your route.
Reviews from previous car shipping customers can be extremely helpful in getting a sense of what your experience with a given car shipping company will be—however, you need to be discerning.
Reviews from customers in New Jersey, for instance, can be more useful to you than those from customers across the country, especially if the provider is a broker. Reviews from the last year or so can also be more helpful because they can reflect the current experience.
Finally, it’s also often worth it to see how companies respond to reviews, both positive and negative. Respectful, quick answers can go a long way.
Before booking with any provider, be sure to carefully review the fine print to avoid being caught off guard later on.
One of the first things to check is the company’s deposit rules. Some providers require a non-refundable deposit at booking, while others offer a free cancellation period. It’s also important to understand what happens between pickup and delivery. Some companies offer guarantees that keep you protected in case of delays or other issues. Additional perks, like a free car wash voucher, may not carry major financial weight but can reflect the company’s dedication to customer service.
All vehicle transporters in the U.S. are mandated by law to carry liability and cargo insurance. However, the scope of coverage can vary widely. Depending on your situation, you may want to purchase extra coverage either through the company or your own insurer for added protection.
Thanks to technological advances, many car shipping providers now support customers monitoring the location of their vehicle with GPS tracking. However, the accuracy of the status can vary: Some companies offer real-time GPS locations while others only provide broad updates. If you have specific needs, be sure to clarify in advance.
Besides GPS tracking, the best car shipping companies also provide great, helping communications throughout the process. Because most leading car shipping companies are brokers rather than carriers, you may hear more from the carrier while your vehicle is in transit. At the same time, you should have a clear way to get in contact with the company’s customer support team.
It’s good to have clear expectations about the shipment’s expected delivery date—but keep in mind that guaranteed delivery dates are uncommon with car shipping.
While your car is being transported, unexpected complications can arise, making it crucial to check its condition both when it’s dispatched and upon delivery. You’re placing a certain degree of trust and responsibility expectations on the carrier, but you also hold a key role: carefully examining your vehicle before transport and recording its condition with clear photographic images.
Choose companies that conduct thorough inspections before loading and after unloading your vehicle. Many providers will ask you to acknowledge their condition reports at pickup and delivery, often supplemented by visuals. It’s wise to maintain your own records or request receipts for your reference.
The requirements to ship a vehicle in New Jersey are primarily tied to national regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For interstate travel, shipping companies must have active USDOT and FMCSA numbers, which customers can use to search safety records and credentials.
A reliable transporter should understand the unique demands of moving a car in New Jersey and across the country. Feel free to ask how they verify their career experience, making sure those behind the wheel know how to handle long-distance routes.
Before booking a car shipment, it helps to understand who’s actually moving your vehicle. Most auto transport companies fall into one of two categories: coordinators or haulers, and the difference can shape your experience.
Brokers act as matchmakers. They don’t own trucks or do the hauling themselves, instead, they line up a transport company that fits your route, budget and timeline. This often gives you access to a wider pool of carriers and more competitive quotes, but it also means there’s one more hand in the mix to consider.
Carriers, by contrast, are the folks behind the wheel. They handle the loading, driving and unloading themselves. That can mean more direct communication, but fewer options if your schedule is tricky or your route is rural.
Whichever route you choose, it’s smart to vet the carrier directly if possible before handing over your keys.
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| TRANSPORT TYPE | AVERAGE COST RANGE | AVERAGE COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|
| Open Transport | $550 - $1,600 | $0.60 - $1.10 |
| Enclosed Transport | $1,000 - $2,450 | $0.90 - $1.70 |
Based on our findings, the average cost to arrange auto transport comes in around $1,150 nationwide. That’s fairly close to the $1,390 average reported by customers in our recent survey. That said, prices can shift dramatically. We saw quotes ranging from $550 up to $2,450 depending on the shipment.
One big factor is the type of service. Shipping in a closed carrier tends to be more expensive, averaging between $1,000 and $2,450, while standard shipping typically fall in the $550 to $1,600 range.
Because pricing depends on so many factors, including distance, time of year and vehicle type, we always suggest getting a personalized quote. Still, the estimates below should give you a solid starting point.
| NEW JERSEY TO:* | ESTIMATED MILEAGE** | OPEN TRANSPORT | ENCLOSED TRANSPORT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, Florida | 928 miles | $555 - $1,020 | $835 - $1,575 |
| Los Angeles, California | 2,780 miles | $1,670 - $3,060 | $680 - $1,280 |
| Charleston, South Carolina | 753 miles | $450 - $830 | $680 - $1,280 |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | 623 miles | $375 - $685 | $560 - $1,060 |
| Virginia Beach, Virginia | 357 miles | $215 - $395 | $320 - $605 |
In New Jersey, there are some unique factors to contend with and that can affect the final rate of shipping a car. Keep in mind that your starting point and the route between the two can influence car shipping costs, too.
Forbes Home surveyed 1,600 people to gain insight into their experiences and uncover emerging trends. The vast majority of respondents said they would use an auto shipping service again, even though individual experiences varied widely.
The average distance shipped in the Northeast was 999 miles, closely aligning with the national average of 969 miles.
The primary factor driving customers in New Jersey to select a particular car shipping company was cost. Among respondents from the Northeast, the most frequent issue was pricing transparency, with about one-third wishing the pricing and process had been explained more clearly. The next most common suggestion for improvement was explaining the vehicle shipping process in more detail at 35%.
Also, while the typical peak shipping season runs from spring through early fall, the busiest period for shipments in the Northeast was surprisingly between November and January—this timeframe was chosen by 37% of customers.
To determine the best car-shipping company, the Forbes Home editorial team reviewed 44 major companies, taking into account attributes such as in-house consumer sentiment analysis, a survey of 1,600 car shipping customers, pricing, services and features, nationwide availability and more.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates car shipping companies on our detailed methodology page.
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Reputable car shipping providers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have both a USDOT number and a Motor Carrier number. These credentials make it easier to check their legitimacy since they link to public records showing performance and compliance.
Beyond that, dig deeper into reputation by reading feedback on trusted platforms and asking for referrals from previous clients.
Most auto transport companies offer a way to monitor your car’s journey, but the level of detail varies. Some include real-time GPS updates, while others provide contact info for the driver or dispatcher so you can request updates directly. To avoid surprises, ask upfront how tracking works and what kind of updates you’ll receive during transport.
How long it takes to ship a car from New Jersey to another location will hinge on various factors, including the length of the trip, the route and the company itself. As a general estimate, short trips from New Jersey to a nearby state a few hundred miles away can take a matter of days, while cross-country trips can take upwards of a week. International trips can take even longer, especially when made by boat. We recommend asking any company you’re researching how long you can expect the journey to take. While they probably won’t be able to give you a guarantee, they can give you a more accurate estimate based on your trip.
Car insurance usually isn’t required when shipping your vehicle but carrying your own policy can add a layer of protection beyond the coverage offered by the shipping company.
Always confirm their insurance details to make sure you’re adequately covered. And if you’re picking up or dropping off the car, your own insurance remains important for staying legal on the road.
Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of experience in the home space and 10 years of editing experience.
Kristin is a lead editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's previously worked at sites like Talking Points Memo, Insider, Delish, Angi and HomeAdvisor. She has a passion for lifestyle topics and has extensive experience researching and reporting on topics that will help make your house a home.
