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Published: Sep 12, 2025, 10:38am
Reviewed By
| Staff EditorForbes Home investigated 44 auto transport companies with objective metrics to assess the top car shipping companies in New York. We dug into customer reviews, service offerings, terms and conditions, insurance options and more—as well as prices for multiple vehicle shipping scenarios. To get objective insights, we also surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers.
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
When you’re shopping around for the leading vehicle transportation company in New York, one single factor shouldn’t seal the deal. Rather, the leading companies hit the mark on a number of factors—including price, customer service, contract terms, and more. Individual needs will also vary, so what’s best for you may be different from what’s best for another person in New York.
| 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 York is Direct Connect Auto, based on the results of our detailed review. Although Direct Connect’s quotes aren’t the lowest on the list, the company comes through with a damage-free pledge. That gives customers the peace of mind that their repairs will be covered if anything goes amiss during transit.
This guarantee and more of Direct Connect Auto’s features have earned the company largely glowing reviews from customers and an impressive 91% of Direct Connect customers told Forbes Home that their car 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 transporter and $1,100 for enclosed. When we ran the same scenario through Direct Connect Auto’s online calculator, the estimate came to $870 for open transport.
Services:
As part of our nationwide survey of 1,600 car shipping customers, we collected feedback from those who had worked with Direct Connect Auto Transport, and the results painted a clear picture. A standout 92% of its customers said they’d use the service again, one of the highest repeat-use ratings of any provider we evaluated. When it came to booking, 84% said the process felt smooth, showing strength in user experience.
While the company’s scores across the board hovered near the industry average, the high loyalty rating and positive scheduling experience reflect that Direct Connect may be a smart pick for customers looking for ease and consistency.
Best Customer Communication
Best Customer Communication
NX Automotive Transport
NX earned points by focusing on communication with customers above many other factors. This showed, for instance, by the company offering binding quotes, helping to eliminate surprises for New York customers.
We also appreciate the attention to detail with its carriers. NX has a large network of more than 20,000 carriers nationwide, which is impressive, but even more so is its note that these agents are expected to treat customers in a way that makes them feel at ease. Customers can communicate with the company over text and get updates in this form too, which is a big plus.
And it seems to have paid off: 88% of those we surveyed who were customers of the company said they would ship their car again, slightly above average.
We pulled together 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 around $1,225 for this route.
Services:
When we reached out to car shipping customers, those who worked with NX gave a blend of positive and negative responses. About 44% reported their final cost was above expectations, which ranked among the highest percentages in our study.
NX also posted a 7.7 out of 10 for price transparency, the lowest rating of any company included in our analysis. A positive note, 84% said the booking and scheduling process was straightforward.
Best Discounts
Best Discounts
AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight makes a strong case for budget-first car shippers with its deep savings lineup and flexible payment model. From returning customers to first responders, eligible groups can unlock special pricing, and you won’t owe a thing until a carrier is officially assigned.
While we were gathering rates across competitors, AmeriFreight came back with one of the lowest quotes for open transport before any discounts were even applied. It also offers gap coverage for up to two grand toward your deductible and covers incidents like off-route damage such as storage incidents, an optional add-on for extra peace of mind.
Customers seem to appreciate the pricing transparency, too. In our survey, 54% said they ended up paying their quoted amount or less, a solid margin above the national average. With no penalty until the carrier is booked, AmeriFreight makes the process low-risk from the start.
Learn More: AmeriFreight Review
We checked AmeriFreight’s rates to move a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). The quotes were the same whether we booked by phone or online: $677 for open shipping and $1,151 for enclosed transport.
Services:
In our survey, AmeriFreight received mostly favorable feedback from customers. A notable 93% reported being pleased with their vehicle’s condition upon delivery. When asked if they’d consider car shipping in the future, 91% said yes, which is beating most competitors. One trade-off? The typical cost came in at $1,418, which was slightly over our overall average.
Best for Customization
Best for Customization
Montway Auto Transport
Montway scored highly in our analysis because of its numerous car shipping services. The company can work with a wide range of vehicle shipping requirements in New York, including motorcycle shipping and shipping for car resellers. The company can also accommodate expedited car shipping for those on a speedy timeline.
And it appears the company takes the journey seriously from beginning to end, as 32% of customers in our survey said they were “very satisfied” with the ease of booking and scheduling their vehicle shipment, which was right on average. In the end, 89% said that they would recommend the company to friends or family.
However, you should note one of its policies: If you’re paying by card, Montway will charge you for the full amount when a carrier is assigned. If you’re paying with cash, the payment will be split in two, with one due on arrival. Just be sure you totally understand this policy before signing.
Learn More: Montway Auto Transport review
Our researchers obtained sample quotes from Montway for a 2021 Hyundai Sonata moving from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). We found costs to be a little bit lower when obtained over the phone rather than online. Enclosed shipping was $1,100 quoted over the phone compared to $1,259 online. Open shipping for this route was $839 over the phone.
Services:
In our nationwide survey of recent car shipping customers, Montway emerged as a trusted pick among respondents. Roughly 89% said they’d feel confident recommending Montway, which speaks volumes about its overall customer experience.
That said, pricing feedback was more mixed. On average, Montway customers reported spending $1,427 per shipment, slightly above the industry-wide average of $1,390 across all carriers. Since factors like timing and your starting point in New York can shift your rate, it’s always smart to compare quotes across multiple providers before committing.
Best Pricing
Best Pricing
A-1 Auto Transport
Affordability is a major driving factor for car shipping customers, with 42% of those in our survey naming it as their No. 1 priority, so it’s no surprise that a company like A-1 Auto Transport that keeps low prices top of mind made our list in New York. The company had some of the lowest rates on our list, and its average price came in at $1,360, $30 less than average in our customer survey.
Other ways that it focuses on affordability are its lack of an upfront deposit requirement and its offer of full insurance coverage for your car. With coverage to 197 countries and shipping for things like yachts, heavy equipment and RVs, there are plenty of opportunities to get a great price for a variety of customers. That may be why 36% of those we surveyed said they would be “very likely” to recommend A-1 to friends and family.
The Forbes Home team received quotes from A-1 Auto Transport to ship a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). All the estimates we received were competitive, but the phone rates came in slightly lower: We were told $579 over the phone or $625 online for open transport, and $829 for enclosed.
Services:
We surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers, including those who used A-1 Auto Transport. Interestingly, despite its low competitive rates, A-1 customers were among the least likely to cite this as their reason for picking the company; they were more swayed by customer reviews and the simple quote process. Prices did turn out to be a mark in the company’s favor—with A-1 tying for the top spot of customers who said they paid exactly what they were quoted (45%).
A-1 also impressed many for keeping the car shipping process straightforward, with 89% of customers saying they were satisfied with the ease of booking and 86% saying pricing was transparent.
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Because vehicle shipping is such an intense project, it pays off to take your time and look into a few vital factors about each provider to determine if it fits your needs or isn’t quite right for you.
Below are some tips and tricks for narrowing down the right car shipping provider for you in New York.
One of the first decisions you’ll make when starting your car shipping journey is whether to transport your vehicle in an open or enclosed container. Most car shipping companies offer an option of either one, and each comes with pros and cons.
For instance, enclosed car shipping is typically pricier because it involves placing your car in a container that is shielded from road hazards and isn’t typically with other cars. This dedicated container means a company can transport fewer cars at the same time, raising its price. That said, if you’re worried about damage or your car is particularly expensive, that extra cash may be worth it.
Open containers are what you’ll commonly see when car shipping companies transport many cars at once on a truck bed that is open to the elements. It’s cheaper because of the ability to transport multiple cars at once, but your car may be more prone to damage.
Customer reviews can be very 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 York, for instance, can be more useful to you than those from customers in faraway places, especially if the provider is a broker. Recent reviews can also be more helpful because they’re often more reflective of the current experience.
Finally, it’s also a good idea to see how companies respond to reviews, both positive and negative. Respectful, prompt answers can go a long way.
Deciding what is the best car shipping company for you is a big choice, and the little details can make a difference. Before signing a contract with any service company, read the terms and conditions closely so you are not blindsided by anything later.
One of the first details you should consider is the company’s cancellation policy. Some companies charge a non-refundable deposit upon booking, while others offer a free cancellation window.
Also, consider what happens between the time your vehicle is picked up and when it is delivered. Some companies offer certain pledges that can help if your shipment is delayed. Other perks, like a free car wash voucher, may not have huge monetary value but can speak to the company’s commitment to its customers.
All vehicle transportation companies in the United States are legally mandated to have liability insurance and cargo insurance. However, the terms of coverage can vary. Depending on your situation, you may want to get additional coverage through the company or your insurance provider.
Many car shipping companies now offer differing levels of GPS tracking for your car. Some may be more accurate while others will give you a more vague idea of where your car is on its journey. Make sure you ask about how exactly the company will track your car and how you should expect to receive updates.
Similarly, ask about communication expectations—i.e., how often you will hear from a driver, how you should reach out if you have any questions. Finally, the vast majority of car shippers won’t be able to give you an exact delivery date for your car, but make sure you inquire about general timelines and what options you have if your car is delivered long after that date.
While your car is being transported, unexpected complications can arise, making it vital to check its condition both when it’s collected and upon arrival. 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.
Work with 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 snapshots. It’s wise to maintain your own records or request duplicates for your reference.
Typically, car shipping companies serving New York have the same requirements as those in any other state, since car shipping is typically an interstate job. Nationally, car shippers are required to have a USDOT number and a Motor Carrier number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can ask for these to verify your car shipping company is legit and to check out its safety record.
Shipping a vehicle in New York can have its unique challenges, from extreme weather to road conditions and more. The leading car transport companies cover interstate routes and should ensure each driver can navigate a range of circumstances. Don’t hesitate to ask about a company’s standards and requirements for its drivers.
When you hire a car shipping service, it will usually fall into one of two roles: a broker or a carrier. The difference matters. A broker doesn’t move your car itself; it connects you with a carrier that handles the actual haul from point A to point B. Carriers, on the other hand, manage the shipment end-to-end.
Choosing a broker can still work well, but your experience may depend heavily on the carrier. That’s why it’s smart to check both the broker and carrier before signing anything.
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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 |
Overall, we found that car shipping costs around $1,150 on average. This estimate is similar to what we saw in our survey of car shipping customers, who reported an average cost of $1,390. However, your costs can really vary based on many different factors, as we saw a wide range between $550 to $2,450 in our research. Enclosed shipping, for example, will tend to make your quote higher (an average of $1,000 to $2,450) than closed shipping (averaging around $550 to $1,600).
As always, we strongly suggest getting your own quote for your unique car shipping journey. However, the estimates below can get you started.
| NEW YORK TO:* | ESTIMATED MILEAGE** | OPEN TRANSPORT | ENCLOSED TRANSPORT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, Florida | 937 miles | $560 - $1,030 | $845 - $1,595 |
| Los Angeles, California | 2,789 miles | $1,675 - $3,070 | $1,465 - $2,765 |
| Houston, Texas | 1,627 miles | $975 - $1,790 | $1,465 - $2,765 |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | 633 miles | $380 - $695 | $570 - $1,075 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | 871 miles | $520 - $960 | $785 - $1,480 |
Car shipping costs in New York can vary widely depending on several important factors related to your location, vehicle, timing and transport preferences. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Forbes Home surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers 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, closely aligning with the national average of 969 miles.
The primary factor driving customers in New York 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 May to October, the busiest time 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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Start by asking for the company’s USDOT and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which are issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Using these numbers, you can look up the company on the FMCSA website to verify its registration, safety record and complaint history. It’s also helpful to check customer reviews on trusted platforms like the BBB or Google and ask for referrals from others in New York who’ve shipped a vehicle recently.
Tracking options aren’t the same everywhere. Some auto shippers offer real-time location updates, while others stick to regular phone updates. Before you book, confirm what’s available so you know what to expect during the move.
How long it takes to ship a car from New York to another location will depend on various factors, including the length of the trip, the route and the company itself. As a general estimate, short trips from New York 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 your car is traveling by boat. We recommend asking any company you’re considering 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 shipping companies are typically required to cover the cars they transport with some form of insurance, but it’s wise to check if that coverage is enough for your peace of mind. Of course, if you need to drive your car before pick-up or when it’s delivered, the provider’s coverage won’t apply.
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.
