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Audited & Verified: Sep 9, 2025, 12:12pm
Reviewed By
| Staff EditorTo uncover the best-rated car shipping companies in Pennsylvania, we evaluated 44 providers from the ground up. Our review focused on key details like the range of offerings and the reliability of their customer support teams. To nail down real costs, we gathered dozens of quotes from each company. Plus, we surveyed 1,600 real customers for firsthand feedback on how these companies perform in the real world.
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 elements come into play when transporting a vehicle and the leading car shipping companies perform well across the field. In our extensive research, we considered 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
Forbes Home dubbed Direct Connect Auto Transport as the top pick car shipping company in Pennsylvania for a few reasons, including its industry reputation of reliability. The company focuses on both timely pick-up and binding quotes, both of which can help customers know what to expect. In fact, 91% of customers said they had on-time deliveries from the company, which is much better than the average across companies. When we asked about quoted cost versus actual cost, 40% of customers said what they ended up paying was what they expected, which was also an above-average metric.
Direct Connect has a laundry list of other factors such as overall favorable customer reviews, an informative website and a wide range of car shipping services to keep customers happy.
As part of our research on Direct Connect Auto Transport, we obtained several quotes for shipping a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Over the phone, we were quoted $800 for shipping in an open container and $1,100 for enclosed shipping. Pricing was slightly higher online with this company, coming in at $870 for open shipping.
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 spoke volumes. 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, that high loyalty rating and positive scheduling experience reflect that Direct Connect may be a reliable bet for customers looking for a dependable process.
Best Customer Communication
Best Customer Communication
NX Automotive Transport
NX Automotive Transport has carved out a reputation for customer-first service, and it shows in the numbers. In our survey, 77% of NX customers said they were satisfied with updates during transit.
The company uses locked-in pricing so customers know what to expect from the start. It also works with a vast network of over 20,000 vetted carriers nationwide, and holds each one to strict performance standards. Another positive detail is that NX lets customers connect via text message with the company, which shows a commitment to clear communication. The company also offers binding estimates, another perk toward clear communication.
After gathering cost data from NX Auto Transport for a 2021 Hyundai Sonata making its way from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105), the Forbes Home team discovered that the online quote came in lower than what we got by phone. Over the phone, our team was given an $895 quote versus $840 online quote for open shipping. As for enclosed transport, we received a phone estimate of $1,225 for the same route.
Services:
When we surveyed car shipping customers’ opinions, those who employed NX had overall mixed responses. For instance, 44% of customers said their final bill was slightly higher than they were expecting, one of the highest percentages in our survey. The company also had an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 for price transparency, the lowest average of any company on our list. On the plus side, 84% of customers found the booking and scheduling process to be easy.
Best Discounts
Best Discounts
AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight distinguishes itself among nationwide car shipping companies thanks to its valuable perks and reasonable pricing. Even better, AmeriFreight provides discounts for seniors, military personnel, first responders, returning customers and others.
While AmeriFreight’s quotes aren’t fixed, most customers told Forbes Home they ended up paying their expected rate or less—54% of respondents said this, relative to the national average of 46%. The service also offers an initial free cancellation period before a carrier is assigned.
Learn More: AmeriFreight review
Our team pulled pricing from AmeriFreight to move a 2021 Hyundai Sonata between Brooklyn, New York (11202) and Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). The quote for enclosed auto transport came in at $1,151, while open shipping was $677, identical for web and phone requests.
Services:
In our survey, AmeriFreight earned praise from customers. A notable 93% reported being satisfied with their vehicle’s condition upon delivery. When asked if they’d book another shipment, 91% said yes, which is higher than the average. 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
With more than 25,000 carriers supporting service throughout the United States, Montway Auto Transport is one of the leading companies in Pennsylvania. With such an extensive network, Montway can accommodate some unique shipping needs, with services including motorcycle shipping and rare or luxury car shipping. Customers also have the ability to request expedited shipping in situations 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 transport.
However, one note 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
To gauge Montway’s pricing, we gathered cost data for a 2021 Hyundai Sonata traveling from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Interestingly, rates were a bit lower when we called directly versus using the website. Over the phone, we were quoted $839 for open transport and $1,100 for enclosed shipping. By comparison, Montway’s digital quote system returned a price of $1,259 for the enclosed option, notably higher.
Services:
Montway customers included in Forbes Home’s survey of 1,600 recent car shipping customers had largely positive comments for the company. An impressive 89% of Montway customers would refer the company to a family member or friend. Montway also had some of the highest satisfaction levels regarding communication during transit.
Interestingly, Montway customers were more likely than the average customer to say they chose the company for affordability, yet 19% of Montway users said the final price was much higher than their initial quote.
Best Pricing
Best Pricing
A-1 Auto Transport
A-1 Auto Transport hits the sweet spot between affordability and flexible shipping solutions. In our survey, customers reported an average cost of $1,359, over $30 less than the national average. This puts A-1 squarely among the least expensive options on our list.
There’s no deposit due at booking, and the company still includes transit protection with every shipment. On the services side, A-1 delivers serious range: from oversized vehicles to specialty cargo, and even global reach that spans over 190 countries.
That blend of value and versatility doesn’t go unnoticed. Half of the A-1 customers we surveyed said they paid their quoted price or less. Also, 36% said they’d be “very likely” to recommend it to friends and family, a strong endorsement that reflects more than just low rates.
In our research, we obtained quotes from A-1 Auto Transport to ship a 2021 Hyundai Sonata between Brooklyn, New York (11202) and Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Prices were very competitive, being even cheaper when we called versus obtaining an online quote. On this route, we were quoted $579 for open shipping over the phone and $625 online. As for enclosed shipping, our team was quoted $829.
Services:
Forbes Home 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 stood out for keeping the vehicle transportation process transparent, with 89% of customers reporting they were satisfied with the ease of booking and 86% saying pricing was transparent.
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Because vehicle shipping is such a major project, it pays off to take your time and look into a few important factors about each provider to determine if it fits your needs or isn’t worth considering.
Below are some tips and tricks for narrowing down the right car shipping provider for you in.
Car shipping companies often have you choose between two different shipping types: open and enclosed shipping. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s all in what’s right for your job.
For example, enclosed shipping involves shipping your vehicle in a container that is protected from the elements. This method helps prevent damage due to debris from the road and other vehicles, making it a good option for expensive or classic cars. However, this shipping type is often more expensive because the company will have to ship fewer cars.
On the other hand is open shipping. This shipping type involves your car being shipped in a container that is exposed to the road. (If you’ve driven on the highway, you’ve probably seen this type of shipping, which has cars stacked on top of each other in a metal container.) While open shipping tends to be cheaper, it can also mean a higher rate of damage on the journey from Pennsylvania to your car’s destination.
Reading customer reviews for car shipping companies can highlight relevant information and potentially raise a few issues. To get the most out of reviews, be sure to read them critically (meaning you should consider the one- and five-star reviews, but also pay attention to the middle ground).
For the most relevant reviews, search for the latest comments from people in Pennsylvania. Also, be aware of trends within reviews: Are there repeated comments about customer service? Poor communication?
Finally, consider how the company responds to feedback. A commitment to quickly addressing customer reviews is a good sign.
Deciding what is the right 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 required to have liability insurance and cargo insurance. However, the terms of coverage can vary. Depending on your vehicle, you may want to get additional coverage through the company or your insurance provider.
Thanks to technological advances, many car shipping companies now enable customers to monitor 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 certain expectations, be sure to clarify in advance.
Besides GPS tracking, the best car shipping companies also provide great communication 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 estimated delivery window—but keep in mind that guaranteed delivery dates are uncommon with car shipping.
When you transport a vehicle, you are putting a certain amount of trust and expectations on the carrier. But you also have an essential task: Before your vehicle is picked up, thoroughly examine it and note its condition with photo documentation. Then, when it is delivered, do the same before signing the bill of lading.
Don’t rush through this step; if there is damage, noting it at this time is important. If you need to file a claim, reach out to the company as soon as you can.
No matter where you’re shipping your car from or to, carriers must comply with nationwide regulations—including in Pennsylvania. That means every car shipping company is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to have both a USDOT number and an MC (Motor Carrier) number.
Before booking, we recommend asking for these credentials so you can verify the company is operating legally and compliant. You can also use these numbers to review the carrier’s safety record and background on the FMCSA website. Taking this simple step helps you avoid scammy companies and gives you greater peace of mind about your choice.
A reliable transporter should understand the unique demands of moving a car in Pennsylvania and across the country. It’s smart to check how they screen drivers, 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: brokers or carriers, and the difference can shape your experience.
Brokers act as matchmakers. They don’t own trucks or do the hauling themselves; instead, they source a carrier 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 vary widely. We saw quotes ranging from $550 up to $2,450 depending on the shipment.
One big factor is the type of service. Enclosed transport tends to be more expensive, averaging between $1,000 and $2,450, while standard shipping typically fall within the $550-to-$1,600 range.
Because pricing depends on so many variables, 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.
| PENNSYLVANIA TO:* | ESTIMATED MILEAGE** | OPEN TRANSPORT | ENCLOSED TRANSPORT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, Florida | 850 miles | $510 - $935 | $765 - $1,445 |
| Charleston, South Carolina | 676 miles | $405 - $745 | $250 - $475 |
| Virginia Beach, Virginia | 280 miles | $170 - $310 | $250 - $475 |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | 546 miles | $330 - $600 | $490 - $930 |
| Columbus, Ohio | 469 miles | $280 - $515 | $420 - $795 |
Although there are averages to be gleaned for car shipping costs, several factors will affect every individual’s rate.
Forbes Home surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers to gain a better understanding of 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 Pennsylvania to select a particular car shipping company was cost. Among respondents from the Northeast, the most frequent complaint 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, though the typical peak shipping season runs from May to October, 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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Interstate car shipping companies are under the supervision of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). All legitimate ones will have or exclusively work with carriers that have USDOT numbers and Motor Carrier numbers. As a customer, you can use these numbers to search carriers’ safety records and more.
You can also gauge a company’s reputation through consumer reviews, both on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and third-party reviewing websites.
Although not legally required, most car shipping companies offer some way to monitor the status of your shipment. GPS is widely used to give status checks, but the details vary from company to company. It’s best to ask about a company’s policies before your vehicle is picked up.
The time it takes to ship a car from Pennsylvania depends on how far it’s going, the company’s schedule, and even external factors like weather or traffic delays. In general, you can expect trips to neighboring states to take just a few days. Long-distance moves often stretch closer to a week or more, while international deliveries, especially by boat, can take several weeks.
While most companies won’t commit to an exact timeline, they should be able to offer a reasonable estimate based on your location and destination. Always ask for one before booking.
Car insurance usually isn’t required when shipping your vehicle, but carrying your own policy can give you extra peace of mind beyond the coverage offered by the shipping company.
Always review the carrier’s policy 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.
Ashlyn is one of Forbes Home's in-house writers and a former civil engineer-turned content writer with over six years experience. Until recently, Ashlyn focused on creating content for Forbes Home as a freelance writer. Her areas of expertise range from home improvement, moving services, home warranties and home security. As a homeowner and tireless DIY enthusiast, Ashlyn combines her deep knowledge and practical expertise to provide valuable insights and advice. Her dedication to enhancing homeowners' understanding and skills in managing their properties has been the cornerstone of her writing career.
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.
