Most people shopping for door to door auto transport get sticker shock from the average quoted price, which sits around $784 across the market. But the median is closer to $299, meaning a handful of premium services skew that number way up. The picks below cut through the noise so you can find the right carrier for your budget and your vehicle.
1. Dispatch Dudes (Our Top Pick) , Reliable Door-to-Door Shipping
n
Dispatch Dudes is a nationwide vehicle transport company based in Boynton Beach, FL. It ships cars, motorcycles, and boats via open and enclosed transport, with fully insured carriers on every move.
n
We’re the top pick here because we cover all three vehicle types door to door, which only a small fraction of surveyed providers actually do. Our dedicated advisors work with you from quote to delivery, and our door-to-door car shipping service covers residential and commercial addresses across all 48 contiguous states. Instant quotes are available online, so you’re not waiting on a callback to plan your move.
n
Dispatch Dudes is accredited by the BBB, recognized by Forbes Business Council, and named a Newsweek Readers Choice company. Those aren’t just badges. They reflect consistent service across thousands of shipments.
n
Open transport runs roughly $0.40 to $2.00 per mile depending on distance and route. Enclosed transport costs more, typically $1.50 to $2.50 per mile, and is the right call for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or anything you’d rather not expose to road debris. Expedited options are available when you’re on a tight timeline.
n
The one honest caveat: door-to-door service doesn’t extend to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or international destinations. For those routes, you’d need a different arrangement.
nn
2. Marketplace Platform – Flexible Carrier Choices
A marketplace platform lets you post your vehicle shipment and receive bids from multiple carriers. It’s useful for people who want to compare several quotes side‑by‑side before committing.
The platform typically asks for vehicle details, lets you choose open or enclosed transport, and shows bids from a network of carriers with feedback ratings. You can compare rates and book directly through the site. Payment is often held in escrow until delivery, adding a layer of security not always present with direct‑booking services.
Timing can affect cost. Summer and the snowbird season in fall and winter often raise prices because carrier availability tightens. Shipping in spring or early fall, when demand is lower, can result in more favorable rates from the same pool of carriers.
Many platforms also provide mobile tracking so you can follow your shipment’s progress without needing to call.
The trade‑off is variability. Because independent carriers bid on your job, the experience depends heavily on which carrier you select. Review feedback scores carefully before booking, and don’t choose solely on lowest price.
3. Montway Auto Transport , Nationwide Coverage
n
Montway is one of the largest auto transport brokers in the country, with service across all 50 states. It’s a good fit for straightforward car shipments where broad carrier availability matters most.
n
Montway works with a large network of carriers, which means it can usually find pickup within a few business days on most routes. It offers both open and enclosed options, and the quote process is fast online. For standard sedans and SUVs moving between major metros, Montway’s network density is a real advantage.
n
As a broker, Montway connects you to carriers rather than owning trucks itself. That’s the norm in this industry, but it means the quality of your actual driver can vary. Insurance coverage details are worth confirming before you book, since the carrier’s policy is what protects your vehicle, not Montway’s.
n
Montway is a solid choice for common routes and standard vehicles. If you’re shipping a motorcycle, a boat, or something non-standard, the carrier options through a general broker may be more limited than a specialist like Dispatch Dudes.
nn
4. AmeriFreight (Broker Service) , Managed Shipping Experience
AmeriFreight is a licensed DOT auto transport broker that acts as your agent between you and the carrier. It’s best for people who want a managed experience with a dedicated representative guiding the process.
AmeriFreight offers three service tiers. The Economy Saver Rate is a discounted option for people with flexible timelines, though pickup acceptance rates can range from 5% to 30% depending on conditions. The Priority Preferred Rate targets the market rate with a 1 to 3 business day pickup window. The Guaranteed First Class Rate locks in a set price and a specific pickup day, with the company absorbing any carrier cost increase.
According to AmeriFreight’s terms and conditions, the First Class Rate also includes basic coverage through a third‑party insurer, adding a layer of protection beyond the carrier’s standard cargo policy. That’s worth noting if you’re shipping a higher‑value vehicle and want supplemental coverage.
AmeriFreight has shipped a large volume of vehicles and holds a 4.7/5 rating across more than 40,000 reviews. Their customer service model, with named agents handling individual orders, is a genuine differentiator for first-time shippers who want a person to call.
The Economy Saver tier can be slow to place, sometimes taking longer than the estimated window. If you have a hard move date, go straight to Priority or First Class pricing.
5. Ship A Car , Budget-Friendly Options
n
Ship A Car is a broker that focuses on competitive pricing across a wide carrier network. It’s worth considering if keeping cost down is the main priority and your timeline is flexible.
n
Open carrier rates in the current market run $0.40 to $2.00 per mile, and Ship A Car works within that range by matching shipments to carriers with available space on existing routes. The more flexible your pickup window, the better the rate you’re likely to get, since carriers can optimize their loads without detours.
n
Timing your shipment matters here. Industry data shows February is typically the slowest month for auto transport, with lower demand and more carrier availability. That translates to cheaper quotes. Summer months, particularly June through August, are peak season with the highest demand from relocations and university moves.
n
Ship A Car handles standard vehicles well on common routes. For specialty vehicles or tight timelines, the budget-first approach can mean slower carrier assignment. If your vehicle is a motorcycle, a boat, or a non-runner, confirm upfront that the assigned carrier has the right equipment before you commit.
nn
nn
6. Enclosed Auto Transport Service
Enclosed auto transport providers offer specialized service for high‑value, exotic, or classic vehicles when open transport does not meet protection needs.
These carriers operate fleets of dedicated haulers and handle a substantial number of vehicles annually. Shipments typically include higher insurance coverage than standard cargo limits, which is important for valuable vehicles.
As non‑brokered carriers, many own their trucks and employ their drivers directly, eliminating middlemen. Their fleets may feature climate‑controlled trailers for temperature‑sensitive interiors and hydraulic lift gates for low‑clearance vehicles, ensuring careful handling.
Regional hubs across the United States support frequent routes on major corridors, and service can extend to remote areas such as Alaska and parts of Canada.
Rates are generally higher than open transport, reflecting the equipment and coverage level. The added cost is justified for protecting valuable vehicles.
Comparison of Top Door to Door Auto Transport Services
Here’s how the six providers stack up on the factors that actually matter when you’re deciding who to book.
One thing this table makes clear: insurance transparency is the biggest gap in this market. Regulatory requirements mandate that licensed carriers carry cargo insurance, but the limits vary widely and are rarely disclosed upfront. Always ask for a Certificate of Insurance before your vehicle is picked up, regardless of which provider you use.
Door-to-door service adds convenience but can cost more than terminal-to-terminal options, because the carrier has to route to your specific address rather than a central drop point. That said, the time you save by not driving to a facility usually makes it worth it, especially on long-distance moves.
How to Choose the Right Provider
A few questions narrow this down fast.
- What are you shipping?If it’s a car or SUV, most brokers work fine. Motorcycles and boats need a carrier that explicitly accepts them. Dispatch Dudes handles all three.
- How much is the vehicle worth?Standard open transport is fine for everyday cars. Anything over $50,000 or irreplaceable deserves enclosed transport with confirmed insurance limits.
- How tight is your timeline?Flexible windows get better rates. Hard deadlines cost more. Expedited options exist but carry a premium, typically 20 to 40 percent above standard rates.
- Do you want to manage it yourself or have someone guide you?Marketplace platforms give you control. Brokers like AmeriFreight give you a person to call. Full-service providers like Dispatch Dudes give you both.
- Has the carrier’s insurance been confirmed?Don’t assume. Ask for the Certificate of Insurance and check the cargo limit against your vehicle’s value.
FAQ
What is door to door auto transport and how does it work?
Door to door auto transport means a carrier picks up your vehicle at your specified address and delivers it directly to your destination address. You don’t drop off or collect from a terminal. The driver gets as close to your location as safely accessible. In tight residential streets, they may ask you to meet at a nearby parking area, but the logistics are coordinated in advance so there are no surprises.
How much does door to door car shipping cost?
Prices vary widely. Open transport runs roughly $0.40 to $2.00 per mile. Enclosed transport jumps to $1.50 to $2.50 per mile, and cross-country enclosed shipments can exceed $2,000 or more. The median price across the market is around $299, but the average is closer to $784 because premium services pull the number up. Get at least two quotes before booking, and confirm what’s included in each one.
Is door to door shipping more expensive than terminal to terminal?
Yes, typically. Door to door auto transport costs more because the carrier routes to your specific address, which takes more time and planning than dropping vehicles at a central hub. The convenience is usually worth the difference for most shippers, especially on long-distance moves where driving to a terminal adds its own time and cost.
What vehicles can be shipped door to door?
Most standard cars, trucks, and SUVs qualify for door to door service across the 48 contiguous states. Motorcycles and boats can also be shipped door to door, but not every carrier accepts them. Dispatch Dudes handles cars, motorcycles, and boats. Inoperable vehicles are also shippable, though carriers add a surcharge for the winch or forklift equipment needed to load them.
How do I verify a carrier’s insurance before shipping my car?
Ask for the carrier’s Certificate of Insurance before your pickup date. Check the cargo coverage limit, not just the liability limit. Most standard carriers carry substantial cargo coverage, typically split across all vehicles on the truck. If your car is worth more than that, consider a provider with higher limits or ask about supplemental coverage. You can also verify a carrier’s active status through the FMCSA database.
How long does door to door auto transport take?
Transit times depend on distance. Short hauls under 500 miles often take 1 to 3 days. Cross-country moves typically run 7 to 10 days. Expedited service can cut that window significantly but costs more. Weather, traffic, and carrier routing all affect the final timeline. Most providers give an estimated delivery range rather than a guaranteed date, so build in a buffer if you need the car by a specific day.
Conclusion
n
For most people shipping a car, motorcycle, or boat across the country, Dispatch Dudes is the clearest starting point. Fully insured carriers, open and enclosed options, and true door-to-door pickup across the 48 states cover the majority of what people actually need. Get your instant quote at dispatchdudes.com and see your rate in minutes.