How we picked. Every company here is a licensed FMCSA broker, BBB-rated A or better, ships door to door in all 50 states, and has at least seven years of operating history. We read the review platforms, the terms of service, and the 2026 rankings from U.S. News, Forbes Home, Move.org, FreightWaves, and Car Talk. Affiliate links pay for the site; they do not set the order.
- 1
AmeriFreight
Best overallTwenty-two years in, no deposit until a carrier is assigned, binding quotes, and a $2,000 gap plan. U.S. News' top pick for 2026 and ours.
Founded 2004 / Peachtree City, GA / Google 4.7, BBB A - 2
Montway
Best hours and price lockThe largest broker in the space. A 30-day TruePrice Guarantee, $250k contingent coverage, and support until 10pm. $249 to cancel after dispatch.
Founded 2006 / Schaumburg, IL / BBB A+, Trustpilot 4.0 - 3
Sherpa
Best for price certaintyThe quote is the price, with Sherpa covering up to $300 of any increase. Highest BBB and Google scores of the five. Card required at booking.
Founded 2017 / Charlotte, NC / BBB 4.9, Google 4.8 - 4
RoadRunner
Best for odd vehicles and $0 downRVs, boats, heavy equipment, Puerto Rico. Nothing charged until pickup day. Phone support is the weak point.
30+ years / Bethpage, NY / Trustpilot 4.7, Google 4.1 - 5
Nexus
Best opening priceUsually the lowest first quote, with GPS tracking and 24-hour support. Confirm the rate in writing and allow a wide pickup window.
Founded 2015 / Streamwood, IL / BBB A+, Trustpilot 4.3
Side by side
The differences are in the fine print. This is the fine print.
| AmeriFreight | Montway | Nexus | RoadRunner | Sherpa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit at booking | None | None | None | None | Card on file |
| When first charged | Carrier assigned | Carrier assigned | Carrier assigned | Pickup day | Carrier secured |
| Price protection | Binding quote | 30-day lock | Market rate | Market rate | Lock, $300 covered |
| Extra coverage | AFTA gap, $2,000 | $250k contingent | $1M cargo claimed | Options offered | Included in quote |
| GPS tracking | Carrier dependent | Carrier dependent | Most loads | Portal | Carrier dependent |
| Support hours | 8a to 10p ET M-F | 6a to 10p CT M-F | 24 hours | Business hours | Business hours |
| Cancellation | Free before dispatch | $249 after dispatch | Check terms | Free before pickup | Check terms |
| RVs and boats | Yes | Motorcycles only | Some | Yes | No |
| Alaska / Hawaii | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, plus PR | Yes |
| Military discount | $35 | On request | 10% | 10% | $100 |
Checked August 2026 against each company's published terms and current third-party reviews. Policies change; confirm with the company before booking.
Why AmeriFreight is first
Three reasons, in order of importance. First, you do not pay until a carrier is assigned, and the quote is binding once you book. That removes the two most common ways customers get burned. Second, the carrier standard is real: nothing dispatches to a carrier under a 95% internal rating. Third, the AFTA gap plan covers up to $2,000 if a carrier's insurance does not. No other company on this list combines all three.
It is not perfect. Enclosed quotes run high and the opening economy rate can take a few days to find a truck. If you need certainty on the first quote you see, Sherpa's Price Lock is the strongest promise in the business. If you need someone on chat at 9pm, Montway. If you are shipping a boat, RoadRunner. If you are watching every dollar and have flexible dates, Nexus.
What to do before you book any of them
- Get at least two quotes. Quote the same vehicle, dates, and addresses each time.
- Ask how the company handles a carrier who wants more than the quote. The answer tells you everything.
- Ask for the carrier's name and certificate of insurance once assigned, and look the MC number up on the FMCSA site.
- Read What to Know, especially the sections on the bill of lading and what happens at delivery.
Questions people ask
Should I use a broker or find a carrier myself?
A broker. Carriers do not run the same routes week to week and most will not take a one-off consumer booking. Brokers see carrier ratings and insurance status you cannot. The fee is worth it.
How much does it cost to ship a car in 2026?
Roughly $600 to $900 for routes under 500 miles on an open carrier, and $1,100 to $1,800 coast to coast. Enclosed adds 40 to 80 percent. Summer and January run high.
Can any company guarantee a delivery date?
No. Expedited options guarantee a pickup window. Delivery is always an estimate because of weather, traffic, and other cars on the truck. Be suspicious of anyone who promises otherwise.
Is my car insured?
The carrier's cargo insurance covers it while it is on the truck. Ask the broker for the certificate. Gap and contingent plans from AmeriFreight and Montway cover what that policy misses.
What about Ship A Car Direct and American Auto Shipping?
Both were on our list in prior years and both remain legitimate. We narrowed to five companies we could keep current on and felt strongly about in 2026.