Best Classic Car Shipping Companies Of 2024

• Montway Auto Transport
• SGT Auto Transport
  
• Easy Auto Ship
  
• AmeriFreight
  
• American Auto Shipping
  

The cost of shipping a classic car is influenced by a range of factors, with the average cost typically around $1,150, translating to about $1.15 per mile for a standard distance of 1,000 miles. However, prices can vary significantly, ranging from as low as $550 to as high as $2,450. This variation in cost is largely dependent on the type of vehicle, the distance required for transportation and the chosen method of transport.

For a clearer perspective, the cost per mile for car shipping falls between $0.60 and $1.70. The more affordable option, open carrier shipping, usually costs between $550 and $1,600, while enclosed carrier shipping, offering greater protection for your classic car, averages between $1,000 and $2,450.

The size of your vehicle also impacts the shipping cost. For instance, shipping a sedan over a distance of 1,000 miles may cost between $600 and $1,700, while larger vehicles like trucks could cost between $1,050 and $2,450 for the same distance. It’s important to note that the total cost is also influenced by the travel distance, with shorter distances generally costing more per mile and longer distances being more economical per mile, albeit with a higher overall cost.

What Factors Affect Classic Car Shipping Costs?

Several key factors influence the cost of shipping a classic car. Here’s a breakdown of these elements:

• Distance traveled: The further the distance, the higher the overall cost, although the per-mile rate may decrease for longer distances.
• Shipping method: Open carrier shipping is less expensive but offers less protection, while enclosed carrier shipping is pricier but provides more security for your classic car.
• Vehicle size: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks generally cost more to ship due to their size and weight. Each increase in vehicle size can add $150 to $250 to the shipping cost.
• Vehicle condition: Operable vehicles are easier and cheaper to transport. In contrast, inoperable vehicles require additional resources for loading and unloading, thereby increasing the cost.
• Route popularity: Commonly used shipping routes may offer more competitive pricing due to higher carrier availability.
• Time of year: Seasonal demand can influence shipping costs, with prices potentially increasing during peak moving seasons or holidays.
• Urgency of shipping: Expedited shipping options are available but come at a premium cost for faster service.
• Insurance coverage: Additional insurance for your classic car may increase the cost but provides extra protection during transit.

When choosing the best classic car shipping company, it’s crucial to consider several key factors to ensure your prized vehicle is transported safely and efficiently.

First, check customer reviews on various platforms like Yelp and Transport Reviews to gauge the company’s reliability and service quality. Look for a company with a high average rating and pay attention to any red flags such as reports of damaged shipments or poor customer service.

Next, determine whether you need open or enclosed transport. Open transport is generally cheaper, but for classic cars, especially those that are one-of-a-kind or highly valuable, enclosed transport is recommended for better protection from debris and weather conditions​​.

When selecting a transport company, ensure they have a good track record with classic cars specifically. Look for companies that are transparent about their pricing and services and offer suitable insurance coverage.

Moreover, classic auto transport insurance is crucial. Ensure your vehicle is adequately insured during transport. Most reputable companies offer insurance coverage, but it’s wise to review the coverage provided and ensure it covers the total value of your vehicle. You might also want to purchase additional insurance coverage for extra security.

Finally, consider the range of services offered by the company. Services such as door-to-door transport, terminal-to-terminal transport and expedited transport cater to different needs and might influence your decision based on convenience and urgency.

Overall, selecting the right classic car transport company requires careful consideration of these factors to ensure your vehicle is in safe hands​

When it comes to shipping a classic car, there are several options you can consider to ensure your vehicle is transported safely and efficiently. Here’s a brief overview of the available methods:

Open Transport

This is the most common and budget-friendly option. It involves transporting your classic car on an open trailer. However, it offers less protection from the elements and road debris compared to enclosed transport.

Enclosed Transport

This method provides the highest level of protection for your vehicle, shielding it from weather and road hazards. It’s ideal for high-value, vintage or unique classic cars.

Door-to-Door Delivery

Many classic car shipping services offer door-to-door delivery, where your vehicle is picked up from a location of your choice and delivered directly to the destination. This service adds convenience but may come at an additional cost.

Terminal-to-Terminal Transport

This cost-effective option involves dropping off and picking up your classic car at designated transport terminals. While it’s more affordable, it’s less convenient than door-to-door delivery.

Expedited Shipping

If you need your classic car transported quickly, expedited shipping options are available, though they tend to be more expensive.

Single-Car Carrier Transport

Some companies offer single-car carrier transport, providing personalized attention and faster delivery times. This service is often used for expedited shipping.

1. Rail Transport: Although not as common, transporting your classic car by train is an option. It can be efficient and relatively cost-effective for certain routes.
2. International Shipping: If you need to ship your classic car overseas, there are services available that can handle the legal requirements and paperwork involved in international transport.

When choosing a shipping method, consider factors like the level of protection needed for your car, your budget, the distance of transport and your preferred delivery method. It’s also crucial to research and select a reputable company with a good track record of shipping classic cars, ensuring they have the appropriate insurance and vetting processes in place for their carriers​

service. This decision, while practical and sometimes necessary, comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these pros and cons can help classic car owners make an informed choice about the best way to transport their vehicles.

Pros

1. Safety and protection: Professional shipping services provide a secure way to transport classic cars, protecting them from the wear and tear of long drives, potential road hazards and weather conditions.
2. Convenience: Shipping a classic car is often more convenient than driving it over long distances. This is particularly beneficial for owners who need to transport their vehicles to shows, auctions or new locations without adding mileage or enduring the stress of a long drive.
3. Expert handling: Reputable classic car shipping companies have experience and expertise in handling valuable vehicles. They know the intricacies of securing and transporting classic cars, ensuring that these vehicles receive the care and attention they deserve during transit.

Cons

1. Cost: Shipping a classic car can be expensive, especially if opting for enclosed transport or additional insurance coverage. The costs can vary significantly based on distance, transport type and the level of service required.
2. Risk of damage: While rare, there is always a risk of damage during transportation. Even with the utmost care, unforeseen events like accidents or extreme weather can pose a risk to the vehicle.
3. Dependency on transport schedule: Relying on a shipping company means adhering to their schedule. This can lead to potential delays or conflicts with the owner’s timeline, especially if specific dates for pickup or delivery are required.

Shipping a classic car instead of driving it across long distances has several advantages. Here are five key reasons why car shipping is often a better choice.

1. Avoid Wear and Tear on the Vehicle

Shipping your car helps in maintaining its condition by avoiding the wear and tear associated with long drives. This is especially crucial for classic cars, where maintaining their pristine condition is essential.

2. Save Time

Car shipping services can transport your vehicle more efficiently than driving, especially over long distances. This can be a significant time-saver, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your move or travel.

3. Reduce Risks and Enhance Safety

Long drives can be risky, increasing the chances of accidents and exposing you and your car to various road hazards. Shipping your car can minimize these risks, ensuring both your safety and the safety of your vehicle.

4. Avoid Additional Mileage

Driving long distances adds significant mileage to your car, which can impact its value, especially for classic cars. Shipping the car keeps the mileage low, preserving its resale value.

5. Convenience and Stress Reduction

Shipping a car offers convenience, especially if you’re moving to a new state or attending a classic car show far from home. It eliminates the stress and planning required for a long road trip, such as arranging for stops, food and accommodation.

Shipping a classic car can be a costly endeavor, but there are several strategies you can employ to help reduce the expenses:

Book in Advance

Planning and booking your car transport well in advance can often save you money. Early bookings typically come with better rates and more options for dates, helping you avoid peak season pricing.

Choose Open-Air Transport

While enclosed transport offers more protection for classic cars, it is also more expensive. If you’re looking to save money and your vehicle isn’t extremely rare or delicate, consider using open-air transport which is generally more affordable.

Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

Opting for terminal-to-terminal shipping can be cheaper than door-to-door services. This involves dropping off and picking up your vehicle at designated terminals, which can help cut costs.

Look for Discounts

Some car shipping companies offer various discounts, including those for military personnel, students and seniors. Always inquire about potential discounts that you may qualify for.

Compare Quotes

Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Shop around and compare prices from different companies to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Ship During Off-Peak Seasons

Rates can be lower during off-peak times of the year. Avoid shipping during busy seasons like summer or around major holidays to potentially get better rates.

Choose a Nearby Transport Company

Using a local shipping company could save you money on delivery costs and also make the process of exchanging paperwork and getting in-person assistance easier.

By considering these tips and doing thorough research, you can hopefully find a balance between cost and the level of care and service needed for your classic car.

To determine the best car shipping company, the Forbes Home Improvement editorial team analyzed 16 major companies, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:

Customer Experience (19%)

BBB grade, accreditation and ratio of reviews to complaints, in addition to Consumer Affairs rating, Facebook rating, Google Maps rating and Trustpilot rating were examined for each classic car shipping company we reviewed.

Support (15%)

Available customer support options, such as live chat (pre-sale), phone service, FAQ page, knowledge base and help, community forum and blogs were listed and independently evaluated for each company in our review.

Pricing and Insurance (25%)

Price quotes for classic cars were evaluated in addition to offerings like online quotes, binding quotes, deposit requirements, option to prepay, option to pay in cash, price matching, military discounts, free cancelation, service guarantee and insurance options make up almost half of each company’s overall score.

Services Offered (23%)

Classic car transportation options (including open, enclosed, door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal), option for international shipping and other offerings like muli-car transport, oversized hauling, GPS tracking and rental car inclusion were considered for 20% of the overall ranking.

Availability (15%)

The number of states covered by each company, including D.C. and PR made up 15% of its overall ranking.

Expert Score (3%)

Our editorial team was tasked with providing an additional expert score to each classic car shipping company based on additional or unusual services that set the company apart from others. Website navigation, service extras, upfront pricing, moving information or assistance available and others were included in the expert score.