When you need to get your vehicle to a new destination without getting in the driver’s seat, you want to know your investment is in good hands. Not only is Montway Auto Transport one of the biggest and most well-connected auto brokers in the United States, but the company’s positive reviews, simple processes and great perks earned it a spot on Forbes Home’s Best Car Shipping Companies ranking with a score of 4.7 out of 5.
Our rankings are based on a detailed set of metrics that factor in prices, availability, consumer reviews and more. Montway Auto Transport also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.6 out of 5 average reviews from more than 2,000 customers. To further get a sense of Montway Auto Transport, we got quotes for several shipments. The process was easy, and the information provided was detailed.
Pros
- Free initial cancellation
- Cash discounts
- Competitive prices
Cons
- No instant car tracking
- Limited to automobiles and motorcycles
- $199 cancellation fee after job is booked with a carrier
Table of Contents
- About Montway Transport
- What Moving Services Does Montway Transport Offer?
- Shipping a Car: We Put Montway Transport to the Test
- What We Think Sets Montway Transport Apart
- What We Think Lets Montway Transport Down
- Montway Transport Cost
- How Does Montway Transport Work?
- Where Is Montway Transport Available?
- How Montway Transport Stacks Up
- Alternatives to Montway Transport
- Montway Transport Reviews and Experience
- Bottom Line: Is Montway Transport Right for You?
- Methodology: How We Rated Car Shipping Companies
About Montway Transport
Founded in 2008, Montway Auto Transport has grown into one of the most widely available and reputable car shipping companies during its 15 years in business. Today, Montway has a network of more than 15,000 carriers and has delivered more than 1 million vehicles. The company ships to all 50 states and can help facilitate international shipping in many cases. The rates from Montway Auto Transport are also competitive, with further discounts available with cash payments.
Adding to Montway Auto Transport’s appeal is the generous insurance coverage that is standard with every shipment. Unlike some other companies, Montway thoroughly vets its network of auto haulers to ensure the contractors meet insurance standards. This includes liability coverage of $100,000 for open transport.
The biggest notable downside to Montway Auto Transport is that the company doesn’t ship boats, RVs or farm equipment. The company ships motorcycles in addition to many types of cars, including classic, luxury and exotic vehicles.
Featured Partners
1
Montway
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
2
Easy Auto Ship
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
3
Nexus
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
4
Sherpa Auto Transport
BBB Score
Excellent
States Service
50
International Shipping
No
What Moving Services Does Montway Transport Offer?
Montway Auto Transport truly specializes in auto transport–so you’ll need to search elsewhere if you’re looking to ship something besides a vehicle or motorcycles. If that still describes your needs, the good news is that Montway has various moving services to suit varying budgets and timelines.
Open-Air Vehicle Transport
Using an open-air carrier is the most cost-effective way to ship your car. That’s because a standard open-air carrier can fit up to 10 vehicles at a time, more than an enclosed carrier can hold. It’s also easier to schedule an open-air carrier, which makes this a better option if you’re on a tight timeline. You can pay a premium to have your vehicle top loaded onto a carrier so it’s not susceptible to fluids leaking from vehicles above.
Enclosed Vehicle Transport
Using an enclosed carrier is the recommended mode of transportation for classic, luxury or other rare vehicles. Enclosed carriers can transport up to seven vehicles at a time and come with the benefits of protection from the elements and greater insurance coverage. This does come at a premium price of about 10% to 40% more than open transport for a comparable trip.
Expedited Vehicle Transport
If you want an absolute say over when your vehicle is picked up and a faster delivery schedule, Montway’s expedited vehicle transport may be the best bet for you. Although you must be prepared to pay a premium, Montway’s expedited service comes with other benefits like free personal item shipping, direct contact with your driver and door-to-door transportation.
Door-to-Door Transport
A convenient alternative to terminal-to-terminal shipping, door-to-door shipping means your vehicle will be picked up and delivered to your specific locations. With this option, you can also be present to oversee the loading and unloading of your vehicle.
Shipping a Car: We Put Montway Transport to the Test
Montway Auto Transport advertises instant online quotes, so we wanted to see if it was that simple. To put Montway’s quote process to the test, we planned two moves through the company: One from New York City to Austin, Texas, and another from New York City to Boston, Massachusetts. Not only were the quotes instantly generated, but they also included detailed information about the prices for variable factors–like how much you could save by paying in cash or how much additional it would cost for an enclosed carrier.
New York City to Austin, Texas
- 1,7000 miles
- 2023 Tesla Model Y
- February 2024
- $1,309 or $1,239 cash
New York City to Boston
- 215 miles
- 2023 Tesla Model Y
- February 2024
$539 or $509 cash
Report on the Customer Journey Process
Getting a comprehensive quote from Montway Auto Transport really couldn’t be easier. Although you could call, we opted to test the process with the online form on the company’s homepage. To do so, you just needed a few pieces of information like where the vehicle is coming from and going to, its make and model, whether you want open or enclosed transportand your desired pickup date within a few ranges.
With the click of a button, Montway generates a quote that breaks down the standard price versus the cash price, plus how much you would have to pay for premium services like an enclosed carrier. The quote also outlines insurance coverage and estimated transit time.
Afterward, Montway followed up immediately with an email that shared the quote information. If you want to discuss it further, representatives are available by phone or live chat.
What We Think Sets Montway Transport Apart
Based on our detailed methodology, Forbes Home feels that Montway Auto Transport is a solid option for your car shipping needs—as reflected by the 4.7 out of 5 rating That score earned Montway a spot near the top of our Best Car Shipping Companies list. Not only does Montway provide service nationwide and internationally, but it also has many consumer-friendly benefits that help the company continue to earn strong reviews from customers.
Cash Discounts
Montway Auto Transport takes the guesswork out of cash pay discounts by clearly stating in the quote breakdown how much you’ll pay in cash versus card. The savings are based on the total cost, but you can expect to save more than 5% by paying in cash.
Excellent Insurance
Although Montway Auto Transport is a broker rather than a carrier, it has high standards for the carriers it works with–and that includes requiring any transporter to cover individual vehicles with up to $100,000 of Inland Marine Cargo Insurance. The rates vary for ocean shipments and enclosed carriers.
Competitive Prices
Montway’s standard prices are below the average quote we received for a comparable journey. Plus, if you pay cash, you can save even more money. You also don’t have to put any money down until a carrier is booked. However, it is important to note that Montway’s quotes are not binding.
What We Think Lets Montway Transport Down
For all the ways that Montway Auto Transport excels, there are some factors working against it. For example, if you’re looking to transport a boat or RV, you must search elsewhere for service. Additionally, even if you are just a potential auto transport customer, you should read the fine print in Montway’s terms. For example, although customers don’t have to put any money down initially, you are subject to a deposit when a carrier is scheduled–which could be at any point. After that, you will have a $199 cancellation fee.
Furthermore, Montway’s quotes are not binding. That means you may have to pay more than your quoted rate, although customers are still generally satisfied with their final price.
Montway Transport Cost
| DISTANCE (MILES) | CAR | SERVICE | QUOTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215 | 2023 Tesla Model Y | Open | $539 |
| 650 | 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe | Open | $879 |
| 1,700 | 2023 Tesla Model Y | Open | $1,309 |
How Does Montway Transport Work?
The specifics of how long it takes to transport a car vary based on distance and some other factors. Montway outlines much of this in your quote to keep the process as simple as possible. The company also has detailed information about the process on their website. Montway Auto Transport outlines the car shipping process in three steps:
- Get a quote and book service: After getting an instant quote online or by talking to a representative, confirm you want to move forward with scheduling your job. No deposit is required until a trucker is booked.
- The carrier picks up your vehicle: On a scheduled date, the carrier arranged by Montway will arrive to pick up your vehicle. If you are present, you can inspect the vehicle before signing off on a Bill of Lading.
- Retrieve your vehicle: The driver will contact you before arriving at the destination to confirm the delivery time. You can then reinspect your vehicle before signing the Bill of Lading to accept the delivery.
Where Is Montway Transport Available?
Montway Auto Transport services all 50 states, including port-to-port shipping for vehicles coming from or going to Hawaii. The company can help with international shipping in certain situations, but it’s best to confirm availability with a representative.
How Montway Transport Stacks Up
Alternatives to Montway Transport
Montway Auto Transport works with over 15,000 auto carriers throughout the United States and has earned thousands of positive customer reviews. However, it is still a good idea to look at a few other companies for comparison. When you’re looking for the right car shipping company for you, it’s wise to take the quoted price, fine print, shipping methods and more into account.
Montway Transport vs. American Auto Shipping
American Auto Shipping ranks slightly above Montway on Forbes Home’s Best Car Shipping Companies list. If you are comparing prices, American Auto Shipping’s rates are lower although they don’t advertise the same cash discount. American Auto Shipping is an option if you need to ship a boat or RV, however, the company isn’t available internationally like Monway.
Learn more: American Auto Shipping review
Montway Transport vs. AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight ranks slightly below Montway on our Best Car Shipping Companies list, but just barely. It is slightly more expensive and does not have international shipping options. However, AmeriFreight does provide boat and RV shipping which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Learn more: AmeriFreight review
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Montway Transport Reviews and Experience
Montway Auto Transport has generally strong customer reviews, although there will always be dissenters. The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, backed up by a 4.6 out of 5 rating from the average of 2,268 customer reviews. Montway also has a “great” 4.2 out of 5 rating on TrustPilot from 1,408 reviewers. Positive reviews often note its intuitive website, helpful customer service and on-time deliveries. Negative reviews, however, mention difficulties getting in touch with the company.
Bottom Line: Is Montway Transport Right for You?
With service throughout the United States and beyond, it’s worth taking a few minutes to get an instant quote from Montway Auto Transport. From there, be sure you understand the fine print so you aren’t surprised when payment is due or anything else related to its terms and conditions.
Methodology: How We Rated Car Shipping Companies
To determine the car shipping companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 52 companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating various metrics and subcategories, including years in business, pricing and insurance, services and add-ons, customer reviews and support and nationwide availability.
You can learn more about how Forbes Home rates car shipping companies on our detailed methodology page.
All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who owns Montway Transport?
Montway Auto Transport is a corporation. According to its website, the current CEO is co-founder Mike Mihaylov.
Is Montway Transport a broker?
Yes, Montway Auto Transport is a broker meaning the company maintains relationships with vetted auto transporters. This helps the company accommodate schedule needs while having greater availability throughout the country.
Where is Montway Transport headquarters?
Montway Auto Transport is based in Schaumburg, Illinois.
How long has Montway Transport been around?
Montway Transport was founded locally in 2006 and incorporated in 2007.
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