American Auto Shipping
American Auto Shipping Review
Last Updated: September 2024
Keisha Thompson
Writer
Fact Checked
Chloe Davis
Senior Editor
Instant price-binding quote
Damage-free guarantee
No deposit required
Cross-country availability
137,000+ vehicles shipped
In a Nutshell
American Auto Shipping, established in 1999, has consistently maintained its reputation as a leading auto transport company in the USA. Accredited with an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, they specialize in a range of services including cross-country, open and enclosed transport, transport by rail, military car shipping, auto auction shipping, door-to-door service, and more. Praised for their transparency and a vast array of shipping options, they cater to various customer needs, whether for standard or specialized vehicles.
Pros
Extensive Experience: Over two decades in the auto transport business
Wide Range of Services: Offers diverse shipping options like cross-country, enclosed transport, and military car shipping
High BBB Rating: A+ rating, signifying trust and reliability.
Transparent Process: Clear steps from quotation to delivery, with direct contact with carriers
Accessibility: Easy quote generation online or via phone, with a streamlined booking process
Cons
Limited Information on Fleet: Specific details about the fleet are not extensively provided on the website.
Varied Pricing: Costs can fluctuate based on market conditions and service types.
Availability of Expedited Services: While available, expedited services come at a significantly higher cost.
American Auto Shipping Services
American Auto Shipping offers a comprehensive array of services catering to a variety of auto transport needs. Here's a more detailed list of their services:
Nationwide Shipping: Facilitating long-distance vehicle transport across the United States.
Open Transport: Economical option for standard vehicle shipping, exposing vehicles to the elements.
Enclosed Transport: Provides enhanced protection for luxury, classic, or sensitive vehicles.
Transport By Rail: Alternative shipping method for long distances.
Military Car Shipping: Dedicated services for military personnel's vehicle shipping needs.
Auto Auction Shipping: Specialized transport solutions for auction-purchased vehicles.
Door to Door Service: Offers convenience by picking up and delivering at specified locations.
Shipping from Hawaii to Mainland and Vice Versa: Specialized service for inter-island vehicle transport.
Heavy Equipment Transport: Capable of handling larger and heavier equipment.
Motorcycle Shipping: Specialized transport services for motorcycles.
Shipping for Nonoperational Vehicles: Provides methods like winches and liftgates for loading nonoperational vehicles.
Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping: Offers a less expensive option, though not as common and may incur storage charges.
Flexible Shipping Options: Includes open and enclosed transport, with open transport being more cost-effective.
Handling Modified and Larger Vehicles: Special arrangements for oversized or modified vehicles, including vans, dual-wheel trucks, box trucks, and vehicles requiring flatbed or lowboy services.
American Auto Shipping Car Transport Process
American Auto Shipping's process of transporting a vehicle is straightforward and involves several key steps:
Getting a Quote: Customers can receive an instant car shipping estimate online or by calling their toll-free number.
Placing an Order: If the estimate is satisfactory, orders can be placed either online or over the phone with a specialist.
Scheduling Pickup: The company then reserves a spot for the vehicle on one of their transport carriers, providing the customer with the driver's name, contact information, and pickup/delivery dates.
Vehicle Inspection and Pickup: Before loading the vehicle, a thorough inspection is conducted in the presence of the transport truck driver, noting existing damage and taking photos for records.
Transportation: The vehicle is then transported to its destination. Carriers cover about 400-500 miles per day and work on an appointment basis for both pickup and delivery.
Delivery and Final Inspection: Upon arrival, a final inspection is conducted to note any damages that may have occurred during transit. This step is crucial for any claims against the carrier's insurance.
American Auto Shipping Pricing
The cost of shipping a vehicle with American Auto Shipping varies based on several factors:
Service Type: They offer different levels of service - standard, priority, and expedited, with expedited being the most expensive but fastest.
Vehicle Type and Size: Larger and heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs cost more to ship than standard cars. Modified vehicles may incur additional costs.
Transport Method: Open transport is more budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is pricier but offers more protection.
Distance: Longer distances increase the cost, with cross-country shipping being the most expensive. Shipping to and from major cities is typically more cost-effective than to rural areas.
Seasonal Factors: Prices may vary with the season, with summer and winter months often seeing different pricing dynamics.
Operational Status of Vehicle: Non-operational vehicles require special equipment for loading and unloading, which can increase the cost.
Additional Factors: Other considerations include the urgency of shipping, location of pickup and delivery, and whether personal items are loaded in the vehicle.
While the exact pricing for American Auto Shipping services can vary, here are some illustrative examples based on their service types and factors:
Standard Service: Designed for non-urgent shipments, with pickup within 1-5 weekdays. For a 4-door sedan on a coast-to-coast route, the average cost ranges from $500 to $1,100.
Priority Shipping: Costs $200 more than standard service, aimed at pickups within 1-2 weekdays.
Expedited Shipping: For urgent needs, with pickup within 24 hours but costing $500 more than standard service.
Vehicle Size and Type: Shipping costs for small SUVs, pickups, and vans typically range from $750 to $1,400 for a California to New York move. Exotic or vintage cars can cost from $800 to over $3,000, depending on transport type and requirements.
Distance Factor: For short distances (500 miles or less), the cost is around $1 per mile. For long-distance (over 1,000 miles), it averages $0.60 per mile.
Seasonal Variations: Shipping costs can be lower during off-peak seasons like fall and winter, compared to the busy summer months.
Special Circumstances: Non-operational vehicles or those requiring specific handling due to modifications may incur additional charges.
Overseas Shipping: Shipping costs to Hawaii generally range between $800-$1,350, and around $1,300 between Alaska (Juneau), Washington, and Seattle
Compare Auto Shipping Quotes
When considering a substantial service, it's essential to explore diverse options and assess quotes. Delving into a comparison, here's an overview of how American Auto Shipping differentiates itself from other leading shipping companies in handling an open carrier shipment for a 2020 Toyota Highlander over a distance of about 1,670 miles:
Company | Total Cost | Avg. Cost per Mile |
|---|---|---|
Axis Auto Logistix | $1,316 | $0.63 |
Auto Shipping Group | $1,483 | $0.71 |
SGT Auto Transport | $1,253 | $0.60 |
Montway Auto Transport | $1,295 | $0.62 |
Mercury Auto Transport | $1,316 | $0.63 |
Sakaem Logistics | $1,441 | $0.69 |
Sherpa Auto Transport | $1,650 | $0.79 |
The above data was compiled from various sources and may be subject to change. Prices and availability might vary and should be confirmed with each company for the most accurate and current information.
American Auto Shipping Fleet
American Auto Shipping boasts a diverse and extensive fleet that caters to a wide range of transportation needs. Here are two key aspects of their fleet:
Fleet Size and Variety: While specific details about the size of the fleet are not extensively provided on their website, American Auto Shipping offers a variety of transport options including open and enclosed carriers, transport by rail, and special accommodations for heavy equipment and non-operational vehicles. This variety implies a substantial and versatile fleet capable of handling different types of vehicle transport requirements.
Driver Standards: The company ensures that they work with only the best car transport companies and drivers. This indicates a focus on quality and reliability in their service delivery. Drivers are likely vetted for their experience and expertise in vehicle transportation, ensuring that each shipment is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. This commitment to quality is reflected in their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and numerous positive customer reviews.
American Auto Shipping Testimonials
Alex W
Very easy, the driver was helpful and nice. The company was super responsive with any question I had which made it smoothe sailing which I always appreciate.
Source: BBB
Maria M
I highly recommend using American Auto Shipping! I have used them more than several occasions for our fleet. Each time Jasmine was the greatest.. She helped every step of the way. answered any questions i had! will definitely continue to use there service!
Source: BBB
David S
I purchased an electric car from another state and needed a quick delivery from the dealership to my home. I used American Auto to get me a quote..took two days to deliver but in perfect condition. The driver communicated well on the delivery. Very happy.
Source: BBB
American Auto Shipping Bottom Line
American Auto Shipping stands out as a reliable choice for auto transport with its extensive experience, a wide range of shipping options, guaranteed pricing, and a damage-free guarantee. Their BBB A+ rating and numerous positive reviews further reinforce their credibility and reliability in the industry. Whether you need to ship a standard car, a luxury vehicle, or heavy equipment, American Auto Shipping offers tailored solutions to meet diverse transportation needs.
Overall Rating
7.9
Customer Sentiment | 8 | |
Value for Money | 7.5 | |
Industry Reputation | 8 | |
Services | 8 |
American Auto Shipping FAQs
Is American Auto Transport a Broker?
American Auto Shipping operates as a transport broker, coordinating services with various carriers across the country. This approach allows them to offer a wide range of options to customers, catering to different budgets and timelines. As a broker, they arrange auto transport services to all 50 states and U.S. territories for nearly any consumer vehicle, irrespective of its size, condition, or weight.
Is American Auto Transport Legit?
American Auto Shipping is a legitimate and established company offering both local and long-distance auto transport services across all 50 states and beyond. Founded in 1999, the company has built a strong reputation for providing excellent car shipping experiences, evidenced by their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This rating reflects their commitment to quality service and effective customer communication.
Where is American Auto Transport based in?
American Auto Shipping operates out of Las Vegas, providing shipping services across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories.
Which company offers the most affordable car shipping?
Determining the cheapest car shipping company is challenging as rates vary based on factors such as service timelines, transportation methods, and destinations. Most carriers offer personalized quotes, making it advisable to obtain several and compare them for the best option. We recommend comparing online quotes from multiple providers, it's fast, easy and can save you a lot of money!
Our Methodology
Our approach to reviewing car shipping companies is designed to provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed decisions. We focus on key areas that impact your overall experience and satisfaction. Here are the elements we consider:
Reliability and Trustworthiness (25%): We check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) score to ensure the company is reliable and trustworthy.
Service Coverage: We look at how well the company's services cover the entire country, ensuring accessibility for customers everywhere
Customer Service Quality: We consider customer satisfaction ratings and extras like GPS tracking to gauge the overall customer experience
Policy and Flexibility: A clear and customer-friendly cancellation policy is crucial for flexibility, earning companies higher scores
Global Transport Options: Companies offering international car shipping options get extra points for their global capabilities
Coverage and Protection: We evaluate the insurance coverage provided by companies, ensuring your vehicle is well-protected during transit
Our methodology aims to simplify the decision-making process for consumers by focusing on essential aspects that impact their car shipping experience. Each company is thoroughly assessed based on these criteria, resulting in an overall rating that guides you towards the most reliable and customer-friendly car shipping providers.
Our qualifications*:
350+ hours of research
19 companies reviewed
2,300+ consumers surveyed & interviewed
