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Find the Best Car Shipping Companies in Boston, MA

Your car is important and valuable, so you need a reliable auto transporter when moving it in and around the Boston area or even long-distance. Boston.com has partnered with ConsumerAffairs to create this guide by comparing local availability, auto transport services and reviews of dozens of businesses and choosing the top 10 auto transporters in Boston.

This content was created by a Boston.com partner. The editorial department of Boston.com had no role in writing, production, or display. Boston.com may be compensated for publishing this content and/or receive a commission on purchases of products or services described within the post.

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Shipping a car in Boston

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When starting your search for a Boston auto carrier or broker, there are several things to keep in mind. It’s most important to protect yourself from scams, and there are a few ways to do that.

Joey Sasson, Vice President of Sales and Logistics at Moving APT, has several tips for staying smart.

“Make sure the company is licensed and insured,” says Mr. Sasson. “Otherwise, you may be liable if things go sideways during transport.”

You can check licensing status with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) online. You can also check reviews, ask family and friends for recommendations and request information and quotes from several companies for comparison. When you’re ready for a quote, companies will need to know pickup and drop off information, vehicle information and type of shipping (for example, open or enclosed). Once a price is agreed upon and the order placed, you can schedule a pickup day. Most companies offer door-to-door services, which is more convenient than meeting at a terminal. Several companies also require no money down until the car is picked up. The balance is paid when it is dropped off, after being inspected. Then, you’ll be ready to explore your new city.

Boston car shipping costs

Auto transport costs will vary, but you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $1,162 to $1,569 for a car transport of around 1,675 miles*. An SUV transport averages $1,162 to $1,819 and a truck $1,339 to $1,889 for the same mile range.

Company Transport type Car* (2018 Toyota Corolla) SUV* (2018 Nissan Armada) Truck* (2018 Ford F-150)
Montway Open $1,409 $1,819 $1,879
Sherpa Open $1,325 $1,625 Undisclosed online
American Auto Shipping Open $1,569 $1,819 $1,889
AmeriFreight Open $1,214 $1,314 $1,339
A-1 Auto Transport Open $1,162 $1,162 $1,163
Boston Auto Shipping Group Open $1,325 $1,525 $1,575
*Prices quoted for pickup in Boston and drop-off in Oklahoma City were accurate at the time of publication

Location is the biggest price factor in auto transports. Local transports will cost less while cross country or international transports will be the most expensive. Additional factors that impact pricing include:

  • Open vs. enclosed hauling
  • Vehicle type
  • Vehicle size
  • Delivery flexibility
  • Personal items in vehicle

A special consideration for the Boston area is if it is in season or off season. In season is spring and summer when moving is at its highest. However, Boston has special weather conditions in the winter that can affect vehicle transport. With the cold winter season lasting around three and a half months, many Boston residents take off to warmer weather for the winter. Boston auto transporters call these residents snowbirds and can ship your vehicle to your warmer destination and then back home to Boston.

Boston auto transport FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
Car shipping prices vary greatly. Factors like hauling type, vehicle type and season affect cost. The largest factor is trip length. You can request quotes from several companies to compare auto shipping rates.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
The most cost-effective way to ship a car is on a shared open transport. This is also easier to arrange, and the open trailer can carry eight to 10 cars at a time.
What is the best way to ship a car?
This can vary based on your needs. In every case, the first step is finding a licensed and insured broker or carrier. Check the FMCSA database to ensure a company’s status. Be sure to get multiple quotes to determine which company can best help with your specific case.
Do I have to change my car registration if I move to another state?
You must update your car registration after residency is established. The only exception most states offer is for college students. Policy varies, but many states require registration change within 30 to 60 days after establishing residency. You will most likely need to visit a local DMV, but you might be able to do this online, depending on the state.

Boston auto transport company information

Sherpa Auto Transport

Sherpa is a fully licensed and insured auto transport broker. It offers transparent online quotes and its Price Lock Promise; this means you will pay the price you are quoted. After a transport is booked, Sherpa works with a network of preferred carriers to schedule pickup and delivery. Sherpa transports sedans, SUVs, trucks and vans within the continental U.S. It also transports exotic, antique and collectible vehicles. Open and enclosed transports are available. Sherpa benefits also include a clean car guarantee with a free car wash after delivery (up to $20). In the unlikely event of damage in transport, you’ll need to take photos and videos of the damage. Sherpa can help you work with the carrier on filing claims.

Sherpa Auto Transport Learn More (833) 417-9393

Montway Auto Transport

Montway is an auto shipping broker that works with a network of 15,000 auto carriers to ship vehicles. You can receive an instant quote online, by phone or by chat. When you’re ready to book, it can also be done via email, chatting or calling. Montway then finds a licensed, insured trucker for transport. You will not pay for transport until your pickup is scheduled. After pickup, you can track your vehicle's progress any time. Once the vehicle is delivered, you’ll inspect and sign off on it. Montway’s terms state that as a broker, it is not liable for loss or damages. Instead, you will file a claim directly with the carrier used. Montway is available in all 50 states.

Montway Auto Transport Learn More (866) 618-7655

eShip

eShip is a licensed and insured auto transport broker. It offers online, no-obligation quotes. No upfront deposit is required, and there is a price lock guarantee. It offers door-to-door service from pickup to delivery. It only partners with fully insured and bonded carriers. eShip can transport motorcycles, cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs and boats. Open and enclosed options are available, and some shipments can be expedited. You have a personal shipping agent through the entire process, and Platinum Protection is included. This offers a damage-free guarantee and rental reimbursement if a vehicle arrives more than 48 hours late.

eShip

American Auto Shipping

American Auto Shipping is a nationwide auto shipping broker. It partners with a network of carriers on a case-by-case basis. Motorcycles, cars, trucks, SUVs, military vehicles and heavy equipment are eligible for transport. American Auto Shipping offers open, enclosed and rail transport options. Once you’ve accepted a quote, American Auto Shipping finds a carrier, then gives you the driver’s name, phone number and pickup/delivery dates. The driver calls to set a pickup time with you directly, and in some cases, expedited shipping is available. Added American Auto Shipping benefits include a price lock quote, no deposit upfront, damage-free guarantee and a free rental car for excessively delayed deliveries.

American Auto Shipping

AmeriFreight

AmeriFreight is an insured auto shipping broker that partners with shipping carriers to move vehicles. It provides the quote and then connects you with the carrier, which can be a trucking company or individual owner-operators. Added AmeriFreight benefits include GAP protection that provides coverage beyond the carrier’s basic insurance. It also offers discounts for military, first responders, seniors, students, return customers and early birds.

AmeriFreight Learn More (678) 783-8206

A-1 Auto Transport

A-1 Auto Transport is an auto shipper with 40 terminals and 30 modern carriers. It specializes in moving vehicles, heavy equipment, motorcycles, RVs/motor homes, boats and freight. Open and enclosed transport is available. Services are door to door from pickup to delivery. A-1 Auto Transport is fully insured in the event of damage during shipping. It offers discounts for online booking, military, students, seniors, snowbirds, first-time shippers and multiple cars.

A-1 Auto Transport

East West Auto Transport

East West Auto Transport is a Boston auto shipper offering transport services for vehicles, classic cars, exotic cars, vintage cars and oversized vehicles. It also specializes in international auto shipping. Open and enclosed carriers are available. It also helps with snowbird shipments, meaning it sends vehicles to warmer climates during winter and back in the spring. East West Auto Transport asks for at least seven to 10 days' notice, preferably two weeks, for shipment. It does have expedited services for select cases. It also offers to find the most economical options for military families. Other perks are door-to-door pickup and delivery, shipping non-running vehicles and pickup within seven days or less. East West Auto Transport is located at 303 Wyman St., Waltham, MA 02451.

East West Auto Transport

Car Shipping Carriers

Car Shipping Carriers is a Boston auto shipping broker. Services include open, covered and enclosed car shipping with door-to-door pickup and delivery. You can also use its terminal-to-terminal pickup and delivery option. Car Shipping Carriers is fully licensed and bonded. It offers 100 percent insurance with a coverage amount up to $1,000,000. There is no deductible, and it offers a 21-day or less claim resolution. Car Shipping Carriers operates from 75 State St., Ste. 100, Boston, MA 02109.

Car Shipping Carriers

Boston Auto Shipping Group

Boston Auto Shipping Group is the parent company of four auto shipping brokerages. The Boston location helps with car, truck, boat, motorcycle, military and other auto transports. This includes open carrier and enclosed shipping. Boston Auto Shipping Group services pickups in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, San Diego, Baltimore, Miami, Boston, Phoenix and Portland. Their Boston location is at 177 Huntington Ave., Ste. F17, Boston, MA 02115.

Boston Auto Shipping Group

Dreamline Logistics

Dreamline Logistics is an auto transport carrier, which means it uses its own fleet to move vehicles. It also provides freight shipping services. Dreamline Logistics has open and enclosed trailer options to support moving cars, motorcycles, buses, sports cars, luxury cars, classic cars and more. It provides local and cross-country transportation. Part of the Dreamline Logistics process includes insurance up to $750,000 and car wash reimbursement. It also gives a full refund if a driver cannot fulfill a shipment for some reason. Dreamline Logistics has an office at 2464 Massachusetts Ave. # 220, Cambridge, MA 02140.

Dreamline Logistics