Our team takes a deep dive into leading providers in the auto transport industry to determine the best car shipping companies each year. We’ve evaluated hundreds of online reviews and surveyed thousands of customers to learn about the shipping experience with each company. After 300 hours of research, we rated Ship A Car, Inc. 4.1 out of 5.0 stars for its cost-effective auto transport services for nearly any type of vehicle.
Our Ship A Car, Inc. Review And Methodology
We consider reputation, cost, services, and customer experience when we review car shipping companies. Ship A Car, Inc. stands out to us for its impressive range of service options for many types of vehicles and cargo. It’s also one of the few providers that assigns you a dedicated coordinator for every step of the process.
Reputation
Ship A Car, Inc. receives 4.6 out of 5.0 stars for its great reputation among customers in the auto shipping industry. It has an A+ rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with only three complaints filed in the last three years. The company offers auto transport services in all 50 states, as well.
Cost
We gave Ship A Car, Inc. 4.1 out of 5.0 stars for cost. Our team gathered quotes for shipping an operable 2018 Toyota RAV4 various distances using both open transport (shipping on an open-air trailer) and enclosed transport (shipping in a hauler with a roof and walls). According to the quotes we received, Ship A Car, Inc.’s prices for open shipping are in line with the industry average while its enclosed shipping costs tend to be lower than average. Although there is no deposit required, the company does not offer any discounts to lower costs.
Services
The company offers open and enclosed transportation as well as basic insurance coverage. Although it doesn’t specify whether it offers door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal shipping, the company offers a wide range of shipping service for many types of vehicles and cargo. Transport services are available to all 50 states with Ship a Car, Inc., including shipping to Hawaii and Alaska. We give the auto transport broker a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars in this category.
Customer Experience
Our team considers online reviews and our experiences with a provider during our secret shopper process when we rate a company for customer experience. Ship A Car, Inc. has mixed reviews for customer service, with a lower score of 2.7 out of 5.0 stars on Trustpilot and a strong 4.9 out of 5.0 stars from customers on the BBB. When we reached out for quotes from the company, we found its quotes process to be more involved than many competitors’. For these reasons, we give Ship A Car, Inc. 3.3 out of 5.0 stars for customer experience.
Ship A Car, Inc. Overview
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: Coral Springs, Florida
Service area: United States, including Alaska and Hawaii
Ship A Car, Inc. is an auto transport broker that connects customers with carriers that can fulfill their vehicle delivery needs. The company is known for offering competitive prices, and its customer service reputation is relatively strong.
Those who choose Ship A Car, Inc. gain access to a wide range of services for nearly any type of vehicle. Customers can transport everything from family sedans to heavy equipment across the United States using Ship A Car, Inc.
Ship A Car, Inc. Reviews
While Ship A Car, Inc. hasn’t received as many reviews as some auto transporters, the company has earned positive marks. The shipping broker holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB, and customers on the site give it a strong average score of 4.9 out of 5.0 stars. Ship A Car, Inc. also responded in detail to each complaint on the BBB website.
Positive Ship A Car, Inc. Reviews
The majority of customer reviews for Ship A Car, Inc. are positive. Customers who report a satisfying experience usually point to a smooth shipping process and responsive company agents as highlights.
“On-time pickup, on-time (even a bit early) delivery, kept me updated on everything along the way. In the end, a very positive experience.”
– Lena P. via BBB
“Received timely updates via text and phone from the staff. My transport crew arrived on time and the delivery of my vehicle was hassle-free.”
– Valerie R. via BBB
Negative Ship A Car, Inc. Reviews
Few drivers left negative feedback on the BBB website for Ship A Car, Inc., which speaks well of the company’s service standards. Some reviewers had issues with their individual motor carriers and expressed frustration with the process of resolving those issues.
“Car picked up three days late and no contact, delivered late. Office was closed on the weekend. Even they had trouble contacting the driver.”
– Susan V. via BBB
“Two days from our time frame we get the call from the broker who states, ‘Good news and bad news: got a driver but he wants $500 more.’ When I asked why the difference, he stated they do not control the prices the drivers request.”
– Frank O. via BBB*
*Ship A Car, Inc. responded to this customer and issued them a $100 refund.
Ship A Car, Inc. Auto Shipping Services
One of the biggest selling points of Ship A Car, Inc. is the sheer number of car shipping services available through the company. Listed below are a few of the shipping options SAC Auto Transport offers:
- Open container shipping: Inexpensive, but leaves your car at risk for damage during transit
- Enclosed container shipping: An enclosed trailer protecting your car from damage during transit
- Seasonal car transport: Options for snowbirds and others who live in multiple places throughout the year
- Exotic and classic car shipping: Provides additional protection for high-value and hard-to-replace automobiles
- Military car shipping: Ships privately owned vehicles (POVs) between bases for military members and their families
- Business-to-business (B2B) shipping: Offerings for dealerships and fleet management companies
- Alternative vehicle shipping: For motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, recreational vehicles (RVs), tractors, and even food trucks
One unique benefit that Ship A Car, Inc. offers is dedicated transport coordinators for every shipment. Each customer is assigned a coordinator to provide updates and address any questions throughout the process.
As a car shipping broker, Ship A Car, Inc. works to arrange transport solutions for its customers. If you still don’t see the services you need, call or message Ship A Car, Inc. to see if the company can offer a solution.
Ship A Car, Inc. Auto Transport Cost
Our research team received over 70 quotes from the top shipping providers in the nation. We found that shipping costs from Ship A Car, Inc. are typically lower than average for the auto transport industry. Based on a survey our team conducted of 1,000 customers who had shipped a vehicle, most participants paid between $1,500 and $1,999 for their shipment.
Ship A Car, Inc. Auto Transport Quotes
We reached out to SAC Auto Transport for a few sample quotes to ship an operable 2018 Toyota RAV4. Here are the numbers we received in October 2022:
| Shipping Route | Approximate Mileage | Transport Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago to Kansas City, MO | 503 | Open carrier | $560 |
| Los Angeles to Houston | 1,556 | Enclosed carrier | $1,700 |
| New York City to San Francisco | 3,036 | Open carrier | $3,400 |
For some context, here are the quotes we received from Ship A Car, Inc. for the same shipments in 2021:
| Shipping Route | Approximate Mileage | Transport Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to Houston | 1,556 | Open carrier | $1,000 |
| Los Angeles to Houston | 1,556 | Enclosed carrier | $1,400 |
Since prices change constantly, the best way to discover excellent rates is to request quotes from Ship A Car, Inc. and other cheap car shipping companies to make sure you’re getting the lowest prices on the market.
What Factors Affect The Cost To Ship A Car?
Car transport companies like Ship A Car, Inc. determine your rates using a number of variables. Here are some of the factors that influence your car shipping cost the most:
- Shipping distance: Car movers charge by the mile, but the rate per mile often goes down as the shipping distance increases. Though a long-distance move from Chicago to San Francisco might cost more overall, you’ll pay less per mile than for a shorter move.
- Transport type: Shipping your car in an open container is the cheapest method, but it leaves your vehicle exposed to potential damage from road debris and the weather. An enclosed container offers extra protection and peace of mind for an additional fee.
- Vehicle type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship than smaller cars.
- Shipping speed: If you need your car shipment expedited, you’ll have to pay more.
- Time of year: The car shipping market is seasonal, with demand and rates at their highest at the beginning of the calendar year and in the summer.
- Delivery method: Door-to-door delivery may be the most convenient method of sending and receiving your vehicle, but terminal-to-terminal shipping is often less expensive.
- Pickup and delivery locations: In general, you’ll pay more to ship your car if it needs to be picked up from or delivered to a rural area rather than a more densely populated area.
- Route competition: Popular routes – California to Texas, for example – will reflect more competitive pricing, whereas an unpopular route, such as North Carolina to Kansas, will be more expensive.
While the factors above certainly help determine vehicle shipping rates, they aren’t the only ones. Providers use varying formulas, so the best way to get an accurate estimate is to get car shipping quotes online.
How To Ship A Car With Ship A Car, Inc.
After analyzing more than 900 reviews online and researching Ship A Car, Inc. extensively, our team found the best tips for shipping with this company. Many Ship A Car, Inc. reviews mention the company’s straightforward shipping process as one of its best features. There are just a few basic steps to the entire process with Ship A Car, Inc.:
Get a free quote
On Ship A Car, Inc.’s website, you’ll find a free quote tool. Enter details about your pickup and drop-off locations, your vehicle, and your intended shipping date. You’ll also need to put in your phone number. After you submit this information, an agent will get back to you with a quote. You can also call Ship A Car, Inc. directly.
Arrange services
If you’re happy with your initial quote, book the shipment. You can either fill out the booking form online or let a Ship A Car, Inc. representative assist you.
Pay
After you book service, SAC Auto Transport assigns your case to a dedicated vehicle transport coordinator who will take care of the arrangements with your carrier. The coordinator will also help you with payment or financing options for the initial payment, which will secure your spot on the carrier’s truck.
Prepare your car
Before the pickup date, clear everything out of your car. Also, inspect your vehicle for existing damages to make it easier to inspect upon delivery. Taking photos may help.
Meet your carrier
Your carrier will come to the pickup location on the day of shipment. Either you or someone you choose to represent you will need to meet them. Point out any existing damage during the pre-shipment inspection. You’ll also need to sign the bill of lading before the trucker leaves with your car. The bill of lading is essentially a receipt to document what the carrier is shipping (your vehicle) and the agreement between you and the carrier.
Receive your car
You’ll get a rough estimate of when your car will be delivered before the shipment begins. Once the carrier arrives with your car at the delivery location, check your vehicle and make note of any new damages. After the inspection, sign the bill of lading again and pay the carrier the remainder of the shipping fee.
Ship A Car, Inc.: Conclusion
We rated Ship A Car, Inc. 4.1 out of 5.0 stars due to its strong reputation and large selection of shipping services to choose from. The provider also offers affordable transport costs on average, making it a good choice to consider for your shipping needs.
Ship A Car, Inc.: Competitors
Ship A Car, Inc. is a provider that’s worth checking out for most vehicle owners. However, it’s always smart to source auto transport quotes from various providers to find the best rate for your needs. Luckily, our research team reviewed 25 of the industry’s top companies to help you find the provider that fits your needs best. Below are two other auto shipping companies we recommend looking into.
Montway Auto Transport: 4.7 Stars
Montway Auto Transport placed first in our review of auto transport providers due to its superb services, low rates, and strong reputation among customers and industry leaders. Those who use Montway Auto Transport consistently mention the company’s affordable prices and attentive service as highlights.
Discover more: Montway Auto Transport review
Sherpa Auto Transport: 4.6 Stars
While costs can be a bit unpredictable in the auto transport industry, Sherpa Auto Transport’s locked-in prices help you know what to expect from the start and avoid the price increases that are common with other companies. Sherpa Auto Transport has a positive industry reputation with an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB and a near-perfect BBB customer review score of 4.9 stars.
Discover more: Sherpa Auto Transport review