Speed Reads
- We give RoadRunner Auto Transport 4.5 out of 5.0 stars for cost as shown by the low cost of the quotes we received.
- RoadRunner offers a solid selection of shipping services including open and enclosed transport, military car shipping, and seasonal vehicle relocation.
- It offers GPS tracking as well as an online instant quote tool for customers.
RoadRunner Auto Transport offers a wide array of auto shipping services across the United States, but it may not be the best choice for your needs. There are plenty of other reputable car shipping companies available that are worth a look before you opt for RoadRunner.
When you’re making a decision about vehicle transport, it’s helpful to compare options. We’ve researched the reputation, cost, shipping services, and customer reviews of RoadRunner Auto Transport to help clarify the company’s benefits and drawbacks.
Our RoadRunner Auto Transport Review & Methodology
We consider reputation, cost, services, and customer experience when we review car shipping companies. The sections below provide additional information on these categories and how RoadRunner measured up in each of them.
Reputation
State availability and years in business are a couple of the main factors we take into account when giving reputation scores. RoadRunner has been in business since 1992 and is available in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico. These factors paired with the company’s C+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), made us give RoadRunner a 3.8 out of 5.0-star rating in the reputation category.
Cost
For this review, our team collected quotes from the provider for shipping a 2018 Toyota RAV4 various distances through both open and enclosed transport. Open shipping means your car is shipped on an open-air trailer, making them exposed to the elements. Enclosed shipping means your vehicle is shipped in an enclosed trailer where it is protected from the elements, but is more expensive. We give RoadRunner a 4.5-star rating for cost despite not offering any discounts.
Services
RoadRunner offers a wide variety of shipping services, including open and enclosed transport as well as seasonal vehicle relocation. The company works with businesses as well as individuals, transporting vehicles for car dealerships and rental car agencies. We give RoadRunner a 4.5-star rating for offering a large range of transportation services.
Customer Experience
When rating a company for customer experience, we consider online reviews as well as our own experiences gathering quotes. RoadRunner has a solid review score on Google, but a lower score on the BBB website. The low score on the BBB website may not tell the whole story as there are just over 130 reviews, while Google features nearly 5,000 reviews. The company offers GPS tracking as well as an instant quote tool online for customers to take advantage of. We give RoadRunner a 3.7-star rating for customer experience.
RoadRunner Auto Transport Overview
Founded: 1992
Headquarters: Bethpage, New York
Service area: Contiguous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean
RoadRunner Auto Transport is a licensed auto transport broker headquartered in Bethpage, New York. It works with over 14,500 certified transporters and claims to have safely shipped more than 420,000 vehicles.
In addition to cars, RoadRunner Auto Transport offers shipping services for the following items:
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Recreational vehicles (RVs)
- Boats
- Tractors
RoadRunner also offers fleet relocation services for rental car companies and vehicle shipping for car dealerships.
RoadRunner Auto Transport Customer Reviews
Our research team analyzed 975 reviews to get an idea of what customers of the shipping industry liked or disliked about their shipping experiences. Based on customer reviews, RoadRunner Auto Transport doesn’t have the best reputation. The company isn’t accredited by the BBB and holds a C+ rating from the organization. The average of more than 130 drivers’ reviews on the BBB website is a 1.5-star rating out of 5.0 for RoadRunner Auto Transport.
You’ll find a much different story on Google, where more than 4,800 reviews average out to a 4.1-star rating out of 5.0. These inconsistent ratings may give vehicle owners pause before they select RoadRunner, though the broker receives decent scores from plenty of customers.
Positive RoadRunner Auto Transport Reviews
Those who were pleased with RoadRunner Auto Transport consistently mentioned that their vehicles were delivered either on time or ahead of schedule. Customers also mentioned that customer support made it easy to get information about their cars during shipment.
“I was very pleased with RoadRunner’s service. The time frame for assigning my shipment was adequate. The transport driver delivered ahead of schedule and was very professional and courteous. I would highly recommend RoadRunner for any transportation needs.”
– Dennis via BBB
“Great service. They arrived on time and were able to deliver our car one day earlier. They kept in touch during the entire transportation. This is the third time I have used them and always satisfied!”
– Pam via BBB
RoadRunner Auto Transport Complaints
Some drivers report that RoadRunner Auto Transport fails to communicate regularly with customers and doesn’t always pick up or deliver shipments on time. While drivers sometimes speak of terrible customer service, RoadRunner is a legitimate business and not a scam.
“My child is relocating cross-country and they failed to pick up the vehicle on time. The customer service line is not available 24 hours as stated, the tracking number did not work, and the calls stopped being answered.”
– Danielle via Google
“Received no updates for a week. Called the company more than 10 times and repeatedly was disconnected after being on hold for five minutes without an option to leave a voicemail. Paid receipt was not sent until I sent an email stating I would dispute all charges if the paid receipt was not sent immediately.”
– Christine via BBB
RoadRunner Auto Transport Shipping Services
RoadRunner Auto Transport offers a comprehensive range of vehicle delivery services. It moves cars to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and nearly any major port throughout the Caribbean. Additional services that the broker provides include the following:
- Open carrier transport: This is the most common shipping option and requires that your car be loaded onto an open trailer for shipment.
- Enclosed carrier transport: Shipping your car in an enclosed trailer protects it from potential damage caused by road debris or adverse weather conditions.
- Cross-country car shipping: This is a good option for those who need their cars moved over long distances but don’t want to drive.
- Military car shipping: When military members transfer between bases, RoadRunner Auto Transport can relocate privately owned vehicles (POVs).
- Seasonal vehicle relocation: Some people change their place of residence seasonally, so RoadRunner Auto Transport offers shipping between their homes.
- Business shipping services: RoadRunner Auto Transport works with businesses like car dealerships and rental car agencies to ship cars and fleet vehicles.
RoadRunner Auto Transport Extras And Add-Ons
For added peace of mind, RoadRunner Auto Transport allows drivers to track their cars during the shipping process. Once the order has been scheduled, owners gain access to an online tracking portal using a unique tracking number.
RoadRunner Auto Transport Cost
We received over 70 quotes from some of the industry’s top providers to get a sense of where RoadRunner stood among the best in the business. RoadRunner Auto Transport charges close to the industry average for auto shipping services. We reached out to RoadRunner for car shipping quotes online for sending an operable 2018 Toyota RAV4 from Los Angeles to Houston. Here are the rates we received:
| Shipping Route | Approximate Mileage | Transport Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX | 1,556 | Open | $1,195 |
| Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX | 1,556 | Enclosed | $1,395 |
For some added context, here are the quotes we received from RoadRunner for the same shipments in November 2021:
| Shipping Route | Approximate Mileage | Transport Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX | 1,556 | Open | $1,065 |
| Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX | 1,556 | Enclosed | $1,651 |
You might find more competitive rates than those from RoadRunner Auto Transport, but these prices are quite standard. In fact, a survey our team conducted in 2021 showed that most respondents paid $1,500 to $1,999 to ship their vehicle.
The company doesn’t require a deposit until your shipment is scheduled, and you won’t have to pay in full until the carrier delivers your car.
What Affects Car Shipping Costs
We spent 300 hours researching the ins and outs of the car shipping industry. Here are the main factors that affect car shipping costs:
- Type of transport: Enclosed transport costs more than open carrier transport.
- Type of delivery: Door-to-door shipments are more expensive than terminal-to-terminal shipments.
- Distance: While long-distance shipments cost more than shorter ones, their rates per mile are significantly lower.
- Vehicle condition: It costs extra to ship inoperable vehicles because loading them onto carriers’ trucks requires more labor and equipment.
- Size and type of vehicle: The larger and heavier the vehicle, the more expensive your delivery will be.
- Time of year: Auto shipping services are in high demand in January and throughout the summer, leading to higher rates.
- Shipping time frame: Those who need same-day or next-day delivery pay a premium for rushed service.
- Fuel costs: As fuel prices increase, so does the cost of shipping your vehicle.
How To Ship A Car With RoadRunner Auto Transport
If you’re unsure of how to ship a car, RoadRunner Auto Transport’s website emphasizes how simple the process is. The company breaks all shipping details down into three key steps:
- Get a car shipping quote online: Once you find an instant quote that meets your needs, secure a reservation using RoadRunner Auto Transport’s online booking form or by calling one of the company’s shipping agents.
- Vehicle pickup: Your vehicle transport carrier will meet you at the pickup location on the predetermined day of the shipment. After that, you’ll be able to track your car shipment using RoadRunner’s online portal.
- Vehicle delivery: Once the vehicle has been offloaded, you’ll inspect it for damage. Then, you’ll get your keys back after completing payment for the delivery.
When shipping your vehicle, you must receive a copy of the bill of lading to help keep track of any damages your car may sustain during the shipping process. The bill of lading serves as an agreement between the customer and carrier that includes the details of the shipment as well as any pre-existing damage to the vehicle.
While this doesn’t happen often, a 2021 survey from our research team found that 41% of respondents cited vehicle damage upon delivery as the most common issue they experienced. By keeping track of any damages to the vehicle before the actual delivery, you can assure that any damage sustained during the shipment is covered by the shipping company.
Whether you choose RoadRunner Auto Transport or another car shipping company, the process is pretty straightforward. Expect to follow the same steps when using almost any reputable auto transport provider.
RoadRunner Auto Transport: Conclusion
Although RoadRunner is not our highest rated auto transport company, there is still plenty to be admired. The company’s full range of shipping services and low costs make it a solid choice for anyone looking to ship their vehicle. RoadRunner Auto Transport provides a smooth shipping experience with their GPS tracking system and instant online quote tool, possibly making them a hidden gem depending on your needs.
RoadRunner Auto Transport: Competitors
While RoadRunner Auto Transport doesn’t receive the highest possible reviews, plenty of car shippers offer standout service. Take a look at Montway Auto Transport and Easy Auto Ship as you attempt to find your best option for vehicle deliveries.
Montway Auto Transport: 4.7 Stars
Montway Auto Transport is a licensed auto transport broker that’s been shipping vehicles since 2006. The company works with a network of vetted carriers to provide car shipping services across the contiguous U.S. as well as Hawaii, Alaska, and international destinations.
Montway Auto Transport’s services include open and enclosed shipping, door-to-door service, and expedited delivery. The company holds an A+ rating from the BBB and a 4.6-star average from more than 2,300 Montway Auto Transport reviews on the organization’s site.
Easy Auto Ship: 4.4 Stars
Easy Auto Ship is a vehicle transport broker that has sent over 123,000 cars across the country and world. The company offers affordable car shipping services with guaranteed pricing, so all costs are included in your quote.
The BBB gives Easy Auto Ship an A+ rating, and customers on the site give it an average of 4.6 stars. Due to the company’s low prices and flexible shipping options, it’s easy to see why Easy Auto Ship reviews are overwhelmingly positive.