Find the best classic car transport services

Our favorite classic car transporters

To select our top picks, we looked at transporters and brokers that have a history of shipping classic cars and that offer enclosed transport and straightforward tracking. All companies listed have received positive feedback from customers via online reviews and ratings.

Sherpa offers both open and enclosed shipping. Sherpa’s quotes are backed by its Price Lock Promise, which ensures the estimate you get is the final price you pay. You can also opt to ship your classic car door to door, which makes pickup and drop-off easy.

Sherpa has a wide range of pickup and delivery locations within the contiguous U.S., so it’s generally a good choice even if you live in a rural or remote location. Sherpa does not, however, deliver to Alaska, Hawaii or locations outside the U.S.

eShip offers both open and enclosed transport, and expedited shipping for classic cars is also available for an additional fee.

Montway is a broker with more than 15,000 carriers nationwide. The company has a history of supporting classic, luxury and brand-new vehicle transports, and it recommends its enclosed transport services for classic cars worth $50,000 or more.

It can provide door-to-door service, legal and safety standards permitting. Although Montway cannot fulfill international shipments, it can transport a vehicle to or from a U.S. port.

uShip is a marketplace that connects people who want something shipped with haulers who have extra truck space. To use uShip, you simply list your transport job, compare shipping bids and select a carrier to work with. The uShip app gives you access to tracking and real-time updates related to your vehicle’s pickup and delivery. Updates can also be sent to your mobile device via push notifications.

Classic car transport cost

A number of factors influence the cost of shipping a classic car, including its make, model, size, weight, the season you’re shipping in and the distance it needs to travel. A greater shipping distance will yield a lower cost per mile.

The cost to ship a classic car with open transport typically starts at around $0.50 per mile for distances of 2,500 miles or more. However, the cost can reach around $3.40 per mile for enclosed transport at a distance of 100 miles or less. Many auto transport companies offer a cost calculator to give you a rough cost estimate for shipping your car.

Keep in mind that although enclosed auto transport typically costs 50% more than open-air shipping, it’s generally worth the cost to ensure your classic car is fully protected.

» CALCULATE: Cost of shipping a car

What to look for in a classic car transport service

It’s important to look for a shipping company that has experience with classic car transport. The best enclosed car transport companies will have a long history of transporting classic cars; the last thing you want is an inexperienced carrier that attempts to cram as many cars as possible onto one truck.

Working with a company that has a track record of transporting classic cars gives you more peace of mind than using a new company or one that has only done open-air hauling.

You’ll also want to validate the company’s safety record by looking it up in the USDOT’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System.

» MORE: Open vs. enclosed car shipping

There are a few other important items to consider when choosing an auto transporter:

How to ship a classic car

Use our classic car shipping checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything important:

1. Make sure your insurance is up to date. The carrier you work with should have adequate insurance to cover any damage your car might sustain during transport. But it’s nonetheless a good idea to confirm that your vehicle’s comprehensive and collision coverages are active prior to shipping. These coverages can kick in if your carrier turns out to be uninsured or underinsured.
2. Request enclosed car shipping quotes from several companies. It’s important to ask several companies for quotes to help you determine the best price for shipping your car. Make sure to ask about enclosed shipping. Shipping a classic car isn’t cheap; if a company gives you a remarkably low quote, it’s best to research the company’s past customer reviews thoroughly before you work with it. It’s better to pay a bit extra to ensure your car arrives safely and on time.
3. Choose a company and select a shipping window. Keep in mind that a number of variables can influence the delivery date for your vehicle (weather, road conditions, carrier availability, etc.), so auto transporters usually don’t guarantee a specific arrival date. Your car will instead be scheduled to arrive within a multi-day window of time.
4. Prepare your classic car to be shipped. This includes washing the car and checking with an experienced mechanic to make sure the car is ready for transport. Also, remove your valuables from the car and fill it with about a quarter of a tank of gas.
5. Document the vehicle’s condition. Take photos of the vehicle’s exterior and note any pre-existing damage. This gives you evidence of the car’s prior condition in case it’s damaged during transportation.
6. Perform a vehicle inspection at the time of pickup with the driver. You will have to fill out a bill of lading when the carrier receives and delivers your vehicle. Don’t sign off on the bill of lading unless the car is in the same shape it was in before you shipped it.

» MORE: How to ship a car

Bottom line

Whether you’re buying a classic car and need it delivered to your home, you’re moving or you need to transport your vehicle temporarily for a car show or other event, you have a few options when choosing a reliable classic car transporter.

We recommend looking for a service that offers enclosed transport, has a history of shipping classic cars and provides upfront tracking and insurance information. Keeping these things in mind as you gather quotes should lead you to a quality auto transporter that will ship your classic car with care.