Montway Auto Transport earned 9.7 out of 10 stars during our car shipping industry study, the highest score of all the car shipping companies we reviewed.
Updated:
Jun 28, 2024
Written by:
Alex Carver
Alex Carver
Senior Writer
Edited by:
Rashawn Mitchner
Rashawn Mitchner
Senior Editor
Key Takeaways:
- Montway Auto Transport offers a discount for customers who pay with cash on delivery.
- Montway offers some of the best pricing in the industry, with shipments of 500 miles or less starting at around $600 and shipments of 2,500 miles or more totaling about $1,600.
- Montway offers $100,000 liability coverage and a $250,000 cargo insurance policy that covers any valid claim the carrier fails to protect.
In this article, we at the MarketWatch Guides team will take a closer look at this auto shipping company, going into detail about what makes Montway one of our top-recommended car shipping companies in the industry.
Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.
Montway Auto Transport Review
Montway Auto Transport Customer Reviews
As you research auto shipping companies, consider customer reviews to get a feel for the shipping experience. Montway has a 4.6-star rating from over 2,100 customers on the BBB.
On Google reviews, the company has a 4.7-star rating out of 5 from over 16,000 reviews. Overall, Montway Auto Transport’s reviews from customers are positive.
Positive Montway Auto Transport Reviews
Many positive Montway Auto Transport reviews on the BBB website say Montway’s staff is easy to reach during transport. The company doesn’t offer GPS tracking, but you can call, text, chat or email a live agent during extended business hours every day. Reviewers also say the individual carriers are easy to get in touch with.
Other positive reviews say Montway finds rates at or near the original free quote. Many customers also say carriers pick vehicles up within the expected time frame.
Negative Montway Auto Transport Reviews
While Montway has many positive reviews, not everyone has the best experience.
Some customers express disappointment about auto shipments taking longer than expected. In one case, the carrier took a week longer than expected to deliver due to unforeseen medical issues. In the world of auto shipping, customers have to wait when the driver calls in sick.
Remember that Montway is a car shipping broker, so they are responsible for hiring carriers to transport cars. Also, door-to-door shipping is approximate — sometimes, customers need to meet the carrier at a safe location as close to the owner’s home as possible.
The bottom line is your car shipping cost can increase before you book your shipment, and shipping times may be unpredictable. It’s good to be aware of these things so you know what to expect.
Our team reached out to Montway for a comment on these negative reviews but did not receive a response. However, Montway almost always responds to any negative reviews left on the BBB’s website.
Montway Auto Shipping’s Car Transport Services
Montway offers several car shipping methods, including open and enclosed carriers, door-to-door shipping, terminal-to-terminal shipping, and cross-country shipping. For an additional fee, customers can add on expedited shipping and guaranteed pickup dates. Below are all of the car shipping services Montway provides.
U.S. and international shipments: You can ship your car anywhere in the country, including Alaska and Hawaii. Montway can also help you secure transport to destinations abroad.
Buy online and ship: If you purchase a vehicle online in another location, Montway can pick it up from the dealership and ship it to you.
Door-to-door delivery: Montway transports your car between your addresses (or accessible locations nearby). It doesn’t offer terminal-to-terminal shipping.
Open and enclosed transport: Open car transport is the standard shipping method, but you can choose an enclosed carrier for more protection — and a higher price.
Expedited transport and guaranteed pickup dates: Montway can give you a guaranteed pickup date and a faster delivery time for an extra fee. Depending on your needs, you may even be able to get next-day shipping. However, the company doesn’t guarantee specific delivery dates.
Cargo Insurance: Montway provides coverage of up to $100,000 and includes additional cargo insurance coverage of up to $250,000 if the carrier fails to cover a valid claim.
Types of Vehicles Shipped
You aren’t limited to just passenger cars when it comes to what you can ship with Montway Auto Transport. Here are some of the vehicles Montway will transport:
- ATVs
- Golf carts
- Motorcycles
- Exotic vehicles
- Collector cars
- Classic cars
- Inoperable vehicles
MARKETWATCH GUIDES TIP
Montway won’t ship just any vehicle, however. The company doesn’t ship RVs, campers, farm vehicles, large commercial trucks and vans, boats or trailers.
Montway Auto Transport Cost
Shipping your car with Montway averages $679 for a 550-mile shipment, $1,279 for a 1,600-mile transport and $1,219 for a 2,800-mile shipment with open vehicle shipping.
Montway Auto Transport Cost Per Mile
According to our research, distances under 550 miles cost about $1.24 per mile, distances between 500 and 1,500 miles cost about $0.81 per mile and distances over 1,500 miles cost $0.42 per mile on average.
| Distance | Type of Transport | Credit/DebitCost Per Mile | CashCost Per Mile |
| Under 550 miles | Open | $1.24 | $1.18 |
| 550 to 1,500 miles | Open | $0.81 | $0.88 |
| 550 to 1,500 miles | Enclosed | $1.13 | $1.08 |
| Over 1,500 miles | Open | $0.42 | $0.57 |
We found enclosed trailer shipments cost an average of $200 to $400 more than open transport with Montway Auto Transport.
Montway Auto Transport Prices
Our team gathered quotes for shipping an operable 2020 Honda Civic about 1,600 miles from 14 car shipping providers. Montway came in just below the industry average rate at $1,279.
Montway Auto Transport Prices
| 1,600-Mile Open Transport Price | |
|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,279 |
| Industry Average | $1,341 |
Montway Auto Transport Quotes
While price estimates indicate how much you could pay to ship a car with Montway, the best way to find the exact rate you will pay is to get an instant quote directly from the company. You can contact the company directly by phone or on their website. You will provide your name, phone number, email, vehicle information, shipping dates and pick up and drop-off locations.
Here are a few sample prices specific to the auto transporter, all for an operable 2020 Honda Civic:
| Shipping Type | Shipment Mileage | Quote | Per-Mile Cost |
| Open | 550 miles | $679 | $1.23 |
| Open | 1,600 miles | $1,279 | $0.81 |
| Enclosed | 1,600 miles | $1,799 | $1.13 |
| Open | 2,900 miles | $1,219 | $0.42 |
Montway Auto Transport Discounts
Montway offers several discounts and deals that can substantially lower the cost of shipping your vehicle. Below are detailed descriptions of each discount and deal you may be eligible for with Montway:
Military discount: Montway offers discounts for active duty and retired military personnel.
Cash discount: Paying cash on delivery can lower your final shipping bill.
Multi-vehicle discount: Shipping more than one vehicle at a time is cheaper per mile than shipping one car.
Promo codes: You can get reduced rates by searching online for promo codes that unlock reduced rates.
Returning customers discount: Customers who have used Montway’s shipping services previously get lower rates for hiring the company again.
Student discount: This discount is only available for current students or alumni of the University of Michigan.
Montway Auto Shipping Cost Factors
Here’s a run-down of the factors that influence the cost of auto transport services:
Vehicle size and weight: Large or heavy cars such as SUVs can limit the number of other vehicles car shippers can transport at the same time. This can increase your vehicle shipping cost.
Operability: An inoperable car costs more to ship because the carrier will need to use a winch to get it on the trailer.
Distance: Car shippers charge by the mile, but the per-mile rate goes down as the distance increases. That means that while you’ll pay more overall for long-distance shipments, like from New York to Los Angeles, your per-mile rate will be lower than for a short shipment.
Type of transport: Enclosed auto transportation is more expensive than open, and single-car transport is even more expensive than enclosed.
Season: When demand for auto shipping is higher, so is the average cost. This happens in the summer when families move and in January when many people travel south for the winter.
Pickup and delivery location: It costs less to ship your car if the carrier doesn’t need to go out of their way to pick it up or drop it off. If only a couple of car carriers are available for your area or route, you could pay more since there is less competition. This is especially true for rural areas. For example, you’re likely to pay less to ship a car from Houston than from rural Texas.
How To Save Money When Shipping a Car With Montway
There are a few things you can do to get cheap car shipping, including:
- Book Early
Book at least two weeks in advance to give Montway time to find the best carrier rate. By booking early, Montway will have the opportunity to allow carriers to bid on your vehicle shipment, which drives down the final cost.
- Be Flexible With Pickup and Drop-off Dates
By allowing Montway more flexibility to schedule your shipment, the company is able to find a carrier that has multiple open spots available on the carrier.
- Opt for Open Shipping
We found open transport services cost about $200 to $400 less than enclosed trailer shipments, so if you are trying to save money, open shipping offers the best value.
- Meet the Carrier at a Nearby Town or Interstate
If you live in a rural location, meeting the carrier at a nearby interstate or city is usually cheaper than having your car delivered to your house. This is because car shipping companies have popular routes that afford lower prices due to higher demand, the further the driver has to travel away from standard routes, the more fuel and time it takes the carrier to complete your delivery.
- Choose Terminal-To-Terminal Shipping
While Montway doesn’t offer this service, choosing this option could result in a lower price if you end up selecting a different auto moving company. Terminal-to-terminal shipping is slightly less convenient than door-to-door transport, but it could save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you live far away from popular shipping routes.
- Consider Seasonality
Shipping costs, like all other businesses, depend on supply and demand. Generally, there is a higher demand for car shipping services during the summer months, when people often move, and during January, when snowbirds head south. If possible, ship your car during the off-season, when more carriers are available and fewer customers are searching for auto transport services.
What To Know When Working With Montway Auto Transport to Ship a Car
Below are tips for a hassle-free shipping process with Montway:
Quotes are not guaranteed
Keep in mind that car shipping quotes aren’t set in stone. While Montway’s team wants to get you the best price, the market largely dictates what you pay. Pricing is not guaranteed until a carrier is dispatched, which can happen up to five days before your first available shipping date.
Cancellation is possible
You can get a full refund if a carrier has not been dispatched. After that, you can get a partial refund minus a $249 fee or your deposit, whichever is less. You can’t cancel a shipment once the car is already in transit.
Pickup dates are fluid
When you get a quote, you’ll see a place to select the first available shipping date. This is the earliest your car is available for pickup, but the carrier may or may not pick it up on this date. Montway has a standard pickup window of one to five days. You can, however, pay extra to secure a guaranteed date in many cases.
If you aren’t available to meet the carrier for pickup or delivery, you can authorize someone else to meet the carrier and sign the bill of lading.
How to Ship a Car With Montway Auto Transport
Here’s what you need to know about shipping a car with Montway Auto Transport.
Get a quote: You can get an instant quote online at www.montway.com by entering your vehicle information, shipping details, phone number and email address. The online quote tool allows for open or enclosed transport. You can also call Montway if you have special requirements.
Move forward with booking: If you’re happy with a quote, click the booking link or contact Montway to move forward in the process. You’ll enter pickup and delivery information here.
Schedule Your Shipment: Once Montway finds a carrier to ship your car at a price you approve, schedule your shipment by making a payment. You can either pay a partial deposit and then complete the payment with cash later or pay the entire bill by credit card upfront.
Prepare Your Vehicle: Clean your car and remove all personal items from the cabin. Leave it with a quarter tank of gas. With Montway, you can leave up to 100 pounds of personal items inside a suitcase or box in your trunk. However, these items are not covered by cargo insurance.
Meet the Carrier and Sign the Bill of Lading at Pickup: At this point, you’ll have the carrier’s contact information and schedule a meeting time. At the pickup location, you’ll both inspect your car for existing damage and sign a bill of lading. We recommend you also take photos of your vehicle at this time so you can identify any later damage
Sign the Bill of Lading at Drop-Off: When the carrier is near the drop-off location, you’ll get a call to schedule a time to meet. At drop-off, you’ll inspect the vehicle again and sign the bill of lading. Be sure to note any new damage on this document.
Complete Cash Payment (If Applicable): If you selected the cash price at booking, you’ll pay the rest of the bill directly to the carrier with cash, a money order or a cashier’s check. You can’t use a debit or credit card at this point.
File an Insurance Claim if Necessary: If you notice any new damage after you receive your vehicle, note it on the bill of lading and make sure the trucker sees it and signs the document. Take photos of the damage if you can. Get a copy of the bill of lading from the trucker, and then contact Montway to get the trucker’s certificate of insurance. Montway can help you file a claim with the trucker’s insurance.
Montway Auto Shipping Reviews: The Bottom Line
Considering its many years of experience, range of car shipping options and high customer satisfaction, we rate Montway Auto Transport 9.7 out of 10 and give it our Best Customer Experience award for 2024.
Montway should be an excellent option for most people, whether you’re just relocating to the next state over or making a big cross-country move from California to Florida. For the best results, plan your shipment in advance and be flexible in your timing.
Montway Auto Transport Recommended Competitors
Even though our team highly recommends Montway as a car mover, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple providers before agreeing to a contract. Some providers may offer lower rates for your shipping needs. Be sure to shop around in order to get the best deal. Here are two providers we recommend getting car insurance quotes from:
Easy Auto Ship: 9.0 out of 10
Easy Auto Ship can be a smart choice for auto shipping, and we found it has great customer service. Easy Auto Ship has been in business since 2013 and has a 4.6-star rating out of 5 from customers on the BBB and an A+ rating from the organization.
Easy Auto Ship provides shipping services to all 50 states, and it can arrange international transport. Like Montway, the transporter has an instant online quote form, which makes it easy to get a ballpark price.
Keep reading: Easy Auto Ship Review.
Sherpa Auto Transport: 8.8 out of 10
Founded in 2017, Sherpa Auto Transport is a newer player in the auto transport industry. What sets Sherpa apart is its Price Lock Promise. While your initial quote can be higher with Sherpa than with other companies, Sherpa guarantees that the final price won’t increase beyond that amount. The car shipper also provides reimbursement for a car wash after your delivery.
Sherpa Auto Transport serves the 48 contiguous states and Hawaii. It has an A+ rating from the BBB, along with a 4.91-star rating from customers.
Keep reading: Sherpa Auto Transport Review.
Montway Auto Transport: FAQ
Below are a few frequently asked questions about Montway Auto Transport customer reviews.
Yes, Montway Auto Transport is a legitimate car shipping company. It moved more than 250,000 cars in 2023. Montway Auto Transport reviews from industry experts and customers are largely positive.
For its positive customer service reputation, variety of shipping options and affordability, we rate Montway Auto Transport as the top auto transport company overall. Easy Auto Ship and Sherpa Auto Transport can also be smart choices for car shipping.
Montway Auto Transport is a car shipping broker, which means it connects customers with a wide network of auto carriers. Auto carriers rely on brokers like Montway to keep their schedules full. Many carriers don’t deal with the public directly.
How long it takes to ship a car with Montway Auto Transport varies greatly. It can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more to secure a carrier for your shipment. After that, the actual shipment could take a day to a week, depending on the distance and the carrier’s schedule. If you need your car picked up or delivered by a certain day, you can get expedited shipping for a higher price.
The difference between open and enclosed shipping, in terms of function, is that open containers leave your car exposed to potential damage. An enclosed container offers more protection. When it comes to price, enclosed shipping tends to be significantly more expensive than open shipping.
There are a few ways to know if a transport company is a legitimate provider. You can check a provider’s history with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Carriers themselves should be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and have a DOT registration number. You can also look for online reviews of the company with the BBB, Google, Trustpilot and other sites.
Montway Auto Transport is a privately owned company that was founded by Mike Mihaylov and Galya Svetlieva. Dimitre Kirilov currently serves as the company’s President and CEO.
Yes. Montway Auto Transport is licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and is accredited by the BBB. Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive and the company has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from the BBB, 4.7 out of 5 stars from Google reviews and 4.4 out of 5 stars from Trustpilot reviews.
Montway offers the best car delivery service at affordable prices and doesn’t sacrifice quality for price. Montway’s insurance coverage and additional services such as enclosed transport make the company a solid choice for anyone who needs a car shipped.
Montway does not offer GPS tracking online. However, you can track your car by contacting Montway’s customer service by phone or through an online chat. In some cases, you will be able to directly text the driver transporting your vehicle to inquire about location and expected delivery times.
The best way to reach Montway Auto Transport’s customer service is to call them at (888) 998-8552. You can also speak with an agent using a chat feature on Montway.com.
Our Methodology
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car shipping companies. We collected data on dozens of auto transport providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the companies that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Cost (33% of total score): Auto shipping companies with affordable rates, locked-in pricing and discount opportunities score highest in this category.
- Customer Experience (25% of total score): This score is based on customer satisfaction ratings and the availability of extras like GPS tracking. We also consider the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each transporter’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.
- Reputation (22% of total score): Our research team considers availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
- Shipping Methods (10% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for car transport and added benefits are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Logistics (10% of total score): A smooth shipment is all about the details, which is why we look at how long it takes providers to pick up and ship vehicles, whether they include additional insurance coverage and more.
Our credentials:
- 200+ hours researched
- 20+ companies reviewed
- 2,000+ consumers surveyed
*Data accurate at time of publication.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.
