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Published: Aug 28, 2025, 6:27pm
Reviewed By
| Staff EditorForbes Home researched 44 auto transport companies with clear metrics to assess the top car shipping companies in Kentucky. We dug into customer reviews, service offerings, terms and conditions, insurance options and more—plus rates for multiple vehicle shipping scenarios. To get a full picture, we also surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers.
Our team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use proprietary data and expert advice to inform all of our content, including the pros and cons of the top car-shipping companies and tips for choosing the best company for you. You can read more about our editorial guidelines for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
Nexus Auto Transport
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
2
Navi Auto Transport
BBB Score
Not Accredited
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
3
Montway Auto Transport
BBB Score
A+
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
When starting your car shipping research, you’ll want to look into elements such as the services the provider offers, if you’ll need to pay an upfront deposit and how customers view the company. We’ll break down all those aspects and more below in our best car shipping companies in Kentucky list.
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BEST FOR | ESTIMATE* | PRICE MATCHING | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.7    | Best Reliability | $800 - $1,100 | Yes | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Customer Communication | $840 - $1,225 | Yes | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Discounts | $677 - $1,151 | Yes | On AmeriFreight's Website | |
| 4.5 | Best for Customization | $839 - $1,259 | No | On Montway Auto Transport's Website | |
| 4.4 | Best Pricing | $579 - $829 | Yes | From Participating Partners |
Best Reliability
Best Reliability
Direct Connect Auto Transport
Our team dubbed Direct Connect Auto Transport as the top pick car shipping company in Kentucky for a few reasons, including its proven track record of reliability. The company focuses on both timely pick-up and binding quotes, both of which can keep customers from any unwelcome surprises or roadblocks. In fact, 91% of customers reported on-time deliveries from the company, which is much higher than the average across companies. When we asked about quoted cost versus actual cost, 40% of customers said what they ended up paying was what they expected, which was also an above-average metric.
The company has a variety of other factors such as overall good customer reviews, a robust website and a wide range of car shipping services to keep customers happy.
To get a feel for how Direct Connect Auto Transport stacks up on pricing, we ran quotes for a standard route: shipping a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Booking by phone, open transport came in at $800, while an enclosed transport pushed that total to $1,100. Requesting a quote online brought a higher open shipping estimate, around $870, highlighting that your booking method may impact the final price.
Services:
In our survey of car shipping customers, Direct Connect users were fairly happy with their experience. An impressive 91% of Direct Connect customers reported they received their vehicle on time.
Constructive criticism from customers was also pretty minimal—17% said they had no recommendations for improvement. The leading way people thought Direct Connect could improve was with pricing, with 34% saying they wished this was better.
Best Customer Communication
Best Customer Communication
NX Automotive Transport
NX Automotive Transport earned impressive marks with our methodology with one of the most stand-out selling points being the company’s binding quotes. Along with the company’s wide network of more than 20,000 vetted carriers, NX offers competitive prices and service.
NX Automotive Transport offers a direct line to customers, allowing them to communicate through text message during the shipment process—leading 77% of NX customers who responded to our survey to say they were satisfied with communication while shipping their vehicle.
Our research team requested estimates from NX Auto to ship a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) and Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). We were quoted $840 for open shipping from NX Automotive’s online tool versus $895 over the phone. For an enclosed carrier, NX quoted $1,225 over the phone.
Services:
When we gathered feedback from car shipping customers, those who relied on NX gave mixed reviews. About 44% reported their final cost was above expectations, which ranked among the highest figures in our study.
NX also posted a 7.7 out of 10 for price transparency, the weakest score of any company included in our analysis. On the bright side, 84% said the booking and scheduling process was straightforward.
Best Discounts
Best Discounts
AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight distinguishes itself among nationwide car shipping companies thanks to its valuable perks and reasonable pricing. Adding to its appeal, AmeriFreight makes available discounts for seniors, military personnel, first responders, returning customers and others.
While AmeriFreight’s estimates aren’t fixed, most customers told Forbes Home they ended up paying their expected rate or less—54% of respondents said this, compared with the national average of 46%. The company also offers an initial free cancellation period before a carrier is assigned.
Learn More: AmeriFreight Review
In order to seek out a sense of pricing for AmeriFreight, we gave the company an example car shipment of a 2021 Hyundai Sonata that we were moving from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). For this journey, enclosed transport was quoted to cost $1,151, and open transport was $677. We received the same quotes no matter if we called or filled out an instant online quote form.
Services:
In our survey, AmeriFreight was well-regarded by customers. A notable 93% reported being pleased about their vehicle’s condition upon delivery. When asked if they’d book another shipment, 91% said they would, which is higher than the average. One trade-off? The typical cost came in at $1,418, which was a bit above the $1,390 benchmark.
Best for Customization
Best for Customization
Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport is built for broad coverage, whether you’re moving a single sedan or arranging enclosed shipping to Hawaii or Puerto Rico. Customers can choose from open or enclosed trailers and even opt for expedited delivery if timing is critical.
A few details that stood out in our survey: 33% of respondents said Montway was “very transparent” about what they’d be paying, and 40% were “very satisfied” with their vehicle’s condition upon arrival. That kind of consistency gives customers real confidence throughout the journey.
There’s no initial deposit, instead you only pay after a carrier is assigned. And depending on your situation, cash payments may qualify you for a discount. Between fast quotes and strong satisfaction scores, Montway continues to make an easy name for itself in Kentucky for auto transport.
Learn More: Montway Auto Transport review
We reached out to Montway to obtain quotes for a sample route involving transporting a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202) to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Over the phone, enclosed shipping was $1,100, which was a bit compared to a $1,259 online quote. For open shipping, our team was quoted $839 via a phone representative.
Services:
Montway customers included in Forbes Home’s survey of 1,600 recent car shipping customers had largely positive comments for the company. A strong 89% of Montway customers would recommend the company to a family member or friend. Montway also had some of the best satisfaction levels in regards to communication during transit.
Interestingly, Montway customers were more likely than the average customer to say they chose the company for affordability, yet 19% of Montway users said the final price was much higher than their initial quote.
Best Pricing
Best Pricing
A-1 Auto Transport
With some of the lowest estimates out of all the companies we reviewed, A-1 Auto Transport has made a solid reputation based on its budget-friendly approach and overall service. This translated to our survey, where A-1 customers reported paying below the average across all companies at $1,359.
Affordable rates aren’t the only reason that A-1 Auto Transport is appealing: The company also doesn’t charge an initial deposit and has the resources to ship internationally.
As part of our pricing review, we pulled sample estimates from A-1 Auto Transport to move a 2021 Hyundai Sonata between Brooklyn, New York (11202) and Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Worth pointing out, phone rates were lower than online. For open transport, we were quoted $579 by phone and $625 online. Enclosed shipping was quoted at $829.
Services:
When we reached out to 1,600 car shipping customers, those who have worked with A-1 seemed fairly satisfied with its service, particularly when it came to price. For instance, 45% of customers said they paid exactly what the company had quoted, which was tied for the highest percentage for that metric of any company. A-1 customers also scored it above average for transparency of pricing and fees. As for other metrics, the company performed around average, with 88% of customers saying the company delivered their car on time, for example, which was consistent with the average for all companies.
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When you need to transport a vehicle, the logistics can feel challenging—but that’s where the leading car shipping companies in Kentucky come in. To make a good choice, you should also have a sense of your budget, timeline and unique needs. Along with considering your top priorities, look for a company that regularly services your area.
Car shipping companies typically have you choose between two different shipping types: open and enclosed shipping. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s all in what’s right for your journey.
For example, enclosed shipping involves transporting your vehicle in a container that is protected from the elements. This method helps prevent damage due to debris from the road and other vehicles, making it a popular choice for expensive or classic cars. However, this method is often more expensive because the company will have to ship fewer cars.
On the other hand, is open shipping. This shipping type involves your car in a trailer that is exposed to the road. (If you’ve driven on the highway, you’ve probably seen this type of shipping type, which has cars stacked on top of each other in a metal container). While this method tends to be cheaper, it can also mean a higher rate of damage on the journey from Kentucky to your car’s new home.
Checking customer reviews can give you a clearer picture of what your experience might look like, but only if you know what matters.
For example, feedback from customers in the same region is often more useful than reviews from unrelated markets, especially when the business acts as a broker. Recent feedback also carries more weight since it can more accurately reflect the company’s current performance.
Another smart step is how the company handles responses to reviews and whether that is good or bad. Timely and respectful replies can tell you a lot about a company’s commitment to customers.
Looking into the fine print in any car shipping contract is vital. Pay attention to aspects like cancellation policies, as some car shippers may charge if you cancel after a certain date or after a carrier is assigned. You may also benefit from guarantees if something goes wrong, like in the case of damage or delays. If, for example, your company offers a guarantee on delivery turnaround, it may provide you with a rental car or other form of compensation.
Finally, taking note of insurance is vital. Car shipping companies in the U.S. are mandated to have liability insurance, which protects your vehicle if the transporter is at fault for any damage. Companies also must acquire cargo insurance, which protects the car during loading and unloading as well. You should ensure your chosen company has at least these, and make sure you know how much is covered. If you want added insurance, ask about other insurance options, too.
Many auto transport providers now include GPS features, but the level of detail depends on the company. Some systems offer highly detailed tracking, while others just provide broad updates as your car moves along. Always ask how updates are delivered before booking so you know what to expect.
While you’re at it, ask about communication. Find out what kind of contact you’ll get during transit and the best way to reach someone if questions come up.
One more thing: Don’t count on an exact delivery date. Still, it’s smart to ask about their timeline and understand what options you have if delays occur.
Understanding the condition of the vehicle you are shipping before it’s picked up is key—and should be thoroughly documented to support your case if issues occur during transit. If you are in person with the vehicle, note and photograph its condition. If you are getting it transported to you, request that the person preparing it for shipment does the same.
When your vehicle is delivered, repeat the inspection process before signing the bill of lading. If you notice any dents, dings or other damage, address that in writing before adding your signature to the bill of lading. Failing to do so may complicate the process if you need to file a complaint.
The requirements to ship a vehicle in Kentucky are primarily tied to federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For interstate travel, transport companies must have active USDOT and FMCSA numbers, which customers can use to look up driving records and credentials.
Not all roads are created equal, and that’s especially true in Kentucky. That’s why it’s worth checking whether your car shipping company has experience navigating this kind of terrain.
Before you commit, see if they screen for region-specific experience. Drivers who know how to handle tricky routes are more likely to deliver your car safely and on schedule. A company that understands the lay of the land, literally, can make a real difference when it comes to reliability.
Car shipping companies either work as brokers or carriers, which can affect your experience. With brokers, the company won’t transport your car directly but will instead send out the job to another company that will take your car from point A to point B. Carriers, however, will tackle your shipment from beginning to end.
Hiring a broker isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can mean varying experiences based on the company that ships your car. Our team suggests vetting any company involved in the process before moving forward.
| TRANSPORT TYPE | AVERAGE COST RANGE | AVERAGE COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|
| Open Transport | $550 - $1,600 | $0.60 - $1.10 |
| Enclosed Transport | $1,000 - $2,450 | $0.90 - $1.70 |
Forbes Home’s research found that the typical cost to ship a car nationwide comes out to around $1,150, which aligns closely with the $1,390 figure reported by customers in our recent survey. However, prices can fluctuate significantly depending on several factors, with quotes ranging anywhere from $550 up to $2,450 depending on the shipment.
A key factor in pricing is the type of transport service chosen. Enclosed carriers usually command higher fees, averaging between $1,000 and $2,450, while open carrier shipping tends to be more affordable, generally falling in the $550-to-$1,600 range.
Since costs vary based on numerous elements such as distance, season and vehicle size, our team recommends requesting a tailored quote to get the most accurate pricing.
| KENTUCKY TO:* | ESTIMATED MILEAGE** | OPEN TRANSPORT | ENCLOSED TRANSPORT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, Florida | 765 miles | $460 - $840 | $690 - $1,300 |
| Houston, Texas | 951 miles | $570 - $1,045 | $430 - $810 |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | 476 miles | $285 - $525 | $430 - $810 |
| Chicago, Illinois | 298 miles | $180 - $330 | $270 - $505 |
| New York City, New York | 739 miles | $445 - $815 | $665 - $1,255 |
In Kentucky, there are some unique variables to contend with and that can affect the final rate to ship a car. Keep in mind that your Point A to Point B and the route between the two can influence car shipping costs, too.
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Our team surveyed 1,600 people to gain a better understanding of their experiences and uncover emerging trends. The vast majority of respondents said they would use an auto shipping service again, even though individual experiences varied widely.
The average distance shipped in the Southeast was 930 miles, closely aligning with the national average of 969 miles.
The primary factor driving customers in Kentucky to select a particular car shipping company was affordability. Among respondents from the Southeast, the most frequent issue was pricing transparency, with about one-third wishing the pricing and process had been explained more clearly. The next most common suggestion for improvement was explaining the vehicle shipping process in more detail at 29%.
Additionally, though the typical peak shipping season runs from May to October, the busiest period for shipments in the Southeast was surprisingly between November and January—this timeframe was chosen by 33% of customers.
To determine the best car-shipping company, the Forbes Home editorial team reviewed 44 major companies, taking into account attributes such as in-house consumer sentiment analysis, a survey of 1,600 car shipping customers, pricing, services and features, nationwide availability and more.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates car shipping companies on our detailed methodology page.
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Car shipping companies need to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to get a USDOT number as well as a Motor Carrier number. Both of these identifiers can help you vet a car shipping company as they can show you safety records as well as other important information. Other ways to get a sense of a company’s reputation are through online reviews and referrals from past customers.
The ability to track your car shipment will vary by company. Some transporters will equip you with live GPS tracking, while others will give you a number to contact in the event of any questions. It’s best if you ask about this early.
How long it takes to ship a vehicle from Kentucky depends first and foremost on how far it is going. Trips under 500 miles should take just a few days, while shipping a car across the country could take longer than a week. Having clear expectations is crucial, as is understanding that most car shipping companies don’t guarantee delivery dates.
Car shipping companies are typically required to protect the vehicles they transport with some form of insurance, but it’s wise to check if that coverage is enough for your peace of mind. Of course, if you need to drive your car before pick-up or when it’s delivered, the company’s coverage won’t apply.
Ashlyn is one of Forbes Home's in-house writers and a former civil engineer-turned content writer with over six years experience. Until recently, Ashlyn focused on creating content for Forbes Home as a freelance writer. Her areas of expertise range from home improvement, moving services, home warranties and home security. As a homeowner and tireless DIY enthusiast, Ashlyn combines her deep knowledge and practical expertise to provide valuable insights and advice. Her dedication to enhancing homeowners' understanding and skills in managing their properties has been the cornerstone of her writing career.
Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of experience in the home space and 10 years of editing experience.
