Shipping a car from New York is different from arranging an ordinary household delivery. Large vehicle carriers may struggle to enter narrow Manhattan streets, while winter weather can affect pickup schedules across Buffalo, Rochester and other Upstate areas. Seasonal demand also rises sharply on popular routes between New York and Florida.
Customers should compare open and enclosed transport, insurance, pickup windows, cancellation terms and whether the company is a carrier or a broker arranging transport through another company. The following providers were selected for their verified New York coverage, transport options, published federal credentials and customer-support facilities. Let’s check out our top picks.
1. RoadRunner Auto Transport
RoadRunner Auto Transport is headquartered in Bethpage, New York, and provides vehicle shipping throughout the state. Its official New York page covers New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and numerous smaller communities.
Customers can choose open or enclosed transportation, door-to-door delivery, cross-country shipping and expedited service. RoadRunner also transports classic cars, luxury vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, inoperable vehicles and oversized equipment.
The company provides online shipment tracking and does not require an upfront deposit before a carrier is scheduled. It also handles dealer shipping, auction vehicles, corporate relocations and fleet transportation. RoadRunner publishes USDOT number 3124544 and MC number 89820 on its official website.
Why RoadRunner is included: Its New York headquarters, wide statewide reach and large selection of personal and commercial transport services make it one of the most complete options.
- Headquarters: 15 Grumman Road West, Bethpage, NY 11714
- Official website: https://www.roadrunnerautotransport.com/
2. SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport is another New York-based vehicle-shipping company, with its office located in Bohemia. It arranges nationwide transportation through a network of contracted professional carriers rather than relying only on company-owned trucks.
Available services include open transport, enclosed shipping, guaranteed pickup, express transport and door-to-door delivery. SGT also handles classic and luxury cars, motorcycles, military relocations, college moves, inoperable vehicles and shipments to Hawaii.
Its website promotes a price-match programme and explains that eligible customers may place up to 100 pounds of belongings in the trunk or cargo area. Customers should still confirm this permission with the assigned carrier because personal items may not be covered by carrier cargo insurance. SGT publishes USDOT number 2521690 and MC number 873392.
Why SGT Auto Transport is included: Its New York location, flexible service levels and strong availability for expedited or specialised shipments make it a practical all-round choice.
- New York office: 80 Orville Drive, Suite 100, Bohemia, NY 11716
- Official website: https://sgtautotransport.com/
3. Plycar Automotive Logistics
Plycar Automotive Logistics is based in Kings Park and specialises in enclosed transportation for valuable, luxury, classic and performance vehicles. Unlike many transport brokers, Plycar operates a nationwide fleet of enclosed multi-car and single-car carriers.
Its trailers use specialised loading and securement equipment designed to protect low-clearance and high-value automobiles. Plycar states that it does not cross-dock vehicles or hand them to another carrier partway through the journey.
The company also offers motorcycle transportation, snowbird services and temporary vehicle storage at staffed terminals. It is listed as an authorised carrier for brands including Porsche, Aston Martin and Callaway. Plycar publishes USDOT number 1465363.
Why Plycar is included: Its enclosed fleet and focus on premium vehicles make it particularly suitable when protection matters more than obtaining the lowest open-carrier price.
- New York headquarters: 280 Indian Head Road, Kings Park, NY 11754
- Official website: https://plycargroup.com/
4. Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport provides door-to-door vehicle shipping across New York and all 50 states. Its New York service network includes Albany, Buffalo, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, White Plains, Yonkers and numerous other communities.
Customers can select open transport for standard vehicles or enclosed transport for classic, exotic and luxury cars. Sherpa works as a broker, selecting a carrier from its preferred network for each shipment.
Its most notable feature is the Price Lock Promise. Sherpa states that the confirmed quote is the amount the customer pays, helping reduce the risk of a last-minute price increase after the vehicle has been booked. The company publishes USDOT number 4085166 and MC number 1555035.
Why Sherpa Auto Transport is included: Its transparent pricing approach is valuable for customers concerned about quotes increasing after a carrier accepts the job.
- Corporate address: 5960 Fairview Road, Suite 400, PMB 4554, Charlotte, NC 28210
- Official website: https://www.sherpaautotransport.com/
5. AmeriFreight Auto Transport
AmeriFreight arranges vehicle transportation between New York and destinations throughout the United States. Its frequently served routes include New York to Florida, California, Georgia, Texas and Virginia.
Services include open, enclosed, expedited, military, motorcycle and door-to-door shipping. As a broker, AmeriFreight screens available carriers for federal compliance, insurance and suitable equipment before assigning a shipment.
An unusual feature is its optional AFTA PLAN gap protection. This can provide an additional claims option in certain situations where the assigned carrier’s insurance does not fully resolve eligible transport damage. Customers must read the coverage limits, exclusions and reporting deadline before purchasing it. AmeriFreight publishes USDOT number 2238770 and MC number 597401.
Why AmeriFreight is included: Its optional protection plans and carrier-screening process offer additional reassurance for customers worried about damage claims.
- Corporate address: 205 Greencastle Road, Suite A, Tyrone, GA 30290
- Official website: https://www.amerifreight.net/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between an auto transport broker and a carrier?
A: A carrier owns or operates the truck that physically moves the vehicle. A broker locates and assigns an authorised carrier from its network. Both can be legitimate, but customers should know which company will transport the car and which company will handle communication or claims.
Q: Will a carrier collect my car directly from a Manhattan address?
A: Not always. Large transport trucks may be unable to enter narrow streets or stop legally near the requested address. The driver may arrange pickup at a nearby wide road, shopping centre or large parking area where loading can be completed safely.
Q: What should I do during the vehicle inspection?
A: Photograph every side of the car in good lighting and record existing dents, scratches or paint damage. Ensure that all existing damage appears on the Bill of Lading before signing it. Repeat the inspection before accepting the vehicle at delivery.
Q: Is the pickup date guaranteed?
A: A standard booking normally provides an estimated pickup window rather than an exact guaranteed date. Guaranteed or expedited pickup may cost extra. Weather, traffic, driver-hour restrictions and carrier availability can still affect timing.
Q: How can I verify a car transport company?
A: Use the FMCSA Company Snapshot to search by company name, USDOT number or MC number. The database provides identification, operating and available safety information