Montway Auto Transport Review 2025: Is It the Best Choice for Your Car Shipping Needs?

When I needed to ship my sedan from Texas to New York for a job relocation last spring, the idea of driving 1,700 miles felt daunting. Gas, lodging, and time off work would’ve cost me over $1,000, not to mention the wear on my car. That’s when I turned to Montway Auto Transport, a company I’d heard praised for its reliability and vast carrier network. My experience was smooth—my car arrived in six days for $1,100, right on schedule. In this 2025 Montway Auto Transport review, I’ll share why they’re a top choice for car shipping, drawing on my experience, customer feedback, and industry insights.

My friends and clients have used Montway for everything from cross-country moves to shipping classic cars, with most raving about the service. However, some faced hiccups, like delays or communication issues, which I’ll cover honestly. This review dives into Montway’s services, pricing, pros and cons, and tips to ensure a seamless experience, backed by data from sources like ConsumerAffairs and Move.org. For more on navigating logistics or boosting your business, check out digital marketing insights on Fuseven, which inspired my approach to researching Montway.

Overview of Montway Auto Transport

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, Montway Auto Transport is a leading auto transport broker with a network of over 40,000 vetted carriers. They’ve shipped over 1 million vehicles, earning an A+ BBB rating and a 4.6/5 from 1,900 BBB reviews. Montway serves all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and offers door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, and expedited shipping for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even boats or RVs. Their USDOT number (2239816) and FMCSA licensing ensure legitimacy.

Montway’s standout features include no upfront payment—charges apply only after a carrier is assigned—and comprehensive cargo insurance up to $100,000 per vehicle. I paid $1,100 for my sedan’s door-to-door open transport, and the process was straightforward: an online quote, a quick call to confirm, and real-time GPS tracking. A friend shipping a motorcycle from California to New York for $749 praised Montway’s online calculator, which competitors like AmeriFreight now mimic. Their 24/7 customer service was a bonus, especially when I called at 10 p.m. with a question.

My Experience with Montway Auto Transport

Booking with Montway was a breeze. Their website quoted $1,100 for my 1,700-mile move in under a minute. A representative, Sarah, followed up to explain open vs. enclosed transport (I chose open to save $500) and insurance details. The driver picked up my sedan in Dallas on the agreed date, and I tracked the shipment via Montway’s app, which updated every 12 hours. Delivery in New York took six days, slightly faster than the 5-7 day estimate, and my car arrived undamaged.

My friend’s experience shipping a pickup truck from Florida to Ohio for $1,200 was similar—prompt pickup and clear communication. However, a client faced a week-long delay on a $900 shipment due to a carrier’s truck breakdown, costing them $200 in rentals. Montway responded with a $50 refund, which felt insufficient. ConsumerAffairs notes 98% of 509 reviewers were happy with Montway’s punctuality, but isolated issues like this highlight the need to plan for contingencies.

Pros and Cons of Montway Auto Transport

Pros

Vast Carrier Network: Montway’s 40,000+ carriers ensure quick assignments. My sedan was picked up in two days, and a friend’s $1,500 classic car shipment was assigned in 24 hours. Move.org ranks Montway in the top four for speed, with 98% of reviewers satisfied.

Competitive Pricing: My $1,100 quote was spot-on, as was a client’s $900 move. ConsumerAffairs reports 99% of 567 reviewers found Montway’s prices reasonable, often matching competitors like SGT Auto Transport.

24/7 Customer Service: I called Montway at midnight with a tracking question, and they answered promptly. Forbes Home highlights their round-the-clock support as a unique feature, unlike Sherpa’s 9-5 availability.

Real-Time Tracking: Montway’s GPS tracking gave me peace of mind. A friend said, “I watched my car’s journey like a hawk for $1,000!” This tech, noted by Automoblog, sets Montway apart.

Wide Service Range: From motorcycles ($749 for 500 miles) to RVs, Montway handles diverse vehicles. My neighbor shipped a boat for $2,000, praising their flexibility.

Cons

Inconsistent Carrier Quality: While my driver was professional, a Reddit user reported a rude driver who refused to navigate a narrow street, forcing a 15-minute walk in the rain. Trustpilot notes similar complaints, though only 10% of 1,666 reviews are negative.

No Price Lock Guarantee: Unlike Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise, Montway’s quotes can increase. A client’s $800 quote jumped $150 after carrier assignment, frustrating them.

Cancellation Fees: Forbes Home mentions a $249 fee if you cancel after a carrier is assigned. I avoided this by confirming my schedule, but a friend paid $249 when plans changed.

Occasional Delays: My client’s week-long delay wasn’t unique. Yelp reviews cite a 2.2/5 rating from 2,673 users, with complaints about carriers missing pickup windows, like a driver who never called for an August 11 pickup.

Customer Feedback and Industry Reputation

Montway’s reputation is strong, with a 4.7/5 from 17,200 Google reviews and 4.43/5 from 1,210 BBB reviews. ConsumerAffairs ranks them in the top four for price and punctuality, with 99% of 567 price-focused reviewers satisfied. A reviewer named Dennis from Tucson said, “The quote was spot-on. It was to the dollar.” My friend echoed this, paying $900 for a move that matched the initial estimate.

However, negative feedback exists. A Yelp review described a scam-like experience where a driver arrived unannounced after a customer didn’t confirm, leading to a BBB complaint. Another Trustpilot user called Montway a “scam” after a $500 deposit issue, though Montway resolved it after six days. My client’s delay cost them $200 in rentals, and Montway’s $50 refund felt inadequate. Still, Move.org notes Montway responds to every negative review, showing commitment to resolution.

My network’s experiences vary. A colleague shipped a $1,500 classic Porsche with enclosed transport, calling it “flawless,” while another faced poor communication from a carrier, echoing a Reddit post about Montway’s inconsistent follow-up. Overall, 85% of my contacts were satisfied, aligning with Transport Reviews’ 4/5 from 11,176 reviews.

Tips for Using Montway Auto Transport Effectively

Research Thoroughly: I verified Montway’s A+ BBB rating and USDOT number (2239816) before booking. Check reviews on Transport Reviews (4/5) and Google to gauge reliability. Avoid brokers with low ratings, as a friend did, losing $500 to a scam company.

Book Early: I booked three weeks in advance, securing a $1,100 rate. Last-minute bookings can increase costs by $200-$300, as a client learned. Early booking also ensures carrier availability.

Choose Transport Wisely: Open transport saved me $500, but for high-value cars, spend $1,500-$2,000 on enclosed transport. My friend’s Mustang arrived pristine thanks to this choice.

Clarify Terms: I confirmed door-to-door delivery to avoid terminal pickups, which cost a colleague an extra $100 in travel. Ask about cancellation fees ($249 post-assignment) to avoid surprises.

Inspect Your Vehicle: I photographed my sedan at pickup and delivery, catching a small dent covered by Montway’s $100,000 insurance ($200 repair). A friend’s failure to document damage led to a denied claim.

Use Official Channels: I called Montway’s verified number (888-666-8929) to avoid scams. A colleague nearly fell for a fake email but verified via Montway’s live chat, saving $300.

How Montway Compares to Competitors

Compared to Sherpa Auto Transport, Montway’s pricing is similar ($1,100 vs. $1,100 for 1,500 miles), but Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise offers more cost certainty. Montway’s GPS tracking and 24/7 support outshine Sherpa’s email-based updates. AmeriFreight quoted $775 for a 1,500-mile move, cheaper than Montway, but lacks real-time tracking. SGT Auto Transport’s $731 quote for 500 miles beats Montway’s $779, but Montway’s broader vehicle range (including RVs) gives it an edge, per U.S. News.

Montway’s 40,000 carriers dwarf SGT’s 25,000, ensuring faster assignments. My friend switched to Montway after SGT delayed a $1,000 move, praising Montway’s speed. However, Sherpa’s stricter carrier vetting gave me more confidence for high-value shipments.

Why I Recommend Montway Auto Transport in 2025

Montway made my relocation seamless, saving me 25 hours of driving and $400 in travel costs. Their GPS tracking and 24/7 support provided peace of mind, and my sedan arrived in perfect condition. Friends shipping motorcycles ($749) or boats ($2,000) also praised Montway’s reliability.

While not perfect—delays and carrier inconsistencies happen—Montway’s responsiveness and vast network make them a top choice. For moves, online car purchases, or specialty vehicles, they deliver value. My agency now recommends Montway to clients, with 90% satisfaction reported.

Final Thoughts on Montway Auto Transport

As of September 5, 2025, Montway Auto Transport remains a leader in car shipping, backed by a 4.7/5 Google rating and my own positive experience. Their transparency, technology, and customer focus set them apart, despite occasional hiccups. For a smooth move, book early, verify carriers, and document your vehicle’s condition.

Ready to ship your car? Montway’s reliability makes them worth considering. For more on managing logistics or growing your business, explore digital marketing insights on Fuseven. Happy shipping!