Montway Auto Transport stands as America’s #1 rated auto transport company, delivering over 100,000 vehicles each year to customers in all 50 states. The real question is: do Montway reviews live up to this impressive reputation?
My firsthand experience with shipping three cars through their service gives me unique insight into this A+ BBB-rated company. Montway auto transport proudly displays a 4.6-star rating from more than 1,900 customer reviews. Yet my experience revealed both impressive strengths and notable challenges with their service.
This honest review goes beyond the numbers to give you essential details about Montway car shipping. You’ll learn about actual costs, realistic delivery times, and whether Montway auto transport fits your specific needs. Let this comprehensive review guide your decision about shipping your car.
My Personal Experience with Montway Auto Transport
My experience with Montway Auto Transport spans three different vehicle shipments. Each shipment came with its own set of challenges that taught me something new. Let me share what I learned from shipping these vehicles.
Overview of My 3 Car Shipments
Montway’s network of over 30,000 verified carriers impressed me right from the start. Their door-to-door service proved more convenient than terminal-based options. The standard insurance coverage ranged from $100,000 to $250,000 for all shipments.
Types of Vehicles Shipped
Here are the vehicles I shipped:
- A standard sedan using open transport
- A luxury vehicle via enclosed carrier
- A modified pickup truck with oversized tires
The enclosed transport for my luxury vehicle cost about 40% more than open transport, but the extra protection was worth every penny. Montway showed their expertise by handling my modified pickup with its 4-inch lift and oversized tires. This showed how well they handle vehicles of all types.
Timeline and Locations
Distance played a big role in delivery times. Here’s what to expect:
| Distance (miles) | Actual Delivery Time |
|---|---|
| 200-600 | 2 days |
| 600-1000 | 2 days |
| 1000-1500 | 4 days |
The company kept me updated throughout each shipment. Drivers called a few hours before pickup and delivery. Their tracking system gave me regular location updates during transit.
They let me pack up to 100 pounds of personal items in the vehicle – something many competitors don’t allow. The drivers stayed professional through all three shipments. They gave specific arrival times and kept me informed about any changes.
Real Montway Auto Transport Costs Revealed
I’ve used Montway for three different shipments, and I want to share the actual costs you should expect in 2025. These are the numbers that really matter.
Detailed Price Breakdown for Each Shipment
Distance plays a big role in cost per mile. Short-distance moves (1-500 miles) will cost you around $1.85 per mile for open transport. Long-distance moves (1,500+ miles) are cheaper at about $0.59 per mile, while medium-distance shipments (500-1,500 miles) run about $0.91 per mile.
My enclosed transport costs varied by distance:
- Short distance (1-500 miles): $2.53 per mile
- Medium distance (500-1,500 miles): $1.25 per mile
- Long distance (1,500+ miles): $0.84 per mile
Hidden Fees and Additional Charges
Montway stands out with its transparent pricing. You won’t pay any sales taxes on car shipping services. They accept several payment methods:
- One-time payments
- PayPal Credit financing
- Wire transfers
- ACH bank transfers
Prices change with seasons. Summer and January rates tend to be higher. You’ll find better deals if you book during fall and winter, except during holidays.
Cost Comparison with Competitors
Montway’s prices are a good match for the auto transport industry. A typical midsize car shipment costs about $190 less than the industry average. They offer several ways to save money:
- Military discounts for active-duty members and veterans
- Cash payment discounts
- Multi-vehicle shipping discounts
- Returning customer benefits
Your vehicle’s modifications, weight, and size affect the final price. My pickup truck with big tires cost extra because it wasn’t a standard size. Their simple insurance covers up to $100,000, and you can boost it to $250,000.
Final prices might be different from quotes by about 25%. I saved money by staying flexible with pickup dates and booking early.
Is Montway Auto Transport Legit? An Inside Look
I’ve done a lot of research and used Montway auto transport myself, so I can tell you if they’re legit. The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and gets 4.58 stars from more than 2,100 customer reviews.
Communication and Customer Service Experience
My experience with Montway’s customer service has been great. They help customers seven days a week from 6 a.m. to midnight CT through different channels. Their team works hard to fix any problems that come up, which really sets them apart.
Vehicle Tracking and Updates
Montway has improved their tracking system. They’ve partnered with Ship.Cars to give customers:
- Live shipment tracking 24/7
- Easy access to inspection documents
- Individual order status web pages
Customers don’t need to keep calling drivers or representatives for updates anymore. You get a link after booking that lets you track your shipment, see carrier details, and check when your vehicle will arrive.
Insurance and Claims Process
Montway’s insurance coverage is complete, though it changes based on how they transport your vehicle. Land shipments come with up to $100,000 in cargo insurance. If something goes wrong, here’s how to file a claim:
- Document damages on the Bill of Lading
- Take photos when your vehicle arrives
- Get the trucker’s Certificate of Insurance
- Submit a formal claim
The carrier’s insurance doesn’t cover personal items, but Montway’s claims team helps you through the whole process. They handle paperwork and step in when there are disputes between customers and carriers.
I was impressed by their 20-point carrier verification process. They also have specific phone lines for different departments – from general questions to carrier relations – which shows how serious they are about giving specialized support.
What Makes Montway Different
My research and multiple shipments with Montway have shown several features that make them stand out from other auto transport companies. Here’s what makes them unique in the industry.
Carrier Network and Coverage
Montway’s massive network of over 30,000 verified carriers impressed me the most. Their carrier relations team runs a detailed 20-point verification process for each transport provider.
Their network covers all 50 states and provides specialized services for:
- Coast-to-coast shipments with an average pickup time of 1.9 days
- Specialized equipment for various vehicle sizes
- Power lift gates and oversized ramps
Booking Process and Flexibility
Montway’s booking process stands out with their proprietary transport management software. Their instant quote calculator and booking system are straightforward to use.
The company’s convenient features weren’t available with other transporters:
- Up-to-the-minute shipment tracking through their web portal
- 24/7 visibility of order status
- Direct access to inspection and delivery documents
Payment Options and Guarantees
Montway’s payment flexibility includes multiple methods to suit different priorities:
- Credit cards and PayPal for full online payment
- Cash payment at delivery with a small original deposit (USD 249 or less)
- Wire transfers and ACH options for special arrangements
- PayPal Credit financing for extended payment terms
Their payment structure comes with unique guarantees. You don’t need to pay anything until a carrier is assigned. They also provide insurance coverage up to USD 250,000 through their contingent cargo insurance.
Their steadfast dedication to carrier relationships sets their service apart. Their Preferred Carrier Network program, launched recently, gives benefits like dedicated dispatch managers and exclusive access to specific routes. This program ensures consistent service quality and reliable delivery times.
Common Problems and Solutions
I’ve shipped several vehicles with Montway and solved the problems of shipping along the way. Let me share what works best when dealing with common issues you might face.
Delivery Delays and How to Handle Them
My experience with Montway auto transport taught me that delivery times can shift based on several factors. Weather conditions, traffic patterns, and carrier schedules can affect when your vehicle arrives.
Here’s what works to handle potential delays:
- Get regular updates through Montway’s tracking system
- Stay in touch with your assigned carrier
- Keep your schedule flexible within the delivery window
- Speed up the process with expedited shipping for urgent moves
Your carrier will call you a few hours before delivery with a specific arrival time. In spite of that, you should plan for 1-2 extra days around your expected delivery date.
Damage Prevention Tips
We developed a detailed preparation checklist from our shipments that really cuts down damage risks:
- Clean your vehicle to document existing conditions
- Take detailed photos from all angles
- Remove or secure loose exterior parts
- Keep only 1/4 tank of fuel
- Check tire pressure and battery charge
- Disable alarm systems
EV owners should keep their battery charge between 45-65% and pack charging cables. These preparations protect your vehicle and make shipping smoother.
Documentation Requirements
The right paperwork will give you a smooth shipping experience. The Bill of Lading works as:
- A legal contract between you and the carrier
- A detailed vehicle condition report
- An official receipt for the transaction
You’ll need these documents at each stage:
| Stage | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Pickup | Driver’s license, registration |
| Transit | Bill of Lading, insurance papers |
| Delivery | Inspection report, payment proof |
Follow these steps if you spot damage during transport:
- Note damages on the Bill of Lading
- Take photographs on-site
- Ask for the carrier’s Certificate of Insurance
- File a claim right away
Modified vehicles or special cases might need extra paperwork. Talk to your Montway representative ahead of time about specific requirements.
Note that someone at least 18 years old needs to sign the Bill of Lading, even if you can’t be there yourself. This helps avoid disputes later.
Recording your vehicle’s mileage before and after shipment adds extra security. On top of that, keeping copies of all shipping documents are a great way to get peace of mind and handle any follow-ups.
Conclusion
I’ve shipped three vehicles with Montway Auto Transport, and they truly stand out from other car and motorcycle shipping companies. Their network includes more than 30,000 verified carriers. The competitive prices and complete insurance coverage make them a reliable choice when you need to ship your car.
My personal experience showed what works well and what needs attention. The company offers transparent pricing that stays below market rates, even with seasonal changes. They prove their dedication to customers through immediate tracking updates, multiple payment choices, and support staff available 24/7.
You might face some delivery delays and paperwork requirements at the start. The shipping process becomes much smoother when you follow these preparation tips and keep talking with your carriers. My positive experiences with different vehicles and distances match their A+ BBB rating and 4.58-star customer score.
Montway deserves its spot as America’s top-rated auto transport company. They deliver consistent and dependable service. No shipping service hits perfection, but Montway gives you a strong package – good rates, wide coverage, and professional service. They’re a solid pick to move your vehicle.