RoadRunner Auto Transport Review

RoadRunner Auto Transport is a nationwide car shipping company. They offer online vehicle tracking so you always know your vehicle’s location. They also have an online shipping calculator for instant quotes or you can call and speak directly to a sales representative.

RoadRunner Auto Transport is known for being an affordable option to ship not just vehicles, but RVs and even boats with both open and closed transport options.

Pros and Cons

How Does RoadRunner Auto Transport Work?

RoadRunner Auto Transport is an auto shipping broker. They don’t ship your vehicle themselves, but instead contract with a network of 14,000 nationwide carriers who will ship your vehicle on their behalf. They act as a middleman.

You can get a quote online or you can call and speak to a representative, whichever you prefer. The only information you need to get started is the type of car you’re shipping, the pickup and dropoff locations, and the proposed shipping dates.

The earlier you start planning the better so you can be assured of finding a carrier with an open spot at a good price. Your car will be picked up at the place and time specified and then you can track its progress online until it arrives at its destination. It’s that simple.

For more on this topic, see our full guide on how to ship a car.

How Much Does RoadRunner Auto Transport Cost?

Typically, RoadRunner is one of the more affordable car transport companies. Since it deals with multiple carriers rather than shipping cars itself, it can pull a wide range of quotes for your vehicle. There’s no one price because no two jobs are the same. Type of shipping, distance and dates all factor into the price of shipping a car.

RoadRunner does not require a deposit. You won’t pay anything until the day your vehicle is scheduled for pickup. How much you’ll pay depends on your car, where and when you want it shipped, and whether you go with an open or closed carrier. Short trips can cost as little as $500 while cross country deliveries are over $1000.

For more on this topic, check our Car Talk’s article, How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car.

RoadRunner Auto Transport Cost Factors

There are a long list of things that can impact the cost of shipping your car, including the actual car. If it’s a vintage, collectible, or limited edition, then it will cost more. Larger vehicles that take up more space on a transport can also increase your cost.

An open transport will always cost less than an enclosed transport. The downside to an open transport is that your vehicle is exposed to the elements. Snow, sun, dirt, grime, and whatever kicks up from the road along the way could end up on your car.

The time of year can also impact how much you pay. A busy season commands a premium, but off-season can be expensive if the weather is expected to be a challenge. Finally, the distance. The longer the trip, the more you’ll pay. Be aware that even shorter distances can get pricier if they’re not easily accessible locations.

RoadRunner Auto Transport Prices and Fees

How much you’ll pay depends on the car you want shipped, the time of year, and the distance. Some routes are pricier than others. Cost also varies depending on whether you pick an open or closed transport. These are example rates, so think of them as a guide only. Your actual rates could be considerably higher or lower:

RoadRunner Auto Transport Shipping Options

Since RoadRunner is a broker that contracts with a lot of carriers, you’ll have lots of options. The biggest decision to make is whether you want your car in an open or closed transport. It has a big impact on your cost.

If your car is especially precious, then an enclosed carrier should be considered. Even if it’s not collectible or unique, a long distance trip in an open carrier is going to leave you with a messy car. Consider carefully how well-protected you want your car to be on its trek.

You can ship your car pretty much anywhere in the US with RoadRunner. They even ship to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.

How Does it Compare To Other Companies

Here’s where things get tricky. While there are lots of good reviews for RoadRunner, there are lots of bad ones, too. It is not Better Business Bureau Accredited and currently has a D+ rating. That’s not great. The most common complaints are a lack of adequate customer service when there are scheduling or billing issues. It’s not a reason to cross this company off your list, but it is a reason to consider other options.

You can also take a look at Car Talk’s extensive review of the Best Car Shipping Companies.

How To Get a Quote with RoadRunner Auto Transport

Getting a quote is easy. You can simply go to their website and request an instant online quote anytime. You can also call them directly to speak with a representative to get a quote and ask any questions you may have about how the whole process works.

RoadRunner Auto Transport Review in Summary

RoadRunner Auto Transport is a well-known and affordable car transport option. It covers a wide service area and works with numerous carriers so chances are good you’ll find one that can ship your car on your schedule. The downside is questionable customer service with numerous negative reviews.

Our Methodology

Some shipping companies are aggregators that work across multiple car transporters and will help you price shop across them. The aggregators are responsible for vetting the individual carriers and often will show you the consumer ratings and individual price quotes so you understand exactly who will be moving your vehicle. They also tend to offer standardized insurance packages that work across their carrier network.

We selected good companies based on over 30 data points and an extensive secret shopper initiative to ensure unbiased and clear results. Our main focus is obtaining the most useful information for our readership based on the central ideas below.

• Reputation - Companies that maintain a strong rating score and industry reputation on trusted review platforms.
• Cost - There are many individual factors that can impact the cost of car shipping including location, timing and worth of the car. We took all these into account when examining the cost structure of each company.
• Consumer Reviews - Individual reviews from current and past customers who have used the business and have personal experience to draw from.
• Longevity - How many years a company has been in business, growing their company, gaining reviews and establishing trust within the industry.
• Services Offered - These services can range from international shipping, enclosed options, open container options and more.

You can read more on Car Shipping and see our recommendations for the Best Car Shipping Companies in 2023 here.

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