Montway Auto Transport Reviews From Experience: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking to ship your vehicle and want a smooth experience from start to finish, Montway Auto Transport is definitely the company I’d suggest checking out. You deserve a service that delivers on its promises without charging you an arm and a leg or making you stress over long wait times.

Montway has nearly 20 years of experience in the industry, and that kind of track record matters when you’re trusting someone with your car. Keep reading, and I’ll share everything I’ve learned that will help you make an informed choice.

My Experience With Montway Auto Transport

I remember the first time I decided to ship a car across the country. Initially, I was overwhelmed because so many companies claimed to be the best, promised me the lowest rates, and practically guaranteed my car would be delivered in record time.

After reading countless reviews and asking friends for advice, Montway Auto Transport kept popping up as a strong contender.

The main reason Montway grabbed my attention was their customer-centric approach.

I saw how they offered door-to-door service, giving me the peace of mind I wanted.

Personally, I just didn’t want to jump through hoops by dropping off the car at some far-off location or dealing with unclear pickup instructions.

Montway’s door-to-door promise solved that issue right away, and it felt good knowing that they cared about my convenience.

When I finally booked my shipment with them, it was easier than I had expected. I filled in some details about my car’s size, my pickup location, my drop-off destination, and I was pretty much set.

I was bracing myself for hidden charges or forced insurance plans, but thankfully, Montway was upfront about all their fees, which eased my anxiety around costs. There were no sneaky surprises, and not having to pay anything upfront also helped confirm that my decision to work with them was a solid one.

My next concern was handling my electric car. I wanted to ship my Tesla from one side of the country to the other. Driving it would have taken days, and I simply didn’t have that kind of time to spare.

Montway gave me a comprehensive rundown of how they handle electric vehicles, and I felt reassured. They took steps to ensure my battery’s safety, especially during the loading and unloading processes.

Communication was a big selling point for me. I’ve used other shipping companies in the past, and often, once they had my vehicle on the truck, it felt like I was kept in the dark until the car arrived. Montway, on the other hand, stayed in touch.

They let me track my shipment, and if I had any questions, customer service was just a quick call (or chat) away. That personal touch made me feel like I wasn’t just a reference number in a database.

When my car arrived, it looked just as I had left it. No scratches, no dents, and shockingly, it got there earlier than the original estimated date. I couldn’t believe the speed, and I appreciated the courtesy of the driver who gave me a heads-up when he was about an hour away.

That small gesture allowed me to prepare and make sure I was available for a smooth handoff.

Based on this experience, I’d say Montway stuck to their word and delivered on every promise. From easy scheduling to on-time arrival, they made shipping my car feel like a breeze. And quite a few of their reviews echo that.

Sure, no company is perfect, but Montway’s strong communication, fair pricing, and door-to-door service are quite impressive in a market that can sometimes be murky at best.

Montway’s Services And What Makes Them Stand Out

Over the years, Montway has built a broad range of services that aim to simplify the car shipping process for everyday people like you and me. Here are some key offerings that stood out to me:

• No Upfront Payment: This was a huge factor in my decision. Some companies want a deposit right away, but Montway doesn’t require payment until they find a carrier. That policy immediately felt more transparent and safer.
• Door-to-Door Service: I can’t stress how convenient this is. Instead of dropping off or picking up my car from some distant terminal, everything was done right in front of my home.
• Open and Enclosed Transport: For those of you who might be shipping classic or luxury cars (or if you just really care about your vehicle’s external condition), enclosed transport is a lifesaver. Open transport is cheaper, but I appreciated that Montway gave me the option to upgrade if I preferred extra protection.
• Guaranteed Pickup: Whether you’re in a rush or have a narrow window for pickup, Montway allows you to schedule an exact time. If you have busy schedules or limited availability, paying for guaranteed pickup can save you a lot of hassle.
• Extended Hours for Customer Service: If you’re like me and handle errands late in the day, you know how frustrating it is to deal with companies that shut down at 5 p.m. Montway’s extended hours meant I could call or chat when it was convenient for me, and that helped me avoid stress.
• Real-Time Status Tracking: Some of us like to monitor the exact location of our vehicle. Montway provides status updates, so I never felt left in the dark about my shipment. This is especially helpful if you have a tight schedule or are simply anxious about your car.
• Insurance Coverage: Another box that Montway checks is providing peace of mind through insurance. Their coverage ensures that if your car is damaged in transit, there’s a clear process to address the claim.

Overall, Montway’s willingness to cater to specific needs and budgets is one of their biggest strengths. Whether you need to transport a standard sedan, a classic muscle car, or even a motorcycle, their range of options helps ensure that your unique circumstances are taken into account.

Pros of Using Montway Auto Transport

Let’s talk about the major upsides I’ve noticed with Montway, along with impressions I’ve gathered from others:

1. Competitive Pricing: My personal research showed that Montway’s rates often lined up well against other well-known car shippers. While they may not always be the absolute lowest, the combination of affordability and reliable service made it a great value in my eyes. You don’t want to pay rock-bottom prices only to regret a poor shipping experience that might cost you more in repairs or delays later.
2. Extensive Network: With nearly 20 years in the business, Montway has built partnerships with a vast array of carriers. This translates to better availability and more route options for customers. If you’re like me and live in an area that’s not exactly a major metropolitan hub, having a broad network can be the difference between a quick pickup or a never-ending wait.
3. Transparent Policies: Nothing irks me more than hidden fees or shady business practices. Montway stood out for being transparent with their pricing and conditions, and I found their terms easy to understand. They don’t require upfront payments, which further eased my worries.
4. Positive Customer Reviews: Seeing over 100,000 online reviews with an average of 4.7 stars is no small feat. Although you always need to read these reviews with some caution, an overwhelming majority of people praised their professionalism and the safe delivery of their vehicles. It echoed my own positive experience, which added an extra layer of reassurance.
5. Reliable Timing: Time is money, as they say, and Montway seems to recognize that. Many people, myself included, reported receiving their cars earlier or exactly on the estimated delivery date. That’s impressive, considering cross-country shipping is often fraught with unpredictable factors like traffic, weather, or mechanical issues.
6. Specialized Shipments: Whether you’re shipping a Tesla, a classic 1960s Mustang, or a motorcycle, Montway’s breadth of experience is evident. Customers have specifically mentioned smooth and worry-free shipments for a variety of vehicle types. Their familiarity with electric cars was also a critical point for me, especially when handling battery concerns.
7. Friendly and Responsive Customer Service: One of the standout qualities for me was how approachable and knowledgeable the support team was. I’ve dealt with companies where customer service reps gave me vague or conflicting information, but Montway’s team was always on the ball. Quick answers, respectful communication, and a willingness to solve problems fast make a huge difference in how you feel about shipping your vehicle.

Cons of Using Montway Auto Transport

No company is perfect, and it’s only fair that I cover some of the drawbacks or areas that could use improvement:

1. Tracking Could Be More Robust: Several folks have mentioned that while Montway provides status updates and you can communicate with their team, the actual live tracking might not be as detailed as you’d get with some advanced logistics platforms. For me, it was enough to get updates and a driver phone call when needed, but some people do prefer a real-time GPS link or a constantly updated dashboard.
2. Potential Pickup or Delivery Delays in Peak Season: Like many shipping companies, Montway can experience a surge in demand during certain times of the year (often the summer months when people are moving). This might cause delays in pickup or delivery windows. If you’re working with a tight schedule, I’d suggest booking as far in advance as possible or paying extra for guaranteed pickup.
3. Variability in Carrier Quality: Montway is known as a broker, and they rely on a network of carriers to handle actual shipments. While Montway tries to ensure that these carriers meet their standards, there’s still a chance you could end up with a carrier whose professionalism is not top-notch. Thankfully, Montway’s customer service can step in if you run into issues, but it’s something to be aware of.
4. Limited International Shipping: Montway focuses primarily on shipping within the United States. If you’re looking to transport your vehicle overseas, you might need to look at specialized companies or see if Montway can coordinate with partners. This wasn’t a deal-breaker for me, but if you’re relocating abroad, you might have to explore additional options.

Even with these cons, I would argue that Montway’s strengths outweigh the negatives. Plus, the variety of carriers can sometimes mean you get better coverage, prices, or faster turnaround times. It’s a matter of balancing your priorities.

Maintenance Tips For Preparing Your Car For Shipping

One aspect people often overlook is preparing their car for transport. Regardless of which company you choose, it’s crucial to get your vehicle ready so that everything goes smoothly. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Clean Your Car Thoroughly: Before handing over your vehicle, I always like to give it a good wash inside and out. First, it makes it easier to spot any existing scratches or dents. Second, a clean interior means there’s less risk of items rolling around and causing damage. This also helps you inspect for any potential issues more easily, and you can document your car’s condition accurately.
2. Remove Personal Items: It might be tempting to load your car up with boxes or personal belongings to save on moving costs, but I’d advise against that. Not only can it add weight (which can potentially increase your shipping fees), but personal items are usually not insured in transit. Keeping your car relatively empty helps ensure it arrives just as you left it.
3. Check Fluids and Battery: Whether you drive a gas-powered SUV or an electric sedan, ensure the fluid levels are topped off (if applicable) and that your battery is in good shape. If you’re shipping a classic car that sits low to the ground, double-check the clearance height, as well. For electric cars, I always like to leave enough charge so it can be easily moved on and off the carrier.
4. Document Any Damage: Take photos or videos of your car’s exterior (and interior if you wish) just before it’s handed over. In the unlikely event of damage, having a visual record is invaluable. Mark down the current mileage, and if you notice any mechanical quirks, inform the driver.
5. Disable Alarms: This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many folks forget. The last thing you want is for your alarm to keep going off during transit because it sensed movement. Make sure to turn off any security systems or custom alarms that could be triggered by vibrations.
6. Secure or Remove Loose Parts: If your vehicle has custom spoilers, roof racks, or antennas, be sure to secure them or remove them altogether. Loose parts can get damaged in transit, and carriers typically prefer that the vehicle is as streamlined as possible.

Following these simple steps can make a world of difference in ensuring your shipping experience is hassle-free. Montway, in my experience, will guide you through a lot of these preparations during the booking process, but it’s good to have this checklist in mind beforehand.

How Montway Compares To Other Car Shipping Brands?

Although Montway is a strong option, I know how important it is to weigh various competitors before making a decision. Let me highlight how Montway stacks up against some other big names in the auto transport world:

• Montway Vs. AmeriFreight

AmeriFreight is another popular broker with competitive rates. One advantage they have is offering different pricing tiers and insurance add-ons. However, Montway typically stands out for not requiring upfront payment and for having an extremely user-friendly booking platform.

Both companies have strong customer service, but Montway’s extended hours and quick response times give it a slight edge for my needs.

• Montway Vs. Sherpa Auto Transport

Sherpa is known for its “Price Lock Promise,” which guarantees no hidden fees after an initial quote. While Montway also offers fairly transparent pricing, the final cost can sometimes shift slightly based on carrier availability.

However, Montway’s large carrier network often translates to better scheduling flexibility. If you’re on a rigid timeline, Montway’s guaranteed pickup option can be a godsend, though it might be more expensive.

• Montway Vs. uShip

uShip works like a bidding marketplace, which can yield very competitive prices. But it also means the quality of carriers can vary a lot. Montway, while still a broker, tends to filter out subpar carriers more rigorously.

If you’re comfortable with a marketplace approach, uShip might be worth exploring. However, if you want a more controlled experience where the broker supervises carriers closely, Montway is probably the better bet.

• Montway Vs. Ship a Car Direct

Ship a Car Direct markets itself heavily on customer satisfaction and damage-free guarantees. Montway, meanwhile, offers similar insurance coverage and also has a great track record for safe deliveries. The difference often comes down to route availability and carrier networks.

Montway’s larger carrier list might make it easier for you to find a convenient pickup time, especially if you live far from major routes.

In my opinion, Montway excels in customer support, consistent results, and offering no upfront payments. Other companies might try different selling points, like guaranteed rates or lower initial quotes.

But if you’re searching for a balance of reliability, accessibility, and fair pricing, Montway’s extensive presence in the market is hard to ignore. It’s not always the cheapest, but in a space where you really want your car to arrive intact and on time, paying a slightly higher rate for guaranteed service can be well worth it.

Also Read: Comparison of AmeriFreight And Montway Auto Transport Company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

If you’re ready to transport your car and want a process that’s truly user-friendly, Montway Auto Transport might be exactly what you’re after. From my own experience, Montway delivers on its promises by offering a fair price, reliable scheduling, and consistent communication.

With nearly two decades of expertise, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Montway has earned its position as a go-to choice in the car shipping industry.

Give them a try, and you’ll soon see why so many people trust Montway to handle their vehicles with care.