Mercury Auto Transport is a vehicle auto transport broker that ships to all 50 states. The company is a good choice as a broker that can help customers looking to get the lowest price to ship their car.
The company gets overwhelmingly positive reviews on multiple websites, and Mercury makes an effort to address any complaints directly. Mercury Auto Transport offers binding prices and even provides flatbed and specialty shipping services. Its website has a wealth of information and videos to walk customers through the process and answer common questions.
Our detailed research process compared dozens of auto transport companies, evaluating everything from customer reviews and customer service to company professionalism and on-schedule delivery. We contacted the company to receive quotes on short and long-distance auto relocations and obtained a quote in minutes. The company was prompt and professional.
Mercury Auto Transport is BBB accredited and currently holds an A rating. Customers can check Mercury’s USDOT number on the company’s detailed webpage.
Pros
- No hidden fees and binding price quotes
- Very informative website that educates and walks customers through the process
- Flatbed and specialty shipping available
Cons
- No tracking services provided
- No international shipping or to overseas U.S. territories
- Door-to-door pricing only
Table of Contents
- About Mercury Auto Transport
- What Moving Services Does Mercury Auto Transport Offer?
- Shipping a Car: We Put Mercury Auto Transport to the Test
- What We Think Sets Mercury Auto Transport Apart
- What We Think Lets Mercury Auto Transport Down
- Mercury Auto Transport Cost
- Mercury Auto Transport Cost Factors
- How Does Mercury Auto Transport Work?
- Where Is Mercury Auto Transport Available?
- How Mercury Auto Transport Stacks Up
- Alternatives to Mercury Auto Transport
- Mercury Auto Transport Reviews and Experience
- Bottom Line: Is Mercury Auto Transport Right for You?
- Methodology: How We Rated Car Shipping Companies
Whether you are relocating across the state or moving to the entire other side of the country, you may be in need of the services of an auto transport company. Sure, you could drive your car yourself and have a fun adventure, but the wear and tear on your car may not be so fun. Instead, consider trusting an auto moving company with the logistics. Mercury Auto Transport is just one you can consider to relocate your precious set of wheels to a new home in one piece.
Not all auto transport companies are alike, so it’s important to get to know the companies you may be doing business with. Forbes has reviewed two dozen of the best car shipping companies to trust with your car. The company has a lot of qualities that can make it a good fit for your car moving needs and is worth a look.
Featured Partners
1
Montway
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
2
Easy Auto Ship
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
3
Nexus
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
4
Sherpa Auto Transport
BBB Score
Excellent
States Service
50
International Shipping
No
About Mercury Auto Transport
Mercury Auto Transport is an auto transport broker headquartered in Florida. It was founded in 2007 and has more than 15 years of experience in the auto shipping industry. The company guarantees professional, no-pressure, and hassle-free service with no hidden fees or extra charges from its auto transport providers. There are no cancellation fees or additional costs or surcharges after customers agree to the total price.
Mercury only works with reputable carriers and checks their ratings, references and insurance before contracting with them. The vehicle being transported is covered by the insurance policy of the carrier that is shipping the car, which can cover from $100,000 to $1,000,000 of damage. The company also provides specialty shipping services such as ATVs, classic and exotic cars, recreational vehicles and more.
Mercury is accredited and receives an A rating from the BBB, where it has a 4.73 out of 5 as of this writing.
Getting a quote from Mercury is easy and customers can either call or email the company and will get an instant quote in minutes. As a broker, Mercury lists your vehicle on its national dispatch boards and gets customers the best quote from licensed auto carriers.
The company doesn’t collect a deposit from customers until their car is dispatched to a reputable driver for a price agreed upon. Customers should note that a certified agent will hold your credit card information before they begin working to find you a carrier.
What Moving Services Does Mercury Auto Transport Offer?
Mercury Auto Transport ships to all 50 states. Here are the types of moving services it offers nationwide:
Open Shipping
Open shipping is the most popular and affordable car shipping option. Transporters using this method can ship seven to 10 cars on an open carrier but cars will receive no protection from the elements. The price typically ranges from $500 to $2,000.
Enclosed Shipping
Enclosed shipping involves transporting cars (usually multiple at a time) in an enclosed cargo space that protects them from debris and the elements. Enclosed shipping is more expensive and can cost between $1,000 to $3,000.
Flatbed Auto Shipping
Flatbeds can transport large and heavy vehicles placed onto the flatbed via a ramp. This type of shipping can be more expensive than those above, but is ideal for vehicles that won’t fit on other transport methods.
Specialty Shipping
Mercury Auto Transport can move other types of vehicles apart from your car. These include ATVs, classic and exotic cars, heavy hauling, limousine, travel trailers, motorcycle and recreational vehicles.
Standby Service
Standby auto transport enables a carrier to fill an empty spot with your vehicle should one of their loads get canceled. Standby transport can save you money, helps you book more last-minute and allows the driver to have a full load of cars to transport. It’s important to note that ideally you should book out further in advance but standby services can sometimes help in a pinch.
Shipping a Car: We Put Mercury Auto Transport to the Test
Customers have many car relocation companies to choose from, so we tested auto transport broker Mercury Auto Transport by contacting the company for quotes on a long-distance and shorter move.
The Move
Contacting the company for a quote is quick and easy. Customers just need to fill out their online form by stating what city the car is being shipped from and to, the car’s make, model and year, if it’s operable, the date of shipping, open or enclosed transport, along with contact details. Customers also have the option of emailing or calling the company directly at its toll-free number: 800-553-1828 for a quote.
We filled out a form on the company website for each planned move and were told we would be emailed a quote within one to two minutes. The timing was very accurate, and we received a quote super fast with confirmation of the scheduled car transport. We also had the option to call, text or email the senior logistics agent back directly and the option to “book now.” The email stated that tax, tolls, fuel, door-to-door service, full coverage insurance and no hidden fees or charges were included.
Mercury Auto Transport promptly provided a quote for relocating a 2019 Honda Accord from Dallas, Texas to Los Angeles, California via open transport 1,435 miles for mid-February for $665.00. The cost rises to $1,125 for enclosed transport. We asked for another quote to relocate a 2020 Toyota Camry 585 miles from Miami, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina via open transport for mid-February and were given the quote of $435.00.
Using an enclosed carrier from 0 to 1,000 miles costs about $1.00 to $1.25 per mile with a $400 minimum to the carrier. For 1,000 to 2,000 miles, it’s approximately $.80 to $1.00 per mile and for 2,000 miles or more, it’s approximately $.65 to $.80 per mile, which can vary depending on season and availability.
What Happens Next
Customers do not need to sign a contract until they have accepted a firm price from a reputable carrier. When a customer accepts an offer, the company sends a contract for door-to-door service and 100% bumper-to-bumper insurance and a firm price to ensure no surprises at delivery. The company’s non-negotiable deposit per vehicle ranges from $200 to $300 depending on the variables involved in a customer’s moving route.
Once a customer accepts a bid by a reputable transporter, the company then charges the deposit required to send the carrier. A spot is reserved on their trailer once a carrier is located. Down payments can be made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or the card on file. Customers can then pay the driver the balance of the transport fee, cash or money order on delivery once the customer accepts the condition of the vehicle.
The Customer Journey
Mercury Auto Transport’s website is very user-friendly and provides many resources to educate the customer on how car shipping works.
Exploring the Website
The company has an above-average website and is extremely thorough in providing customers with more than everything they need to know about relocating their car. The website is easy to navigate, and customers can click on tabs to “get a quote,” email or call the company directly, or fill out a form to get a quote emailed back in one to two minutes.
Resources
Mercury Auto Transport has an abundance of resources that walk customers through the entire process of shipping a car. There are several sections and tabs to explain things like how auto shipping quotes work, how to prepare your vehicle to be shipped and what to expect during the process as well as general guides about shipping your car. The company also has several videos customers can watch.
The website also includes resources like a Condition Report Procedure & Checklist that has a sample bill of lading and sample auto transport checklist. It also has Google, Facebook and other reviews from customers.
Licensing
Mercury Auto Transport has a full page devoted to its shipping license. The company is fully insured and licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and has a copy of its USDOT certificate. The website also showcases documents detailing the company’s safety information acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations and inspections.
What We Think Sets Mercury Auto Transport Apart
Mercury Auto Transport is an auto transport broker that stands out for its prompt customer service and instant quotes, its website that is packed with useful information and resources, and its focus on trying to give each customer a positive moving experience. The company offers binding price quotes and no hidden fees and it offers flatbed and specialty shipping of many different types of vehicles.
The Mercury Guarantee
The company stands behind its Mercury Guarantee, which promises customers will get their car shipped to them safely with the company’s 100% risk-free money-back Mercury guarantee. It guarantees that customers pay nothing until they select a carrier and can cancel at any time.
What We Think Lets Mercury Auto Transport Down
Mercury Auto Transport is a company with a lot of positive attributes but it does fall short in some areas. The company does not provide live or mobile tracking like some other companies do. While it ships to all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, Mercury does not have international shipping or overseas U.S. territories. It also only offers door-to-door pricing and no terminal-to-terminal shipping.
Mercury Auto Transport also guarantees free cancellations, but only if it can’t find a carrier for you. The company requires a valid credit card number before searching for a carrier, which can be an issue if you’re still on the fence about which broker to hire.
Mercury Auto Transport Cost
Using an enclosed carrier from 0 to 1,000 miles costs about $1.00 to $1.25 per mile with a $400 minimum to the carrier, and for 1,000 to 2,000 miles, it’s approximately $.80 to $1.00 per mile, per the company’s website. The average cost to ship a car is $1,150, with an overall cost of $0.60 to $1.70 per mile with an average price of $1.15 per mile. Here are some sample quotes from Mercury:
| DISTANCE | CAR | SERVICE | QUOTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Miles | 2020 Toyota Camry car | Open | $435 |
| 1,000 Miles | 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV | Enclosed | $1,125 |
| 1,500 Miles | 2019 Honda Accord car | Enclosed | $1,125 |
Mercury Auto Transport Cost Factors
Many factors are involved in the cost that customers get when requesting a quote from an auto transport company. Here are the common cost factors considered:
- Distance: Distance is the biggest factor and the amount of miles from pick up to delivery influences the cost of fuel, labor and tolls.
- Vehicle type: The kind of vehicle you are transporting impacts cost depending on the size and weight of your car. The bigger or heavier the vehicle, the more expensive it will be. If your vehicle happens to be a luxury, vintage or collector car that needs to travel via an enclosed carrier, that will also be more expensive.
- Vehicle condition: When customers call or input their information for a quote they will need to mention the vehicle make and model and if it is operable. Cars that don’t run can cost more to move.
- Transport method: Most customers choose open transport because it is cheaper and more cars are moved at once. Enclosed carriers protect cars from the elements but can cost more.
- Seasonality: The specific dates you choose to move your car impact costs too. Avoid summer months to get a cheaper rate.
- Shipping timeline: How fast you need to get your car transported can influence price. Expedited shipping costs more. Customers who are more flexible with their timetable can pay lower prices.
Insurance coverage: Customers should check that the shipper transporting their car includes insurance in their car transport quote. Also, it is important to know whether the shipping company’s insurance comes with a damage deductible. Check with your own personal automobile insurance to see if your car is covered for any damage.
How Does Mercury Auto Transport Work?
Mercury Auto Transport makes the process of relocating your car simple and stress-free. Below, we’ll walk you through how to transport your car with Mercury Auto Transport. The company also has a video to walk you through the process after deciding on Mercury:
- Mercury posts your vehicle through its auto transport network, which includes all national dispatch boards.
- The listing will show all licensed vehicle transport carriers that your vehicle is ready to be scheduled for shipping.
- Mercury Auto Transport will show the customer the offers from the carriers.
- When customers accept the auto transport offer, Mercury will send an agreement guaranteeing the price, door-to-door service and full bumper-to-bumper insurance.
Where Is Mercury Auto Transport Available?
Mercury Auto Transport is available in all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska. The company does not ship internationally.
How Mercury Auto Transport Stacks Up
Alternatives to Mercury Auto Transport
We analyzed dozens of auto transport companies to compile our Best Car Shipping Companies of 2024 list. While Mercury Auto Transport did not make it onto our list, the company does have some stand-out features compared to other competitors. Here is a look at how Mercury fares against the competition.
Mercury Auto Transport vs. Easy Auto Ship
Mercury Auto and Easy Auto Ship are both brokers, meaning they find customers the best prices through their partner carriers. However, Easy Auto offers several discounts to customers, including returning customers. Easy Auto Ship ranks number one on the list of best car shipping companies and stands out for providing up to $100,000 to a customer’s carrier insurance coverage should things go sour.
Easy Auto Ship also provides a 30-day price guarantee to ensure customers get the cheapest rate possible. It provides a car rental reimbursement if your delivery happens to be late. Like Mercury, Easy Auto Ship transports all types of vehicles to 50 U.S. states, but unlike Mercury, it ships internationally and provides tracking.
Learn More: Easy Auto Transport review
Mercury Auto Transport vs. Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport is also a broker and stands out for its Price Lock Promise, which gives customers a guaranteed price. If the price doesn’t lock, then the company will pay the difference. Sherpa does not ship all types of vehicles and doesn’t service Hawaii or Alaska as Mercury does. But cars shipped do get a complimentary car wash. Plus, it offers discounts to active duty military.
Mercury guarantees free cancellations, but only if the company can’t find a carrier for you. Customers who cancel their shipment at Sherpa before a carrier is assigned must pay a $25 dispatch fee, and if they cancel before shipment, they will lose their deposit.
Learn More: Sherpa Auto Transport review
Mercury Auto Transport Reviews and Experience
When selecting an auto transport company, you want to make sure to choose one that has solid customer reviews and experiences. Mercury Auto Transport has been around for a while so it has amassed a good number of reviews to check out.
Mercury Auto Transport gets high reviews on just about all customer review sites, such as Yelp and Google. Consumer Affairs currently shows a rating of 4.9 out of 5. Customers note a stress-free, professional experience where agents walk you through the steps of what to expect. Mercury is accredited and currently has an A rating from the BBB, where its rating is a 4.73 out of 5.
Mercury Auto Transport had overwhelmingly positive reviews on all consumer websites, and it was difficult to find many negative reviews. Most customers said Mercury was professional, delivered on schedule and answered their questions, which all make for the type of company customers hope to deal with.
Bottom Line: Is Mercury Auto Transport Right for You?
Mercury Auto Transport offers binding quotes for door-to-door vehicle transportation. Customers okay with providing a credit card before details of the transport are known should consider the company. The company can be a great option for customers seeking to transport specialty vehicles like RVs to exotic cars, and their flatbed shipping option is a great choice.
The company does not ship internationally but it does ship nationwide, including to Hawaii and Alaska. For someone new to car shipping, its website more than walks a customer through the process through informative videos and blogs. Customers can get more competitive pricing since the company works with carriers nationwide.
Methodology: How We Rated Car Shipping Companies
To determine our ranking of moving companies, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 37 companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating nearly 70 metrics and subcategories, including year in business, pricing and insurance, services and add-ons, customer reviews and support and nationwide availability.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates car shipping companies on our detailed methodology page.
All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Mercury Auto Transport legit?
Yes, Mercury Auto Transport was founded in 2007 and is licensed and insured by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The company has an entire page devoted to its credentials.
Is Mercury Auto Transport a broker?
Yes, Mercury Auto Transport is a broker, which means it connects customers to partners that can ship their car for the lowest price.
How long does it take Mercury Auto Transport to ship a car?
Delivery times depend on distance and can vary, but most customers can expect two to three days of transport. Here is a sampling from its website:
- 0-500 Miles: 1-2 Days
- 501-1,000 Miles: 2-3 Days
- 1,001-1,500 Miles: 3 -5 Days
- 1,501-2,000 Miles: 4-7 Days
- 2,001-2,500 Miles: 7-10 Days
- 2,500+ Miles: 10-14 Days
Does Mercury Auto Transport offer international car shipping?
No, Mercury Auto Transport does not offer international shipping, but it does connect customers with auto shippers that can ship to all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska.
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