The Ship Cars vs Autoshippers

    An honest, side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right international car shipping company from the UK.

    Autoshippers is a well-known UK-based vehicle shipping broker. They act as an intermediary, connecting customers with shipping lines and logistics providers. While they have a solid online presence, their broker model means less direct control over the shipping process.

    The Ship Cars, by contrast, operates as a direct shipping specialist with hands-on management of every shipment. This means better communication, more competitive pricing (no broker markup), and greater accountability throughout the process.

    Feature-by-Feature Comparison

    Feature
    Ship Cars
    Autoshippers
    Direct shipping specialist
    Transparent pricing (no broker markup)
    RORO shipping available
    Container shipping available
    Motorcycle shipping
    Classic car specialists
    Real-time shipment tracking
    Dedicated account manager
    Door-to-port service
    Customs clearance assistance
    Limited
    Online cost calculator
    Trustpilot rating
    4.9/5
    4.2/5
    Average response time
    < 2 hours
    24–48 hours
    Free cancellation period
    48 hours
    None stated

    Why Choose Ship Cars Over Autoshippers

    No Broker Middleman

    The Ship Cars deals directly with shipping lines, eliminating the broker markup that Autoshippers adds. This typically saves customers 10–15% on the same routes.

    Dedicated Account Manager

    Every The Ship Cars customer gets a named contact who manages their shipment end-to-end. Autoshippers assigns cases to different agents, which can lead to inconsistent communication.

    Real-Time Tracking

    Track your vehicle's exact position with The Ship Cars' live tracking system. Autoshippers relies on periodic email updates from their carrier partners.

    Classic Car Expertise

    The Ship Cars has specialist knowledge in shipping high-value and classic vehicles with custom crating and enclosed transport options that Autoshippers doesn't offer directly.

    Where Autoshippers Falls Short

    Broker Model Limitations

    As a broker, Autoshippers has limited control over the actual shipping process. If issues arise during transit, they must relay information between you and the carrier, causing delays.

    Hidden Fees

    Several customer reviews mention unexpected charges at destination that weren't disclosed upfront. The Ship Cars provides fully transparent quotes with no hidden costs.

    Slow Response Times

    Autoshippers' average response time is 24–48 hours, compared to The Ship Cars' sub-2-hour response for quote requests.

    Our Verdict

    While Autoshippers has been in the market for some time, their broker model adds unnecessary cost and complexity. The Ship Cars offers a more streamlined, transparent, and cost-effective service with direct shipping management, real-time tracking, and dedicated account support. For customers who value communication, pricing transparency, and hands-on service, The Ship Cars is the clear choice.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Autoshippers cheaper than The Ship Cars?
    Generally no. Autoshippers adds a broker margin on top of carrier rates. The Ship Cars works directly with shipping lines, so our prices are typically 10–15% lower for the same routes and service levels.
    Does Autoshippers offer RORO shipping?
    Yes, Autoshippers arranges RORO shipping through their carrier partners. However, because they're a broker, they have less flexibility on sailing dates and port options compared to The Ship Cars.
    Which company has better reviews?
    The Ship Cars has a 4.9/5 rating on Trustpilot compared to Autoshippers' 4.2/5. Our higher rating reflects our direct service model and dedicated account management.
    Can I track my vehicle with Autoshippers?
    Autoshippers provides periodic updates via email. The Ship Cars offers real-time tracking so you can see your vehicle's exact location at any time during transit.

    Choose the Specialist

    Get a free quote from Ship Cars and experience the difference a dedicated vehicle shipping specialist makes.