PlainHaul vs Montway: Compare Car Shipping
Montway ranks among the largest auto-transport brokers operating in the US. Its website touts a "30K+ auto carriers" network, an instant quote calculator, no money due upfront, and a TruePrice Guarantee that keeps a booked price fixed for 30 days. Our approach differs: we line up one vetted carrier for one operable passenger vehicle moving within one state (Georgia, California, Florida or Michigan), and we remain your single point of contact from pickup through delivery. Everything stated about Montway here comes from montway.com as read on 2026-09-21; we did not run a quote through its calculator.
How Montway describes its own process
According to Montway, booking triggers a search of its carrier network for a trucker, and it assigns "the best one available," who then calls to confirm the arrangement. Cargo insurance from that assigned carrier covers your vehicle, backed by Montway's own contingent cargo insurance for up to $250,000 when the trucker's policy does not fully pay out a valid claim (montway.com FAQ, 2026-09-21).
Side-by-side comparison
| Question | Montway (its pages, 2026-09-21) | Us |
|---|---|---|
| Business model | Broker; advertises "30K+ auto carriers" | Arranged service; each in-state move booked with a licensed carrier, directly or through a licensed broker |
| Coverage area | All 50 states, Hawaii included; offers open and enclosed transport, motorcycles, military PCS | One operable passenger vehicle, open carrier, door-to-door, in-state moves in Georgia, California, Florida and Michigan only; no interstate bookings |
| Getting a quote | Instant online calculator; we did not run its quote flow | A priced request built around your specific route and vehicle |
| Price lock | TruePrice Guarantee holds the booked price for 30 days | Price is confirmed before payment and does not change afterward |
| When you pay | "Zero upfront payment" | Payment happens only after price and booking are confirmed |
| Shipment tracking | States online tracking isn't offered; updates come from the trucker | A single contact who arranged your carrier answers for the shipment |
| Personal items in car | Up to 100 lbs allowed in the trunk | Set per booking; carriers may limit or exclude personal items |
| Cancellation terms | Not disclosed on the pages we reviewed | Covered on our cancellation page |
When Montway fits better
- Corridors outside what we currently cover, including Hawaii and enclosed-transport requests.
- Motorcycles, ATVs, and other powersports vehicles.
- Military PCS relocations, where it advertises discounts.
- A large carrier network, an instant calculator, and a price locked for 30 days.
If neither Montway nor we fit your trip, Montway alternatives sets out the other options and which trip each one suits.
When we might be the better fit
- A single accountable party who arranged, and stands behind, the exact carrier moving your car.
- A move that stays inside Georgia, California, Florida or Michigan, with one all-in price confirmed before you pay anything.
- Buying or selling a car in another metro and needing the handoff coordinated with the other party.
What we won't claim
We won't claim to be cheaper, faster, or better rated than Montway. Its published review scores are self-reported, and we have no dated quote comparison for the same route on file yet. Once dated quotes exist for one route, those numbers will appear here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Montway a broker or a carrier? Its own pages describe searching a carrier network and handing the job to an assigned trucker, with "30K+ auto carriers" advertised, which is a broker model. Our broker vs carrier page explains the difference, and how to check a car shipper shows how to confirm any company's registration on FMCSA SAFER.
Does Montway ask for a deposit? Its site states there's zero upfront payment (read 2026-09-21).
Who insures the car with Montway? The assigned carrier's own cargo insurance, backed by Montway's stated contingent coverage of up to $250,000 if that policy comes up short on a valid claim.
What does Montway do better than us? Its coverage: all 50 states, enclosed transport, motorcycles, and a 30-day price lock we don't offer.
Montway is a trademark held by its owner. This comparison is independent; we have no affiliation, endorsement, or partnership with Montway.