10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Philadelphia, PA
Quick answer: Need reliable car shipping in Philadelphia, PA? Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick. They've earned a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, offer a variety of services, and keep prices competitive. While prices can vary, you'll usually pay between $703 and $1,374 to ship your car from Philadelphia.
- Discounts Available
- Refundable Deposit
- GPS Tracking
- Price Lock Promise
- Ships inoperable vehicles
- Multiple discounts
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Pennsylvania car shipping guide.
Top car shipping companies in Philadelphia, PA
Whether you're shipping your car locally or out of Pennsylvania, these are the best auto transport companies serving Philadelphia. Some are based in Philadelphia itself and others operate in the surrounding region:
Compare Philadelphia, PA car shippers
Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of car shipping providers across Pennsylvania and more than 612 nationwide, to compare service options and help you pick the best fit for Philadelphia.
Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Philadelphia, across Pennsylvania, and nationwide:
| Service | Philadelphia | PA | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage-free guarantee | 25.0% | 25.0% | 27.94% |
| Expedited delivery | 50.0% | 50.0% | 54.25% |
| Insurance included | 83.33% | 75.0% | 76.96% |
| Open transport | 91.67% | 91.67% | 84.48% |
| Enclosed transport | 75.0% | 66.67% | 80.88% |
Here's a closer look at the companies serving Philadelphia and which of these services they offer:
| Company | Damage-Free | Expedited | Insured | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Auto Trucking LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Royal Auto Ship | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Moverjet Logistics LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Philadelphia Car Transport | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Pride Car Shipping | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Philadelphia, across Pennsylvania, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 1 in Philadelphia (8.33%), 3 in Pennsylvania (25.0%), 159 nationwide (25.98%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Auto Trucking LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Royal Auto Ship | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Moverjet Logistics LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Philadelphia Car Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Pride Car Shipping | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is one of Pennsylvania's major cities, with a population of 1,603,797 and steady carrier traffic year-round. That typically makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Philadelphia compared to smaller towns nearby.
The average cost to move a car out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $703 - $1,374, though it can run higher depending on your route. Your final price depends on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping your vehicle from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to other states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania to Michigan | $789 - $1,105 |
| Pennsylvania to New York | $455 - $634 |
| Pennsylvania to North Carolina | $700 - $906 |
| Pennsylvania to Ohio | $568 - $801 |
| Pennsylvania to Texas | $1,256 - $1,844 |
| California to Pennsylvania | $1,453 - $2,256 |
| Georgia to Pennsylvania | $900 - $1,240 |
| Florida to Pennsylvania | $902 - $1,426 |
| Illinois to Pennsylvania | $857 - $1,219 |
| Arizona to Pennsylvania | $1,381 - $2,213 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia's size works in its favor here: more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability tend to keep costs competitive. According to Philadelphia's cost of living index, the Pennsylvania city is about 4% more expensive than the national average. This can push car shipping costs higher due to increased labor and operational expenses in the region.
- Distance: Shipping your car within Philadelphia or to a nearby city in Pennsylvania usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
- Location: Philadelphia's dense urban core means heavier traffic and tighter pickup logistics, which can push car shipping costs noticeably higher than in quieter suburban areas.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Philadelphia might require special handling, increasing the price. 66% of the 12 Philadelphia shippers we have service data for handle classic cars, versus 50% across Pennsylvania, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Available shipping options in Philadelphia: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards. Among the 12 Philadelphia shippers we have service data for, 91% offer open transport , and 75% offer enclosed transport (nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport).
- Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Philadelphia can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average price in Pennsylvania is about $3.21 per gallon right now.
- Delivery speed and price: Open transport typically costs $0.60 - $1 per mile, while expedited delivery costs $1 - $1.50 per mile. Expect to pay $200 - $500 more, on average, for expedited or guaranteed delivery out of Philadelphia.
- Seasonal pricing: Summer and month-end dates are the busiest time for car shippers, which pushes rates up. Book in the off-season instead, typically fall or early winter, and you could pay 10% - 30% less.
How to ship a car from Philadelphia, PA
Use this checklist to compare auto transport companies serving Philadelphia and book the right shipper for your move:
- Establish your route first. Know whether your move stays inside Pennsylvania or heads to another state. Shorter, regional routes cost less than long-distance ones, and the exact ZIP codes involved set your final quote.
- Understand the local market. Philadelphia generally offers more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. Its cost of living lands 4% above the national average.
- Balance national and local carriers. National partners are a solid pick for long hauls, while the local shippers on this page (5 tracked here) often win on speed for nearby pickups.
- Pick your transport type: open vs. enclosed. Open transport is the more economical choice for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport better protects classic, luxury, or high-value cars in transit.
- Double-check MC/DOT numbers. Ask for the carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and run them through the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
- Request 3+ quotes and dodge peak pricing. Compare written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator, and aim to book outside summer and end-of-month windows when demand spikes. Winter lows around 26°F can delay pickup, so check your carrier's weather policy before booking a winter date.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in Philadelphia?
Many car shipping companies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offer real-time tracking. You can follow your vehicle's journey through the company's website or app, with updates on when it leaves Philadelphia, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Philadelphia?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of Philadelphia follow the major interstate corridors running through Pennsylvania. Carriers on high-traffic routes between large metros generally offer faster transit times and better pricing than those on less-traveled roads. Ask your carrier which interstates they use and whether your destination falls on a primary or secondary route.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Philadelphia?
Most carriers don't require an inspection to ship your car out of Philadelphia. If you're shipping a classic or high-value vehicle, you may be asked to show proof of insurance. Always check the inspection requirements for the delivery state, as regulations vary.
Take Pennsylvania regulations as an example. If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in Philadelphia?
Value-oriented car shipping companies in Philadelphia that provide budget-friendly open transport options include Safe Auto Trucking LLC, Royal Auto Ship, and Moverjet Logistics LLC.
What percentage of car shippers in Philadelphia offer guaranteed delivery?
33% of the 12 Philadelphia car shippers we have service data for offer guaranteed delivery dates, compared with 28% of car shippers nationwide. If your move requires a set arrival date, ask upfront whether the carrier offers this.
13512 Bustleton Ave Apt 5304, Philadelphia, PA, 19116
300 Avon St, Philadelphia, PA, 19116
3422 Old Capitol Trl Ste 2025, Wilmington, DE, 19808
1968 Bryn Mawr Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19131
1007 Orange St 4th floor, Wilmington, DE, 19801