10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Portland, ME
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: For reliable car shipping in Portland, ME, Nexus Auto Transport is a standout with competitive prices, a broad selection of services, and a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars rating. Although rates fluctuate, you'll typically spend between $772 and $1,459 to ship your car from Portland.
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| Company | Contact | Our rating | Best for | Benefits |
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4.7 |
Best overall value |
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4.5 |
Most accurate pricing |
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4.4 |
Best for budget-conscious shippers |
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4.9 |
Best for Exact Pickup Dates |
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4.4 |
Best for Damage Protection |
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Maine car shipping guide.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
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Top car shipping companies in Portland, ME
Whether your car needs to be shipped around Maine or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms you can find in Portland:
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company's transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn't ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only 'Damage Free Guarantee'
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Intercity Lines Inc
552 Old West Brookfield Rd, Warren, MA, 01083
http://intercitylines.com
Intercity Lines Inc (DOT: 223672) is a reputable car shipping company that has earned a stellar Yelp rating of 4.5, a perfect Google rating of 5.0, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer a range of services including transportation for inoperable cars, classic cars, motorcycles, and electric vehicles, with the added assurance of a damage-free guarantee and detailed inspection reports.
Customers can also benefit from their fully insured service and international shipping capabilities, as well as multi-car and enclosed transport options. Although they do not offer boat or RV shipping, which might be a limitation for some customers, their service is complemented by the convenience of terminal-to-terminal delivery and shipment tracking.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Fisher Shipping Company
27B Midstate Drive, Suite 106 Auburn, MA, 01501
http://www.fishershipping.com
Fisher Shipping Company (DOT: 2235479) is a reputable car shipping business known for its reliable services and excellent customer ratings, boasting a Yelp rating of 4.3, a perfect Google rating of 5.0, and a BBB rating of A+. The company is fully insured and offers a wide range of services including interstate transport, classic car shipping, and electric vehicle shipping.
Customers can expect versatile transport options such as open and enclosed transport, as well as specialized services like inoperable car transport and multi-car transport. Although Fisher Shipping Company does not provide a damage-free guarantee, it remains a trusted choice for many due to its commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc
25 Messenger Dr, Warwick, RI, 02888
http://www.beaconshippinglogistics.com
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc (DOT: 2268269) offers a comprehensive range of shipping services, including interstate transport, inoperable car transport, and specialized options for motorcycles, trailers, and heavy equipment. Customers can enjoy peace of mind knowing their vehicles are fully insured during transit. Despite the convenience and extensive service options, the company does not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some customers.
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc is well-regarded, boasting a Yelp rating of 4.0, a Google rating of 4.2, and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Although they provide options like international shipping and enclosed transport, they do not accept cryptocurrency or offer shipment tracking, which could be a disadvantage for those seeking modern payment methods or real-time updates.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Rust Auto Shippers
140 Epping Rd #6, Exeter, NH, 03833
http://rustautoshippers.com
Rust Auto Shippers (DOT: 2224834) is a reputable car shipping company boasting high customer satisfaction, with a Yelp rating of 4.5, a stellar Google rating of 4.9, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Known for their expertise in transporting classic cars and offering both open and enclosed transport options, they also provide services for vehicles that don't run.
Although they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, their commitment to being fully insured ensures peace of mind for their clients. However, potential customers should be aware that Rust Auto Shippers does not provide storage solutions or shipment tracking, which might be a drawback for some.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Ck5 Transport Svc Llc
25 Contentment Road, Sanbornton, NH, 03269
http://ck5transport.com
Ck5 Transport Svc Llc (DOT: 1191011) is a car shipping company that offers a range of transport services such as interstate, open, and enclosed transport, as well as the option for expedited delivery. The company is fully insured, ensuring peace of mind during the transport process, and accepts payment by credit card.
While they provide services for transporting motorcycles, they do not cater to inoperable vehicles or offer international shipping, which may be a drawback for some customers. Ck5 Transport Svc Llc offers an AAA discount but lacks other common discounts like student or military discounts. As of now, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- AAA Discount
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
Comparing Portland, ME car auto transport companies
After analyzing the biggest brands in auto transport, we analyzed 0 local car shipping companies in Portland, 2 across Maine, and 518+ nationwide to compare service availability and help you choose the best option for your needs.
Compare by services
Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Portland, across Maine, and nationwide:
- Insurance included: 0 in Portland (0%), 1 in Maine (33.33%), 473 nationwide (77.16%)
- Open transport: 0 in Portland (0%), 2 in Maine (66.67%), 518 nationwide (84.5%)
- Enclosed transport: 0 in Portland (0%), 2 in Maine (66.67%), 495 nationwide (80.75%)
- Inoperable car transport: 0 in Portland (0%), 1 in Maine (33.33%), 242 nationwide (39.48%)
- Multi-car shipping: 0 in Portland (0%), 2 in Maine (66.67%), 415 nationwide (67.7%)
| Company | Insurance included | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Inoperable car transport | Multi-car shipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercity Lines Inc | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fisher Shipping Company | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rust Auto Shippers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ck5 Transport Svc Llc | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Portland, ME
With a population of 68,408 and the status of a major Maine city, Portland sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Portland compared to smaller towns nearby.
Moving your car from Portland, Maine will vary but usually falls between $772 and $1,459. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from Portland, Maine to various states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Maine to California | $1,937 - $3,119 |
| Maine to Arizona | $1,738 - $2,714 |
| Maine to Illinois | $1,140 - $1,709 |
| Maine to North Carolina | $1,037 - $1,576 |
| Maine to Michigan | $974 - $1,605 |
| Georgia to Maine | $1,235 - $1,922 |
| Florida to Maine | $1,329 - $1,959 |
| New York to Maine | $794 - $1,068 |
| Ohio to Maine | $974 - $1,541 |
| Texas to Maine | $1,595 - $2,470 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Portland, ME
As a major city, Portland benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Portland is 112, which is well above the national average. This can increase the price of car shipping due to higher labor and operational costs in the region.
- Move distance: You'll save more when shipping your vehicle locally in Portland or within Maine, while trips across state lines generally cost more.
- City vs. suburbs: Rates can vary if you're moving your vehicle from the lively streets of downtown Portland vs. the suburbs.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Portland might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Shipping method choices in Portland: Pick between standard open-air carriers for budget-friendly transport or enclosed trailers for extra protection against the elements. Enclosed shipping costs more but shields your car from the unexpected.
- Gas prices: The going rate for fuel in Portland can raise or lower your shipping bill, especially on long hauls.
- Delivery speed: If you need your car shipped ASAP from Portland, rush or guaranteed delivery services are available, but expect extra fees.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: Demand-driven price swings are common in auto transport — summer and month-end dates cost more due to high volume. Booking early or in the off-season can help keep costs down.
How to ship a car from Portland, ME
Use this Portland-specific checklist to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper.
- Confirm your route from Portland — Confirm whether you are shipping within Maine or to another state. Local and regional routes from Portland are priced differently than long cross-country hauls, and your pickup and delivery ZIP codes drive the final quote.
- Factor in Portland market conditions — Portland is a major metro with more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. The cost-of-living index is 112 (100 = national average).
- Compare national and local carriers — Compare national auto transport partners with the local Portland shippers listed on this page. National carriers often cover long interstate routes, while local companies may offer faster pickup in the Portland metro.
- Pick open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the budget option for standard vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for classic, luxury, or high-value cars that need extra protection during loading and transit.
- Verify MC/DOT registration — Ask for each carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
- Get 3+ quotes and schedule off-peak — Request written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator. Book off-peak when possible — summer and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. Winter lows around 11°F can delay pickup; confirm your carrier's weather policy before booking a winter ship date.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in Portland?
Many car shipping companies in Portland, Maine offer real-time tracking. You can follow your vehicle's journey through the company's website or app, with updates on when it leaves Portland, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
Is it cheaper to ship a car from a big city like Portland?
In many cases, yes. Portland is a major city with more car shipping carriers, which usually means lower prices and faster pickup times due to high demand and route density.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Portland?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of Portland follow the major interstate corridors running through Maine. 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.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company's license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) number and look it up on the USDOT's FMCSA website. This works for any provider based in Portland or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Portland?
Most carriers don't require an inspection to ship your car out of Portland. 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 Maine regulations as an example. The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Portland?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It's a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Portland to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in Portland?
Low-cost vehicle transport providers in Portland specializing in open carrier delivery include Intercity Lines Inc (offers military discounts), Fisher Shipping Company, and Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc.
Who ships classic cars out of Portland?
Portland-area specialists in classic and collectible car shipping with enclosed transport options include Intercity Lines Inc, Fisher Shipping Company, and Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc.
