10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Delaware (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Nexus Auto Transport tops our list for car shipping in Delaware, standing out on price, service options, and reviews. Our team gave them a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars. Distance and shipping method drive most of the cost, which falls between $641 and $1,363 to ship your car from Delaware.
Delaware car shipping facts
- 100% of auto transport companies in Delaware ship vehicles using open carriers, the most popular and budget-friendly method.
- 100% of Delaware shippers provide enclosed transport services.
- Across the U.S., just 28% of companies offer guaranteed delivery, versus 40% in Delaware. If timing is critical, we suggest Nexus Auto Transport.
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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
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
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Best car shipping companies in Delaware
Our team has dedicated more than 400 hours to researching and evaluating 612 car shipping companies nationwide, including 5 based in DE. This work allows us to provide unbiased, trustworthy recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
Whether you're shipping from Wilmington or another city in Delaware, explore our top picks for reliable auto shippers below:
Average cost of transporting a car out of DE
The average cost to transport a car to another state if you live in Delaware ranges from $641 to $1,363, though the exact amount could be more or less depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $526 - $837
- Medium-distance shipments (500 - 1,500 miles): $845 - $1,185
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,167 - $1,279
Here are a few examples:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware to North Carolina | $671 | $865 |
| Delaware to Michigan | $914 | $1,384 |
| Delaware to Georgia | $880 | $1,390 |
| Delaware to New York | $458 | $640 |
| Delaware to Florida | $950 | $1,564 |
| Arizona to Delaware | $1,516 | $2,468 |
| Illinois to Delaware | $971 | $1,423 |
| Texas to Delaware | $1,396 | $1,893 |
| Ohio to Delaware | $798 | $1,029 |
| California to Delaware | $1,718 | $2,501 |
What affects car shipping costs from Delaware
- Your move distance: Shipping within Delaware or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
- Location: Shipping from a rural part of Delaware often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Wilmington or other well-traveled corridors usually mean a lower rate.
- Your car's make, model, and year: Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic or specialty vehicles from Delaware cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 100% of Delaware shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Shipping options in the First State: 100% of Delaware auto transporters offer open transport, and 100% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from Delaware's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
- Gas prices: Fuel costs in Delaware factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $2.91 per gallon right now.
- Delivery time frame: You'll pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Seasonality: Prices tend to climb during peak car shipping season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather-related delays are more common during those months.
- Discounts: In Delaware, 5 companies offer other discounts, and many also discount multi-vehicle shipments. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular Delaware car shipping routes.
How to ship a car from Delaware
Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Delaware.
- Estimate your shipping cost. Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of Delaware typically costs $641 - $1,363, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
- Choose open vs enclosed transport. Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris. This is especially relevant given Delaware's weather patterns.
- Verify MC/DOT licensing. Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes. Compare at least three of the 5 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Delaware. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
- Book an off-peak ship date. Book off-peak when your timeline allows. Summer, holidays, and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. In Delaware, in-state shipments typically deliver in 1 - 3 days; cross-country routes often take 7 - 14 days depending on distance and weather.
FAQs
How many car shipping companies operate in Delaware?
moveBuddha tracks 5 car shipping companies operating in Delaware. Comparing at least three quotes among them can help you find the best combination of price and service for your route.
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Delaware?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Delaware, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its range of services, pricing accuracy, and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
Does Delaware require a vehicle inspection?
In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
What percentage of Delaware car shippers offer guaranteed delivery?
Only 28% of car shipping companies nationwide offer guaranteed delivery dates. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, Nexus Auto Transport is worth considering.
Are Delaware car shippers insured against damage?
100% of car shippers in Delaware are fully insured, and 40% offer a damage-free guarantee. Always ask for proof of insurance before booking.
3422 Old Capitol Trl Ste 2025, Wilmington, DE, 19808
1007 Orange St 4th floor, Wilmington, DE, 19801
1225 N King St #340, Wilmington, DE, 19801
3411 Silverside Rd., Suite 104 Wilmington, DE, 19810