Best Car Shipping Companies in Wilmington, DE (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Nexus Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Wilmington, DE, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. While your price will vary, you can expect to pay between to $1,426 to ship your car out of Wilmington.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Delaware car shipping guide.
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Top car shipping companies in Wilmington, DE
If you need to transport your vehicle either within Delaware or beyond its borders, here are the top car shipping providers in Wilmington:
Comparing Wilmington car auto transport companies
We started by examining the leading auto transport brands, and then reviewed 13 local car shipping firms in Wilmington, 5 across Delaware, and more than 532 nationwide to evaluate service offerings and direct you to the best fit for your needs.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Wilmington, across Delaware, and nationwide:
- Guaranteed delivery: 4 in Wilmington (28.57%), 2 in Delaware (40.0%), 176 nationwide (28.12%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 3 in Wilmington (21.43%), 2 in Delaware (40.0%), 172 nationwide (27.48%)
- Expedited delivery: 7 in Wilmington (50.0%), 4 in Delaware (80.0%), 347 nationwide (55.43%)
- Insurance included: 12 in Wilmington (85.71%), 5 in Delaware (100.0%), 488 nationwide (77.96%)
- Open transport: 13 in Wilmington (92.86%), 5 in Delaware (100.0%), 532 nationwide (84.98%)
| Company | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moverjet Logistics LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Royal Auto Ship | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Safe Auto Trucking LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Philadelphia Car Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Virginia Transportation Corp | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here’s how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Wilmington, across Delaware, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 1 in Wilmington (7.14%), 0 in Delaware (0.0%), 158 nationwide (25.24%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moverjet Logistics LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Royal Auto Ship | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Safe Auto Trucking LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Philadelphia Car Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Virginia Transportation Corp | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
How we chose the best car shipping companies
By examining 2,400 car transport services across the US, we rated and reviewed them according to important criteria with our specialized methodology.
The criteria we used were as follows:
- Diverse service options: Our analysis covered the different services provided by each company. We looked into whether they offer open or enclosed transport, as well as both options. Also, we checked if they provide door-to-door shipping or only operate through terminal services, alongside the types of vehicles they can accommodate. Companies that extend services to specialty vehicles like RVs and motorcycles were favored over those that cater only to car shipments.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer feedback: We reviewed user comments on various well-known sites like Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to determine if a car shipping company provides timely service, effective communication, and accurate cost estimates. Additionally, we assessed the overall reputation of each company within the car shipping sector by verifying their U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and investigating their association and reputation with trade groups.
- Availability: Our scoring method considered the geographic reach of each company. Those extending their services to Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the continental U.S., earned higher scores compared to those present only in the Lower 48 or fewer areas.
- Scheduling and payment: Our evaluation focused on how effectively customers can book services and predict expenses via reliable quotes, competitive pricing, fixed rates, and extra benefits. Car shippers that deliver binding estimates or commit to pricing were rated higher than those that aren’t clear with their charges.
Average cost to ship a car out of Wilmington
With a population of 70,898 and the status of a major Delaware city, Wilmington sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Wilmington compared to smaller towns nearby.
Shipping a vehicle from Wilmington, Delaware typically begins at approximately , with potential costs reaching up to $1,426 or beyond. The ultimate charge will hinge on aspects such as mileage and fuel expenses.
Below are some example price brackets for transporting your car from Wilmington, Delaware to different states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Delaware to Texas | $1,139 – $1,812 |
| Delaware to Ohio | $685 – $919 |
| Delaware to Florida | $823 – $1,370 |
| Delaware to California | $1,416 – $2,258 |
| Delaware to Michigan | $841 – $1,260 |
| Illinois to Delaware | $859 – $1,208 |
| Arizona to Delaware | $1,287 – $2,225 |
| Georgia to Delaware | $770 – $1,229 |
| New York to Delaware | $435 – $555 |
| North Carolina to Delaware | $565 – $795 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Wilmington
As a major city, Wilmington benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Wilmington is 104, which sits close to the national average. As a result, car shipping prices here tend to align with typical market rates across the country.
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Wilmington or to another city in Delaware can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- City vs. suburb pickups and drop-offs: Moving your vehicle from busy downtown Wilmington to a quieter suburb may affect the price you pay.
- Type and condition of your car: Shipping a compact car will usually cost less than moving a large SUV. Shipping special vehicles like classics or luxury cars from Wilmington may come with premium fees due to the need for added protection and careful handling.
- Shipping options in Wilmington: Pick between standard open-air carriers, often the cheapest, or enclosed transport for added protection from weather and road debris.
- Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Wilmington can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Wilmington comes at a premium.
- Seasonal changes and weather: Hot, humid summers and snow during winter in Wilmington, Delaware can impact car shipping pricing by causing delays and requiring extra precautions, which may increase costs. Consistent year-round precipitation also means shippers must account for potential weather-related disruptions.
Tips for choosing the right Wilmington car shipping company
- Get a clear quote: Always ask for a full breakdown of costs. In Wilmington, the typical shipping price starts at around $1,100.
- Review insurance options: Choose carriers that clearly explain their coverage and make it easy to file a claim. Some offer perks like a damage-free guarantee to ensure peace of mind.
- Check out reviews: Reviews from real Wilmington customers help highlight reliable companies and expose red flags.
- Confirm credentials: Use the FMCSA company snapshot tool to make sure your chosen shipper is licensed and insured.
- Balance service and price: Don’t just pick the lowest quote. Compare what services are included and beware of offers that seem too good to be true.
- Know the delivery schedule: Confirm the expected pickup and drop-off times with your Wilmington shipper. Seasonal delays and the type of transport can affect the timeline.
- Tailor your experience: Look for add-ons like express shipping or door delivery in Wilmington to simplify the process.
- Ask someone you trust: A recommendation from a Wilmington local can save you hours of searching and second-guessing.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Wilmington?
Many car shipping companies in Wilmington, Delaware, provide real-time tracking services. Customers can usually track their vehicle’s journey via the company’s website or mobile app. You can monitor when your vehicle leaves Wilmington, get an estimated arrival time, and receive updates on any delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Wilmington?
Interstate 95 connects Wilmington with major East Coast cities. Interstate 495 offers a faster bypass around the city. Interstate 295 provides direct access to New Jersey and the New York area.
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 Wilmington or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Wilmington?
Most carriers won’t need to inspect your car to ship it from Wilmington. However, if your car is a classic or high-value model, you might need to provide proof of insurance. Be sure to check the delivery state’s inspection laws, as they can differ.
Take Delaware regulations as an example. In Delaware, cars must pass an emissions test every two years unless they are under seven years old. Also, every time you register or renew your vehicle’s registration, an inspection is needed. This inspection must occur within 90 days of the registration date to count.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Wilmington?
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 Wilmington to your next destination.
What’s the cheapest car shipping company in Wilmington?
Budget-friendly carriers in Wilmington that offer open transport (the most affordable car shipping method) include Moverjet Logistics LLC, Royal Auto Ship, and Safe Auto Trucking LLC.
Who ships classic cars out of Wilmington?
Wilmington companies specializing in vintage vehicle transport with enclosed trailers for maximum protection include Moverjet Logistics LLC, Royal Auto Ship, and Safe Auto Trucking LLC.
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