10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Wilmington, DE

Top car shipping companies in Wilmington, DE

For those planning to ship their car nearby or outside of Delaware, these are the leading auto transport services serving Wilmington, including carriers based in Wilmington and others that run routes through the area:

Compare Wilmington, DE car shippers

Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of car shipping providers across Delaware and more than 612 nationwide, to compare service options and help you pick the best fit for Wilmington.

Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Wilmington, across Delaware, and nationwide:

Here's a closer look at the companies serving Wilmington and which of these services they offer:

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 (7.69%), 0 in Delaware (0.0%), 159 nationwide (25.98%)

Average cost to ship a car out of Wilmington, DE

Wilmington is one of Delaware's major cities, with a population of 70,898 and steady carrier traffic year-round. That typically makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Wilmington compared to smaller towns nearby.

The average cost to ship a car out of Delaware from Wilmington is typically $730 - $1,401. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from Wilmington will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.

Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Wilmington, Delaware, to a different state:

Check out all car shipping routes.

Factors influencing car shipping costs from Wilmington, DE

Wilmington's size works in its favor here: more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability tend to keep costs competitive. According to Wilmington's cost of living index, the Delaware 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 Wilmington or to a nearby city in Delaware usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
• Location: Wilmington's smaller-town layout usually makes for easier pickup logistics, which can help keep car shipping costs a bit lower than in busier metro areas.
• The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Wilmington might require special handling, increasing the price. 61% of the 13 Wilmington shippers we have service data for handle classic cars, versus 100% across Delaware, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
• Available shipping options in Wilmington: 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 13 Wilmington shippers we have service data for, 92% offer open transport , and 69% offer enclosed transport (nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport).
• Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Wilmington can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average price in Delaware is about $2.91 per gallon right now.
• Speed comes at a price: Open transport usually costs $0.60 - $1 per mile, versus $1 - $1.50 per mile for expedited service. In Wilmington, expect to pay $200 - $500 more, on average, for expedited or guaranteed delivery.
• Book off-peak to save: Summer and month-end dates cost more due to high demand. Off-season bookings, like fall or early winter, tend to run 10% - 30% cheaper.

How to ship a car from Wilmington, DE

Follow this step-by-step checklist to compare car shippers serving Wilmington and book with confidence:

1. Map out your route. Determine if this is an in-state move within Delaware or a shipment crossing state lines. Regional routes cost less than cross-country hauls, and your ZIP codes ultimately set the price.
2. Check the local market. Carrier availability here comes down to more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. The cost of living sits 4% above the national average.
3. Weigh national vs. local carriers. National providers handle long-distance hauls well, while local Wilmington shippers, 5 of which we track, often move faster on nearby pickups.
4. Decide: open vs. enclosed. Open-air shipping costs less and works fine for standard cars, but enclosed transport is worth it for classic or high-value vehicles that need shielding from the elements.
5. Confirm carrier registration. Get the MC and USDOT numbers from any shipper you're considering and verify them through the FMCSA carrier lookup before you commit.
6. Collect 3+ quotes and time it right. Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to get written quotes from at least three companies, and try to book outside summer and end-of-month rushes when rates climb. Winter lows around 25°F can delay pickup, so ask about your carrier's weather policy before booking in winter.

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