10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Wilmington, DE
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 $657 and $1,468 to ship your car out of Wilmington.
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| Company | Contact | Our rating | Best for | Benefits |
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| Best overall value |
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| Most accurate pricing |
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| Best for budget-conscious shippers |
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| Best for Exact Pickup Dates |
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| Best for Damage Protection |
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Delaware car shipping guide.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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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, DE car auto transport companies
We started by examining the leading auto transport brands, and then reviewed 12 local car shipping firms in Wilmington, 5 across Delaware, and more than 518 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 (30.77%), 2 in Delaware (40.0%), 176 nationwide (28.71%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 3 in Wilmington (23.08%), 2 in Delaware (40.0%), 172 nationwide (28.06%)
- Expedited delivery: 6 in Wilmington (46.15%), 4 in Delaware (80.0%), 333 nationwide (54.32%)
- Insurance included: 11 in Wilmington (84.62%), 5 in Delaware (100.0%), 473 nationwide (77.16%)
- Open transport: 12 in Wilmington (92.31%), 5 in Delaware (100.0%), 518 nationwide (84.5%)
| Company | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Auto Ship | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Moverjet Logistics LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 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 (7.69%), 0 in Delaware (0.0%), 159 nationwide (25.94%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Auto Ship | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Moverjet Logistics LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Safe Auto Trucking LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Philadelphia Car Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Virginia Transportation Corp | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Wilmington, DE
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 $657, with potential costs reaching up to $1,468 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 Ohio | $816 - $1,082 |
| Delaware to Georgia | $1,013 - $1,478 |
| Delaware to Illinois | $1,053 - $1,558 |
| Delaware to California | $1,809 - $2,686 |
| Delaware to Arizona | $1,546 - $2,573 |
| Texas to Delaware | $1,426 - $2,074 |
| Michigan to Delaware | $1,041 - $1,516 |
| Florida to Delaware | $1,000 - $1,535 |
| New York to Delaware | $528 - $653 |
| North Carolina to Delaware | $699 - $975 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Wilmington, DE
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: Summer is the busiest season for auto transport, with higher prices and tighter carrier availability. Booking in fall or early winter usually yields more competitive rates.
How to ship a car from Wilmington, DE
Use this Wilmington-specific checklist to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper.
- Confirm your route from Wilmington — Confirm whether you are shipping within Delaware or to another state. Local and regional routes from Wilmington are priced differently than long cross-country hauls, and your pickup and delivery ZIP codes drive the final quote.
- Factor in Wilmington market conditions — Wilmington is a major metro with more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. The cost-of-living index is 104 (100 = national average).
- Compare national and local carriers — Compare national auto transport partners with the local Wilmington shippers listed on this page. National carriers often cover long interstate routes, while local companies may offer faster pickup in the Wilmington 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. Wilmington's summer highs reach 86°F, which can slow loading and raise peak-season demand. Winter lows around 25°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 Wilmington?
Many car shipping companies in Wilmington, Delaware offer real-time tracking. You can follow your vehicle's journey through the company's website or app, with updates on when it leaves Wilmington, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
Is it cheaper to ship a car from a big city like Wilmington?
In many cases, yes. Wilmington 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 Wilmington?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of Wilmington follow the major interstate corridors running through Delaware. 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 Wilmington or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Wilmington?
Most carriers don't require an inspection to ship your car out of Wilmington. 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 Delaware regulations as an example. 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.
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 Royal Auto Ship, Moverjet Logistics LLC, 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 Royal Auto Ship, Moverjet Logistics LLC, and Safe Auto Trucking LLC.
300 Avon St, Philadelphia, PA, 19116
3422 Old Capitol Trl Ste 2025, Wilmington, DE, 19808
13512 Bustleton Ave Apt 5304, Philadelphia, PA, 19116
1968 Bryn Mawr Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19131
329 Bethel Ave, Upper Chichester, PA, 19014