Best Car Shipping Companies in Wilmington, DE (2026 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 $1,444 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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| 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 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%), 175 nationwide (28.55%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 3 in Wilmington (23.08%), 2 in Delaware (40.0%), 171 nationwide (27.9%)
- Expedited delivery: 6 in Wilmington (46.15%), 4 in Delaware (80.0%), 332 nationwide (54.16%)
- Insurance included: 11 in Wilmington (84.62%), 5 in Delaware (100.0%), 474 nationwide (77.2%)
- Open transport: 12 in Wilmington (92.31%), 5 in Delaware (100.0%), 518 nationwide (84.53%)
| Company | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Auto Trucking LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Moverjet Logistics LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Royal Auto Ship | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 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 (25.77%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Auto Trucking LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Moverjet Logistics LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Royal Auto Ship | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Philadelphia Car Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Virginia Transportation Corp | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
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 $1,444 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 California | $1,862 - $2,883 |
| Delaware to North Carolina | $672 - $966 |
| Delaware to Texas | $1,470 - $1,971 |
| Delaware to Ohio | $840 - $1,128 |
| Delaware to Illinois | $1,003 - $1,483 |
| New York to Delaware | $533 - $694 |
| Michigan to Delaware | $962 - $1,428 |
| Florida to Delaware | $1,019 - $1,584 |
| Georgia to Delaware | $1,003 - $1,492 |
| Arizona to Delaware | $1,692 - $2,420 |
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 cold winters in Wilmington, Delaware can impact car shipping prices by increasing demand during milder months and potentially causing delays or higher costs during extreme weather conditions. Steady precipitation year-round may also affect scheduling and logistics.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Wilmington?
Many car shipping companies in Wilmington, Delaware, provide real-time tracking. Customers can usually follow their vehicle's journey on the company’s website or mobile app. You can check when your vehicle leaves Wilmington, see the estimated arrival time, and get updates about any delays during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Wilmington?
I-95 provides fast north-south access from Wilmington. I-495 offers a bypass around the city for quicker connections. I-295 links drivers directly to New Jersey and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. These routes ensure efficient car shipping in and out of Wilmington.
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 need to inspect your car before shipping it from Wilmington. But if it's a classic or high-value car, you might have to provide proof of insurance. Always check the delivery state's inspection laws, as they differ.
Take Delaware regulations as an example. In Delaware, cars must pass an emissions test every two years, except if they are younger than seven years. Also, when you register or re-register your car, an inspection is needed. This must be done 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 Safe Auto Trucking LLC, Moverjet Logistics LLC, and Royal Auto Ship.
Who ships classic cars out of Wilmington?
Wilmington companies specializing in vintage vehicle transport with enclosed trailers for maximum protection include Safe Auto Trucking LLC, Moverjet Logistics LLC, and Royal Auto Ship.