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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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 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 (77.32%)
- 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%), 158 nationwide (25.77%)
| 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
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 Ohio | $729 - $1,008 |
| Delaware to Illinois | $952 - $1,352 |
| Delaware to Georgia | $953 - $1,322 |
| Delaware to North Carolina | $626 - $917 |
| Delaware to Florida | $978 - $1,534 |
| Arizona to Delaware | $1,470 - $2,301 |
| Texas to Delaware | $1,410 - $2,029 |
| Michigan to Delaware | $905 - $1,370 |
| California to Delaware | $1,718 - $2,686 |
| New York to Delaware | $487 - $646 |
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 occasional winter snow in Wilmington, Delaware can cause seasonal fluctuations in car shipping pricing, as carriers may adjust rates to account for weather-related delays and increased demand.
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 trip on the company's website or mobile app. You can check when your vehicle departs Wilmington, the expected arrival time, and any delays during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Wilmington?
Interstate 95 connects Wilmington to major Northeast and Southeast markets. Interstate 495 serves as a bypass around Wilmington for efficient traffic flow. Interstate 295 provides direct access north toward the New Jersey Turnpike. Interstate 76 links to Pennsylvania and western destinations.
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 an inspection to ship your car from Wilmington. But if it’s a classic or high-value vehicle, you might need to provide proof of insurance. Always check the inspection rules for the delivery state since they differ.
Take Delaware regulations as an example. In Delaware, vehicles must have an emissions test every two years, except if the vehicle is under seven years old. Also, a vehicle inspection is necessary each time you register or re-register your vehicle, and it must be done within 90 days of registration 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 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.