Best Car Shipping Companies in Portland, ME (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: For reliable car shipping in Portland, ME, Nexus Auto Transport is a standout with competitive prices, a broad selection of services, and a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars rating. Although rates fluctuate, you’ll typically spend between and $1,427 to ship your car from Portland.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Maine car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Top car shipping companies in Portland, ME
Whether your car needs to be shipped around Maine or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms you can find in Portland:
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 18 years in business and over one million cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers, military, USAA members and AARP members
- Ships classic cars and motorcycles
Cons
- Doesn’t ship ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company’s transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Fisher Shipping Company
Fisher Shipping Company (DOT: 2235479) provides a variety of car shipping services with an impressive reputation, boasting a Yelp rating of 4.6, a Google rating of 5.0, and an A+ rating from the BBB. They specialize in a range of services including classic car shipping, transportation of inoperable cars, enclosed transport, and shipping for electric vehicles, trailers, and RVs. Despite their comprehensive offerings, they do not provide boat shipping services, which might be a consideration for some customers needing marine transport.
Fisher Shipping Company is fully insured, accepts various payment methods including cash, credit cards, and money orders, making the process convenient for their clients. Although they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, their high ratings suggest a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and reliability.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Intercity Lines Inc
Intercity Lines Inc (DOT: 223672) is a highly-rated car shipping company, boasting a Yelp rating of 4.5, a perfect Google rating of 5.0, and an A+ rating from the BBB. They offer a range of services including transporting classic cars, motorcycles, and even inoperable vehicles, with the added benefit of being fully insured and providing detailed inspection reports.
Customers can enjoy the convenience of international shipping and terminal-to-terminal delivery, although those looking for expedited service might be disappointed, as Intercity Lines currently does not offer guaranteed delivery options. While they offer military discounts, potential customers should note that there are no senior, teacher, or AAA discounts available at this time.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc (DOT: 2268269) is a versatile car shipping company known for transporting a wide range of vehicles, including classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, and even cars that don’t run. While the company doesn’t guarantee a damage-free experience, it is fully insured and offers international shipping services for added peace of mind. Despite lacking ratings from Google, Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc holds a moderately favorable Yelp rating of 3.8 and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, a potential downside for some customers might be the absence of terminal-to-terminal delivery services.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Rust Auto Shippers
Rust Auto Shippers (DOT: 2224834) is a distinguished car shipping company with excellent ratings, boasting a 4.4 on Yelp, a perfect 5.0 on Google, and an A+ with the Better Business Bureau. They offer a variety of services, including interstate car transport and specialized options for classic cars and inoperable vehicles, catering to a wide range of customer needs.
Customers can choose between open and enclosed transport to suit their preferences. However, they do not provide a damage-free guarantee or support for boat and motorcycle shipping, which might be a limitation for some clients. With a focus on customer satisfaction and industry reputation, Rust Auto Shippers stand out as a reliable choice for car transportation services.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Ck5 Transport Svc Llc
Ck5 Transport Svc Llc (DOT: 1191011) is a car shipping company that excels in offering services such as interstate transport, motorcycle shipping, and expedited delivery. They provide both open and enclosed transport options, catering to a wide range of customer needs. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, leaving some uncertainty about customer satisfaction and reputation.
While they provide an AAA discount, appealing to a specific group of car owners, they do not offer amenities such as damage-free guarantees or the transport of inoperable cars, which might be a downside for some customers seeking these specific services. Additionally, international shipping and guaranteed delivery are not part of their offerings, which may limit their appeal to some clients.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- AAA Discount
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
Comparing Portland car auto transport companies
After analyzing the biggest brands in auto transport, we analyzed 0 local car shipping companies in Portland, 2 across Maine, and 518+ nationwide to compare service availability and help you choose the best option for your needs.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Portland, across Maine, and nationwide:
- Insurance included: 0 in Portland (0%), 1 in Maine (33.33%), 474 nationwide (77.45%)
- Open transport: 0 in Portland (0%), 2 in Maine (66.67%), 518 nationwide (84.64%)
- Enclosed transport: 0 in Portland (0%), 2 in Maine (66.67%), 494 nationwide (80.72%)
- Inoperable car transport: 0 in Portland (0%), 1 in Maine (33.33%), 242 nationwide (39.54%)
- Multi-car shipping: 0 in Portland (0%), 2 in Maine (66.67%), 415 nationwide (67.81%)
| Company | Insurance included | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Inoperable car transport | Multi-car shipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fisher Shipping Company | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Intercity Lines Inc | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rust Auto Shippers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ck5 Transport Svc Llc | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Our team conducted a comprehensive analysis of 2,400 car shipping firms across the nation, examining and ranking them by key criteria utilizing our exclusive methodology.
We took into account the following factors:
- Service diversity: We assessed the array of services available from each company. This review included checking if they provide open, enclosed transport options, or both. Further, we looked at whether they offer door-to-door service or terminal-based delivery, and the types of vehicles they handle. Companies that cater to unique vehicles like RVs and motorcycles ranked higher than those focusing solely on cars.
- Add-on services: Companies offering premium optional services, like quick shipping, fixed pickup times, complimentary car washes, and reimbursement for rental cars, received additional points.
- Service evaluation: By analyzing comments on platforms such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot, we determined if a car shipping company upholds prompt service, good communication, and cost efficiency. We further evaluated each company’s position in the industry by validating their USDOT credentials and their engagement with trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: Our review considered how simple it is for customers to arrange services and calculate costs with clear quotes, price comparison, flat-rate pricing, and other advantages. Car shippers that offer binding estimates or guarantee prices received higher marks than those lacking transparency in their pricing.
Average cost to ship a car out of Portland
With a population of 68,408 and the status of a major Maine city, Portland sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Portland compared to smaller towns nearby.
Moving your car from Portland, Maine will vary but usually falls between to $1,427. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from Portland, Maine to various states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Maine to North Carolina | $819 – $1,334 |
| Maine to Texas | $1,390 – $1,989 |
| Maine to Arizona | $1,428 – $2,300 |
| Maine to California | $1,561 – $2,440 |
| Maine to Florida | $1,139 – $1,643 |
| New York to Maine | $615 – $852 |
| Georgia to Maine | $1,066 – $1,503 |
| Michigan to Maine | $813 – $1,249 |
| Ohio to Maine | $784 – $1,306 |
| Illinois to Maine | $909 – $1,493 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Portland
As a major city, Portland benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Portland is 112, which is well above the national average. This can increase the price of car shipping due to higher labor and operational costs in the region.
- Move distance: You’ll save more when shipping your vehicle locally in Portland or within Maine, while trips across state lines generally cost more.
- City vs. suburbs: Rates can vary if you’re moving your vehicle from the lively streets of downtown Portland vs. the suburbs.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Portland might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Shipping method choices in Portland: Pick between standard open-air carriers for budget-friendly transport or enclosed trailers for extra protection against the elements. Enclosed shipping costs more but shields your car from the unexpected.
- Gas prices: The going rate for fuel in Portland can raise or lower your shipping bill, especially on long hauls.
- Delivery speed: If you need your car shipped ASAP from Portland, rush or guaranteed delivery services are available, but expect extra fees.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: Severe winters and heavy snowfall in Portland, Maine can drive up car shipping prices due to hazardous road conditions and potential shipping delays. Coastal weather fluctuations may also impact scheduling and transport availability.
Tips for choosing the right Portland car shipping company
- Request quotes: Look for Portland companies with clear pricing so you don’t get stuck with surprise fees. In Maine, expect to pay about $1,100 to ship a standard vehicle.
- Check insurance details: Look for companies offering strong insurance options, multiple coverage plans, and a clear claims process. Some may even provide a damage-free guarantee.
- See what others are saying: Reading real reviews from people in Portland will help you find trustworthy transporters and steer clear of scams.
- Vet the companies: Before booking, check the FMCSA company snapshot for USDOT numbers and compliance status.
- Compare value, not just price: Check which services are included. Sometimes, premium services are worth the added cost.
- Understand delivery timelines: Review pickup and drop-off expectations carefully. They’ll vary based on location, route, and carrier type.
- Ask about add-ons: Carriers in Portland may offer extras like door-to-door or expedited shipping. These can help tailor your move to your exact needs.
- Ask around: Referrals from friends, family, or coworkers in Portland are one of the most trusted ways to find a good shipper.
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 Portland?
Many car shipping companies in Portland, Maine, provide real-time tracking. Customers can usually follow their vehicle’s trip via the company’s website or app. You can check when your car departs, see the estimated arrival time, and get updates on any delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Portland?
Interstate 95 runs south from Portland, reaching Boston, New York, and major East Coast hubs. Interstate 295 connects quickly to I-95 for regional routes. Interstate 295 also provides direct access to Augusta for shipping north.
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 Portland or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Portland?
Many carriers don’t need to inspect your car before shipping it from Portland. But if you’re shipping a classic or high-value car, you might need to provide proof of insurance. Make sure to check the inspection laws in the delivery state, as they can differ.
Take Maine regulations as an example. In Maine, all vehicles driven on public roads must pass a yearly safety inspection to confirm they are safe and working properly. You can get these inspections at any official service station approved by the Maine Department of Transportation.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Portland?
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 Portland to your next destination.
What’s the cheapest car shipping company in Portland?
Low-cost vehicle transport providers in Portland specializing in open carrier delivery include Fisher Shipping Company, Intercity Lines Inc (offers military discounts), and Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc.
Who ships classic cars out of Portland?
Portland-area specialists in classic and collectible car shipping with enclosed transport options include Fisher Shipping Company, Intercity Lines Inc, and Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc.
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