Best Portland Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Easy Auto Ship is the best car shipping company in Portland, with a rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the Maine car shipping page.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
Best car shipping companies in Portland
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Maine, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Portland.
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Ship A Car Direct
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc
- Fisher Shipping Company
- Dreamline Logistics LLC
- Rust Auto Shippers
- Ck5 Transport Svc Llc
SGT Auto Transport
https://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
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
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
- Insured shipping
- Open and enclosed transport
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc (DOT: 2268269) offers a wide range of car shipping services, including transport for inoperable vehicles, electric vehicles, classic cars, ATVs, motorcycles, RVs, heavy equipment, and boats. Customers can choose from open or enclosed transport and are assured their shipments are fully insured.
This company boasts a high Yelp rating of 4.4 and an A+ rating from the BBB, though it appears to have yet to establish a rating on Google. Despite these strong ratings, prospective customers should be aware that Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc does not provide a damage-free guarantee or guaranteed delivery timelines, which could be a downside for some individuals.
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
Fisher Shipping Company
Fisher Shipping Company (DOT: 2235479) is a highly rated car shipping business with a stellar Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the BBB. The company excels in transporting electric vehicles, classic cars, and inoperable cars. Customers will appreciate that they offer both enclosed and open transport options and accept various payment methods including credit card, money order, and cash.
Despite these extensive services, a potential downside for some customers is that Fisher Shipping Company does not offer damage-free guarantees or shipment tracking, which might be crucial for those shipping valuable vehicles.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
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
Dreamline Logistics LLC
Dreamline Logistics LLC (DOT: 3172148) is a highly rated car shipping company, boasting a Yelp rating of 4.4, a perfect 5.0 on Google, and an A+ rating from the BBB. They offer a wide array of services including fully insured shipments, enclosed transport, electric vehicle shipping, and convenient storage solutions.
A few drawbacks include their lack of expedited delivery and transport for inoperable cars, which might be a concern for some customers. Although they don’t offer discounts for groups like military personnel or teachers, their dependable service and excellent ratings make them a strong contender in the car shipping industry.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Rust Auto Shippers
Rust Auto Shippers (DOT: 2224834) is a highly rated car shipping business, boasting a Yelp rating of 4.3, a perfect Google rating of 5.0, and an A+ rating from the BBB. They offer services including fully insured transport, support for cars that don’t run, multi-car transport, and specialized classic car shipping. Additionally, Rust Auto Shippers provides options for both enclosed and open transport, catering to various customer needs.
Unfortunately, the company does not offer damage-free guarantees, which may be a downside for some customers seeking additional peace of mind. Overall, Rust Auto Shippers is a reliable choice for car shipping needs, given their stellar ratings and range of 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 an active car shipping company that offers a variety of services to meet different customer needs.
They provide fully insured shipping, enclosed transport, multi-car transport, and expedited delivery, ensuring that your vehicle is handled with care and delivered swiftly. Customers can also take advantage of the AAA discount offered by the company.
However, it’s worth noting that they do not offer ATV shipping, storage solutions, or shipment tracking, which could be a downside for customers requiring these services. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- AAA Discount
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
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
Average car shipping costs in Portland
The average cost to ship a car from Portland to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Portland, Maine, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Maine to New York | $697 – $1,004 |
| Maine to Georgia | $1,174 – $1,755 |
| Maine to Texas | $1,485 – $2,516 |
| Maine to North Carolina | $984 – $1,483 |
| Maine to Ohio | $926 – $1,465 |
| Illinois to Maine | $1,040 – $1,626 |
| Michigan to Maine | $950 – $1,549 |
| Arizona to Maine | $1,618 – $2,580 |
| Florida to Maine | $1,238 – $1,955 |
| California to Maine | $1,716 – $2,877 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Portland
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Portland or to another city in Maine can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of Portland to a more suburban area.
- 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.
- Available shipping options in Portland: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against Portland’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Portland’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Portland come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Harsh winters and high snowfall in Portland, Maine could raise car shipping costs due to increased risks and potential delays. Weather conditions may necessitate specialized handling and equipment.
Tips for choosing the right Portland, ME, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Portland, compare costs with a critical eye. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected fees, ensuring that competitive rates do not undermine service quality. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in Maine.
- Review insurance and safety in Portland. Choose Portland companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Confirm their dedication to protecting your vehicle throughout its journey.
- Read customer reviews. Reading customer reviews helps verify the reliability and quality of Portland car shipping companies. Feedback from past clients provides insights into service satisfaction and potential issues.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research in Portland prevents choosing unreliable car shipping companies and ensures compliance with safety and licensing standards. It helps verify legitimate services and avoid scams.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Portland, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Portland. Balance service quality against pricing, and be wary of unusually low rates that might indicate hidden costs or poor service.
- Ask about insurance coverage. Inquire specifically about the insurance coverage provided by companies in Portland. Understand the extent of coverage and the process for making claims in case of damage during transit.
- Understand delivery timelines. Clarify expected pickup and delivery times. Companies in Portland should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Portland that offer customizable options, such as door-to-door delivery or specific handling requirements for your vehicle.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get personal referrals from friends or family in Portland who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Portland?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Portland, Maine, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or a mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Portland, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Portland?
Interstate 95 (I-95) directs to many major East Coast cities. Interstate 295 (I-295) offers swift local connections. U.S. Route 1 provides scenic coastal access.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Portland car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Portland?
If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance before taking your vehicle out of Portland. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Maine, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take Maine regulations as an example. Maine mandates yearly safety inspections for all vehicles on public roads to verify they are safe and functional. You can get these inspections at any official service station authorized by the Maine Department of Transportation.
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation 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: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
More car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Maine, these resources should help:
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