Best Car Shipping Companies in Raleigh, NC (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Raleigh, NC, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the North Carolina car shipping page.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving 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 Raleigh, NC
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of North Carolina, these are the best auto transport companies available in Raleigh:
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.
Average cost to ship a car out of Raleigh
The cost to ship a car out of North Carolina from Raleigh typically starts around $1,200. Your exact price will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Raleigh, North Carolina, to a different state:
Route | Cost |
---|---|
North Carolina to California | $1,452 – $2,287 |
North Carolina to Michigan | $828 – $1,227 |
North Carolina to Texas | $964 – $1,549 |
North Carolina to Illinois | $823 – $1,185 |
North Carolina to Ohio | $654 – $872 |
Pennsylvania to North Carolina | $631 – $886 |
Georgia to North Carolina | $562 – $753 |
New York to North Carolina | $664 – $859 |
Arizona to North Carolina | $1,340 – $2,135 |
Florida to North Carolina | $766 – $1,089 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Raleigh
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Raleigh or to another city in North Carolina 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 Raleigh to a more suburban area.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Raleigh might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Raleigh: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Raleigh’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Raleigh comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Icy roads in winter could increase car shipping costs in Raleigh due to higher risks and potential delays. Heavy traffic during peak seasons might also affect shipping rates.
Tips for choosing the right Raleigh car shipping company
- Compare prices. Look for companies in Raleigh with transparent pricing. This will help you avoid getting hooked in with a lowball estimate, then hit with unexpected fees upon delivery. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in North Carolina.
- Review insurance coverage and claims policies. Choose Raleigh companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Be sure to ask about a company’s claims process, whether they offer multiple insurance plans, and if they provide a damage-free promise or other safety-related guarantee.
- Read customer reviews. Reading reviews from Raleigh customers is essential. They offer real-life experiences and insights about the reliability and quality of car shipping services in your area. Including consumer feedback in your selection process helps you avoid scams and choose a company with high customer satisfaction.
- Research thoroughly. Along with reading online reviews, make sure a Raleigh company is legitimate and well-regarded to avoid scams or bad service. Verify this by checking a car shipper’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) company snapshot, which includes USDOT licensing information, current operating status, and safety reports.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Raleigh. Make sure you are balancing service quality and pricing, rather than just opting for the cheapest quote. You should be wary of unusually low rates, which could be a sign of a lowball estimate that results in hidden costs or poor service.
- Understand shipping timelines. Review expected pickup and delivery times with Raleigh car shippers to ensure their timelines are realistic and fit your shipping needs. Transport time frames will vary based on a number of factors, including the time of year and type of transport.
- Look for customized service. Raleigh companies that offer add-on options like door-to-door service or expedited delivery are better able to help you create a personalized car shipping plan that works for your specific situation.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get referrals from friends or family in Raleigh who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
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 Raleigh?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Raleigh, North Carolina, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Raleigh, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Raleigh?
I-40 connects Raleigh to major cities east-west. I-95 runs north-south, linking Raleigh with the East Coast. I-440 encircles Raleigh, providing easy access to other interstates. I-87 connects Raleigh to Norfolk and northeastern routes.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Raleigh car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s FMCSA website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Raleigh?
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 Raleigh. You probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of North Carolina, but you should check the requirements in the delivery location since motor vehicle laws can vary from state to state.
Take North Carolina regulations as an example. Before registering a passenger vehicle in North Carolina, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
More North Carolina car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in North Carolina, these resources should help:
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