10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Philadelphia, PA
Quick answer: For reliable car shipping in Philadelphia, PA, 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 $635 and $1,400 to ship your car from Philadelphia.
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| Company | Contact | Our rating | Best for | Benefits |
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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 Pennsylvania car shipping guide.
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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
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Top car shipping companies in Philadelphia, PA
Whether your car needs to be shipped around Pennsylvania or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms you can find in Philadelphia:
Comparing Philadelphia, PA car auto transport companies
After analyzing the biggest brands in auto transport, we analyzed 11 local car shipping companies in Philadelphia, 11 across Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia, across Pennsylvania, and nationwide:
- Damage-free guarantee: 3 in Philadelphia (25.0%), 3 in Pennsylvania (25.0%), 172 nationwide (28.06%)
- Expedited delivery: 6 in Philadelphia (50.0%), 6 in Pennsylvania (50.0%), 333 nationwide (54.32%)
- Insurance included: 10 in Philadelphia (83.33%), 9 in Pennsylvania (75.0%), 473 nationwide (77.16%)
- Open transport: 11 in Philadelphia (91.67%), 11 in Pennsylvania (91.67%), 518 nationwide (84.5%)
- Enclosed transport: 9 in Philadelphia (75.0%), 8 in Pennsylvania (66.67%), 495 nationwide (80.75%)
| Company | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
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| 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 Philadelphia, across Pennsylvania, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 1 in Philadelphia (8.33%), 3 in Pennsylvania (25.0%), 159 nationwide (25.94%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
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| Royal Auto Ship | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Moverjet Logistics LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Safe Auto Trucking LLC | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Philadelphia Car Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Virginia Transportation Corp | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Philadelphia, PA
With a population of 1,603,797 and the status of a major Pennsylvania city, Philadelphia sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Philadelphia compared to smaller towns nearby.
Moving your car from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will vary but usually falls between $635 and $1,400. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to various states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania to New York | $566 - $679 |
| Pennsylvania to Michigan | $951 - $1,306 |
| Pennsylvania to Georgia | $1,013 - $1,588 |
| Pennsylvania to Florida | $1,056 - $1,653 |
| Pennsylvania to Illinois | $993 - $1,343 |
| California to Pennsylvania | $1,824 - $2,835 |
| Arizona to Pennsylvania | $1,616 - $2,413 |
| Ohio to Pennsylvania | $665 - $975 |
| Texas to Pennsylvania | $1,426 - $2,200 |
| North Carolina to Pennsylvania | $772 - $1,137 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Philadelphia, PA
As a major city, Philadelphia benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Philadelphia 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.
- Move distance: You'll save more when shipping your vehicle locally in Philadelphia or within Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Shipping method choices in Philadelphia: 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 Philadelphia can raise or lower your shipping bill, especially on long hauls.
- Delivery speed: If you need your car shipped ASAP from Philadelphia, rush or guaranteed delivery services are available, but expect extra fees.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: Demand-driven price swings are common in auto transport — summer and month-end dates cost more due to high volume. Booking early or in the off-season can help keep costs down.
How to ship a car from Philadelphia, PA
Use this Philadelphia-specific checklist to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper.
- Confirm your route from Philadelphia — Confirm whether you are shipping within Pennsylvania or to another state. Local and regional routes from Philadelphia are priced differently than long cross-country hauls, and your pickup and delivery ZIP codes drive the final quote.
- Factor in Philadelphia market conditions — Philadelphia is a major metro with more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. The cost-of-living index is 104 (100 = national average).
- Compare national and local carriers — Compare national auto transport partners with the local Philadelphia shippers listed on this page. National carriers often cover long interstate routes, while local companies may offer faster pickup in the Philadelphia metro.
- Pick open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the budget option for standard vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for classic, luxury, or high-value cars that need extra protection during loading and transit.
- Verify MC/DOT registration — Ask for each carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
- Get 3+ quotes and schedule off-peak — Request written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator. Book off-peak when possible — summer and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. Philadelphia's summer highs reach 87°F, which can slow loading and raise peak-season demand. Winter lows around 26°F can delay pickup; confirm your carrier's weather policy before booking a winter ship date.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in Philadelphia?
Many car shipping companies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offer real-time tracking. You can follow your vehicle's journey through the company's website or app, with updates on when it leaves Philadelphia, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
Is it cheaper to ship a car from a big city like Philadelphia?
In many cases, yes. Philadelphia is a major city with more car shipping carriers, which usually means lower prices and faster pickup times due to high demand and route density.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Philadelphia?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of Philadelphia follow the major interstate corridors running through Pennsylvania. Carriers on high-traffic routes between large metros generally offer faster transit times and better pricing than those on less-traveled roads. Ask your carrier which interstates they use and whether your destination falls on a primary or secondary route.
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 Philadelphia or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Philadelphia?
Most carriers don't require an inspection to ship your car out of Philadelphia. If you're shipping a classic or high-value vehicle, you may be asked to show proof of insurance. Always check the inspection requirements for the delivery state, as regulations vary.
Take Pennsylvania regulations as an example. If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Philadelphia?
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 Philadelphia to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in Philadelphia?
Low-cost vehicle transport providers in Philadelphia specializing in open carrier delivery include Royal Auto Ship, Moverjet Logistics LLC, and Safe Auto Trucking LLC.
Who ships classic cars out of Philadelphia?
Philadelphia-area specialists in classic and collectible car shipping with enclosed transport options include Royal Auto Ship, Moverjet Logistics LLC, and Safe Auto Trucking LLC.
300 Avon St, Philadelphia, PA, 19116
3422 Old Capitol Trl Ste 2025, Wilmington, DE, 19808
13512 Bustleton Ave Apt 5304, Philadelphia, PA, 19116
1968 Bryn Mawr Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19131
329 Bethel Ave, Upper Chichester, PA, 19014