($1,070) Cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to Wilmington, DE
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,075 miles from Mobile, Alabama, to Wilmington, Delaware, ranges from $1,070 to $1,679. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wilmington to Mobile 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
The best Mobile to Wilmington car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Mobile to Wilmington:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Mobile
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Mobile, AL:
- Ultimate Auto Transport: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Exclusive Auto Shipping: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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.
Car shipping alternatives from AL to DE
Relocating from Mobile to Wilmington means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Mobile to Wilmington, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,075-mile drive from Mobile to Wilmington into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Alabama to Delaware is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Mobile to Wilmington. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Wilmington, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Mobile to Wilmington car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Mobile to Wilmington, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Mobile to Wilmington, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Mobile are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Wilmington? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Mobile. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Wilmington will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,075 miles from Mobile to Wilmington will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Alabama.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Mobile and Wilmington often affect the cost of auto transport.
October, April and November are the most pleasant months in Mobile, so consider this in your plans in moving to Mobile City. Mobile City experiences extreme heat on summer and rainy days on winter.
Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Mobile to Wilmington in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,075-mile distance between Mobile and Wilmington and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Mobile to Wilmington is two to eight days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Mobile and Wilmington vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Mobile: Make sure to check with the City of Mobile for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to the city.
- Wilmington: Meters accept nickels, dimes, and quarters. Parking rates are posted on each meter. You may purchase 15 minutes of parking for a quarter, 6 minutes of parking for a dime, and 3 minutes of parking for a nickel. You may park at a meter for up to two hours.
Car insurance requirements
- Mobile: Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
- Wilmington: Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Mobile: In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
- Wilmington: In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
Driver’s license
- Mobile: When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
- Wilmington: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Mobile to Wilmington?
The cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to Wilmington, DE varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Mobile to Wilmington will range from $1,070 to $1,679.
How long will it take to ship my car from Mobile to Wilmington?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,075 miles from Mobile to Wilmington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Mobile to Wilmington?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Mobile to Wilmington. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Mobile to Wilmington?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Mobile to Wilmington than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,075-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
W Kingston St, Laurel, MS 39440 US
140 James Dr E Suite A, St Rose, LA 70087 US
141 Allen Toussaint Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 US
4450 Old Canton Rd #340, Jackson, MS 39211 US