($1,455) Cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to Portland, ME
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,455 to $2,099 to ship your car 1,501 miles from Mobile, Alabama, to Portland, Maine. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland 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 Portland car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Mobile to Portland:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport 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
Ultimate Auto Transport
W Kingston St, Laurel, MS 39440 US
ultimatetransport123.com
3.84 / 5.0
In total, 794 reviews were analyzed for Ultimate Auto Transport. Approximately 30% of the feedback was positive, while 70% was negative. Customers praised the company's quick vehicle transport and good communication during the process. However, they often faced issues such as broken promises on pick-up dates, poor customer service, and unexpected fees. Many consumers reported a frustrating experience when trying to cancel contracts, as the company frequently charged cancellation fees despite failing to deliver services as agreed. This indicates a lack of reliability compared to other transport companies in the market.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1622143
Auto Driveaway
140 James Dr E Suite A, St Rose, LA 70087 US
autodriveaway.com/locations/new-orleans-auto-shipping
3.56 / 5.0
Customers report excellent service and communication when moving vehicles, highlighting value and friendliness from the staff. However, there are serious complaints regarding vehicle conditions, particularly concerning pest infestations in trucks used for transport, along with unprofessional behavior and lack of support for drivers. These contrasting experiences suggest a need for significant improvements in driver treatment and vehicle maintenance.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- Auto Driveaway Systems, LLC
- AD Acquisition, LLC
- Auto Driveaway Franchise Systems, LLC
Exclusive Auto Shipping
732 S Lewis Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32305 US
exclusiveautoshipping.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the exceptional service provided by Jared at Exclusive Auto Transport. His responsiveness, reliability, and proactive communication are highly regarded. However, there are no significant negative experiences reported, indicating a strong overall satisfaction with the service.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2968838
Speedy Car Shipping
141 Allen Toussaint Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 US
speedycarshipping.com/car-shipping-service/auto-transport-new-orleans-la
3.5 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise Speedy Car Shipping New Orleans for their excellent customer service, easy and transparent pricing, and timely vehicle delivery. However, some experienced issues locating the premises due to unclear directions.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2297446
Xpress Auto Transport
4450 Old Canton Rd #340, Jackson, MS 39211 US
xpressautoship.com/city/jackson-mississippi
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
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 ME
Relocating from Mobile to Portland 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
On moves from Mobile to Portland, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,501-mile drive from Mobile to Portland 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
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Alabama to Maine, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Mobile to Portland safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Portland. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Mobile to Portland car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Mobile to Portland, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Mobile to Portland, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Portland, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Mobile is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Portland will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
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 1,501 miles from Mobile to Portland 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
The time of year and weather conditions in Mobile and Portland play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
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.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Mobile to Portland in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,501-mile distance between Mobile and Portland and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Mobile to Portland takes between three and nine days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Mobile and Portland 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.
- Portland:
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.
- Portland: In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
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.
- Portland: The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
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.
- Portland: New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Mobile to Portland?
The cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to Portland, ME 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 Portland will range from $1,455 to $2,099.
How long will it take to ship my car from Mobile to Portland?
It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,501 miles from Mobile to Portland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Mobile to Portland?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Mobile to Portland. 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 Portland?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Mobile to Portland 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 1,501-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.
