($482) Cost to ship a car from New Haven, CT to Portland, ME

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 236 miles from New Haven, Connecticut, to Portland, Maine, generally falls between $482 and $589. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland to New Haven car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best New Haven to Portland car shipping companies

Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from New Haven to Portland:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in New Haven

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in New Haven, CT:

  1. Plycon Transportation Group: 3.98 out of 5 stars
  2. New York City Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  3. A-AAA Auto Transport, LLC: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  4. East Side Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Plycon Transportation Group

280 Indian Head Rd, Kings Park, NY 11754 US

starstarstarstarstar3.98 / 5.0

Plycon Transportation Group receives high praise for its exceptional service and professionalism when moving household items as well as vehicles. Customers appreciate the seamless, stress-free process and the care taken with belongings, often highlighting the excellent communication and responsiveness of the customer service team. While one review mentioned an issue with cars arriving dirty, the overall sentiment showcases a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Get a Quote (631) 269-7000

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • AAA

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Plycon Van Lines Inc.

New York City Auto Shipping Group

44 Wall St F12, New York, NY 10005 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5.0

Customers consistently praised the excellent customer service, timely communication, and stress-free delivery experiences provided by the company. However, a few mentioned some initial delays during the setup process.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

A-AAA Auto Transport, LLC

65 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT 06905 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0

A-AAA Auto Transport LLC provides efficient and professional vehicle transportation services, with prompt pickups and timely deliveries. Customers consistently praise the good communication from the staff throughout the shipping process. However, issues have arisen regarding damage accountability, a lack of updates during transportation, and inconsistent driver behavior. While many clients report a smooth transfer of their vehicles in excellent condition, some express frustration over customer service particularly when things go wrong, suggesting room for improvement.

Get a Quote (888) 821-9645

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

East Side Auto Transport

6 Research Pkwy, Wallingford, CT 06492 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the professionalism and timely service provided by the company, especially in vehicle transportation. However, concerns have been raised regarding excessive gas prices and reckless driving behavior by their drivers.

Get a Quote (203) 269-1539

Services Offered

  • Interstate shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports

Additional Information

Vehicle Transport Services

71 Raymond Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (860) 400-2256

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

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 CT to ME

If you’re relocating from New Haven to Portland, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re planning a move from New Haven to Portland, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.

Drive your car

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 236 miles from New Haven to Portland can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.

Use a driving service

If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Connecticut to Maine. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from New Haven to Portland carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.

Ship your car via train

Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Portland, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.

Factors affecting New Haven to Portland car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from New Haven to Portland, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When it comes to moving your car from New Haven 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

Your shipping price from New Haven depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Portland will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

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 236 miles from New Haven to Portland will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Connecticut.

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

Both seasonal trends and local weather in New Haven and Portland can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.

Best months to move to New Haven are June, September and August as these are the best months with tolerable weather. January and February are the least comfortable months as these are the coldest months.

August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.

High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from New Haven to Portland during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 236-mile journey from New Haven to Portland makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from New Haven to Portland typically takes between one and four days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing New Haven and Portland vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • New Haven: Check with the City of New Haven for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to New Haven.
  • Portland:

Car insurance requirements

  • New Haven: The basic car insurance requirements in the state of Connecticut is as follow: Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 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

  • New Haven: In Connecticut, all vehicles must undergo an emissions inspection every two years, with a few exceptions. Additionally, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection, which confirms the vehicle's identity, is required when registering the vehicle in the state.
  • 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

  • New Haven: As a new resident of Connecticut, you must obtain a Connecticut driver's license within 30 days. Residency is defined as living in the state for over 6 months in a year.
  • 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 New Haven to Portland?

The cost to ship a car from New Haven, CT 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 New Haven to Portland will range from $482 to $589.

How long will it take to ship my car from New Haven to Portland?

It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 236 miles from New Haven to Portland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from New Haven to Portland?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from New Haven 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 New Haven to Portland?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from New Haven 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 236-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.

Helpful New Haven resources