($1,196) Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Jackson, MS
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,516 miles from Portland, Maine, to Jackson, Mississippi, generally falls between $1,196 and $1,659. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Jackson to Portland 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 Portland to Jackson car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Portland to Jackson:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Portland
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Portland, ME:
- Intercity Lines Inc: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Fisher Shipping Company: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Rust Auto Shippers: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Ck5 Transport Svc Llc: 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 ME to MS
If you’re relocating from Portland to Jackson, 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
On moves from Portland to Jackson, 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 1,516-mile drive from Portland to Jackson 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
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Maine to Mississippi. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Portland. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Jackson.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Jackson, 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 Portland to Jackson car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Portland to Jackson, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Portland to Jackson, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Portland 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 Jackson? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Portland has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Jackson will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 1,516 miles from Portland to Jackson will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Maine.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Portland and Jackson often affect the cost of auto transport.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
October, April and May are the most pleasant months in Jackson so it's best to plan your move during these months. Rain occurs throughout the year, though the winter and spring are the wettest seasons and snow is rare, and accumulation very seldom lasts more than a day.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Portland to Jackson in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,516-mile journey from Portland to Jackson makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Portland to Jackson usually takes three–nine days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Portland and Jackson vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Portland:
- Jackson: Check with the City of Jacksonfor details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Jackson.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Jackson: Mississippi drivers must maintain a minimum car insurance liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, with an additional $25,000 for property damage. These requirements ensure financial responsibility in accidents, protecting both drivers and their assets. Compliance is crucial to avoid legal penalties and enhance road safety.
Vehicle inspections
- 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.
- Jackson: Emissions testing and safety inspections are not required for most drivers in Mississippi. It is also good to know that if you have tinted windows, you have to undergo safety testing.
Driver’s 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.
- Jackson: A new resident in Mississippi must obtain a Mississippi driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You must register your out-of-state vehicle within 30 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Portland to Jackson?
The cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Jackson, MS 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 Portland to Jackson will range from $1,196 to $1,659.
How long will it take to ship my car from Portland to Jackson?
It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,516 miles from Portland to Jackson. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Portland to Jackson?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Portland to Jackson. 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 Portland to Jackson?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Portland to Jackson 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 1,516-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.
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