($664) Cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 506 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Wilmington, Delaware, ranges from $664 to $913. 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wilmington to Charlotte 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
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Charlotte to Wilmington car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Charlotte to Wilmington:

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
Licensedcheckmark
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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 safety & reliability
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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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
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Charlotte

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Charlotte, NC:

  1. Columbia Auto Shipping Group: 3.7 out of 5 stars
  2. Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  3. Andrew Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Columbia Auto Shipping Group

136-4 Forum Dr SUITE O, Columbia, SC 29229 US

starstarstarstarstar3.7 / 5.0

Customers frequently praise the excellent communication, professionalism, and seamless experiences provided by Auto Shipping Group. The team is described as helpful and reliable, with cars arriving undamaged and often ahead of schedule. However, there were no prominent negative aspects reported by customers.

Get a Quote (803) 233-2806

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2239008

Charlotte Auto Shipping Group

15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise the company's exceptional service and professionalism, highlighting their friendly demeanor and timely delivery. However, there were no significant negative aspects mentioned.

Get a Quote (704) 412-3669

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

Andrew Auto Transport

3910 Conway Ave J, Charlotte, NC 28209 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Overall, customers appreciate the excellent product quality and effective communication, but some express concerns about shipping delays and customer service responsiveness.

Get a Quote (888) 579-5913

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2241947

Auto Driveaway

756 Tyvola Rd Suite 112, Charlotte, NC 28217 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 346-2277

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Trailers
  • Electric vehicles

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 NC to DE

When you’re moving from Charlotte to Wilmington, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re planning a move from Charlotte to Wilmington, 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

There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 506-mile trip from Charlotte to Wilmington could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.

Use a driving service

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

Ship your car via train

Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Wilmington—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.

Factors affecting Charlotte to Wilmington car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Charlotte to Wilmington, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

There are a few ways to ship your car from Charlotte to Wilmington, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.

Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Wilmington, our comparison guide can help.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Charlotte will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Wilmington than a compact car.

Distance and route

Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 506 miles from Charlotte to Wilmington will cost more than a shorter move within North Carolina.

Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Charlotte and Wilmington can impact car shipping prices.

Charlotte has a moderate climate. Your move is unlikely to be affected by the weather although, the rare snow day in the wintertime could make the road conditions difficult to drive on.

Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.

During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Charlotte to Wilmington during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 506-mile drive between Charlotte and Wilmington, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.

Delivery expectations

Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Charlotte to Wilmington takes one to six days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.

Comparing Charlotte and Wilmington vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Charlotte: Charlotte's Park It program manages on-street parking throughout Uptown, South End, Elizabeth, NoDa and Commonwealth Avenue in Plaza Midwood.
  • 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

  • Charlotte: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
  • 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

  • Charlotte: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
  • 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

  • Charlotte: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
  • 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 Charlotte to Wilmington?

The cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC 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 Charlotte to Wilmington will range from $664 to $913.

How long will it take to ship my car from Charlotte to Wilmington?

It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 506 miles from Charlotte to Wilmington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charlotte to Wilmington?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Charlotte 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 Charlotte to Wilmington?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Charlotte 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 506-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 Charlotte resources