North Carolina to Maine Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 951 miles from North Carolina to Maine falls between $837 and $1,324. Delivery typically takes two–seven days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Maine to North Carolina 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 North Carolina to Maine car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from North Carolina to Maine:
- 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 North Carolina
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in North Carolina ready to move your vehicle to Maine:
- 48 States Auto Shipping: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Ship A Car ASAP: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Stewart Transport Solutions: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from North Carolina to Maine
Ship it with your movers
When moving from North Carolina to Maine, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 951 miles to your car on the trip from North Carolina to Maine. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from North Carolina to Maine. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
North Carolina to Maine auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in North Carolina and Maine. Average distances are close to 951 miles, with delivery usually taking two–seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to Maine
| From North Carolina to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC to Portland, ME | $871 – $1,338 | 937 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Lewiston, ME | $854 – $1,311 | 964 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Bangor, ME | $864 – $1,357 | 1,062 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Charlotte, NC to South Portland, ME | $871 – $1,287 | 935 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Auburn, ME | $837 – $1,337 | 966 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to Maine
| From North Carolina to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC to Portland, ME | $800 – $1,260 | 815 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Lewiston, ME | $814 – $1,192 | 843 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Bangor, ME | $822 – $1,338 | 941 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Raleigh, NC to South Portland, ME | $776 – $1,272 | 816 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Auburn, ME | $846 – $1,217 | 843 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Greensboro, NC to Maine
| From North Carolina to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro, NC to Portland, ME | $805 – $1,291 | 847 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Lewiston, ME | $870 – $1,273 | 875 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Bangor, ME | $837 – $1,298 | 973 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Greensboro, NC to South Portland, ME | $797 – $1,291 | 847 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Auburn, ME | $826 – $1,295 | 874 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Durham, NC to Maine
| From North Carolina to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC to Portland, ME | $826 – $1,181 | 795 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Durham, NC to Lewiston, ME | $797 – $1,266 | 825 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Durham, NC to Bangor, ME | $846 – $1,249 | 921 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Durham, NC to South Portland, ME | $843 – $1,241 | 794 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Durham, NC to Auburn, ME | $833 – $1,163 | 823 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Winston-Salem, NC to Maine
| From North Carolina to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem, NC to Portland, ME | $859 – $1,258 | 873 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Lewiston, ME | $813 – $1,313 | 903 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Bangor, ME | $782 – $1,291 | 1,001 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to South Portland, ME | $801 – $1,208 | 872 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Auburn, ME | $830 – $1,313 | 901 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from North Carolina to Maine
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from North Carolina to Maine you should expect to pay between $1,046 and $1,655.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from North Carolina to Maine
If you’re shipping a car from the Tar Heel State to the Pine Tree State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from North Carolina to Maine.
- Distance and route: The trip from North Carolina to Maine covers roughly 951 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from North Carolina around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between North Carolina and Maine may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from North Carolina to Maine takes two–seven days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Maine vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Maine, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: 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 inspection: 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 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.
- Additional taxes: Maine requires registered car owners to pay an annual excise tax for motor vehicles, trailers, mobile homes, and stock vehicles. This tax is calculated by multiplying the current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle by the mileage rate.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from North Carolina
More than 10.8 million people call North Carolina home. Nicknamed the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
Transporting your vehicle to Maine
About 1.4 million people are living in the Pine Tree State. Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in North Carolina and delivery in Maine?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in North Carolina and when dropping it off in Maine.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Carolina to Maine?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Carolina to Maine, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Maine, which you should verify before loading your car in North Carolina.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. 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.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from North Carolina to Maine?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Carolina to Maine is about 951 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from North Carolina to Maine.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in North Carolina, will I need one in Maine?
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.
If I bought a car in North Carolina, will I be required to pay sales tax in Maine after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from North Carolina to Maine after purchasing it.
Maine requires registered car owners to pay an annual excise tax for motor vehicles, trailers, mobile homes, and stock vehicles. This tax is calculated by multiplying the current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle by the mileage rate.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both North Carolina and Maine to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to Maine?
The cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to Maine is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from North Carolina to Maine?
Shipping a car from North Carolina to Maine costs $837 to $1,324.
1154 Mimosa Ln, Greenville, NC 27834 US
4801 Glenwood Ave Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27612 US
15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US
341 Avery Rd, Erwin, NC 28339 US
3600 N Duke St #1, Durham, NC 27704 US