North Carolina to Pennsylvania Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 497 miles from North Carolina to Pennsylvania ranges from $595 to $842. Expect the trip to take around one–four days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania:
- 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
- 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 North Carolina
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in North Carolina ready to move your vehicle to Pennsylvania:
- 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 Pennsylvania
Ship it with your movers
When moving from North Carolina to Pennsylvania, 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
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 497 extra miles on your car to travel from North Carolina to Pennsylvania. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from North Carolina to Pennsylvania. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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 Pennsylvania auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. The typical distance is about 497 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and four days.
Cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to Pennsylvania
| From North Carolina to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC to Philadelphia, PA | $680 – $886 | 537 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Pittsburgh, PA | $588 – $790 | 448 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Erie, PA | $693 – $897 | 568 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Allentown, PA | $699 – $925 | 556 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Reading, PA | $622 – $859 | 539 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to Pennsylvania
| From North Carolina to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC to Philadelphia, PA | $555 – $840 | 416 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Pittsburgh, PA | $613 – $842 | 498 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Erie, PA | $726 – $971 | 619 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Allentown, PA | $639 – $860 | 465 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Reading, PA | $607 – $815 | 426 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Greensboro, NC to Pennsylvania
| From North Carolina to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro, NC to Philadelphia, PA | $601 – $848 | 448 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Pittsburgh, PA | $602 – $808 | 423 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Erie, PA | $648 – $895 | 544 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Allentown, PA | $639 – $860 | 471 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Reading, PA | $633 – $843 | 453 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Durham, NC to Pennsylvania
| From North Carolina to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA | $577 – $751 | 398 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Durham, NC to Pittsburgh, PA | $645 – $860 | 475 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Durham, NC to Erie, PA | $655 – $992 | 596 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Durham, NC to Allentown, PA | $625 – $798 | 444 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Durham, NC to Reading, PA | $555 – $808 | 406 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Winston-Salem, NC to Pennsylvania
| From North Carolina to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem, NC to Philadelphia, PA | $601 – $868 | 476 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Pittsburgh, PA | $583 – $805 | 399 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Erie, PA | $641 – $899 | 520 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Allentown, PA | $607 – $877 | 477 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Reading, PA | $584 – $818 | 459 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from North Carolina to Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania you should expect to pay between $744 and $1,053.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from North Carolina to Pennsylvania
When moving your vehicle from the Tar Heel State to the Keystone State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Pennsylvania than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from North Carolina to Pennsylvania spans approximately 497 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from North Carolina in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from North Carolina to Pennsylvania takes one–four days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Pennsylvania vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Pennsylvania means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- Driver’s license: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
- Additional taxes: New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.
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 Pennsylvania
About 13.0 million people are living in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in North Carolina and delivery in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Carolina to Pennsylvania?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Carolina to Pennsylvania, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Pennsylvania, 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.
When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
How long does it take to ship a car from North Carolina to Pennsylvania?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Carolina to Pennsylvania is about 497 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from North Carolina to Pennsylvania.
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.
If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
If I have a driver’s license in North Carolina, will I need one in Pennsylvania?
When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
If I bought a car in North Carolina, will I be required to pay sales tax in Pennsylvania after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from North Carolina to Pennsylvania after purchasing it.
New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both North Carolina and Pennsylvania to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to Pennsylvania?
The cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Shipping a car from North Carolina to Pennsylvania costs $595 to $842.
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