($984) Cost to ship a car from Tulsa, OK to Philadelphia, PA
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,278 miles from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, typically costs between $984 and $1,630. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Philadelphia to Tulsa car shipping guide.
The best Tulsa to Philadelphia car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Tulsa to Philadelphia:
- 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 Tulsa
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Tulsa, OK:
- Oklohoma City Auto Shipping Group: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Bold Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Dave Meeker Auto: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Dave Meeker Auto Inc: 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.
Car shipping alternatives from OK to PA
Getting your car from Tulsa to Philadelphia can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Tulsa to Philadelphia, 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 several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,278-mile journey from Tulsa to Philadelphia could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Oklahoma to Pennsylvania is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Tulsa to Philadelphia. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Philadelphia. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Tulsa to Philadelphia car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Tulsa to Philadelphia can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Tulsa to Philadelphia, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Tulsa tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Philadelphia, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Tulsa 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 Philadelphia will cost more than moving a smaller 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 1,278 miles from Tulsa to Philadelphia will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Oklahoma.
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
The time of year and weather conditions in Tulsa and Philadelphia play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Primarily in the spring and early summer months, the city is subjected to severe thunderstorms containing large hail, damaging winds, and, occasionally, tornadoes. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Tulsa to Philadelphia in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 1,278-mile drive between Tulsa and Philadelphia, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Tulsa to Philadelphia is three to eight days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Tulsa and Philadelphia vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Tulsa: The pay-by-plate system requires a license plate number to pay for parking. Using the ParkMobile app, just enter the tag number, the zone number of the area you parked in, length of time, pay and you’re on your way. On-street metered parking in Tulsa is limited to two hours and is enforced Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Philadelphia: Moving Truck = $50.00 (Center City and University City) and $25.00 (All other areas), per 40 feet of space, per day (40 feet of space is the equivalent of two (2) parking spaces) Moving/Portable Storage Container = $50.00, per container (maximum of 5 calendar days). Temporary Dumpster = $40.00, per dumpster (maximum of 7 calendar days).
Car insurance requirements
- Tulsa: Ensure compliance with Oklahoma state law by obtaining car insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 for bodily injury/death and property damage, as mandated by legal requirements.
- Philadelphia: 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 inspections
- Tulsa: As a new Oklahoma resident, title your vehicle within 30 days of moving by presenting current out-of-state title, proof of passed VIN inspection, completed Form 701-6, proof of valid OK insurance, lien release (if applicable), and paying fees at your local tag agency.
- Philadelphia: 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
- Tulsa: A valid driver's license from a US territory can be transferred to Oklahoma without taking written or driving tests. However, if the license has expired, the applicant will need to take both tests. To transfer their license, the applicant must present primary and secondary forms of identification, proof of full legal name and birthdate, and proof of legal presence in the US to a Driver License Examiner.
- Philadelphia: 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Tulsa to Philadelphia?
The cost to ship a car from Tulsa, OK to Philadelphia, PA 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 Tulsa to Philadelphia will range from $984 to $1,630.
How long will it take to ship my car from Tulsa to Philadelphia?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,278 miles from Tulsa to Philadelphia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tulsa to Philadelphia?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tulsa to Philadelphia. 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 Tulsa to Philadelphia?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Tulsa to Philadelphia 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 1,278-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.
10601 S Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73170 US
325 North St. Paul Street Suite 3100, Dallas, TX 75201 US
24496 Eagle Rd, Purcell, OK 73080 US
21355 Main St # 2, Reeds Spring, MO 65737 US
6909 W Hefner Rd Suite B19, Oklahoma City, OK 73162