($906) Cost to ship a car from Portland, OR to Denver, CO
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,241 miles from Portland, Oregon, to Denver, Colorado, will run you about $906 to $1,415. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Denver 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 Denver car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Portland to Denver:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 Portland
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Portland, OR:
- Diesel Auto Express: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- Auto Shipping Group Inc: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Camas Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Vehicle Shipping Group: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Diesel Auto Express
12711 NE 95th St STE B, Vancouver, WA 98682 US
dieselautoexpress.com
3.88 / 5.0
Diesel Auto Express receives generally positive feedback for their punctuality, professionalism, and effective communication throughout the car shipping process. Many customers praise the drivers for their courteous behavior and attentiveness to detail, often noting that their vehicles arrived undamaged and ahead of schedule. However, some negative reviews highlight issues with responsiveness, hidden charges, and damage claims, suggesting customers experienced significant communication problems and delays. Despite some adverse experiences, numerous customers recommend their services for reliable vehicle transport.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1885300
Auto Shipping Group Inc
700 Ne 4th Ave # 205, Camas, WA 98607 US
autoshippinggroup.com
3.76 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
Camas Auto Shipping Group
700 NE 4th Ave #203, Camas, WA 98607 US
autoshippinggroup.com
3.56 / 5.0
Customers have praised Arnold Hight and the Auto Shipping Group for their helpfulness, professionalism, and smooth shipping process. However, there have been concerns about communication issues and price discrepancies that some clients encountered during their experience.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Vehicle Shipping Group
9301 NE 117th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98662 US
vehicleshippinggroup.com
3.5 / 5.0
Across the reviews, the company, notably through representative Danielle, has received high praise for their car shipping services. Reviewers consistently highlight the excellent customer service, affordability, and efficiency provided by the company. Danielle, in particular, is commended for her helpfulness, knowledge, ability to make the shipping process simple, and for being easy to work with. The company, including their representative Micheal for the enclosed trailer service, is also appreciated for their flexibility in scheduling, effective communication, and extra services like car storage. Key positive aspects include the company’s competitive pricing, fast and secure shipping, and the personalized care and attention given to customers. Major criticisms are notably absent, with the overall sentiment leaning heavily positive. Common themes reflected in the reviews include the ease of doing business, the trustworthiness and reliability of the service, and the personalized, informative approach taken by company representatives. Summarizing, the company stands out for its exceptional customer service, value for money, and the ability to exceed customer expectations, particularly in handling and shipping vehicles with care and efficiency.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: US DOT-2638956
Alternative Business Names
- Paullex, Inc.
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 OR to CO
Getting your car from Portland to Denver 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
If you’re planning a move from Portland to Denver, 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 several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,241-mile journey from Portland to Denver 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 Oregon to Colorado is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Portland to Denver. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Denver, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Portland to Denver car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Portland to Denver can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Portland to Denver, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Portland 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 Denver, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Portland 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 Denver 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 1,241 miles from Portland to Denver will cost more than a shorter move within Oregon.
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
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Portland and Denver can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Portland has cool and rainy winters and warm and dry summers. Portland also has overcast, wet, and changing weather conditions in fall, winter, and spring, Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rainy days,
Denver has four distinct seasons and receives most of its precipitation from April through August. Due to its inland location on the High Plains, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the region can be subject to sudden changes in weather.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Portland to Denver during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,241-mile journey from Portland to Denver 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 Denver usually takes two–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Portland and Denver vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Portland: The Temporary Street Use Permitting team at the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) can help you reserve on-street parking for residential or commercial moves, loading and unloading, construction, tree trimming, and other uses. $28 per 20-foot parking space up to 7 consecutive days. Allows for reservation of up to 100 feet of parking.
- Denver: A Parking Permit (Residential or Area) exempts a resident's vehicle from the posted, on-street parking time limit restrictions ONLY for the area within which the permit is valid. Residential Parking Permits are valid only on the block which the resident resides. The Area Permit will exempt permit holders from certain parking restrictions within a prescribed area.
Car insurance requirements
- Portland: Meeting legal obligations in Oregon, you must carry car insurance featuring a minimum 25/50/20 liability coverage, $15,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Denver: To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
Vehicle inspections
- Portland: When moving to Oregon, all vehicles must pass an emissions test and safety inspection before they can be registered with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Emissions testing is required for vehicles that are less than 25 years old and are located in certain areas of the state, Safety inspections are required for all vehicles. Out of state inspection may be accepted by ODOT, but you should check with them directly.
- Denver: To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
Driver’s license
- Portland: To transfer your out-of-state driver's license to Oregon, you need to visit a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. You will need your current out-of-state license, proof of identity and residency, and payment for the license fee. You may also need to pass a vision test and a knowledge or driving test.
- Denver: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Portland to Denver?
The cost to ship a car from Portland, OR to Denver, CO 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 Denver will range from $906 to $1,415.
How long will it take to ship my car from Portland to Denver?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,241 miles from Portland to Denver. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Portland to Denver?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Portland to Denver. 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 Denver?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Portland to Denver 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 1,241-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.
