($1,418) Cost to ship a car from Portland, OR to Wilmington, DE
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 2,855 miles from Portland, Oregon, to Wilmington, Delaware, will run you about $1,418 to $2,356. 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 Wilmington 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
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The best Portland to Wilmington car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Portland to Wilmington:
- 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 Portland
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in 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
- Auto Driveaway: 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 OR to DE
When you’re moving from Portland 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 are relocating from Portland to Wilmington, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 2,855 miles from Portland to Wilmington might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Oregon to Delaware, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Portland to Wilmington safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Wilmington is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Portland to Wilmington car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Portland to Wilmington, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Portland to Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Portland. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Wilmington will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 2,855 miles from Portland to Wilmington will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Oregon.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Portland and Wilmington often affect the cost of auto transport.
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,
Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Portland to Wilmington in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 2,855 miles between Portland and Wilmington, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Portland to Wilmington typically takes between seven and fifteen days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Portland and Wilmington 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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 Portland to Wilmington?
The cost to ship a car from Portland, OR 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 Portland to Wilmington will range from $1,418 to $2,356.
How long will it take to ship my car from Portland to Wilmington?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,855 miles from Portland to Wilmington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Portland to Wilmington?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Portland 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 Portland to Wilmington?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Portland 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 2,855-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.
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