($201) Cost to ship a car from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, DE
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $201 to $346 to ship your car 32 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Wilmington, Delaware. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wilmington to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Wilmington car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Philadelphia to Wilmington:
- 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 Philadelphia
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Philadelphia, PA:
- Virginia Transportation Corp: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Safe Auto Trucking LLC: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Royal Auto Ship: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Philadelphia Car Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Moverjet Logistics LLC: 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 PA to DE
Relocating from Philadelphia to Wilmington means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Philadelphia to Wilmington, 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
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 32 miles from Philadelphia to Wilmington can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Pennsylvania to Delaware is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Philadelphia to Wilmington. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Wilmington—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Philadelphia to Wilmington car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Philadelphia to Wilmington, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Philadelphia to Wilmington, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Wilmington, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Philadelphia depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Wilmington will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 32 miles from Philadelphia to Wilmington will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Pennsylvania.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Philadelphia and Wilmington play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
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,
Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Philadelphia to Wilmington in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 32-mile journey from Philadelphia to Wilmington makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Philadelphia to Wilmington takes one to four days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Philadelphia and Wilmington vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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).
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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 Philadelphia to Wilmington?
The cost to ship a car from Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia to Wilmington will range from $201 to $346.
How long will it take to ship my car from Philadelphia to Wilmington?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 32 miles from Philadelphia to Wilmington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Philadelphia to Wilmington?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Wilmington?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Philadelphia 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 32-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.
329 Bethel Ave, Upper Chichester, PA 19014 US
13512 Bustleton Ave Apt 5304, Philadelphia, PA 19116 US
300 Avon St, Philadelphia, PA 19116 US
1968 Bryn Mawr Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131 US
3422 Old Capitol Trl #2025, Wilmington, DE 19808 US