Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 208 miles from Pennsylvania to Maryland falls between $493 and $598. Delivery typically takes one–four days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
Safe Auto Trucking LLC has received numerous customer reviews highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Many customers praised their professionalism, efficiency, and exceptional communication throughout the vehicle transport process. Specific team members, such as Terry, Peter, and Alvin, received high marks for being responsive and attentive to customers' needs. However, some customers reported significant issues with pricing, often citing "bait and switch" tactics where initial quotes were dramatically increased last minute. This inconsistency in pricing and communication has led to frustration and mistrust among certain customers, urging potential clients to be cautious before engaging their services.
Customers consistently praised the exceptional customer service provided by representatives like Felicia, Heidi, and Kimberly, highlighting their professionalism, communication skills, and empathy during the vehicle transportation process. However, some reviews pointed out issues related to pricing practices and difficulties in finding carriers within promised time frames, leading to frustration for some customers.
Royal Auto Ship is often praised for their outstanding customer service, responsiveness, and ability to ensure safe and timely vehicle transport. Numerous customers commend the professionalism and support received from representatives such as Tim, Scott, and Oscar Harris. However, some reviews highlight issues with certain drivers and unexpected costs during the shipping process, emphasizing the importance of clear communication. Overall, many customers highly recommend this service for reliable vehicle shipping.
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 Pennsylvania to Maryland
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Pennsylvania for a move to Maryland, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 208 miles on your car going from Pennsylvania to Maryland. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Pennsylvania to Maryland is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Pennsylvania to Maryland auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The typical distance is about 208 miles, with shipping times generally falling between one and four days.
Cost to ship a car from Philadelphia, PA to Maryland
Shipping an SUV or truck from Pennsylvania to Maryland
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Pennsylvania to Maryland, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $616–$748.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Pennsylvania to Maryland
When moving your vehicle from the Keystone State to the Old Line State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
Vehicle size and type:
Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Maryland than smaller ones.
Distance and route:
The route from Pennsylvania to Maryland is about 208 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
Time of the year:Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Pennsylvania around these times usually come with higher costs.
Fuel prices:
Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Delivery expectations:
Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–four days, while expedited service costs more.
Maryland vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Maryland, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
Car insurance requirements: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
Vehicle inspection: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
Driver’s license: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
Additional taxes: The sales tax in Maryland is set at 6%. This applies to both new and used car purchases, adding an additional 6% to the cost. Fortunately for Maryland residents, there is no sales tax imposed by any other governing level in the state.
More than 13.0 million people call Pennsylvania home.
Nicknamed 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.
Transporting your vehicle to Maryland
About 6.2 million people are living in the Old Line State.
Maryland has a wide array of climates, due to local variances in elevation, proximity to water, and protection from colder weather due to downslope winds.
The eastern half of Maryland — which includes the cities of Ocean City, Salisbury, Annapolis, and the southern and eastern suburbs of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore — lies on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, with flat topography and sandy or muddy soil. This region has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and a short, mild-to-cool winter
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Pennsylvania and delivery in Maryland?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in
Pennsylvania and when dropping it off in Maryland.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Pennsylvania to Maryland?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Pennsylvania to Maryland, you aren't required to have typical car insurance.
Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Maryland,
which you should verify before loading your car in Pennsylvania.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the 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.
All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
How long does it take to ship a car from Pennsylvania to Maryland?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day.
The trip from Pennsylvania to Maryland is about 208 miles,
and that’s as fast as about 1 day.
However, most car transport companies will take
one to four days
to travel from Pennsylvania to Maryland.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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 you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
If I have a driver’s license in Pennsylvania, will I need one in Maryland?
As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
If I bought a car in Pennsylvania, will I be required to pay sales tax in Maryland after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications
if you’re having a car shipped from Pennsylvania to Maryland after purchasing it.
The sales tax in Maryland is set at 6%. This applies to both new and used car purchases, adding an additional 6% to the cost. Fortunately for Maryland residents, there is no sales tax imposed by any other governing level in the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Pennsylvania and Maryland to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Pennsylvania to Maryland?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Pennsylvania to Maryland 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 Pennsylvania to Maryland?
Shipping a car from Pennsylvania to Maryland costs $493 to $598.