Pennsylvania to North Carolina Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 499 miles from Pennsylvania to North Carolina falls between $606 and $875. 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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our North Carolina to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania to North Carolina car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Pennsylvania to North Carolina:
- 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 Pennsylvania
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Pennsylvania that can relocate your vehicle to North Carolina:
- Virginia Transportation Corp: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Safe Auto Trucking LLC: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Pittsburgh Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Royal Auto Ship: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Philadelphia Car Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
Virginia Transportation Corp
329 Bethel Ave, Upper Chichester, PA 19014 US
virginiatransportation.com
3.76 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 643760
Safe Auto Trucking LLC
13512 Bustleton Ave Apt 5304, Philadelphia, PA 19116 US
safeautotrucking.com
3.66 / 5.0
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.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3829832
Pittsburgh Auto Shipping Group
606 Liberty Ave 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-pennsylvania/pittsburgh
3.64 / 5.0
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.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Teacher
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Royal Auto Ship
300 Avon St, Philadelphia, PA 19116 US
royalautoship.com
3.64 / 5.0
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.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 4094097
Philadelphia Car Transport
1968 Bryn Mawr Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131 US
philadelphiacartransport.com
3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2542752
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Pennsylvania to North Carolina
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 499 miles to your vehicle on the route from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Pennsylvania to North Carolina for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Pennsylvania to North Carolina auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The average journey covers about 499 miles and takes roughly one to four days.
Cost to ship a car from Philadelphia, PA to North Carolina
| From Pennsylvania to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC | $627 – $929 | 545 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC | $548 – $830 | 422 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Greensboro, NC | $595 – $866 | 453 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC | $548 – $767 | 402 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Winston-Salem, NC | $649 – $883 | 480 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Pittsburgh, PA to North Carolina
| From Pennsylvania to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PA to Charlotte, NC | $623 – $789 | 448 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Raleigh, NC | $593 – $883 | 499 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Greensboro, NC | $575 – $837 | 425 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Durham, NC | $606 – $824 | 477 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Winston-Salem, NC | $548 – $759 | 400 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Erie, PA to North Carolina
| From Pennsylvania to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie, PA to Charlotte, NC | $664 – $932 | 568 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Erie, PA to Raleigh, NC | $710 – $1,008 | 620 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Erie, PA to Greensboro, NC | $653 – $857 | 546 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Erie, PA to Durham, NC | $647 – $923 | 598 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Erie, PA to Winston-Salem, NC | $627 – $862 | 520 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Allentown, PA to North Carolina
| From Pennsylvania to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown, PA to Charlotte, NC | $631 – $886 | 559 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Allentown, PA to Raleigh, NC | $613 – $866 | 471 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Allentown, PA to Greensboro, NC | $613 – $874 | 472 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Allentown, PA to Durham, NC | $583 – $858 | 451 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Allentown, PA to Winston-Salem, NC | $631 – $875 | 477 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Reading, PA to North Carolina
| From Pennsylvania to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA to Charlotte, NC | $633 – $875 | 540 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Reading, PA to Raleigh, NC | $587 – $780 | 431 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Reading, PA to Greensboro, NC | $589 – $833 | 453 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Reading, PA to Durham, NC | $560 – $767 | 411 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Reading, PA to Winston-Salem, NC | $595 – $799 | 459 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Pennsylvania to North Carolina
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, the price usually falls between $758 and $1,094.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Pennsylvania to North Carolina
When moving your vehicle from the Keystone State to the Tar Heel State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to North Carolina.
- Distance and route: The trip from Pennsylvania to North Carolina covers roughly 499 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Pennsylvania, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Pennsylvania to North Carolina should take between one and four days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
North Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to North Carolina, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
- Vehicle inspection: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
- Driver’s license: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Pennsylvania
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 North Carolina
About 10.8 million people are living in the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Pennsylvania and delivery in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Pennsylvania to North Carolina?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to North Carolina, 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.
Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
How long does it take to ship a car from Pennsylvania to North Carolina?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Pennsylvania to North Carolina is about 499 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 North Carolina.
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.
Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
If I have a driver’s license in Pennsylvania, will I need one in North Carolina?
New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Pennsylvania, will I be required to pay sales tax in North Carolina after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Pennsylvania to North Carolina after purchasing it.
If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Pennsylvania and North Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Pennsylvania to North Carolina?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Pennsylvania to North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
Shipping a car from Pennsylvania to North Carolina costs $606 to $875.
