Pennsylvania to North Carolina Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 499 miles from Pennsylvania to North Carolina ranges from $673 to $846 and takes one–four days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use 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 spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Pennsylvania to North Carolina:
- 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in Pennsylvania
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Pennsylvania ready to move 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
When moving from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 499 miles on your car going from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Pennsylvania to North Carolina auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Average distances are close to 499 miles, with delivery usually taking one–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 | $637 – $954 | 545 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC | $623 – $828 | 422 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Greensboro, NC | $630 – $821 | 453 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC | $623 – $795 | 402 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Winston-Salem, NC | $661 – $907 | 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 | $615 – $852 | 448 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Raleigh, NC | $635 – $837 | 499 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Greensboro, NC | $640 – $869 | 425 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Durham, NC | $609 – $863 | 477 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Winston-Salem, NC | $581 – $820 | 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 | $668 – $996 | 568 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Erie, PA to Raleigh, NC | $701 – $985 | 620 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Erie, PA to Greensboro, NC | $684 – $964 | 546 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Erie, PA to Durham, NC | $713 – $938 | 598 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Erie, PA to Winston-Salem, NC | $625 – $913 | 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 | $710 – $948 | 559 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Allentown, PA to Raleigh, NC | $661 – $829 | 471 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Allentown, PA to Greensboro, NC | $648 – $890 | 472 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Allentown, PA to Durham, NC | $611 – $864 | 451 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Allentown, PA to Winston-Salem, NC | $622 – $907 | 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 | $637 – $927 | 540 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Reading, PA to Raleigh, NC | $585 – $869 | 431 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Reading, PA to Greensboro, NC | $617 – $864 | 453 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Reading, PA to Durham, NC | $593 – $828 | 411 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Reading, PA to Winston-Salem, NC | $623 – $855 | 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 $841 and $1,058.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Pennsylvania to North Carolina
When transporting your vehicle from the Keystone State to the Tar Heel State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to North Carolina.
- Distance and route: The route from Pennsylvania to North Carolina is about 499 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Pennsylvania in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Pennsylvania and North Carolina may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–four days, but you can pay for expedited service.
North Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to North Carolina means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- 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 $673 to $846.
