($1,358) Cost to ship a car from San Antonio, TX to Portland, ME
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,142 miles from San Antonio, Texas, to Portland, Maine, ranges from $1,358 to $2,092. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. 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 Portland to San Antonio 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 San Antonio to Portland car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from San Antonio to Portland:
- 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 San Antonio
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving San Antonio, TX:
- San Antonio Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers Sn Antn: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- National Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Car Transport Austin: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Scott Transportation Inc: 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 TX to ME
If you’re planning a move from San Antonio to Portland, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from San Antonio to Portland, 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 2,142 miles from San Antonio to Portland 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
Having a driver transport your car from Texas to Maine is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from San Antonio to Portland. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Portland. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting San Antonio to Portland car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from San Antonio to Portland, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from San Antonio to Portland, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Portland, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from San Antonio is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Portland will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
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 2,142 miles from San Antonio to Portland will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Texas.
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
The time of year and weather conditions in San Antonio and Portland play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
San Antonio has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these months.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from San Antonio to Portland in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,142-mile drive between San Antonio and Portland, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from San Antonio to Portland usually takes four–twelve days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing San Antonio and Portland vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- San Antonio: Parking permits are only required for the downtown area. Be sure to purchase your permit at least 7 days before your move to avoid any issues.
- Portland:
Car insurance requirements
- San Antonio: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- Portland: In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
Vehicle inspections
- San Antonio: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Portland: The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
Driver’s license
- San Antonio: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
- Portland: New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Antonio to Portland?
The cost to ship a car from San Antonio, TX to Portland, ME 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 San Antonio to Portland will range from $1,358 to $2,092.
How long will it take to ship my car from San Antonio to Portland?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,142 miles from San Antonio to Portland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Antonio to Portland?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Antonio to Portland. 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 San Antonio to Portland?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from San Antonio to Portland 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 2,142-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.
5460 Babcock Rd #120-C, San Antonio, TX 78240 US
1100 Nw Loop 410 # 700, Castle Hills, TX 78213 US
8610 N New Braunfels Ave Suite S-607, San Antonio, TX 78217 US
1704 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701 US
20085 Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX 78023 US