($359) Cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to Durham, NC
Quick answer: Shipping a car 150 miles from Richmond, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina, typically costs between $359 and $508. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham to Richmond 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
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The best Richmond to Durham car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Richmond to Durham:
- 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 Richmond
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Richmond, VA:
- Safemile Auto Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Richmond Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Quality Services Moving: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Sweetie Boy Delivers: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 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 VA to NC
When you’re moving from Richmond to Durham, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Richmond to Durham, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 150-mile journey from Richmond to Durham could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Virginia to North Carolina is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Richmond to Durham. 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 Durham. 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 Richmond to Durham car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Richmond to Durham, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Richmond to Durham, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Richmond are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Durham? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Richmond 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 Durham will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 150 miles from Richmond to Durham is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Virginia.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Richmond and Durham can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Richmond has a humid subtropical climate, with very hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Precipitation is rather uniformly distributed throughout the year. Dry periods lasting several weeks sometimes occur, especially in autumn, when long periods of pleasant, mild weather are most common.
The climate in Durham is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Richmond to Durham during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 150-mile trip from Richmond to Durham, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Richmond to Durham takes one to four days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Richmond and Durham vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Richmond: This application is to be used to request a parking permit in the City of Richmond. Please complete the parking permit application to be approved for your event. Before you submit your application to the Richmond Police Permit Office, make sure that the following steps have been completed: Parking Permit Application must be received to the Police Department at least three (3) business days prior to the requested date and times. It will be the applicant’s responsibility to have the appropriate no parking signs affixed to a pole or signage in the exact area that the parking permit lists for the special occasion or event. The parking signs must be in position no less than 48 hours prior to the event or occasion. Please Note: The No Parking Signs may be purchased from the two companies that are listed on the parking permit application.
- Durham: You do not need a parking permit for a moving truck in Durham. However, you may double check by calling the city. You should also be sure to check if your neighborhood, HOA, or building have any rules that you should know about for moving day.
Car insurance requirements
- Richmond: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
- Durham: 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 inspections
- Richmond: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
- Durham: 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
- Richmond: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
- Durham: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Richmond to Durham?
The cost to ship a car from Richmond, VA to Durham, NC 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 Richmond to Durham will range from $359 to $508.
How long will it take to ship my car from Richmond to Durham?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 150 miles from Richmond to Durham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Richmond to Durham?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Richmond to Durham. 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 Richmond to Durham?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Richmond to Durham 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 150-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.
500 E Main St 16th floor, Norfolk, VA 23510 US
1518 Willow Lawn Dr, Richmond, VA 23230 US
10595 Furnace Rd # 140, Lorton, VA 22079 US
4001 Carolina Ave, Richmond, VA 23222 US
6802 Paragon Pl Suite 410, Richmond, VA 23230 US