Best Wilmington Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, SGT Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Wilmington, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the Delaware car shipping page.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
Best car shipping companies in Wilmington
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Delaware, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Wilmington.
- SGT Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- AmeriFreight
- Ship A Car Direct
- Moverjet Logistics LLC
- Royal Auto Ship
- Transit Systems Inc
- Safe Auto Trucking LLC
- Pride Car Shipping
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Insured shipping
- Open and enclosed transport
SGT Auto Transport
https://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Moverjet Logistics LLC
Moverjet Logistics LLC (DOT: 2989759) is a comprehensive car shipping business offering a wide range of services including inoperable car transport, enclosed transport, multi-car transport, and international shipping. They also handle RV, heavy equipment, boat, motorcycle, and classic car shipping, and provide detailed inspection reports for added transparency. While the company is fully insured and does not require a deposit, they do not offer damage-free guarantees or guaranteed delivery, which some customers might find concerning. With a Yelp rating of 1.8 and a BBB rating of A-, the company has yet to establish its ratings on Google.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Royal Auto Ship
Royal Auto Ship (DOT: 4094097) is a well-rated car shipping company with an impressive BBB rating of A+, though it has a modest Yelp rating of 2.8. The company offers a variety of services such as classic car shipping, enclosed transport, and the ability to transport inoperable cars. They also provide shipment tracking and allow payments by credit card, money order, and cash.
Unfortunately, Royal Auto Ship does not offer any customer discounts, which may be a drawback for those looking for budget-friendly options. Additionally, the company has yet to establish ratings on Google, limiting the information available for potential customers relying on this platform for reviews.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Transit Systems Inc
While Transit Systems Inc provides a damage-free guarantee and accepts payments by credit card, they do not offer ATV shipping or international shipping, which may be a downside for some customers. Additionally, there are no discounts available for military personnel, teachers, students, or seniors.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
Safe Auto Trucking LLC
Safe Auto Trucking LLC (DOT: 3829832) provides a variety of vehicle shipping services, including transport for inoperable cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, and classic cars. The company offers both enclosed and open transport options, ensuring flexibility for different customer needs. Despite being fully insured, the company does not provide a damage-free guarantee, which may be a downside for some customers.
Safe Auto Trucking LLC has a Yelp rating of 1.0 and a BBB rating of C+, but the company has yet to establish ratings on Google. They do not offer discounts for military personnel, students, or seniors, which could be a consideration for cost-conscious customers. However, they do accept various payment methods, including credit cards, money orders, and cash.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Pride Car Shipping
Pride Car Shipping (DOT: 3676446) is a versatile car shipping company that offers a wide range of services such as inoperable car transport, enclosed transport, and classic car shipping, making them suitable for various customer needs. Additionally, they provide ATV and motorcycle shipping, as well as international shipping, ensuring broad coverage for their clients.
While Pride Car Shipping is active and fully insured, they have not established ratings on Yelp and Google, but hold a BBB rating of C+. For some customers, a downside might be the lack of multi-car transport and specific discounts, such as military and senior discounts. Despite this, their offerings of services like guaranteed and expedited delivery, storage solutions, and shipment tracking make them a reliable choice for vehicle transportation.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
MoveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Average car shipping costs in Wilmington
The average cost to ship a car from Wilmington to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Wilmington, Delaware, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Delaware to Michigan | $980 – $1,439 |
| Delaware to Ohio | $787 – $1,114 |
| Delaware to California | $1,752 – $2,765 |
| Delaware to North Carolina | $706 – $917 |
| Delaware to Georgia | $972 – $1,551 |
| Illinois to Delaware | $1,042 – $1,510 |
| Texas to Delaware | $1,573 – $2,157 |
| Florida to Delaware | $978 – $1,597 |
| Arizona to Delaware | $1,725 – $2,569 |
| New York to Delaware | $520 – $697 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Wilmington
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Wilmington or to another city in Delaware can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of Wilmington to a more suburban area.
- Type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Wilmington might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Wilmington: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against Wilmington’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Wilmington’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Wilmington come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Hot and humid summers as well as cold winters in Wilmington, Delaware can lead to increased costs for car shipping due to potential weather-induced delays and additional protection measures.
Tips for choosing the right Wilmington, DE, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Wilmington, compare costs with a critical eye. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected fees, ensuring that competitive rates do not undermine service quality. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in Delaware.
- Review insurance and safety in Wilmington. Choose Wilmington companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Confirm their dedication to protecting your vehicle throughout its journey.
- Read customer reviews. Reading customer reviews in Wilmington, Delaware helps determine the reliability and quality of a car shipping company. Reviews provide insights into past customer experiences and satisfaction.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research in Wilmington ensures you verify the company’s licensing, reputation, and service quality, essential to avoid scams. Knowing local options and reviews helps you make an informed decision.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Wilmington, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Wilmington. Balance service quality against pricing, and be wary of unusually low rates that might indicate hidden costs or poor service.
- Ask about insurance coverage. Inquire specifically about the insurance coverage provided by companies in Wilmington. Understand the extent of coverage and the process for making claims in case of damage during transit.
- Understand delivery timelines. Clarify expected pickup and delivery times. Companies in Wilmington should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Wilmington that offer customizable options, such as door-to-door delivery or specific handling requirements for your vehicle.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get personal referrals from friends or family in Wilmington who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Wilmington?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Wilmington, Delaware, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or a mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Wilmington, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Wilmington?
Interstates 95, 495, and 295 serve as the most efficient routes. Interstate 95 links Wilmington to major cities. Interstate 495 provides a bypass around Wilmington. Interstate 295 connects to the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Wilmington car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Wilmington?
If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance before taking your vehicle out of Wilmington. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Delaware, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take Delaware regulations as an example. In Delaware, cars must pass an emissions test every two years, unless they are under seven years old. Also, each time you register or re-register your car, it needs an inspection within 90 days of the registration date.
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.
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