Cost to ship a car from Oakland to Wilmington

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,861 miles from Oakland to Wilmington ranges from $1,602 to $2,633. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Wilmington, DE in 7–15 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wilmington to Oakland car shipping guide.

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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.

Factors affecting Oakland to Wilmington car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Oakland to Wilmington, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Oakland to Wilmington, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Oakland, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Wilmington, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Oakland. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Wilmington will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Town to the Chemical Capital of the World — approximately 2,861 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.

Time of the year

The season and weather in both Oakland and Wilmington can impact car shipping prices.

Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.

Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Oakland to Wilmington during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,861-mile distance between Oakland and Wilmington and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Oakland to Wilmington typically takes between 7 and 15 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Oakland to Wilmington car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Oakland to Wilmington:

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Oakland and Wilmington vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Oakland: Visitor Permits (1-day and 2-week temporary permits for visitors) Residents may purchase temporary permits for visitors. Visitor permits are hanging permits valid for one day or two weeks. A resident may purchase up to five of both on any calendar day.
  • Wilmington: Meters accept nickels, dimes, and quarters. Parking rates are posted on each meter. You may purchase 15 minutes of parking for a quarter, 6 minutes of parking for a dime, and 3 minutes of parking for a nickel. You may park at a meter for up to two hours.

Car insurance requirements

  • Oakland: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
  • Wilmington: Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.

Vehicle inspections

  • Oakland: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
  • Wilmington: In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.

Driver’s license

  • Oakland: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Wilmington: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Oakland to Wilmington?

The cost to ship a car from Oakland, CA to Wilmington, DE varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Oakland to Wilmington will range from $1,602 to $2,633.

How long will it take to ship my car from Oakland to Wilmington?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,861 miles from Oakland to Wilmington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Oakland to Wilmington?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Oakland to Wilmington. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Oakland resources