Cost to ship a car from Wilmington to Memphis

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 984 miles from Wilmington to Memphis ranges from $888 to $1,494. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Memphis, TN in 2–7 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 Memphis to Wilmington 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 Wilmington to Memphis car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Wilmington to Memphis, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Wilmington, 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 Memphis, 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 Wilmington. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Memphis will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Chemical Capital of the World to the Bluff City — approximately 984 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 Wilmington and Memphis can impact car shipping prices.

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

Winter weather comes alternately from the upper Great Plains and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to drastic swings in temperature. Summer weather may come from Texas (very hot and humid) or the Gulf (hot and very humid). Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year though mainly during the spring months. Large hail, strong winds, flooding and frequent lightning can accompany these storms. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Wilmington to Memphis 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 984-mile distance between Wilmington and Memphis 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 Wilmington to Memphis typically takes between 2 and 7 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Wilmington to Memphis car shipping companies

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

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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 Wilmington and Memphis vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • 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.
  • Memphis: A single trip or annual permit must be obtained before traveling with oversize and/or overweight loads on Tennessee roadways. All permit types can be obtained through the TNTRIPS application.

Car insurance requirements

  • 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.
  • Memphis: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.

Vehicle inspections

  • 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.
  • Memphis: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.

Driver’s license

  • Wilmington: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
  • Memphis: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Wilmington, DE to Memphis, TN 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 Wilmington to Memphis will range from $888 to $1,494.

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

It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 984 miles from Wilmington to Memphis. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Wilmington resources