Cost to ship a car from Fort Wayne to Columbus
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 159 miles from Fort Wayne to Columbus ranges from $373 to $522. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Columbus, OH in 1–4 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 Columbus to Fort Wayne car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Fort Wayne to Columbus car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Fort Wayne to Columbus, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Fort Wayne to Columbus, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Fort Wayne, 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 Columbus, 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 Fort Wayne. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Columbus will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the City of Churches to the Arch City — approximately 159 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 Fort Wayne and Columbus can impact car shipping prices.
Fort Wayne summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months; the city experiences an average of 39 thunderstorm days and about 10 severe weather days annually.
Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Fort Wayne to Columbus 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 159-mile distance between Fort Wayne and Columbus 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 Fort Wayne to Columbus typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Fort Wayne to Columbus car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Fort Wayne to Columbus:
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Fort Wayne and Columbus vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Fort Wayne: 40Ft Moving Truck, One day. City Cost $20 our fee $130. Total: $150. Lead time: 5-7 Business days City cost breakdown: Metered areas are $10 per meter, per day. Non-metered is $35 for up to a week and will require an extra barricade fee in addition to the city fee and our fee.
- Columbus: The City of Columbus does not require a parking permit for your home but you should still check with any rules from your building or HOA to ensure a smooth move. You may also double check with the city that you have everything you need for move day.
Car insurance requirements
- Fort Wayne: Indiana's minimum auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$10,000, providing $25,000 per person and a maximum of $50,000 per incident for bodily injury, along with $10,000 for property damage in the event of a covered accident. Liability coverage in Indiana includes property damage, protecting your assets in case you're legally responsible for damages to another party's property, and bodily injury, covering expenses related to harm sustained by others in a covered accident.
- Columbus: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
Vehicle inspections
- Fort Wayne: Indiana does not mandate safety inspections for vehicles. However, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a VIN inspection for vehicles not previously registered in the state.
- Columbus: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
Driver’s license
- Fort Wayne: As a new resident of Indiana, you have 60 days to obtain an Indiana driver's license if you have a valid license from another state. You must also transfer the titles and registrations of your vehicles from your previous state to Indiana.
- Columbus: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Fort Wayne to Columbus?
The cost to ship a car from Fort Wayne, IN to Columbus, OH 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 Fort Wayne to Columbus will range from $373 to $522.
How long will it take to ship my car from Fort Wayne to Columbus?
It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 159 miles from Fort Wayne to Columbus. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Fort Wayne to Columbus?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Fort Wayne to Columbus. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.