($635) Cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Raleigh, NC
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 492 miles from Lexington, Kentucky, to Raleigh, North Carolina, ranges from $635 to $881. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Raleigh to Lexington 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+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Lexington to Raleigh car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Lexington to Raleigh:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best marketplace: uShip
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No upfront payment
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Competitive pricing
- Door-to-door shipping
- Competitive pricing
- Last-minute car shipments
- Guaranteed & expedited shipments
- Gap insurance coverage
- Multiple discounts
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- No upfront deposit
- Expedited shipping
- No hidden fees
- Ships motorcycles & RVs
- Discount for cash payments
- Instant pricing from multiple providers
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- Mobile app
- Shipper service history & verified reviews
- All vehicle types
Top local car shippers in Lexington
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Lexington, KY:
Jack Cooper Transport
6709 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US
jackcooper.com
4.14 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Louisville Auto Shipping Group
9900 Corporate Campus Dr #3000, Louisville, KY 40223 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-kentucky/louisville
3.96 / 5.0
Customers have reported a positive experience with Louisville Auto Shipping Group, highlighting their excellent communication and customer focus. However, there were significant concerns regarding the professionalism of a transport coordinator, which detracted from the overall experience.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Tiger Auto Transport
1 W Corry St, Cincinnati, OH 45219 US
tigerautotransport.com
3.9 / 5.0
Fail to get reviews.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3417452
Xpress Auto Transport
201 E Main St suite 340, Lexington, KY 40507 US
xpressautoship.com/city/lexington-kentucky
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
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 KY to NC
- Coordinate with your movers. If you are relocating from Lexington to Raleigh, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide, and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s pick for car shipper and their pricing.
- Drive your car. There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 492-mile drive from Lexington to Raleigh into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
- Use a driving service. Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Kentucky to North Carolina is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Lexington to Raleigh. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
- Ship your car via train. Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Raleigh, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Lexington to Raleigh car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Lexington to Raleigh, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
There are different options for shipping your car from Lexington to Raleigh, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you choose will depend on your specific needs.
When leaving Lexington, 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 Raleigh, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Lexington will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Raleigh than a compact car.
Distance and route
To put it simply — the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as adjacent costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 492 miles from Horse Capital of the World to City of Oaks will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Kentucky.
Where you’re shipping your car matters here, too. Rates are usually lower for routes that are along major highways and will be higher for areas that are more remote.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Lexington and Raleigh can impact car shipping prices.
The season and weather in both Lexington and Raleigh can impact car shipping prices.
Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods
The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Lexington to Raleigh 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 492-mile distance between Lexington and Raleigh 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 Lexington to Raleigh typically takes between one and four days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Lexington and Raleigh vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Lexington: Meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the density of the area. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour meters strategically located throughout the area. Specific rates are posted clearly on the meter. The meters are in effect and Enforced from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
- Raleigh: Raleigh's website doesn't specifically say that you need a parking permit but they do have rules on loading zones. Be sure to check directly with the City of Raleigh to ensure that you have what you need for your move. It's also a good idea to check directly with any neighborhood, HOA, or building regulations that may affect your move.
Car insurance requirements
- Lexington: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- Raleigh: 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
- Lexington: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- Raleigh: 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
- Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
- Raleigh: 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 Lexington to Raleigh?
The cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Raleigh, 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 Lexington to Raleigh will range from $635 to $881.
How long will it take to ship my car from Lexington to Raleigh?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 492 miles from Lexington to Raleigh. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lexington to Raleigh?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lexington to Raleigh. 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 Lexington to Raleigh?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Lexington to Raleigh 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 492-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.
