Cost to ship a car from Baltimore to Lancaster
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,627 miles from Baltimore to Lancaster ranges from $1,534 to $2,418. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lancaster, CA 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 Lancaster to Baltimore car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Baltimore to Lancaster car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Baltimore to Lancaster, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Baltimore to Lancaster, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Baltimore, 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 Lancaster, 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 Baltimore. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Lancaster will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the America's Comeback Cit to the Lancaster — approximately 2,627 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 Baltimore and Lancaster can impact car shipping prices.
Baltimore has long hot summers, cool winters, and a summer peak to annual precipitation. Spring and autumn are warm, with spring being the wettest season in terms of the number of precipitation days.
If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Baltimore to Lancaster 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 2,627-mile distance between Baltimore and Lancaster 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 Baltimore to Lancaster 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.
Baltimore to Lancaster car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Baltimore to Lancaster:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Baltimore and Lancaster vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Baltimore: A moving permit is required when relocating a building to a new lot or different section of the existing lot.
- Lancaster: Check with the City of Lancaster for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lancaster.
Car insurance requirements
- Baltimore: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
- Lancaster: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Baltimore: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
- Lancaster: 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.
Driver’s license
- Baltimore: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
- Lancaster: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Baltimore to Lancaster?
The cost to ship a car from Baltimore, MD to Lancaster, CA 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 Baltimore to Lancaster will range from $1,534 to $2,418.
How long will it take to ship my car from Baltimore to Lancaster?
It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,627 miles from Baltimore to Lancaster. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Baltimore to Lancaster?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Baltimore to Lancaster. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
