Cost to ship a car from Portland to Chapel Hill

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 815 miles from Portland to Chapel Hill ranges from $951 to $1,302. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Chapel Hill, NC 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 Chapel Hill to Portland car shipping guide.

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Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

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 Portland to Chapel Hill car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Forest City to the Southern Part of Heaven — approximately 815 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 Portland and Chapel Hill can impact car shipping prices.

August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.

May, September and October are the most pleasant months for moving as these are the driest month in Chapel Hill in a yearl, while January and July are the months you need to watch out as there might be some weather-related delays.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Portland to Chapel Hill 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 815-mile distance between Portland and Chapel Hill 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 Portland to Chapel Hill 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.

Portland to Chapel Hill car shipping companies

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

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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 Portland and Chapel Hill vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Portland:
  • Chapel Hill: The Town of Chapel Hill manages a Residential Parking Permit program in neighborhoods that see high levels of transient parking, especially those around the University of North Carolina, to ensure that residents have safe and accessible neighborhoods. The Residential Parking Permit program allows qualifying residents who live within the parking zone to obtain a permit to park during the posted time limits. If you are unable to apply online, or have questions, please email [email protected].

Car insurance requirements

  • Portland: In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
  • Chapel Hill: 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

  • Portland: The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
  • Chapel Hill: 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

  • Portland: New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
  • Chapel Hill: 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 Portland to Chapel Hill?

The cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Chapel Hill, NC 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 Portland to Chapel Hill will range from $951 to $1,302.

How long will it take to ship my car from Portland to Chapel Hill?

It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 815 miles from Portland to Chapel Hill. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Portland to Chapel Hill?

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

Helpful Portland resources