Cost to ship a car from Portland to Raleigh

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 820 miles from Portland to Raleigh ranges from $838 to $1,282. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh to Portland car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Portland to Raleigh car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Portland to Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh 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 City of Oaks — approximately 820 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 Raleigh 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.

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 times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Portland 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 820-mile distance between Portland 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 Portland to Raleigh 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 Raleigh car shipping companies

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

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Portland and Raleigh vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Portland:
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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 Portland to Raleigh?

The cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Raleigh, 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 Raleigh will range from $838 to $1,282.

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

It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 820 miles from Portland to Raleigh. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Portland resources