Cost to ship a car from Portland to New York City

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 316 miles from Portland to New York City ranges from $610 to $785. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in New York City, NY 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 New York City to Portland car shipping guide.

Why Trust Us

Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.

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 New York City car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Portland to New York City, 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 New York City, 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 New York City 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 Big Apple — approximately 316 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 New York City 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.

New York City tends to have chilly and damp winters and rather hot summers. New York City tends to have warm and humid summers with mixes of rain, and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The city is generally cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically vary from 26°F to 87°F. Temps are rarely below 10°F or above 95°F.

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 New York City 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 316-mile distance between Portland and New York City 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 New York City 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.

Portland to New York City car shipping companies

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

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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 New York City vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Portland:
  • New York City: When moving in New York City with a commercial truck, remember these key regulations to avoid tickets and parking issues: You have a maximum of three hours for loading or unloading on both ends of your move. Ensure someone stays with the truck at all times to comply with the rules and protect your belongings. Also, don't block the bike lane. These regulations typically apply from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but outside of these hours, you'll have more flexibility. Specific areas like Midtown, the Garment District, and the Lower Manhattan Blue zone have stricter rules, so check them out. Finally, familiarize yourself with basic parking rules provided by the DOT for a smoother moving experience.

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.
  • New York City: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.

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.
  • New York City: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.

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.
  • New York City: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Portland to New York City?

The cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to New York City, NY 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 New York City will range from $610 to $785.

How long will it take to ship my car from Portland to New York City?

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 316 miles from Portland to New York City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Portland to New York City?

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

Helpful Portland resources