Cost to ship a car from Raleigh to Wilmington
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 387 miles from Raleigh to Wilmington ranges from $639 to $866. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Wilmington, DE 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 Wilmington to Raleigh car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Raleigh to Wilmington car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Raleigh to Wilmington, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Raleigh to Wilmington, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Raleigh, 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 Wilmington, 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 Raleigh. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Wilmington will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the City of Oaks to the Chemical Capital of the World — approximately 387 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 Raleigh and Wilmington can impact car shipping prices.
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.
Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Raleigh to Wilmington 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 387-mile distance between Raleigh and Wilmington 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 Raleigh to Wilmington 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.
Raleigh to Wilmington car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Raleigh to Wilmington:
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Raleigh and Wilmington vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Wilmington: Meters accept nickels, dimes, and quarters. Parking rates are posted on each meter. You may purchase 15 minutes of parking for a quarter, 6 minutes of parking for a dime, and 3 minutes of parking for a nickel. You may park at a meter for up to two hours.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Wilmington: Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
Vehicle inspections
- 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.
- Wilmington: In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
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.
- Wilmington: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Raleigh to Wilmington?
The cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, DE 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 Raleigh to Wilmington will range from $639 to $866.
How long will it take to ship my car from Raleigh to Wilmington?
It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 387 miles from Raleigh to Wilmington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Raleigh to Wilmington?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Raleigh to Wilmington. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
