Cost to ship a car from Portland to Ontario

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 997 miles from Portland to Ontario ranges from $916 to $1,494. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Ontario, CA 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 Ontario 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 Ontario car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Portland to Ontario, 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 Ontario, 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 Ontario will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Bridgetown to the Ontario — approximately 997 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 Ontario can impact car shipping prices.

Portland has cool and rainy winters and warm and dry summers. Portland also has overcast, wet, and changing weather conditions in fall, winter, and spring, Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rainy days,

Ontario with hot summers and mild winters.

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 Ontario 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 997-mile distance between Portland and Ontario 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 Ontario 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 Ontario car shipping companies

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

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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 Ontario vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Portland: The Temporary Street Use Permitting team at the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) can help you reserve on-street parking for residential or commercial moves, loading and unloading, construction, tree trimming, and other uses. $28 per 20-foot parking space up to 7 consecutive days. Allows for reservation of up to 100 feet of parking.
  • Ontario: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved

Car insurance requirements

  • Portland: Meeting legal obligations in Oregon, you must carry car insurance featuring a minimum 25/50/20 liability coverage, $15,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
  • Ontario: 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

  • Portland: When moving to Oregon, all vehicles must pass an emissions test and safety inspection before they can be registered with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Emissions testing is required for vehicles that are less than 25 years old and are located in certain areas of the state, Safety inspections are required for all vehicles. Out of state inspection may be accepted by ODOT, but you should check with them directly.
  • Ontario: 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

  • Portland: To transfer your out-of-state driver's license to Oregon, you need to visit a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. You will need your current out-of-state license, proof of identity and residency, and payment for the license fee. You may also need to pass a vision test and a knowledge or driving test.
  • Ontario: 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 Portland to Ontario?

The cost to ship a car from Portland, OR to Ontario, 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 Portland to Ontario will range from $916 to $1,494.

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

It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 997 miles from Portland to Ontario. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Portland resources