Cost to ship a car from Philadelphia to St. Louis
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 885 miles from Philadelphia to St. Louis ranges from $937 to $1,454. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis to Philadelphia car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Philadelphia to St. Louis car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Philadelphia to St. Louis, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Philadelphia to St. Louis, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Philadelphia, 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 St. Louis, 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 Philadelphia. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to St. Louis will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Philly to the Chess Capital of the World — approximately 885 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 Philadelphia and St. Louis can impact car shipping prices.
Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
St. Louis experiences hot summers, cold winters, many thunderstorms, and tornados. There's a chance that the climate will affect your move so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Philadelphia to St. Louis 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 885-mile distance between Philadelphia and St. Louis 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 Philadelphia to St. Louis 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.
Philadelphia to St. Louis car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Philadelphia to St. Louis:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Philadelphia and St. Louis vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Philadelphia: Moving Truck = $50.00 (Center City and University City) and $25.00 (All other areas), per 40 feet of space, per day (40 feet of space is the equivalent of two (2) parking spaces) Moving/Portable Storage Container = $50.00, per container (maximum of 5 calendar days). Temporary Dumpster = $40.00, per dumpster (maximum of 7 calendar days).
- St. Louis: Blocking Right of Way Permits are required for any activity that will block any portion of the public right of way (streets and sidewalks) such as dumpster placement, moving truck, block parties, construction related street closures. These may go from $20-$35
Car insurance requirements
- Philadelphia: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
- St. Louis: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
Vehicle inspections
- Philadelphia: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- St. Louis: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
Driver’s license
- Philadelphia: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
- St. Louis: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Philadelphia to St. Louis?
The cost to ship a car from Philadelphia, PA to St. Louis, MO 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 Philadelphia to St. Louis will range from $937 to $1,454.
How long will it take to ship my car from Philadelphia to St. Louis?
It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 885 miles from Philadelphia to St. Louis. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Philadelphia to St. Louis?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Philadelphia to St. Louis. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
