Cost to ship a car from Madison to Boston

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,128 miles from Madison to Boston ranges from $1,024 to $1,556. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Boston, MA in 2–8 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 Boston to Madison 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 Madison to Boston car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Madison to Boston, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Madison, 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 Boston, 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 Madison. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Boston will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Mad City to the Athens of America — approximately 1,128 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 Madison and Boston can impact car shipping prices.

August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.

Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Madison to Boston 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 1,128-mile distance between Madison and Boston 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 Madison to Boston typically takes between 2 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Madison to Boston car shipping companies

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

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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 Madison and Boston vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Madison: The Residential Parking Permit allows residents to park in excess of the posted one- or two-hour time limits on designated streets in their area between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or in locations designated for resident parking only between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. This provides residents the opportunity for the limited storing of vehicles on public streets to the partial exclusion of commuter vehicles. A Residential Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place. It allows the right to park if space is available. It is recommended to apply online.
  • Boston: A permit for your moving truck is not required by the City of Boston, but it guarantees you a parking spot to avoid parking tickets. A one-day permit for a moving truck that needs two metered spaces would be about $110.

Car insurance requirements

  • Madison: Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to provide a minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for individual injury or death, and $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals.
  • Boston: Massachusetts mandates minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury liability, $5,000 for property damage, $20,000/$40,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and $8,000 for personal injury protection.

Vehicle inspections

  • Madison: Safety and emission inspections are not required in Wisconsin. However, you must take your vehicle for emissions inspection available at select privately owned businesses including vehicle repair facilities, service stations, and car dealerships.
  • Boston: Every year, all vehicles in Massachusetts must undergo a safety inspection. New cars registered in the state must be inspected within 7 days of their registration date.

Driver’s license

  • Madison: After establishing residence, new residents must apply for a WI driver license at any Wisconsin DMV service center within 60 days for a regular license and within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
  • Boston: As a new resident in Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state within 30 days of establishing residency. The vehicle can be titled and registered at the same time.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Madison to Boston?

The cost to ship a car from Madison, WI to Boston, MA 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 Madison to Boston will range from $1,024 to $1,556.

How long will it take to ship my car from Madison to Boston?

It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,128 miles from Madison to Boston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Madison to Boston?

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

Helpful Madison resources