Cost to ship a car from Milwaukee to Portland

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,065 miles from Milwaukee to Portland ranges from $1,291 to $1,996. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Portland, OR in 4–12 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 Portland to Milwaukee car shipping guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Factors affecting Milwaukee to Portland car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Cream City to the Bridgetown — approximately 2,065 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 Milwaukee and Portland can impact car shipping prices.

Milwaukee's location in the Great Lakes Region often has rapidly changing weather, producing a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters, and hot, humid summers. Thunderstorms in the region can be dangerous and damaging, bringing hail and high winds. In rare instances, they can bring a tornado. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.

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,

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Milwaukee to Portland 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 2,065-mile distance between Milwaukee and Portland 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 Milwaukee to Portland typically takes between 4 and 12 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Milwaukee to Portland car shipping companies

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

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Milwaukee and Portland vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Milwaukee: For the convenience of the city’s night parking permit customers, there is no longer a requirement to display a physical permit. Now, when residents buy a night parking permit, they will complete the same application and receive a confirmation number to prove purchase of the permit, but will not receive a physical permit to place on the vehicle’s window. The license plate number will be used by parking enforcement to determine whether the owner has purchased a valid permit. All customer service problems arising from misplaced or stolen permits will be eliminated. A night parking permit currently costs $20 per 4-month trimester or $40 for the calendar year. Failure to purchase a permit will still be subject to a $20 citation. Permits may be purchased online. Visit www.milwaukee.gov/parking for more information and call 414-286-CITY (2489) with any questions.
  • 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.

Car insurance requirements

  • Milwaukee: 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.
  • 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Milwaukee: 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.
  • 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.

Driver’s license

  • Milwaukee: 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).
  • 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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Milwaukee to Portland?

The cost to ship a car from Milwaukee, WI to Portland, OR 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 Milwaukee to Portland will range from $1,291 to $1,996.

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

It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,065 miles from Milwaukee to Portland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Milwaukee resources