Philadelphia, PA Car Shipping
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Philadelphia, PA Car Shipping
Planning to move your vehicle to or from Philadelphia, PA? Car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating across the country or buying a car online, finding reliable auto transport in Philadelphia is crucial. This guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping costs, timelines, and tips to ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
Popular Routes from Philadelphia, PA
Key Takeaways From This Article
Philadelphia, PA Auto Transport
Car shipping from Philadelphia typically costs $800-1,500 depending on distance, with local moves under 500 miles ranging $300-600 and cross-country transport taking 4-9 days.
Our Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and comprehensive insurance coverage for all Philadelphia shipments.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Philadelphia car shipping, with Philadelphia’s location on major highways like I-95 and I-76 providing competitive rates to popular destinations.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Save money by booking 2-3 weeks ahead, choosing flexible pickup dates, using open trailers instead of enclosed, and avoiding peak summer season when possible.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is proper vehicle preparation – clean your car, remove personal items, document existing damage, and ensure you have working keys for the carrier.
State Insights
Philadelphia’s dense urban core can increase costs due to narrow streets and parking challenges, so consider meeting carriers in accessible suburban locations to save money.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 7,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from Philadelphia, PA
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Philadelphia
to Los Angeles
|
2,715 mi
|
$1150–1350
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to Miami
|
1,277 mi
|
$950–1125
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to Phoenix
|
2,255 mi
|
$1150–1325
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to Dallas
|
1,418 mi
|
$1025–1175
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to San Diego
|
2,607 mi
|
$1225–1500
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to Houston
|
1,560 mi
|
$1050–1225
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to Seattle
|
2,668 mi
|
$1275–1500
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to San Francisco
|
2,718 mi
|
$1200–1475
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to Rome
|
813 mi
|
$800–925
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to Tampa
|
1,122 mi
|
$900–1100
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to Denver
|
1,593 mi
|
$1150–1350
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to San Jose
|
2,750 mi
|
$1225–1500
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to Naples
|
1,281 mi
|
$1000–1125
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to Las Vegas
|
2,338 mi
|
$1200–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Philadelphia
to Austin
|
1,613 mi
|
$1050–1275
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Factors that Affect Philadelphia, PA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays the biggest role in your Philadelphia car shipping costs. Shipping within Pennsylvania or to nearby states like New Jersey, New York, or Delaware costs much less than cross-country moves to California or Florida. Local moves under 500 miles typically cost $300-600, while coast-to-coast shipping from Philadelphia can run $1,000-1,500.
Route
Philadelphia’s location along major highways like I-95, I-76, and I-476 works in your favor. Routes connecting Philadelphia to other major cities along these highways cost less because carriers run these paths regularly. Shipping to remote areas or small towns requires detours off main routes, which increases your price.
Season
Summer months (June-August) bring the highest car shipping prices to and from Philadelphia. Many people relocate during summer, creating high demand. Winter offers the best rates, especially January-March. Spring and fall sit in the middle price-wise. Book early during busy seasons to secure better rates.
Vehicle Type
Standard cars cost the least to ship from Philadelphia. SUVs, trucks, and vans cost 10-20% more due to their size and weight. These larger vehicles take up more trailer space and burn more fuel. Oversized vehicles like large pickup trucks may need special trailers, adding even more to your cost.
Traffic Patterns
Avoid shipping during peak travel times when possible. The week before Thanksgiving, Memorial Day weekend, and Labor Day weekend create traffic nightmares around Philadelphia. This slows down carriers and can increase costs. Mid-week pickups and deliveries often cost less than weekend service.
Carrier Availability
Philadelphia’s major metro area means good carrier availability year-round. During peak summer season, you might wait 1-2 weeks for pickup. Off-season shipping typically means pickup within 3-7 days. Flexible pickup dates help you get better rates and faster service.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost 20-40% less than enclosed transport from Philadelphia. Most cars ship safely on open trailers, even luxury vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for classic cars, exotic vehicles, or cars worth over $50,000. Weather protection and security justify the extra cost for high-value vehicles.
Population Density
Philadelphia’s dense urban core increases shipping costs compared to suburban areas. Center City pickups cost more due to narrow streets, parking challenges, and traffic. Consider meeting your carrier in suburban areas like King of Prussia or Cherry Hill to save money. Large trucks can’t navigate many Philadelphia neighborhoods easily.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money on Philadelphia routes. Avoid busy snowbird season and summer moving periods. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can result in significant cost savings.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery in Philadelphia gives them scheduling freedom, which translates to lower rates for you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup locations near major highways like I-95, I-76, or I-476 in Philadelphia. Highway-accessible locations attract more carriers, creating competition that drives down prices compared to remote or hard-to-reach areas.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options for Philadelphia car shipping. Most vehicles ship safely on open trailers. Reserve enclosed transport for luxury, classic, or high-value cars needing extra protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Philadelphia, PA Work?
Car shipping from Philadelphia, PA follows a simple process that typically takes 2-6 days depending on your destination. The average distance for auto transport from Philadelphia is 1,948 miles, with pricing ranging from $800-$1500. To start, you’ll get a quote online or by phone, then book your service and prepare your vehicle for pickup.
Philadelphia’s location offers unique advantages for car shipping. The city sits along major interstate highways like I-95 and I-76, making it easily accessible for transport carriers. This prime location often means faster pickup times and competitive pricing for auto transport services. However, urban areas can present challenges with narrow streets and parking restrictions that may affect carrier access.
The car shipping process involves several key steps: initial quote and booking, vehicle preparation and inspection, scheduled pickup from Philadelphia, secure transport to your destination, and final delivery with inspection. Throughout the journey, you’ll receive tracking updates. Most auto transport companies provide door-to-door service in Philadelphia, though some locations may require terminal pickup due to accessibility constraints.
Philadelphia, PA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When using car shipping services to Philadelphia, PA, you’ll need to understand Pennsylvania’s unique vehicle requirements. New residents must register their vehicles within 20 days of establishing residency and obtain a PA driver’s license [PA DMV]. The state requires annual safety inspections and emissions testing in certain counties, including Philadelphia County [PA DEP].
Pennsylvania has specific vehicle modification laws that auto transport customers should know. Window tinting must allow at least 70% light transmission on front side windows, while rear windows can be darker [PA Vehicle Code]. Vehicle frame height modifications are regulated, with specific limits on lift kits and lowering modifications.
For those moving to Philadelphia, PA, winter preparation is crucial. The city experiences harsh winters, so consider winter tires and ensure your vehicle’s heating system works properly before car shipping. Salt used on roads can cause corrosion, making regular undercarriage cleaning important [PennDOT].
Pennsylvania insurance requirements include minimum liability coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $5,000 for property damage [PA Insurance Department]. The state also requires first-party benefits coverage, which differs from many other states and may affect your insurance costs when relocating.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that we Serve
Center City: 19102, 19103, 19106, 19107, 19109, 19110, 19123, 19130
North Philadelphia: 19122, 19125, 19126, 19132, 19133, 19140, 19141, 19144
South Philadelphia: 19112, 19145, 19146, 19147, 19148, 19153
West Philadelphia: 19104, 19131, 19139, 19142, 19143, 19151
Northeast Philadelphia: 19114, 19115, 19116, 19124, 19135, 19136, 19149, 19152
Northwest Philadelphia: 19118, 19119, 19120, 19127, 19128, 19129, 19138, 19150
Germantown/Mount Airy: 19111, 19117, 19121, 19134, 19137, 19154
Kensington/Fishtown: 19125, 19134, 19137
University City: 19104, 19139
Northern Liberties/Old City: 19106, 19123, 19125
We serves the entire Philadelphia region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s universities present unique parking challenges that students should consider before shipping a car to campus. The University of Pennsylvania requires parking permits ranging from $1,200-$2,400 annually, with limited on-campus availability [UPenn Parking Services]. Temple University offers student permits for $650-$950 per semester, but spaces fill quickly [Temple Parking]. Drexel University provides limited resident parking for $1,100-$1,500 yearly [Drexel Parking]. Most dorms don’t include parking, so students must budget separately. Philadelphia car shipping customers should note that winter parking restrictions apply during snow emergencies, and Pennsylvania requires snow tires or chains during severe weather [PennDOT]. Students can typically store vehicles on campus during winter break with proper permits. Before using car transport services to Philadelphia, verify your auto insurance and roadside assistance coverage extends to Pennsylvania, as some policies have geographic limitations [Insurance Institute].
Philadelphia, PA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for shipping from Philadelphia, PA is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Clean your car inside and out. This helps the carrier spot any existing damage during inspection.
Remove personal items. Take out all belongings, including items in the glove box and trunk. Carriers aren’t responsible for personal property.
Remove or secure loose parts. This includes toll passes, GPS units, phone chargers, and any aftermarket accessories that could fall off or get damaged.
Check fluids and battery. Make sure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and coolant. Your battery should be charged so the carrier can move your vehicle.
Document existing damage. Take photos of any scratches, dents, or other issues before shipping.
Provide working keys. Give the carrier at least one working key and remote if needed.
For complete details, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures smooth pickup from Philadelphia and safe delivery to your destination.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Philadelphia, PA. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your Philadelphia car shipment begins, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is current and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
This comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle throughout the entire transport process – from pickup in Philadelphia to delivery at your destination. You can ship with confidence knowing your car is protected by professional-grade insurance.
For car shipping from Philadelphia, PA, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. However, the sooner you schedule, the better your chances of securing competitive rates and preferred pickup dates.
Philadelphia is a major transportation hub with high shipping volume, which works in your favor. Carriers frequently travel through the area, making it easier to find available transport. Still, advance booking allows drivers to:
- Bundle your vehicle with other cars heading to the same destination
- Plan efficient routes that keep costs down
- Guarantee your preferred pickup window
Peak seasons (summer months and holidays) require even more lead time – ideally 3-4 weeks ahead. During these busy periods, demand increases significantly.
If you need last-minute service, don’t worry. Philadelphia’s active shipping market means we can often accommodate rush orders, though expect higher rates for expedited pickup.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.
Open transport is the most common and cost-effective option. Your car travels on an open trailer alongside other vehicles, exposed to weather and road debris. This method is safe and reliable for most everyday vehicles.
Enclosed transport provides full protection inside a covered trailer. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but shields your vehicle from weather, dust, and road debris. This option is ideal for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic cars, or any car with custom paint work.
For most Philadelphia car shipments, open transport works perfectly fine. However, if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle or want maximum protection, enclosed transport offers peace of mind. See our complete open vs enclosed auto transport guide to help you decide which option fits your needs and budget.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service for Philadelphia customers. When you book your car shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your location in Philadelphia to collect your vehicle and deliver it right to your destination.
In most cases, we can pick up and deliver at your exact address. However, if your street has restrictions like low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or weight limits for large trucks, our carrier will work with you to find a safe nearby location. This might be a local parking lot, gas station, or main road that’s easy to reach.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. You won’t need to drive to a terminal or arrange extra transportation. Our Philadelphia car shipping experts handle the logistics so you can focus on your move.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!