Get a free quote 877-850-1231
UPDATED 2026 COSTS

Maine Car Shipping

Transport Expert

Certified by

Tim DeMille

Auto Transport Expert

WHY CHOOSE SHERPA?

With 4.9 Stars out of 8,000+ reviews and a BBB A+ rating: Sherpa Auto Transport stands out as the premier auto transport company in the United States, offering upfront, transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise.

Our Price Lock Promise
Get a personalized online quote in under 2 minutes

Transport My Vehicle From…

Routes

Maine Car Shipping

Shipping your car to or from Maine doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re relocating to Portland, heading south for winter, or buying a vehicle from out of state, understanding auto transport costs and timelines is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping in Maine—from pricing and delivery times to expert tips that’ll save you money and stress with Sherpa Auto Transport.

Car Transport Truck
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Key Takeaways From This Article

ME Auto Transport

Car shipping from Maine typically costs between $500-$1,500 depending on distance, with cross-country routes taking 5-7 days and regional shipments completing in 2-4 days.

Our Maine Customers

Sherpa Auto Transport customers in Maine love our transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and dedicated support that makes car shipping stress-free from start to finish.

Factors that Impact Cost

Distance is the most important factor affecting car shipping costs from Maine, with longer routes to the West Coast costing significantly more than shorter East Coast deliveries.

Tips and Tricks to Save

Getting an accurate quote is the most important first step when shipping from Maine, as it helps you compare options and plan your budget effectively.

How Car Shipping Works

Maine’s rural location and winter weather conditions can impact shipping timelines, so booking in advance during peak moving seasons ensures the best rates and availability.

State Insights

Sherpa Auto Transport proudly serves all cities throughout Maine, including Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, and every community in between.

TESTIMONIALS

What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying

Google
The team was very professional. They texted me routinely as the search process for a driver went along. They are a couple hundred dollars more expensive than some others, but they were upfront about why, and now having been through the process, I get it. They will not come back a week before car pick up and ask for more money because they cannot get a driver at the cheap rate. They will come through with all their commitments at the quoted rate. When a driver`s insurance did not meet their standards they cancelled the arrangements. The driver they did get for me was prompt, professional and kept us in the loop on the trip. He even delivered the vehicle a day earlier than promised. I would use Sherpa again if the need arises.
Tony Siracusa
August 2019
Consumer Affairs
I was moving from Mississippi to Virginia and I didn`t wanna drive while I was moving. I had googled several transport companies, and Sherpa had a cheaper rate. I dealt with a very helpful rep. She emailed me to make sure that I was going to keep the schedule. There would be a fee if I didn`t keep it. She told me the day that they would pick my car up. And the person who did that called before he left to pick it up. I gave him the information because my brother was gonna be the one to make sure they got my car. Everything was what I expected. The guy was really nice. He called me before he came. And my car was much the way it was when I left. I was satisfied with Sherpa and I would recommend them.
Yvonne of Mccomb, Mississippi
April 2019
Consumer Affairs
I cannot say enough good things about my experience. Had to get a car from NJ to Minnesota. My first exchange was with Jordan at Sherpa. She walked me through the process and explained everything. She`s great and a terrific representative for the company. Then I received the emails about the shipper, etc. On the day of transport, Mike from R&K Towing arrived and put the car on a flatbed to bring it back to the car carrier. He too was a great guy. The carrier was Robert Williams Trucking. They stayed in touch with my sister on the other end and told her when he expected to arrive. From start to finish I could not have asked for a better experience. I would recommend Sherpa without hesitation.
Krista of Devon, PA
July 2021
WHY SHERPA AUTO?

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.

MAINE AUTO TRANSPORT ROUTES

Popular Routes from Maine

Route Distance Avg Cost Transit Time Quote
Maine to Florida
1,250 mi $1175 – $1525 1 to 5 days Get Quote
Maine to California
3,081 mi $1550 – $2100 4 to 10 days Get Quote
Maine to Texas
1,946 mi $1250 – $1650 2 to 6 days Get Quote
Maine to Washington
3,143 mi $1575 – $2225 4 to 10 days Get Quote
Maine to Arizona
2,746 mi $1500 – $2000 4 to 9 days Get Quote
Maine to North Carolina
944 mi $950 – $1250 1 to 4 days Get Quote
Maine to Oregon
3,185 mi $1600 – $2325 4 to 10 days Get Quote
Maine to South Carolina
1,075 mi $1000 – $1275 1 to 4 days Get Quote
Maine to Georgia
1,183 mi $1125 – $1450 1 to 4 days Get Quote
Note: Updated for 2026. These figures are based on Sherpa’s actual data from the past 12 months of vehicle shipments from Maine. When choosing an auto transport company, it is crucial to select the best car shipping company by considering factors such as reliability, customer satisfaction, and transparency in pricing.
KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Maine Shipping Prices

Distance

Longer distances naturally increase shipping costs. A cross-country transport from Maine to California will cost significantly more than a regional move to neighboring New England states.

Route

Major highways like I-95 offer lower rates due to frequent carrier traffic. Remote rural routes in Maine’s interior require special trips, increasing your overall cost.

Season

Summer and fall see peak demand for Maine car shipping. Winter months typically offer better rates as fewer people relocate during harsh weather conditions.

Vehicle Type

Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks cost more to ship. They take up more trailer space, weigh more, and consume additional fuel during transport.

Traffic Patterns

Holiday periods and summer weekends create shipping delays. Book during off-peak times to avoid congestion and potentially secure lower rates for your vehicle.

Carrier Availability

High-demand seasons mean fewer available carriers. During peak times, you may wait longer for pickup or pay premium rates to secure immediate service.

Open vs Enclosed

Open-air trailers cost less but expose vehicles to weather. Enclosed transport provides maximum protection for luxury or classic cars at higher prices.

Population Density

Urban areas like Portland offer competitive rates due to carrier frequency. Rural Maine locations require dedicated routes, which can increase your shipping expense.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

Off Season Savings

Shipping your car during the off-season can significantly reduce costs. Even waiting a few weeks to avoid peak demand periods makes a difference. Plan ahead to take advantage of lower rates during quieter times.

Flexible Pickup & Delivery

Being flexible with your schedule saves money. Offering a five-day window for pickup and delivery instead of exact dates gives carriers more routing options. This flexibility translates directly into lower shipping costs for you.

Hub City Advantages

Choose pickup locations near major highways in Maine for better rates. Areas close to interstates like I-95 attract more carriers, creating competition. More options mean more competitive pricing and faster service for your shipment.

Open Trailers

Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Most cars ship safely on open carriers without issues. Unless you have a luxury or classic car, open transport offers excellent value and protection.

WATCH

Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

HOW IT WORKS

How does Car Shipping from Maine Work?

Picturesque view of Maine

Car shipping to and from Maine is a straightforward process that typically takes 1-7 days depending on your route and distance. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we serve 7 major cities across Maine, making it easy to schedule pickup and delivery for your vehicle. The auto transport process begins when you request a quote, book your shipment, and prepare your vehicle for transport. Our carriers then pick up your car at your specified location and deliver it safely to your destination.

Maine presents unique considerations for car shipping due to its rural landscape and seasonal weather patterns. Winter conditions can occasionally affect transport schedules, so we recommend planning ahead during snowy months. Our experienced drivers navigate Maine’s highways expertly, ensuring your vehicle arrives on time. The shipping process involves five key steps: getting a quote, booking your transport, preparing your vehicle, scheduling pickup, and confirming delivery. We handle both open and enclosed auto transport options to meet your needs and budget.

Whether you’re shipping a car to Maine or from Maine to another state, Sherpa Auto Transport provides reliable service with transparent pricing. Our team coordinates every detail of your car shipping experience, keeping you informed throughout the journey. Contact us today to learn more about our Maine auto transport services.

INSIGHTS & REGULATIONS

ME Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

Auto transport truck carrying vehicles

When planning auto transport to Maine, understanding the state’s unique vehicle requirements helps ensure a smooth transition. Maine requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency [Maine BMV]. The registration process includes a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection and proof of insurance. Maine does not require emissions testing for most vehicles, making the registration process simpler than many other states [Maine DEP].

Maine law permits window tinting with specific restrictions: front side windows must allow more than 35% light transmission, while rear windows have no restrictions [Maine Statutes Title 29-A]. Vehicle frame height regulations limit passenger vehicles to a maximum of 13 feet 6 inches overall height [Maine BMV]. For car shipping during winter months, consider equipping your vehicle with winter tires before or immediately after transport, as Maine’s harsh winters make them essential for safe driving.

Insurance requirements in Maine include minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25 (bodily injury per person/per accident/property damage in thousands) [Maine Bureau of Insurance]. These minimums exceed many states’ requirements. When arranging auto transport to Maine, verify your carrier provides adequate insurance coverage during transit. Maine’s coastal climate can accelerate rust, so applying undercoating protection after car shipping arrival is highly recommended for long-term vehicle preservation.

Cities We Serve in Maine

Sherpa Auto Transport provides car shipping services to cities throughout Maine. Click on any city below to learn more about auto transport options in that area.

7 cities served in Maine

Statewide Auto Transport Coverage

Sherpa Auto Transport provides comprehensive vehicle shipping services throughout Maine. Whether you’re relocating to a major metropolitan area or a smaller town, our extensive network of carriers ensures reliable pickup and delivery to virtually any location in the state.

We serve the entire Maine region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.

College Car Shipping

College & University Car Shipping in Maine

Maine’s college communities are concentrated in several key areas, making auto transport planning essential for students. The University of Maine in Orono, Bowdoin College in Brunswick, and Colby College in Waterville are major destinations [University]. Students should verify parking permit requirements early, as many campuses have limited spaces and waitlists [University]. When shipping your vehicle, plan arrival 1-2 weeks before classes start to allow time for registration and permit processing. Consider climate-appropriate vehicle preparation, as Maine winters are harsh [StateDMV]. For students living on campus, explore off-campus storage facilities during winter and summer breaks to avoid parking fees and weather exposure. Many local storage facilities near college towns offer student discounts and seasonal rates [LocalStorage]. Coordinate with your auto transport company to schedule pickup and delivery around academic calendars for seamless transitions.

Military Car Shipping

Military Car Shipping in Maine

Military personnel relocating to Maine will primarily ship vehicles to Naval Air Station Brunswick (now Brunswick Landing) or Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery [DoD]. When planning a PCS move to Maine, service members should schedule auto transport 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure availability during peak moving seasons [USTRANSCOM]. Upon arrival, military members have 30 days to register their vehicle with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles and must provide proof of insurance, military orders, and a valid out-of-state title [Maine BMV]. Active duty personnel stationed in Maine can maintain their home state registration, but family members residing in Maine must register locally [DoD]. Sherpa Auto Transport offers military discounts and works directly with transportation offices to streamline the shipping process for service members during PCS moves.

More Customer Reviews

Consumer Affairs
I shipped a 2012 Nissan Maxima to New Hampshire to my son and used Sherpa from the recommendations of my son, his daughter-in-law, and people on the internet. Their prices were a little bit higher but they stated on there that there aren’t any hidden fees. The quote I got was accurate. I was able to pay for all of it on this end and my son didn’t have to pay when it was delivered, which is one thing I wanted to do. Also, the driver was very professional and very good. He was interested in getting it done. He came from Houston, stopped here, went to Fort Worth, and then drove it up from there. He pretty much let me know the status of where he was and when he was going to deliver and all of that.
Donald of Duncanville, TX
February 2021
Consumer Affairs
As soon as I put in some information on the website, I got a phone call by one of the Sherpa associates who gave me a good overview of what the process would look like. She answered all my questions and gave me a detailed quote with timelines. The interaction was quite thorough. The driver reached out to me about 24 hours prior to picking up the vehicle, sharing when he’d be available to pick it up. Even during the process, he had assured me that I could call him at any time if I had any questions regarding my vehicle. 12 hours prior to delivery, I got a phone call from him telling me the approximate time of delivery. He parked around my apartment complex. Overall, it was a very positive experience.
V of West Lebanon, NH
May 2023
Consumer Affairs
My son is in the navy and he was being deployed. He wanted his car home. Sherpa got back to me first and I was reading reviews and, for the reviews for the most part, they had some quality reviews. The process was good because it was very tricky. My son was working and it had to be where he could get the vehicle to them. We wanted to do it during the holiday, but I had a feeling that was gonna be slim pickings and it was. So, everything started to happen as soon as the holiday was over, but then my son was back to duty and in the navy. They stuck to the quote they gave me. Delivery was great. The driver was a little late, but he called and let me know that he was gonna be a little late.
Susan of Groton, CT
February 2023
Consumer Affairs
After I had sought quotes from seven or eight transporters, a well-mannered and helpful individual from Sherpa called me and explained details of how this industry (car-shipping) works, while respecting both my intelligence and my lack of experience. They also offered a reduced price from their original quote. The signup process was easy with DocuSign, and follow-up was helpful and appropriate. We had issues coordinating on the pickup end due to OUR limited availability, and the subcontractor worked well with us to mitigate these. My vehicle arrived earlier than expected in the same condition it was shipped in, and the driver delivering it also worked well with us. Highly recommend.
Brenda of Ypsilanti, MI
April 2022
Consumer Affairs
Sherpa was courteous, informative, helpful every step of the way. We had to ship my dad a new car from NJ to Naples Florida after the hurricane destroyed his previous car. We did a lot of research and Sherpa was by far the best company. Their price was fair and they followed through with everything they promised. They sent me updates every step of the way from beginning to end. Their driver was professional and courteous and the representative on the phone was very impressive and made me feel like our vehicle was in great hands and would be taken care of properly. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again. There are a lot of bad transport companies out there and this is one you can trust!
Randi of Sparta, NJ
October 2022
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Maine Vehicle Transport FAQs

The cost to ship a car to or from Maine typically ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on several key factors:

Distance: Longer routes cost more. Shipping from Maine to nearby states like Massachusetts costs less than cross-country transport to California or Texas.

Vehicle size: Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs cost more to ship than sedans due to their weight and space requirements.

Season: Prices rise during peak moving months (May through September) and winter when many snowbirds ship cars south from Maine.

Transport type: Open transport is the most affordable option. Enclosed transport costs 30-40% more but offers extra protection.

Pickup location: Rural Maine locations may cost more than Portland or other major cities due to accessibility.

For an accurate quote tailored to your specific route and vehicle, contact Sherpa Auto Transport today. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Auto transport times vary based on distance and route. Most shipments take 1-10 days from pickup to delivery.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Local and regional routes: 1-3 days
  • Cross-country shipments: 7-10 days
  • Maine to nearby states: 2-4 days

Several factors can affect timing:

  • Weather conditions and road closures
  • Carrier schedule and route optimization
  • Pickup and delivery location accessibility
  • Time of year (peak season is busier)

We provide tracking updates throughout your shipment so you always know where your vehicle is. For a more accurate estimate based on your specific route, contact our team today.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport. All carriers in the Sherpa Auto Transport network are required to carry cargo insurance that protects your vehicle while it’s being shipped.

Sherpa also provides additional coverage for extra peace of mind. This means your car has multiple layers of protection throughout the entire shipping process.

Before your transport begins, you’ll receive details about the insurance coverage. If you have questions about the policy or need to file a claim, our team is here to help every step of the way.

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.

For most car shipments to or from Maine, we recommend booking 1-2 weeks in advance. This gives you the best selection of carriers and competitive rates.

However, timing can vary based on these factors:

  • Peak seasons: Summer months and snowbird season (October-November and March-April) are busier. Book 3-4 weeks ahead during these times.
  • Winter weather: Maine winters can affect schedules. Allow extra time from December through February.
  • Remote locations: Rural Maine areas may need more lead time to find available carriers.
  • Last-minute needs: Rush shipping is possible but costs more and limits your options.

The earlier you book, the more flexibility you’ll have with pricing and pickup dates. Contact us as soon as you know your moving timeline for the best experience.

Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise means the price you see is the price you pay. When you book your car shipment to or from Maine, we lock in your rate. No surprise fees. No last-minute price hikes.

Many car shipping companies quote one price, then increase it after you book. We don’t do that. Your quoted price stays the same from booking to delivery.

This promise gives you peace of mind and helps you budget accurately for your Maine car transport. What we quote is what you’ll pay—guaranteed.

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!

SHERPA AUTO TRANSPORT

Ready to get started?

Get a Quote
Get a Free Quote