Raleigh, NC Car Shipping
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Raleigh, NC Car Shipping
Looking for reliable car shipping in Raleigh, NC? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re moving across the country or shipping a vehicle to a new home, finding trustworthy auto transport can feel overwhelming. This guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping from Raleigh, NC—including costs, timelines, and expert tips to ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on budget.
Popular Routes from Raleigh, NC
Key Takeaways From This Article
Raleigh, NC Auto Transport
Shipping from Raleigh, NC typically costs $700-$1,550 with transit times of 3-7 days, depending on your destination and distance traveled.
Our Raleigh and North Carolina Customers
Sherpa customers rate us 4.9 out of 5 stars across 8,000+ reviews, with our Price Lock Promise ensuring no hidden fees or surprise costs at delivery.
Factors that Impact Cost
Route availability is the biggest cost factor for Raleigh shipments—major highways like I-40 and I-95 offer more carriers and lower prices than rural destinations.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Flexible pickup and delivery dates save money by allowing carriers to optimize routes, reducing your shipping costs by bundling with other vehicles heading the same direction.
How Car Shipping Works
North Carolina requires new residents to register vehicles and obtain a NC driver’s license within 60 days, with annual safety inspections mandatory statewide.
State Insights
Book your Raleigh car shipment 1-2 weeks in advance for better rates and carrier availability, or choose expedited service for 24-48 hour pickup at a premium price.
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 8,000 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 Raleigh, NC
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Raleigh
to Los Angeles
|
2,542 mi
|
$1150–1375
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to Seattle
|
2,870 mi
|
$1350–1550
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to Dallas
|
1,189 mi
|
$1000–1150
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to San Jose
|
2,797 mi
|
$1200–1400
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to San Diego
|
2,546 mi
|
$1200–1350
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to San Francisco
|
2,839 mi
|
$1175–1375
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to Houston
|
1,199 mi
|
$975–1100
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to Phoenix
|
2,173 mi
|
$1150–1300
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to Denver
|
1,668 mi
|
$1125–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to New York City
|
504 mi
|
$700–950
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to Miami
|
805 mi
|
$725–875
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to Portland
|
2,865 mi
|
$1375–1675
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to Austin
|
1,336 mi
|
$1050–1200
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to Riverside
|
2,508 mi
|
$1075–1450
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Raleigh
to Las Vegas
|
2,330 mi
|
$1200–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 3,333 actual shipments involving Raleigh, here’s how pricing varies by vehicle size and trailer type.
By Vehicle Type
By Trailer Type
Note: Updated 2026 pricing. Prices shown are averages based on actual Sherpa shipments over the last 12 months. Your quote may vary based on specific pickup/delivery locations, vehicle condition, current market demand, and time of year. Get an instant quote for accurate pricing.
Factors that Affect Raleigh, NC Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays a major role in your shipping costs. The further your vehicle needs to travel to or from Raleigh, the higher the price. A cross-country shipment from Raleigh to California will cost significantly more than a regional move to Virginia or Georgia.
Route
Your shipping route matters just as much as the distance. Raleigh sits along I-40 and I-95, two major interstate highways. Shipments along these busy corridors are typically more affordable because carriers regularly travel these routes. If you’re shipping to or from a small town or remote area, expect to pay more due to limited carrier traffic.
Season
Timing affects your costs. Summer months (May through September) are peak season for car shipping, which means higher prices and more competition for carriers. Winter and early spring typically offer better rates. If you have flexibility in your moving dates, choosing the off-season can save you money.
Vehicle Type
What you’re shipping matters. Standard sedans are the most affordable to transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans cost more because they take up more space on the trailer, add extra weight (increasing fuel costs), and are harder to load and unload. Some carriers can’t even accommodate oversized trucks.
Traffic Patterns
Heavy travel periods drive up costs. The week before Thanksgiving, spring break, and major holidays see increased road traffic, which slows down carriers and raises prices. When possible, avoid these peak travel times to get better rates and faster service.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability fluctuates throughout the year. During peak season, you might wait several weeks for an available carrier. In the off-season, carriers are often available within just a few days. Planning ahead gives you more options and better pricing.
Open vs Enclosed
You have two main trailer options. Open trailers are the most common and affordable choice—perfect for everyday vehicles. Enclosed trailers cost more but provide complete protection from weather and road debris. Most people choose open transport, but if you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or high-value vehicle, enclosed transport offers extra peace of mind.
Population Density
Where you pick up or drop off your vehicle affects the price. Raleigh’s urban areas with dense traffic and narrow streets can be challenging for large car carriers. If possible, consider meeting your carrier in a suburban location with easier access. This simple adjustment can reduce your costs and make the process smoother for everyone involved.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Shipping during off-peak seasons can significantly reduce your costs. Avoid busy periods like snowbird season when demand spikes. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can lead to substantial savings on your Raleigh car transport.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexible pickup and delivery dates can lower your shipping costs. By offering a five-day window instead of exact dates, carriers can optimize their routes more efficiently. This flexibility translates directly into savings for your Raleigh shipment.
Hub City Advantages
Raleigh’s proximity to major highways like I-40, I-440, and I-540 works in your favor. Choose pickup locations near these routes for more carrier options and competitive rates. Shipping to rural areas? Consider meeting at a nearby highway hub instead.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work perfectly for most vehicles. They’re the standard choice for everyday cars. However, if you’re shipping a luxury or classic vehicle, an enclosed trailer offers extra protection worth considering.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Raleigh, NC Work?
Car shipping from Raleigh, NC is a straightforward process with Sherpa Auto Transport. First, request a quote and book your auto transport service online. Once confirmed, we’ll assign a trusted carrier to pick up your vehicle from your Raleigh location. Most routes from Raleigh, NC average 2,033 miles with typical delivery times of 3-7 days, depending on your destination. Pricing ranges from $700-$1550 based on distance and vehicle type.
The car shipping process begins with vehicle inspection and documentation at pickup. Your car is then loaded onto a carrier and transported along major highways connecting Raleigh, NC to destinations nationwide. Raleigh’s central location along I-40 and I-95 makes auto transport efficient and accessible. Upon delivery, inspect your vehicle with the driver and sign the bill of lading. Throughout the journey, you’ll receive updates on your shipment’s progress. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car online, or snowbirding, our Raleigh, NC car shipping services ensure safe and timely delivery. Contact Sherpa Auto Transport today for reliable auto transport solutions.
Raleigh, NC Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to Raleigh, NC, understanding state vehicle regulations is essential. North Carolina requires new residents to register their vehicles and obtain a NC driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency [NCDMV]. The state mandates annual safety inspections for all vehicles, and emissions testing is required in 22 counties, though Wake County (where Raleigh is located) currently does not require emissions testing [NCDMV]. Window tinting laws permit 35% light transmission on front side windows, with no restrictions on rear windows [NCGS 20-127].
Auto transport customers should note that North Carolina follows a “fault” insurance system, requiring minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25 [NCDOI]. Winter weather in Raleigh is generally mild, with average lows around 30°F in January, so winter tires are typically unnecessary. However, occasional ice storms do occur, making all-season tires a practical choice. Vehicle frame height modifications must comply with NC regulations: bumper height cannot exceed 22 inches for vehicles under 2,500 pounds [NCGS 20-135.4].
Before scheduling car shipping from Raleigh, NC, ensure your vehicle passes inspection requirements. Consider timing your auto transport to allow adequate time for registration and insurance setup upon arrival.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Raleigh, North Carolina that we Serve
Downtown Raleigh: 27601, 27602, 27603, 27604, 27605
North Raleigh: 27609, 27612, 27613, 27614, 27615
West Raleigh: 27606, 27607, 27695
Southeast Raleigh: 27610, 27616
Northeast Raleigh: 27617, 27619
Southwest Raleigh: 27603, 27606
Cary: 27511, 27512, 27513, 27518, 27519
Apex: 27502, 27523, 27539
Garner: 27529, 27610
Wake Forest: 27587, 27588
We serves the entire Raleigh region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is home to several major universities, including NC State University, where students must register vehicles online and purchase parking permits ranging from $300-$600 annually [NC State Transportation]. Most freshman dorms don’t guarantee parking spaces, so plan ahead when using car shipping services to transport your vehicle. At nearby Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill, similar permit systems apply [Duke Parking & Transportation]. If you’re shipping a car to Raleigh, consider timing—many students leave vehicles home first semester while adjusting. Winter weather rarely requires snow tires, but verify your insurance and roadside assistance coverage transfers to NC [NCDOT]. Most apartments near campus include one parking spot, though some charge extra fees. During winter break, universities typically allow registered vehicles to remain in designated lots. When selecting a car shipping company, coordinate delivery dates with your move-in schedule for seamless auto transport to campus.
Military Car Shipping in Raleigh, NC
While Raleigh itself doesn’t host a major military installation, Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) is located approximately 60 miles south in Fayetteville, making it the primary base for military personnel in the region [U.S. Army]. Service members should be aware that on-base parking requires a valid Department of Defense (DoD) decal and vehicle registration through the Provost Marshal’s Office within 30 days of arrival [Fort Liberty]. Most barracks offer limited parking, while family housing typically includes designated spaces. For extended deployments or leave, coordinate with your unit regarding long-term vehicle storage options, as policies vary by command [DoD]. Before relocating, verify your auto insurance covers North Carolina and update your policy accordingly [USAA]. Winter weather is generally mild, but occasional ice storms occur, so consider all-season tires and ensure roadside assistance coverage extends to your new duty station [NC DMV].
Raleigh, NC Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Raleigh, NC is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth pickup:
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and fragile items. These aren’t covered by carrier insurance.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, and other exterior add-ons that could get damaged. Retract or remove antennas.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car is in good running condition with no leaks. The battery should be charged.
Maintain proper fuel level: Keep your gas tank at about 1/4 full. This reduces weight while ensuring the car can be loaded and unloaded.
Provide a key: Have a working key ready for the driver.
Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to avoid issues during transport.
For more detailed guidance, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Raleigh, NC. Every carrier in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment begins, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection and peace of mind during transport.
Your vehicle is covered from pickup in Raleigh until delivery at your destination. If you’d like to review the carrier’s insurance certificate before shipping, just ask—we’re happy to provide it.
We recommend booking your car shipment from Raleigh, NC at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you better options and pricing.
Here’s why early booking helps:
- Better carrier availability: Carriers can plan routes and bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction
- More competitive rates: Last-minute bookings often cost more due to limited availability
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping with pickup possible in as little as 24-48 hours. Keep in mind this option costs more than standard scheduling.
Pro tip: Book as soon as you know your moving date. This ensures the smoothest experience and the best value for your Raleigh car shipment.
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 auto transport uses open-air trailers that carry multiple vehicles at once. Your car is exposed to weather and road debris, but it’s the most affordable and widely available option. About 90% of vehicles ship this way, including most standard cars, SUVs, and trucks.
Enclosed auto transport uses covered trailers that protect your vehicle from the elements. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but provides complete protection from weather, dust, and road debris. This option is ideal for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any car with custom paint or modifications.
For most Raleigh residents shipping standard vehicles, open transport is perfectly safe and cost-effective. Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping a high-value or specialty vehicle that needs extra protection. Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes! We offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas. This is our most popular shipping option because it’s the most convenient way to ship your vehicle.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses in Raleigh. Our carrier will come directly to your home, office, or specified location to pick up your vehicle and deliver it right to your destination.
Important considerations for Raleigh residents:
- Large car carriers need adequate space to maneuver and park safely
- If your street has low-hanging trees, tight turns, or narrow roads, the driver may need to meet you at a nearby open area
- In some Raleigh neighborhoods with parking restrictions, we may arrange an alternate meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station
Our drivers will always contact you in advance to confirm the best pickup location. We work with you to make the process as smooth and convenient as possible while ensuring safe vehicle transport.
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!