Pittsburgh, PA Car Shipping
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Pittsburgh, PA Car Shipping
Looking for reliable car shipping in Pittsburgh, PA? Whether you’re relocating across the country or sending a vehicle to a loved one, finding trustworthy auto transport is crucial. This guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping from Pittsburgh, PA—including costs, timelines, and expert tips. Discover why Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with our 4.9-star rating and exclusive Price Lock Guarantee that protects you from hidden fees.
Popular Routes from Pittsburgh, PA
Key Takeaways From This Article
Pittsburgh, PA Auto Transport
Shipping from Pittsburgh typically costs $1,000-$1,575 and takes 2-6 days, with most routes averaging 1,947 miles across major highways like I-76, I-79, and I-70.
Our Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania Customers
Sherpa stands out with a 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise, and rigorous carrier vetting to ensure quality service.
Factors that Impact Cost
Route accessibility matters most for Pittsburgh shipments—locations near major highways like I-76 and I-79 cost less because carriers regularly travel these corridors, while remote areas off main routes increase prices.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Offering flexible pickup dates (a 5-day window instead of exact dates) allows carriers to optimize routes and pass savings to you while ensuring better availability.
How Car Shipping Works
Pittsburgh’s harsh winters (November-March) can affect pickup timing, so planning ahead during peak seasons and ensuring your vehicle passes Pennsylvania’s annual safety and emissions inspections helps avoid delays.
State Insights
Pennsylvania requires all vehicles to undergo annual safety inspections and emissions testing in Allegheny County, with new residents needing to register within 60 days and obtain minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5.
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 Pittsburgh, PA
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pittsburgh
to Los Angeles
|
2,427 mi
|
$1275–1450
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to Phoenix
|
2,058 mi
|
$1275–1550
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to Seattle
|
2,524 mi
|
$1325–1550
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to San Francisco
|
2,574 mi
|
$1300–1500
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to San Jose
|
2,606 mi
|
$1275–1450
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to Miami
|
1,180 mi
|
$1000–1125
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to Tampa
|
1,026 mi
|
$1000–1100
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to Dallas
|
1,223 mi
|
$1100–1225
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to Denver
|
1,443 mi
|
$1125–1400
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to San Diego
|
2,411 mi
|
$1375–1575
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to New York City
|
371 mi
|
$725–925
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to Austin
|
1,418 mi
|
$1075–1350
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to Houston
|
1,339 mi
|
$1100–1275
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to Atlanta
|
684 mi
|
$850–975
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pittsburgh
to Cape Coral
|
1,150 mi
|
$950–1075
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 2,689 actual shipments involving Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, PA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays a major role in your shipping costs. The further your vehicle needs to travel to or from Pittsburgh, the higher the price. A shipment from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia will cost significantly less than shipping to Los Angeles or Miami.
Route
Your specific route matters just as much as distance. Pittsburgh sits along major highways like I-76, I-79, and I-70, which makes shipping to and from the city relatively affordable. Routes along these major corridors cost less because carriers regularly travel them. If you’re shipping to a remote area off the beaten path, expect to pay more.
Season
Timing affects your wallet. Summer months and early fall see the highest demand for car shipping, which drives up prices. Winter tends to be cheaper, especially January through March. If you have flexibility, shipping during the off-season can save you hundreds of dollars.
Vehicle Type
What you’re shipping matters. Standard sedans are the cheapest to transport. SUVs, trucks, and larger vehicles cost more because they take up more space on the trailer, weigh more (increasing fuel costs), and are harder to load and unload. Some carriers can’t even accommodate oversized vehicles.
Traffic Patterns
Peak travel times increase costs. The week before Thanksgiving, spring break, and major holidays see heavy traffic nationwide. This slows down carriers and reduces their availability. If possible, avoid these busy windows. Shipping during quieter periods means faster service and better rates.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability fluctuates throughout the year. During peak season (summer), you might wait two to three weeks for a carrier. During slower months, you could secure transport in just a few days. Pittsburgh’s location along major routes helps with availability, but planning ahead always works in your favor.
Open vs Enclosed
You have two main trailer options. Open trailers are the standard choice and cost significantly less. Your vehicle is exposed to weather but perfectly safe for most cars. Enclosed trailers protect luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles from the elements but cost 40-60% more. For most Pittsburgh shipments, open transport works great.
Population Density
Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods vary widely. Shipping to downtown Pittsburgh with narrow streets and limited truck access costs more than shipping to surrounding suburbs like Cranberry Township or Wexford. If you can meet your carrier in a more accessible area with wide roads and easy parking, you’ll save money and make the process smoother for everyone.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Save money by shipping during off-peak times. Avoid busy periods like snowbird season when demand spikes. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in lower rates. Plan ahead to take advantage of quieter shipping periods throughout the year.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexible pickup and delivery dates can reduce your costs significantly. Offer carriers a five-day window instead of exact dates. This flexibility allows them to optimize routes and pass savings to you. The more adaptable your schedule, the better your rate.
Hub City Advantages
Pittsburgh’s major highways like I-76, I-79, and I-376 make shipping convenient. Choose pickup locations near these routes for better rates and more carrier options. Highway-accessible spots attract more drivers, increasing competition and lowering your costs through better pricing.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work well for most vehicles. They safely transport standard cars while keeping prices down. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles needing extra protection. Choose based on your car’s value and condition.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Pittsburgh, PA Work?
Car shipping from Pittsburgh, PA is a straightforward process designed to transport your vehicle safely across the country. When you book auto transport services, a carrier will pick up your car from your specified location in Pittsburgh and deliver it to your destination. The typical timeline for car shipping from Pittsburgh, PA ranges from 2-6 days, depending on the distance and route. Most shipments average around 1,947 miles, with costs typically falling between $1000-$1575.
The process begins with requesting a quote and booking your shipment. Next, you’ll prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition. Pittsburgh’s accessible location near major highways like I-76 and I-79 makes it convenient for carriers to schedule pickups. Your auto transport carrier will then load your vehicle and transport it using either open or enclosed trailers. Throughout the journey, you can track your shipment’s progress. Upon arrival, you’ll inspect your car and sign off on the delivery. Pittsburgh’s weather conditions, especially during winter months, may occasionally affect pickup timing, so planning ahead is recommended for car shipping during peak seasons.
Pittsburgh, PA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to Pittsburgh, PA, understanding state vehicle requirements helps ensure a smooth transition. Pennsylvania requires all vehicles to undergo annual safety inspections and emissions testing in most counties, including Allegheny County where Pittsburgh is located [PennDOT]. New residents must register their vehicle within 60 days of establishing residency and obtain a PA driver’s license within the same timeframe [PennDOT]. The state allows window tinting on the top five inches of the windshield, while front side windows must allow more than 70% light transmission [PA Vehicle Code].
Pittsburgh’s harsh winters make vehicle preparation essential when using auto transport services. Consider installing winter tires before or after shipping, as snow and ice are common from November through March. Pennsylvania requires minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5, meaning $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage [PA Insurance Department]. This is lower than many states, but higher coverage is recommended given winter driving conditions.
For auto transport to Pittsburgh, PA, plan ahead during winter months when weather can delay delivery schedules. Ensure your vehicle passes inspection requirements soon after arrival to avoid penalties. Working with experienced car shipping companies familiar with Pennsylvania regulations makes the moving process easier and helps you stay compliant with state laws.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that we Serve
Downtown Pittsburgh: 15222, 15219, 15220, 15221
North Side: 15212, 15233, 15214
South Side: 15203, 15210, 15211
East End: 15206, 15208, 15217, 15218, 15232
West End: 15220, 15204, 15205
Oakland: 15213, 15260, 15261, 15262
Squirrel Hill: 15217, 15232
Shadyside & Bloomfield: 15206, 15224, 15232
Mount Washington & Brookline: 15211, 15216, 15226
Greater Pittsburgh Area: 15201, 15202, 15207, 15209, 15215, 15223, 15225, 15227, 15228, 15229, 15234, 15235, 15236, 15237, 15238, 15239, 15240, 15241, 15242, 15243, 15244, 15250, 15251, 15252, 15253, 15254, 15255, 15257, 15258, 15259, 15264, 15265, 15267, 15268, 15270, 15272, 15274, 15275, 15276, 15277, 15278, 15279, 15281, 15282, 15283, 15286, 15289, 15290
We serves the entire Pittsburgh region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh’s vibrant college scene includes major institutions like the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Duquesne University. If you’re using car shipping services to transport your vehicle to campus, understanding parking logistics is essential. Most universities require parking permits that students must register for online, with costs ranging from $300-$900 annually [University Parking Services]. Campus housing typically doesn’t include automatic parking—you’ll need to apply separately. Carnegie Mellon offers limited winter break storage, while Pitt recommends off-campus garages for extended periods [CMU Parking, Pitt Transportation]. Pittsburgh winters demand snow tires and winter preparedness [PennDOT]. Before shipping a car to Pittsburgh, PA, verify your insurance covers roadside assistance in Pennsylvania and consider that street parking near campuses often requires residential permits [City of Pittsburgh]. Planning these details when coordinating with your car shipping company ensures a smooth transition to student life.
Pittsburgh, PA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Pittsburgh is simple. Follow these key steps:
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos before shipping.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and fragile items. Most carriers don’t insure personal items left inside.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), the battery is charged, and there are no leaks.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off custom antennas, spoilers, bike racks, and other exterior accessories that could be damaged during transit.
Disable alarms: Turn off your car alarm to avoid issues during transport.
Provide a key: Make sure you have a working key available for the carrier.
For complete preparation guidelines, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. Taking these steps will help ensure a smooth pickup and delivery experience.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Pittsburgh, PA. All carriers in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your vehicle leaves Pittsburgh, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid for your entire shipment. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy for added protection.
This means your vehicle is covered from pickup in Pittsburgh through delivery to your destination. If you’d like to review the carrier’s insurance details, we’re happy to provide that documentation before your shipment begins.
We recommend scheduling your pickup from Pittsburgh, PA at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why early booking helps:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan routes more efficiently and often offer lower rates
- More carrier options: You’ll have access to more available drivers in the Pittsburgh area
- Flexible pickup windows: You can choose dates that work best for your schedule
- Route optimization: Carriers can bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading the same direction
Need faster service? We can often arrange pickups in 2-5 days, though expedited shipping typically costs more. If you have a tight deadline, let us know and we’ll work to accommodate your timeline.
The key is to book as soon as you know your moving dates. This gives carriers in Pittsburgh time to fit your vehicle into their routes and ensures you get the best service at competitive rates.
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 elements during transit. This is the most popular and affordable option, used for about 90% of all vehicle shipments.
Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle in a fully covered trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and dust. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but offers maximum protection.
Most Pittsburgh residents choose open transport—it’s safe, reliable, and cost-effective for everyday vehicles. Consider enclosed transport if you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car with custom paint or modifications.
Both options are fully insured. Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Pittsburgh and throughout the surrounding areas. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or another address you choose, and deliver it directly to your destination.
Our carriers work hard to reach your exact address in Pittsburgh. However, some neighborhoods have narrow streets, low-hanging trees, or tight turns that large car carriers can’t safely navigate. If your location isn’t accessible, don’t worry—we’ll arrange a convenient nearby meeting spot, like a shopping center parking lot or gas station.
How it works:
- You provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses when booking
- The carrier contacts you to confirm details and schedule a time
- Your vehicle is picked up and delivered as close to your door as safely possible
Most Pittsburgh customers enjoy true door-to-door service without any issues. Our team will let you know upfront if there are any access concerns with your specific address.
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!