Philadelphia Car Shipping
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Written by Richard Avery, President of Smart Auto Move · USDOT 2887232 · MC 969368
The cost to ship a car to or from Philadelphia is typically $450 on a short regional run and up to $2,500 coast to coast, on an open trailer, and takes between 1 to 10 days in transit time. Philadelphia sits on I-95 halfway between New York and Washington, so trucks running the East Coast pass right by.
Smart Auto Move provides nationwide car shipping throughout the lower 48 states, backed by four strategically located staffed offices, six additional service areas, and a trusted carrier network of more than 16,000 transport professionals nationwide. Our extensive network allows us to serve customers across the continental U.S. with reliable vehicle transport from coast to coast.
Service is not currently available in Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico.
Philadelphia Car Shipping Prices
Every row is a running mid-size car on an open trailer. Upper Darby, King of Prussia, Bensalem, Norristown, Conshohocken and Cherry Hill ship with Philadelphia.
| Route | Also covers | Distance | Days on the road | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE NORTHEAST AND THE MID-ATLANTIC | ||||
| Philadelphia to New York City SHORTEST | Newark, Jersey City, Long Island | About 95 miles | 1 day | $450 to $900 |
| Philadelphia to Baltimore | Columbia MD, Towson | About 100 miles | 1 day | $450 to $900 |
| Philadelphia to Washington, DC | Northern Virginia, Silver Spring | About 140 miles | 1 day | $450 to $900 |
| Philadelphia to Richmond | Petersburg, Fredericksburg | About 250 miles | 1 day | $450 to $900 |
| Philadelphia to Pittsburgh | Monroeville, Cranberry | About 305 miles | 1 to 2 days | $450 to $900 |
| Philadelphia to Boston | Cambridge, Worcester | About 310 miles | 1 to 2 days | $450 to $900 |
| Philadelphia to Raleigh | Durham, Cary | About 420 miles | 2 days | $450 to $900 |
| THE SOUTHEAST AND FLORIDA, ON I-95 | ||||
| Philadelphia to Charlotte PUBLISHED LANE | Concord, Rock Hill | About 545 miles | 2 to 3 days | $700 to $900 |
| Philadelphia to Atlanta | Marietta, Alpharetta | About 780 miles | 2 to 3 days | $900 to $1,600 |
| Philadelphia to Orlando SNOWBIRD | Kissimmee, Daytona Beach | About 1,000 miles | 3 to 4 days | $900 to $1,600 |
| Philadelphia to Tampa | St. Petersburg, Sarasota | About 1,080 miles | 3 to 4 days | $900 to $1,600 |
| Philadelphia to Miami | Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach | About 1,200 miles | 3 to 5 days | $900 to $1,600 |
| THE MIDWEST, TEXAS AND THE WEST | ||||
| Philadelphia to Chicago | Naperville, Aurora | About 760 miles | 2 to 3 days | $900 to $1,600 |
| Philadelphia to Dallas | Fort Worth, Plano | About 1,480 miles | 4 to 6 days | $900 to $1,600 |
| Philadelphia to Houston | Katy, Sugar Land | About 1,550 miles | 4 to 6 days | $1,250 to $2,100 |
| Philadelphia to Denver | Aurora CO, Boulder | About 1,750 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,250 to $2,100 |
| Philadelphia to Phoenix | Mesa, Scottsdale | About 2,330 miles | 6 to 8 days | $1,250 to $2,100 |
| Philadelphia to Los Angeles | Long Beach, Orange County | About 2,720 miles | 7 to 10 days | $1,600 to $2,500 |
| Philadelphia to Seattle | Tacoma, Lakewood | About 2,860 miles | 7 to 10 days | $1,600 to $2,500 |
Where these figures come from. Philadelphia to Charlotte is the same $700 to $900 we publish on our Charlotte page. Every other row shows the range we publish nationwide for that distance, on our 2026 car shipping cost guide, until real Philadelphia loads stand behind it. Your quote gives the exact figure, and the Smart Price Promise holds it.
Under 500 miles
$450 to $900. New York, Baltimore, Washington, Boston and Raleigh. Usually 1 to 2 days.
500 to 1,500 miles
$900 to $1,600. The Southeast, Florida, Chicago and Dallas. Usually 2 to 6 days.
Over 1,500 miles
$1,250 to $2,500. Houston, the Southwest and the West Coast. Usually 4 to 10 days.
Can a car carrier reach a Philadelphia rowhouse street?
Often we meet close by instead, and that is normal in Philadelphia. Center City, Society Hill, South Philly and Fishtown are rowhouse blocks with narrow one-way streets and cars parked along both sides.
Tell us the block
Give us your address when you book. We check the access ahead of time, so the day goes smoothly.
Meet at a nearby lot
A store or stadium lot a few minutes away is often quicker than a tight block. It costs nothing extra.
The suburbs are easier
King of Prussia, Bensalem, the Main Line and Cherry Hill have wider streets. Door to door is usually simple there.
One-way streets. A 75-foot carrier has to turn around somewhere. Picking a spot on a wide street or a lot near I-95 or I-76 saves time for everyone.
Philadelphia Car Shipping Questions
The questions we get asked most about Philadelphia, answered with this city's own numbers rather than national averages.
How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Philadelphia?
The cost to ship a car to or from Philadelphia is typically $450 on a short regional run and up to $2,500 coast to coast, on an open trailer, and takes between 1 to 10 days in transit time. New York City is about 95 miles away. Seattle is about 2,860 miles.
Why do most rows show a range by distance?
We publish a route price once real Philadelphia loads stand behind it. Philadelphia to Charlotte already has one, at $700 to $900. The other rows show our national range for their distance, and your quote gives the exact figure.
What sets the price of Philadelphia car shipping?
Distance comes first. Then the size of the vehicle, whether it runs, open or enclosed, the time of year, and how easily a truck can reach your street.
How long does it take to ship a car from Philadelphia?
New York, Baltimore and Washington are 1 day. Florida is 3 to 5 days. Texas is 4 to 6 days. The West Coast is 7 to 10 days.
How soon will a truck pick up my car?
Pickup happens inside a window that starts on the date you ask for. Standard service is a 6-day window. Expedited service is a 3-day window. Philadelphia sits on I-95, so East Coast trucks pass close by.
How long does it take to ship a car from Philadelphia to Florida?
About 3 to 5 days. Orlando is about 1,000 miles and Miami about 1,200, almost all of it on I-95.
Can a car carrier reach my rowhouse street?
Often we meet at a nearby lot instead. Rowhouse blocks have narrow one-way streets and parked cars on both sides. A lot a few minutes away is quick and costs nothing extra.
When is Philadelphia car shipping busiest?
Late August and May, when Penn, Temple, Drexel and the other schools move in and out, plus the fall run to Florida. Book three to four weeks ahead for the college weeks.
Should I pick open or enclosed transport in Philadelphia?
Open is the right call for most cars. Plan on about 80 percent more than open for enclosed. A $1,000 open move is roughly $1,800 enclosed. A hard-sided trailer holds two to six cars where an open one holds ten, so each car carries more of the cost. Worth it for a classic, an exotic, fresh paint, or a car too low to clear a ramp. For a daily driver, open is the right call.
Is my car insured while it ships from Philadelphia?
Yes. Your car is covered by the carrier's Carrier Cargo Insurance from pickup to delivery. Once your order is assigned to a truck and carrier, we can send you the certificate of insurance right away.
Who is going to ship my car?
Smart Auto Move is. We place your car with a carrier we have vetted and worked with, and we stay with the move from pickup to delivery. We will get your car moved, or your money back.
Can I leave personal items in the car?
Usually yes, within reason. Most drivers will take a few things as a courtesy. Keep it under about 100 pounds, pack it neatly, and keep it out of sight from outside the car. Think a few boxes in the trunk rather than a carload. The one thing to know is that you are paying to move the vehicle, so the carrier's insurance covers the car itself. Keep anything you would hate to lose with you.
How do I get my car ready to ship?
Wash it so the inspection is clear. Take photos from every side. Leave about a quarter tank of fuel. Take out toll tags, garage openers and loose valuables. Tell us about any leaks or problems with starting. Then hand over one key.
How far ahead should I book Philadelphia car shipping?
One to two weeks for most routes. Three to four weeks for the college move weeks, and two to three weeks for the fall run to Florida.
How does payment work?
We take a deposit when you book and the balance is due at delivery. Drivers usually take a cashier's check, money order or cash. You can also put the full amount on a credit card, but only at the time of booking, so the funds are ready for the carrier.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Cancel any time before we assign a carrier and your deposit comes back to you. Once we assign one and send you the driver's details, that money is spoken for. It is not gone, though. You can push the move back and use it on a later shipment.
How do I know a car shipping company is legitimate?
Check its USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA site, and read its reviews on the BBB and Google. Smart Auto Move is USDOT 2887232 and MC 969368, with a BBB A+ rating. Be careful of a quote far below the others. Ask that company if the rate is confirmed, then look for complaints about the price going up later.
Why do you take a deposit?
A deposit means we only work with committed customers, and it shows we are confident we can book a carrier at the price we quoted. A company that takes nothing up front is often not sure it can. Those are often the ones that come back later with a higher rate.
What do I need to register a car in Pennsylvania?
Apply for a Pennsylvania title and registration within 20 days, with proof of Pennsylvania insurance and a VIN check. Then get a safety inspection within ten days. Philadelphia is in the emissions program too.
Do you ship cars between Philadelphia and South Jersey?
Yes. Cherry Hill and Camden ship the same way as Philadelphia. For a trip that short, driving is usually easier unless the car does not run.
Do you have an office near Philadelphia?
Our nearest service area is Iselin, New Jersey, about 70 miles north. Our national team handles Philadelphia moves at 888-709-9078. Your car goes straight from your address onto the carrier.
Can you ship a car that does not run?
Yes. A non-running car needs a winch or a carrier with a lift, so it usually costs $200 or more above the same car running. Tell us when you book. We will talk it through and give you an accurate price.
Can I track my car while it ships?
You get the driver's phone number for calls or texts, plus email updates from us. GPS tracking is there when the carrier and the truck support it. We will tell you which applies once your carrier is assigned.
What happens on delivery day?
The driver calls ahead with a time. You walk around the car together and compare it with the pickup report. You note anything new on the Bill of Lading, sign, and pay the balance. Then the car is yours.
When is Philadelphia auto transport busiest?
Two calendars set the busy weeks: the colleges and the snowbirds.
Penn, Temple, Drexel and the city's other schools move in late August and out in May. Book three to four weeks ahead for those weeks.
From October to December many cars head south on I-95, and from April to May they come home. Book two to three weeks ahead.
The easy weeks. June, July and January to March are the simplest times to book. A truck has more room and your window can be short.
Where around Philadelphia can you pick up, and does location change the price?
Distance to the destination sets the range. Around Philadelphia, what matters most is how close you are to a main road.
Philadelphia car shipping, city-wide
Center City, South Philly, Fishtown, Manayunk and the Northeast. Tight blocks often mean a nearby lot.
The Main Line and King of Prussia
West on I-76 and US-30. Wider streets and easier access.
Bucks County
Bensalem, Doylestown and Newtown, north along I-95 and US-1.
Delaware County
Upper Darby and Media, southwest of the city near I-476.
South Jersey
Cherry Hill and Camden, across the Delaware River. They ship the same way as Philadelphia.
Dealers and auctions
Give us the name and release hours. Many lots want a set pickup time.
Smart Auto Move Inc
Our nearest service area is Iselin, New Jersey, about 70 miles north on the Turnpike
National line 888-709-9078
Registered business address: 4208 Six Forks Rd Ste 1000, Raleigh, NC 27609.
Your car is never stored anywhere. It goes from your address straight onto the carrier and stays covered under Carrier Cargo Insurance for the whole trip.
What do you need to register a car in Pennsylvania after it ships?
Pennsylvania moves fast, so it helps to know the order.
20 days to title and register
New residents apply for a Pennsylvania title and registration within 20 days of moving in. Bring proof of Pennsylvania insurance.
A VIN check
Have the VIN traced or checked by an inspection mechanic, a notary at a tag agent, or a dealer.
Inspection within 10 days
A newly registered car needs a safety inspection within ten days. Philadelphia is in the state emissions program too.
Rules change from time to time, so check the PennDOT new resident page before your visit.
How Philadelphia Car Shipping Works, Step by Step
Get your price
Give us both ZIP codes, the year, make and model, whether it runs, your first date, and open or enclosed. The Smart Price Promise holds the quote.
Book with a deposit
We take a deposit and start placing your car with a vetted carrier. Pickup runs inside a 6-day window from your date, or 3 days with expedited.
Meet the driver
You get the driver's details once a carrier is assigned. The driver calls ahead. You walk around the car together and sign the pickup report.
Take delivery
The driver calls ahead again. Check the car against the pickup report, sign, and pay the balance.
Open, Enclosed and Expedited Philadelphia Auto Transport
Open transport
The way most cars ship. A daily driver, an SUV or a pickup rides on an open carrier with up to ten vehicles. It is the right call for most Philadelphia moves.
Enclosed transport
Plan on about 80 percent more than open. Worth it for a classic, an exotic, fresh paint or a car too low to clear a ramp.
Expedited transport
Pickup inside a 3-day window instead of 6. Good when you have a start date, a closing date, or orders to report.
Should you ship your car or drive it out of Philadelphia?
Drive it when
The trip is short, like New York, Baltimore or Washington. The car runs well. You have the time and you are going anyway.
Ship it when
The trip is long, like Florida, Texas or the West Coast. You would need a flight back. You have two cars and one driver. The car does not run, or nobody can make the drive.
Top 5 Reasons to ship your vehicle to or from Philadelphia, PA instead of driving
- Skip the hard driving days. Long trips across several states bring weather, traffic and roads you do not know. Hand those miles to a driver who runs them every week.
- Rentals add up fast. A rental while you are away costs real money, comes with rules, and never feels like your own car.
- Get there sooner. Driving coast to coast eats days. Fly, land, and meet your car at the other end.
- Keep your travel money. Gas, motels, meals, tolls and the odd repair add up to more than most people expect.
- Enjoy the trip you planned. Storms, closures and a check-engine light can turn a drive into a three-day delay.
What our customers say
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Car Shipping Pages and Guides
Written by Richard Avery
President, Smart Auto Move Inc
Richard Avery founded Smart Auto Move because too many auto transport companies were treating customers badly. There was no easy way to tell an honest company from the rest. He has worked in vehicle transport for over a decade, and writes about routes, pricing and carrier coordination. The ranges on this page come from the national bands we publish, and they are reviewed as the market moves.
October 2026
Ready to ship a car to or from Philadelphia?
Start with both ZIP codes, the vehicle details and your first available date. We will give you the real figure for your route and hold it with the Smart Price Promise.