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Pittsburgh, PA Car Shipping: 2025 Costs & Routes

Last updated: October 2025

Mike De Candia
Certified by:
Mike De Candia
Mike started working for SAKAEM in 2012 and has been successfully transporting cars ever since.
Pete Bottino
Sakaem is operated by:
Pete Bottino
Pete has been in the transportation industry for nearly 40 years and launched SAKAEM back in 2012.
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ON THIS PAGE

1 Pittsburgh Car Shipping Overview
2 Top Destination Cities
3 Key Takeaways
4 Customer Testimonials
5 Why Choose SAKAEM?
6 Cost Factors
7 Tips to Save on Car Shipping
8 Moving to Pittsburgh?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Pittsburgh, PA

Since 2012, our scrappy team has been breaking the broker monopoly to give you real value on car shipping. Whether you need auto transport to or from Pittsburgh, PA, we combine decades of experience with highly rated reviews that prove we deliver. Read on for clear costs, top destinations, and tips that make moving your vehicle simple and honest.

Average Cost FROM Pittsburgh

$825 – $1,275
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Pittsburgh

$750 – $1,275
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Pittsburgh, PA

1
California
295 shipments
$1,150 – $1,350
2
Florida
184 shipments
$850 – $1,000
3
Texas
123 shipments
$975 – $1,175
4
Arizona
84 shipments
$1,125 – $1,350
5
Washington
69 shipments
$1,175 – $1,475
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Pittsburgh, PA

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Pittsburgh, showing average costs and specific routes. Data based on recent shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Top 10 Destination Cities Updated: October 2025
Rank Destination City Avg Cost Range Route
1 Los Angeles, CA $1,125 – $1,325 Pittsburgh, PA to Los Angeles, CA
2 Phoenix, AZ $1,100 – $1,350 Pittsburgh, PA to Phoenix, AZ
3 San Jose, CA $1,125 – $1,300 Pittsburgh, PA to San Jose, CA
4 San Francisco, CA $1,125 – $1,325 Pittsburgh, PA to San Francisco, CA
5 Seattle, WA $1,175 – $1,400 Pittsburgh, PA to Seattle, WA
6 Dallas, TX $975 – $1,100 Pittsburgh, PA to Dallas, TX
7 Miami, FL $875 – $1,025 Pittsburgh, PA to Miami, FL
8 Denver, CO $1,025 – $1,250 Pittsburgh, PA to Denver, CO
9 San Diego, CA $1,250 – $1,425 Pittsburgh, PA to San Diego, CA
10 Tampa, FL $850 – $950 Pittsburgh, PA to Tampa, FL
Pittsburgh, PA CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
Omg!!!! I had the most amazing experience!! From start to finish they were amazing great communication answered every and any questions I had! Price was perfect and no hassle. Vehicle arrived early. From PA to LA hassle free no worries Driver was very helpful and called and kept me informed. Thank you so very much for the freedom to not be stressed in the process!!
serena johns
Apr 2025
Google logo
I shipped my car from Texas to Pennsylvania and they are very responsible and responsive. They made my life easy. Thank you very much.
Pavan Ganipineni
Jan 2023
Google logo
First time shipping a car to Michigan. Signed a contract with a broker and last minute the truck broke down and he could not find a driver and then the price went up. Scrambled at the last minute and we reached out to Sakaem and talked to Jack. Told him about our situation and he was very understanding and he was able to get our truck to Michigan without any problems. They could haven taken advantage of the situation but they don’t. Also the driver was very nice. Thank you Jack!!!
Sandy Kanaski
Apr 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Pittsburgh

EXPERIENCE

Trust the experts with your car relocation. Years of experience mean your vehicle is well taken care of. A strong track record of safety and service lets you relax, knowing your car is in good hands.

TRANSPARENCY

Understand what your quote includes and the quality you’re paying for when shipping with a reputable carrier. Fair and transparent pricing lets you confidently book your car transport.

AFFORDABILITY

There are no upfront costs when booking. Don’t pay for your service until you receive it. Book your shipment and pay your deposit when the truck is dispatched for pickup.

PERSONALIZED

Have a team ready to assist you with a smooth shipping process. Our team aims to customize your booking to fit your individual needs while addressing your questions and concerns.

COMPREHENSIVE

Enjoy one point of contact from start to finish for a hassle-free shipping process. Your dedicated advisor will expertly guide you through each step for easy auto transport.

INSURED

All carriers are vetted through FMCSA for valid insurance. Trust our experts to select a safe, highly vetted carrier and deliver your vehicle securely to its destination.

KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs in Pittsburgh

Distance

In car shipping, distance is the biggest driver of price. For shipments to or from Pittsburgh, rates rise roughly $0.50‑$0.75 per mile after the first 500 miles, reflecting fuel, driver time, and wear on the truck. Because Pittsburgh sits in western Pennsylvania, long hauls to the East Coast (e.g., New York) are shorter than to the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles), which directly changes the quoted cost.

Season

Winter months bring snow, ice, and occasional road closures on the Turnpike, so carriers often increase rates by 5‑10 % to cover extra risk and slower travel. Summer sees a spike in demand as people relocate for college or jobs, which can push prices up during June‑August. Spring and fall are typically the cheapest seasons.

Route

The primary highways serving Pittsburgh are I‑79, I‑76 (the Pennsylvania Turnpike), I‑70, and I‑376, which connect the city to major corridors like I‑80 and I‑90. Carriers prefer these interstates because they allow steady speeds and fewer tolls, but the Appalachian terrain east of the city can add fuel consumption and driver hours, slightly raising the price. When a route includes mountain passes or heavy toll sections, carriers may add a small surcharge.

Vehicle Type

Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, or low‑clearance sports cars occupy more space on an open carrier and weigh more, so they usually cost 10‑20 % more than a standard sedan. Exotic or high‑value cars are often shipped in enclosed trailers, adding a flat fee of $200‑$400 for extra protection. Motorcycles and small cars can share a trailer spot, which can lower the rate.

Traffic Considerations

Pittsburgh’s 400+ bridges and a dense downtown grid cause frequent congestion, especially during rush hour on I‑376 and the downtown tunnels. Carriers factor in expected delays and may schedule pick‑ups outside peak times to avoid extra fuel burn, which can affect the final quote. Heavy truck traffic on the Turnpike during holiday weekends can also raise costs.

Carrier Availability

Because Pittsburgh is a regional hub for several national carriers, there is healthy competition that helps keep rates competitive. However, during peak moving seasons the number of available trucks can tighten, leading to slightly higher quotes until more carriers are booked. Local brokers often have relationships with carriers that specialize in the mountainous routes around western Pennsylvania, which can improve pricing flexibility.

Population Density

Pittsburgh’s population density is moderate, with a compact downtown core but sprawling suburbs across Allegheny County. This layout means carriers often have short, easy access to residential pick‑up points, but navigating narrow streets and limited parking in the city can add minutes to loading time, a small factor in the overall price. The city’s central location in the Rust Belt also makes it a convenient relay point for east‑west shipments.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship during the shoulder months of late October through early December or late February through early April when demand dips after the summer rush and before the heavy snow season, which typically lowers carrier rates in Pittsburgh.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a few days, especially to mid‑week, carriers can fit your load into existing routes and often cut the price; avoiding weekend or holiday windows in the Pittsburgh area can add extra savings.

3

Hub city advantages

Pittsburgh sits on major corridors like I‑79, I‑76 (Turnpike) and I‑70, plus a large rail yard, giving carriers many routing options and competitive pricing because the city is a natural freight hub.

4

Weather considerations

Pittsburgh’s winter snowstorms and spring thundershowers can delay transport, so schedule shipments when forecasts predict mild weather and build a buffer of a few days to avoid unexpected hold‑ups.

5

Booking in advance

Book 4–6 weeks ahead of your move to lock in lower rates before the spring and summer peaks hit the Pittsburgh market, and you’ll have more carrier choices to negotiate the best price.

6

Open carrier transport

Choosing an open trailer for your vehicle can shave 10‑15% off the cost, and Pittsburgh’s well‑maintained highways (I‑376, I‑79) handle open loads safely; just be aware of the higher exposure to road salt and debris in winter.

7

Flexible dates

Offering a flexible delivery window lets carriers consolidate trips through Pittsburgh’s network of interstates, reducing deadhead miles and passing the savings back to you.

8

Compare quotes

Get multiple quotes from reputable auto transport companies to find the best deal for your Pittsburgh car shipping needs. We will match any competitor’s quote.

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Pittsburgh

Professional auto transport service for Pittsburgh moves

When you ship a car to or from Pittsburgh, the first step is Pennsylvania registration. New residents must apply for a title and license plates within 20 days of moving and provide proof of ownership, a Pennsylvania driver’s license, and proof of insurance [Pennsylvania DMV]. The state also requires an emissions inspection for vehicles registered in Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, and the test must be passed before a new plate is issued [Allegheny County EPA]. Window tint on the front side windows may not exceed 30 percent light transmission, and any tint on the rear must comply with the same rule to avoid fines [Pennsylvania DMV].

Pittsburgh drivers should watch local parking rules, especially in downtown and the Strip District, where permit zones and street‑cleaning signs are common [City of Pittsburgh Parking]. Heavy trucks and trailers face height limits on bridges such as the Fort Pitt Bridge, so verify clearance before auto transport. Winter weather means many owners add snow tires or chains, and keep an emergency kit in the vehicle. For insurance, Pennsylvania is a no‑fault state; the minimum required coverage is $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage [Pennsylvania Insurance Department]. Knowing these details makes car shipping to or from Pittsburgh smoother and less costly.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pittsburgh Vehicle Transport FAQs

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We’re a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details about how to prepare your vehicle for shipping. In Pittsburgh, be sure to remove any E‑ZPass transponder or other toll tags, take out loose interior items and any exterior accessories that could snag on the city’s many bridges, and leave the key with the carrier. Also give the driver a clear path by clearing snow or ice from the vehicle if you’re shipping during winter.

Yes, our quotes for shipping vehicles to or from Pittsburgh are all‑inclusive. All carriers we work with must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify the policy is active for the entire trip, even on routes through the busy I‑79 and I‑376 corridors around the Steel City. Your vehicle is fully covered for the duration of the shipment.

In Pittsburgh, we recommend booking your pickup at least two weeks in advance. The sooner you post, the better, as carriers can combine your vehicle with other shipments traveling through the Steel City’s major routes like I‑79 and I‑76. Early scheduling also helps us secure the most reliable service for your move.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our Auto Transport Process Article for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. 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.

In Pittsburgh, open‑transport trucks are the most common and cost‑effective way to ship a vehicle, but an enclosed trailer typically costs about 50% more. Because Pittsburgh’s weather can bring snow, rain, and road debris from the many bridges and hills, an enclosed carrier is ideal for high‑value cars, classics, or custom finishes that need extra protection.

Door-to-door auto transport service is the epitome of convenience in vehicle shipping. For Pittsburgh shipments we will ask for your exact pickup and delivery addresses anywhere in the city—including downtown, the Strip District, Squirrel Hill, or nearby suburbs such as Mt. Lebanon—so the carrier can bring the truck right to your door. If local restrictions (e.g., narrow alleys or bridge weight limits) prevent a direct drop-off, the driver will arrange a safe nearby spot like a gas station or parking lot.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don’t run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics’ FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!

DID YOU KNOW?

Fun Facts About Pittsburgh

Discover interesting insights about the state you’re shipping to or from

Whether you’re loading a classic car or a family SUV, Pittsburgh, PA offers a surprising blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern logistics that make vehicle shipping a breeze.

  • Three Rivers Confluence: The city sits where the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers meet, providing scenic waterfront routes and easy access to inland barge transport.
  • Iconic Skyline: The towering Duquesne and U.S. Steel towers define a skyline that’s instantly recognizable, and the nearby Andy Warhol Museum celebrates the city’s artistic legacy.
  • Automotive History: Pittsburgh was once a hub for early automobile manufacturing, and today the city still enforces a strict vehicle emissions inspection program to keep the air clean.
  • Four Seasons Weather: Expect hot, humid summers and snowy winters; the average annual snowfall is about 40 inches, so plan for seasonal tire changes when shipping.
  • Robust Economy: Healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing drive the local economy, creating steady demand for freight and vehicle transport services.
  • Diverse Population: Home to roughly 300,000 residents, the city blends college students, tech professionals, and long‑time steelworkers, fostering a vibrant, welcoming culture.
  • Transportation Hub: Pittsburgh International Airport handles cargo flights, while major interstates I-79, I-376, and I-76 connect the region, making door‑to‑door car shipping efficient.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

If you are new to car shipping in Pittsburgh, PA, this quick guide will walk you through every step of an auto transport move. Whether you are moving across state lines or sending a vehicle to a new home, the process is simple once you know who does what and how to prepare your car. Below is a plain‑language overview that keeps the jargon to a minimum.

The two main players in car shipping are brokers and carriers. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, works as a matchmaker. They collect your shipment details, compare rates, and then select a carrier that meets your needs. Carriers are the companies that actually drive the truck or trailer. Choosing a reputable broker matters because they vet carriers for good reviews, proper licensing, and adequate insurance, ensuring a safe auto transport.

Here is the step‑by‑step flow from start to finish. 1️⃣ Call a broker to get a free quote and share the pickup and delivery addresses in Pittsburgh, PA and beyond. The broker searches its network and assigns a carrier that fits your timeline and vehicle type. On the agreed day, the carrier arrives, inspects the car, and loads it onto an open or enclosed trailer. The carrier transports the vehicle to the destination and unloads it safely. Payment is settled with the broker or carrier at pickup or delivery, according to the agreement.

A few practical tips make the auto transport smooth. Use an enclosed trailer for high‑value or classic cars; it protects the paint and interior from weather and road debris. Empty the vehicle completely—remove personal items, trash, and loose accessories—so the carrier can secure it safely. The car must be able to roll, so check that the tires are inflated and the brakes are released. Finally, leave about a quarter tank of fuel; this gives the driver enough power to move the car onto the trailer without over‑filling the tank.