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Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Philadelphia, PA

Looking to move a vehicle in or out of Philadelphia, PA? Our scrappy team, founded in 2012, breaks the broker monopoly to give you honest, affordable car shipping and auto transport. With years of experience and top‑rated reviews, we guide you through every step—pricing, timing, and what to expect—so you can ship your car with confidence.

Average Cost FROM Philadelphia

$850 – $1,175
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Philadelphia

$800 – $1,250
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Philadelphia, PA

1
California
765 shipments
$1,075 – $1,300
2
Florida
564 shipments
$825 – $1,000
3
Texas
362 shipments
$925 – $1,100
4
Arizona
171 shipments
$1,025 – $1,175
5
Washington
138 shipments
$1,175 – $1,400
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Philadelphia, PA

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Philadelphia, 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 $1,025 – $1,225 Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA
2 Miami, FL $850 – $1,000 Philadelphia, PA to Miami, FL
3 Dallas, TX $925 – $1,050 Philadelphia, PA to Dallas, TX
4 Phoenix, AZ $1,025 – $1,175 Philadelphia, PA to Phoenix, AZ
5 San Francisco, CA $1,100 – $1,300 Philadelphia, PA to San Francisco, CA
6 San Diego, CA $1,100 – $1,325 Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA
7 Houston, TX $925 – $1,100 Philadelphia, PA to Houston, TX
8 Seattle, WA $1,150 – $1,325 Philadelphia, PA to Seattle, WA
9 Atlanta, GA $700 – $850 Philadelphia, PA to Atlanta, GA
10 San Jose, CA $1,100 – $1,325 Philadelphia, PA to San Jose, CA
Philadelphia, PA CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

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
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
Before calling Sakaem I was booked to use another transport company because their price was the best I could find. The day before they were going to pick up my car, they called me and said they had a reliable driver but he wanted an extra $300. I told them to forget it and called Sakaem. At the last minute they gave me a good price and said it was guaranteed. They service was great and my car arrived in NJ when they said it would be there. I will use them again in January!
Paul Shapiro
Jul 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Philadelphia

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 Philadelphia

Distance

Philadelphia sits on the East Coast, so shipping to nearby states like New York or Washington, D.C. is relatively short and keeps per‑mile rates low, while cross‑country moves to the West Coast add significant mileage and cost. Long distances also increase fuel and driver time, which carriers factor into their quotes.

Season

Winter snow and occasional ice in the Philadelphia area can slow down transport trucks, so carriers may add a small seasonal surcharge in January and February. Summer and holiday periods see higher demand for vehicle moves, which can push rates up due to limited carrier capacity.

Route

Major highways such as I‑95, I‑76 (Schuylkill Expressway), and I‑295 connect Philadelphia to the Northeast corridor and the Midwest, making those routes more competitive and often cheaper. Access to the Port of Philadelphia also allows carriers to combine sea and land legs, which can lower prices for coastal destinations.

Vehicle Type

Larger vehicles like trucks, SUVs, or classic cars require more space and sometimes a lift‑gate, raising the price compared to compact cars. High‑value or low‑clearance vehicles may need enclosed trailers, which add a premium for protection.

Traffic Considerations

Philadelphia’s dense urban grid, rush‑hour congestion on I‑95 and the Schuylkill Expressway, and frequent bridge and tunnel tolls increase travel time and fuel costs, which carriers reflect in their pricing. Planning moves during off‑peak hours can help reduce these added expenses.

Carrier Availability

Because Philadelphia is a major logistics hub, many carriers operate out of the city, creating healthy competition that often drives rates down. However, peak times or specialized services (like enclosed transport) can still limit availability and affect pricing.

Population Density

Philadelphia’s high population density means tighter streets, limited loading zones, and more permits for large trucks, all of which can add logistical complexity and cost. Carriers must plan routes carefully to avoid congested neighborhoods, which can affect the overall price of the shipment.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping a car in the late‑winter lull (mid‑February to early March) or the late‑fall window (mid‑October to early November) usually nets lower rates. These periods avoid the summer moving rush and the holiday surge, and carriers have more capacity on the I‑95 corridor through Philadelphia.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a few days, carriers can batch your load with nearby shipments and avoid deadhead miles. In Philadelphia this often means a discount of 5‑10% when you’re willing to use a weekday instead of a weekend slot.

3

Hub city advantages

Philadelphia sits at the crossroads of I‑95, I‑76 (Schuylkill Expressway), and the Northeast rail corridor, making it a natural hub for long‑haul carriers. This high traffic volume drives competition and keeps pricing more competitive than in smaller inland cities.

4

Weather considerations

Philadelphia winters bring snow and occasional ice storms that can delay shipments, so plan for extra buffer time in January and February. Conversely, late summer’s heat and occasional thunderstorm activity rarely affect pricing, but it’s wise to avoid the peak hurricane‑season weeks in September‑October when coastal storms can reroute trucks.

5

Booking in advance

Booking 4–6 weeks ahead lets you lock in the lower off‑peak rates that carriers post for the Philadelphia market before the summer surge hits. Early reservations also give you access to a wider pool of vetted carriers that serve the city’s major terminals.

6

Open carrier transport

Choosing an open trailer saves roughly 15‑20% versus an enclosed unit because most carriers run open trucks on the busy Philadelphia routes. The city’s well‑maintained highways keep vehicles protected from most road debris, reducing the need for extra enclosure.

7

Flexible dates

When you give carriers a flexible delivery window (e.g., a 3‑day range), they can route your car along the most efficient path through the Philadelphia network, often bundling it with other east‑coast moves and lowering your cost.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Philadelphia

Professional auto transport service for Philadelphia moves

In Pennsylvania, any vehicle you bring into the state must be titled and registered within 20 days of arrival. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers an online portal where you can upload your title, proof of insurance, and payment for the $58 registration fee [PA DMV]. If you are shipping a car to Philadelphia, you’ll also need a Pennsylvania safety inspection and, in counties that participate in the statewide emissions program—Allegheny, Beaver, and others—an emissions test before the registration is finalized [PA DOT]. Window‑tint limits are 50 % on the front side windows and 35 % on the rear, and the state does not restrict vehicle frame height, but commercial trucks must meet federal clearance rules [PA DMV].

Philadelphia drivers face additional parking and traffic rules. Residential permit zones require a city parking permit, and many downtown streets have alternate‑day loading restrictions that affect auto transport deliveries [Philadelphia.gov]. Because winters bring snow and ice, consider winter tires or tire chains and keep an emergency kit in the car; the city’s snow‑removal policies prioritize vehicles with proper winter equipment [City Website]. Pennsylvania’s no‑fault insurance system mandates minimum coverage of $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 property damage, so verify your policy before shipping a vehicle across state lines [PA Insurance Dept]. These details help make car shipping to or from Philadelphia smoother and more compliant.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, be sure to remove any E‑ZPass or other toll transponder, clear out any loose or fragile items, and have a working key ready for the carrier. Also take off any exterior accessories, roof racks, or city‑issued parking permits that could be damaged or cause delays during transit.

Yes, our quotes for shipping to or from Philadelphia 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 whole trip. This coverage protects your vehicle while it travels through Pennsylvania and beyond.

In Philadelphia, we recommend scheduling your pickup at least two weeks in advance, but the sooner you post the better. Early scheduling lets us bundle your vehicle with other local shipments, which is especially helpful given the city’s busy port and high demand for car transport. This helps ensure a smooth, timely pickup.

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 Philadelphia, open transport uses standard multi‑car trailers and is the most cost‑effective way to ship a vehicle, while enclosed transport uses a covered trailer that typically costs about 50% more. Many owners of classic, exotic, or freshly painted cars choose enclosed to protect against road debris, weather and the occasional pothole common in the Philly area. Open shipping works well for everyday vehicles and still provides reliable, timely delivery across the city and beyond.

Yes, we provide door‑to‑door auto transport in Philadelphia, PA. When you book, just give us the exact pickup and delivery addresses—whether it’s your home, a condo, or a business location—and we’ll arrange for a carrier to collect and drop off the vehicle there, provided it’s accessible. If narrow streets, historic districts, or local regulations prevent a direct stop, we’ll work with you to choose a convenient nearby spot such as a parking lot or gas station.

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 Philadelphia

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

Philadelphia, PA, blends rich history with modern hustle, making it a vibrant hub for anyone shipping a car to or from the City of Brotherly Love.

  • Geography: Located at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, Philly’s waterfront offers easy access to major shipping lanes.
  • Landmarks: Home to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the iconic Liberty Bell.
  • History: Founded in 1682, it’s one of the nation’s oldest cities and the birthplace of many American traditions.
  • Vehicle Law: Pennsylvania requires all vehicles to display a front license plate, so be sure your car’s plate is visible during transport.
  • Climate: Four distinct seasons bring hot, humid summers and snowy winters, so plan your shipment around possible weather delays.
  • Economy: A strong logistics sector, plus biotech, finance, and education, makes Philly a key freight hub.
  • Population: Over 1.5 million residents, a diverse mix of cultures, and a growing young professional population.
  • Transportation: Philadelphia International Airport handles over 30 million passengers annually, while the Port of Philadelphia processes millions of tons of cargo each year; major interstates I‑95 and I‑76 connect the city nationwide.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping, also called auto transport, can feel confusing the first time you arrange it from Philadelphia, PA. The simplest way to think about it is that there are two players: a broker and a carrier. The broker works like a match‑maker, connecting you with a reputable carrier who actually moves the vehicle. A good broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, vets carriers for safety records, insurance coverage, and customer reviews, so you know your car is in trusted hands.

The process starts with a quick phone call or online request to a broker. You give basic details—make, model, pick‑up and drop‑off locations, and preferred dates—and the broker returns a clear quote. Next, the broker selects a carrier that fits your schedule and the type of transport you need. Because the broker has relationships with many carriers, they can find the most reliable option without you having to search on your own.

Once the carrier is assigned, they will contact you to arrange a pick‑up time. On the scheduled day the driver arrives, inspects the vehicle, and loads it onto the trailer. After the car is secured, the carrier drives it to the destination city and unloads it at the address you provided. Payment is typically collected at pick‑up or delivery, depending on the agreement you made with the broker or carrier.

A few practical tips make the transport smoother. For high‑end or classic cars, request an enclosed trailer for added protection. Remove all personal items and make sure the car is clean; carriers will not load a vehicle that is cluttered or dirty. The car must be able to roll—no dead batteries or stuck brakes—and it should have about a quarter tank of fuel so the driver can move it onto the trailer safely. Following these steps ensures a hassle‑free car shipping experience from Philadelphia, PA.