Car Shipping in Maryland: 2025 Costs & Routes

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.

Before your car leaves Maryland, take a few simple steps to keep it safe and avoid extra fees.

1. Clean the interior and exterior. A quick wash lets you spot dents, scratches, or rust before shipping and makes the inspection easier.

2. Document the condition. Take photos of all angles, noting any existing damage. Keep these pictures for your records.

3. Remove personal items. Take out all loose objects, toll tags, parking permits, and any aftermarket accessories (roof racks, bike racks, spoilers, etc.) that could shift or be damaged.

4. Check fluids and battery. Ensure oil, coolant, and brake fluid are at proper levels and that the battery is charged. A low fuel level (about a quarter tank) is enough for loading and unloading.

5. Provide a working key. Gather all keys, remote fobs, and any special tools the carrier may need to secure the vehicle.

6. Disable alarms and anti‑theft devices. Turn off any alarm systems or steering locks that could interfere with loading.

For a complete checklist, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips page.

Yes. All carriers we work with carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, as required by federal regulations. Before a vehicle leaves Maryland we confirm the carrier’s policy is active and covers the entire transport.

If you have personal auto insurance, it may extend coverage to the shipment, but you should check your policy. If you want extra peace of mind, we can arrange optional “full‑value protection” for a small fee.

In short, your car is protected by both the carrier’s insurance and any coverage you already have.

Plan ahead. We suggest booking your Maryland pickup at least 14 days in advance. This gives carriers time to bundle your vehicle with others traveling the same route, which keeps costs low.

During peak moving seasons (spring and summer) or holidays, a 3-4 week lead time is safer, as demand spikes and trucks fill up fast.

If you need a last-minute move, we’ll do our best, but rates may be higher and options fewer.

Booking early also secures your preferred pickup date and gives you peace of mind.

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.

Open auto transport uses a standard flatbed trailer with the vehicle exposed to the elements. It is the most common method in Maryland and typically costs 30‑50% less than enclosed transport. Open carriers are ideal for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs that are in good condition and not highly valuable.

Enclosed auto transport places the vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. This protects the car from rain, wind, dust, road debris, and UV exposure. Because the trailer holds fewer vehicles and requires a specialized rig, the price is usually at least 50% higher than open transport.

When to choose each option:

• Open transport – best for budget‑conscious drivers, standard daily drivers, and vehicles that are already insured against minor cosmetic damage.
• Enclosed transport – recommended for classic cars, collector vehicles, custom paint jobs, high‑value imports/exports, or any car you cannot risk exposure to weather or road debris.

Other considerations:

• Weather protection – Enclosed trailers keep your car dry and shielded from salt‑air corrosion common along Maryland’s coastal routes.
• Security – Enclosed units reduce the chance of theft or vandalism because the vehicle is not visible during transit.
• Availability – Open carriers are more plentiful, so you may get a faster pickup or delivery window.
• Insurance – Both open and enclosed shipments are covered by standard carrier liability, but many owners purchase additional coverage for high‑value cars, especially when using open transport.

In short, open transport offers affordability and wider availability, while enclosed transport provides superior protection and peace of mind for valuable or delicate vehicles.

Yes. Sakaem Logistics provides door‑to‑door auto transport for any pickup or delivery location in Maryland, as long as the carrier can safely access the site.

When you book, we ask for the exact street address where you want us to pick up your car and the address where you want it delivered. Our carrier will travel to those spots and load or unload the vehicle right there.

If a road, gate, or other restriction makes the exact address impossible, we will work with you to choose a nearby, convenient spot—such as a gas station, a parking lot, or a side street.

We’ve been moving cars since 2012, fighting the monopoly of big brokers and earning high‑rating reviews for honest pricing and reliable service. Our door‑to‑door option is the simplest way to ship a car to or from Maryland.

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!