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Baltimore, MD 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Baltimore, MD

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has fought the big‑broker monopoly to give you honest, affordable car shipping and auto transport in Baltimore, MD. Our scrappy team’s decades of experience and glowing reviews prove we know how to move your vehicle safely and on time. In this guide we break down costs, top destinations, and tips so you can ship with confidence.

Average Cost FROM Baltimore

$825 – $1,175
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Baltimore

$775 – $1,275
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Baltimore, MD

1
California
476 shipments
$1,075 – $1,275
2
Florida
238 shipments
$775 – $900
3
Texas
208 shipments
$925 – $1,075
4
Washington
114 shipments
$1,175 – $1,450
5
Colorado
86 shipments
$1,050 – $1,225
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Baltimore, MD

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Baltimore, 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 $1,050 – $1,275 Baltimore, MD to Los Angeles, CA
2 Seattle, WA $1,175 – $1,375 Baltimore, MD to Seattle, WA
3 San Francisco, CA $1,075 – $1,250 Baltimore, MD to San Francisco, CA
4 San Diego, CA $1,025 – $1,250 Baltimore, MD to San Diego, CA
5 Dallas, TX $900 – $1,025 Baltimore, MD to Dallas, TX
6 Houston, TX $925 – $1,075 Baltimore, MD to Houston, TX
7 Phoenix, AZ $1,025 – $1,200 Baltimore, MD to Phoenix, AZ
8 Miami, FL $800 – $925 Baltimore, MD to Miami, FL
9 San Jose, CA $1,075 – $1,250 Baltimore, MD to San Jose, CA
10 Atlanta, GA $625 – $775 Baltimore, MD to Atlanta, GA
Baltimore, MD CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
I recently had to move cross country and SAKAEM found a carrier for me in 3 days and they did an excellent job in getting my vehicle from NV to MA in 3.5 days. I wish I had more clarity on paying in full at the beginning, which was different than what I was told regarding a deposit and payment upon delivery. Luckily the carrier verified this so there were no issues. Overall, the move was seamless and I would use SAKAEM in the future.
Chris Cunningham
May 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
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 didn’t. Also the driver was very nice. Thank you Jack!!!
Sandy Kanaski
Apr 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Baltimore

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 Baltimore

Distance

Because shipping cost is largely based on miles, trips that start or end in Baltimore will cost more the farther the destination. A short move to Washington, D.C. (≈40 mi) may be a few hundred dollars, while a coast‑to‑coast haul to Los Angeles (≈2,700 mi) can be several thousand. Fuel, driver hours, and wear on the carrier’s truck all increase with distance.

Season

Winter storms bring snow and ice to Baltimore, which can delay trips and raise carrier fees for extra equipment or insurance. Summer sees a surge in vacation moves and military relocations from the nearby bases, pushing prices higher. Spring and fall typically offer the most stable rates.

Route

Baltimore sits on I‑95, I‑70, I‑83 and the Baltimore Beltway (I‑695), giving carriers several direct routes to the East Coast and the Midwest. Toll bridges such as the Fort McHenry Tunnel add predictable fees, while detours around the busy Inner Harbor can add time and cost. Choosing a route that avoids peak commuter traffic can lower the price.

Vehicle Type

Large trucks, SUVs, and heavy‑duty vehicles require more space on an open carrier and may attract a higher per‑mile charge. Low‑profile sports cars or classic models often need enclosed transport to protect them from road salt and humidity common near the Chesapeake Bay. The vehicle’s weight also affects fuel consumption, influencing the final quote.

Traffic Considerations

Baltimore’s rush‑hour congestion on I‑95, I‑83, and the downtown tunnels can add hours to a trip, which carriers factor into their rates. Urban density means limited staging yards, so loading and unloading may require extra coordination and fees. Planning moves outside peak traffic windows can reduce costs.

Carrier Availability

The Port of Baltimore and several major freight terminals attract many auto carriers, creating healthy competition that can keep prices competitive. However, peak times like holidays or military deployment periods can temporarily reduce carrier availability, raising rates. Local brokers often have relationships with carriers that can secure better pricing for Baltimore shipments.

Population Density

Baltimore’s high population density and limited curbside space mean carriers often need to use commercial lots or the port’s staging areas for loading, which can add handling fees. The city’s compact layout also shortens the final mile to the customer, sometimes offsetting extra staging costs. Overall, dense urban logistics can raise the base price compared to suburban shipments.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping between late November and early March avoids the summer surge and spring break traffic, so rates drop as demand softens. Baltimore’s milder winter also means carriers can keep schedules steady, especially on I‑95 and I‑695.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a few days, carriers can slot your car into less‑busy mid‑week runs and avoid weekend surcharges. This also lets them use the Port of Baltimore’s off‑peak dock times for cheaper loading.

3

Hub city advantages

Baltimore sits on major corridors I‑95, I‑70, I‑83 and the busy Port of Baltimore, giving carriers many routing options and competitive bids. The city’s rail and shipping infrastructure lets them combine car loads with other freight, lowering your price.

4

Weather considerations

Baltimore can see snow and ice in Jan‑Feb and occasional hurricanes in late summer, which may delay dock operations or highway travel on I‑95. Plan for a buffer of a few days and consider open trailers in winter to avoid extra enclosure fees.

5

Booking in advance

Securing your spot 3‑4 weeks ahead locks in lower off‑peak rates before the summer rush or winter storm season hits. Early bookings also give carriers time to plan around port schedules and highway construction on the Beltway.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers cost less because they’re more common and faster to load at Baltimore terminals. With Baltimore’s generally mild winter, the risk of weather damage is low, making open trailers a safe, budget‑friendly choice.

7

Flexible dates

Allowing a window of several days lets carriers group your shipment with other cars traveling through Baltimore, optimizing routes from the Mid‑Atlantic. This consolidation reduces miles per load and passes savings to you.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Baltimore

Professional auto transport service for Baltimore moves

Maryland requires out‑of‑state vehicles to be registered within 30 days, beginning with an online application at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT) and finishing at a local branch for title transfer and plates [MDOT]. Cars from 1996 onward must pass an emissions inspection at an authorized station before registration [MDE]. Window tint may not exceed 35 % front‑side visibility, and vehicle height is limited to 84 inches on public roads [MD Vehicle Code]. State law mandates a minimum $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage, though many drivers choose higher limits for added protection [Maryland Insurance Administration].

Baltimore enforces strict parking rules; most downtown streets need a residential permit or paid meter, and vehicles taller than 8 feet are barred from many city garages [Baltimore City]. The Inner Harbor loop runs clockwise, and rush‑hour congestion peaks 7‑9 am and 4‑6 pm, so scheduling auto transport early can reduce delays. Maryland winters bring snow and ice, so equip your car with winter tires and keep an emergency kit with blankets, a shovel, and de‑icing fluid [MDOT Weather]. When shipping a vehicle, alert the carrier to low‑clearance bridges and the 8‑foot height limit on the Key Bridge to avoid damage. Check your insurance for a transport rider; many Maryland policies add short‑term coverage for car shipping at little extra cost [Insurance Agency].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Baltimore 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. When shipping to or from Baltimore, MD, remove any toll passes (such as E‑ZPass), loose or fragile items, and exterior accessories that could be damaged, and be sure to leave a working key for the carrier. Keep the car clean, fuel it to about a quarter tank, and make it easy for the driver to access the vehicle at Baltimore’s port or nearby terminals.

Yes, when you ship your vehicle to or from Baltimore, MD, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers we work with must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify the policy is active for the entire trip, including any stops at the Port of Baltimore.

In Baltimore, we recommend booking your pickup at least two weeks in advance, but the sooner you post your shipment the better. Early scheduling lets carriers bundle your vehicle with other loads moving through the busy I‑95 corridor and the Port of Baltimore, which can lower costs and speed up delivery. If you wait too long, you may miss the most efficient routing options.

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 Baltimore, open trailers are the most common and cost‑effective way to ship a car, while enclosed transport can cost about 50% more. Choose enclosed if you’re moving a high‑value vehicle—such as a classic, a show car, or one with a custom paint job—because it protects against road debris, weather, and the salty sea‑air near the Inner Harbor. Open transport is perfectly fine for everyday vehicles and benefits from the many carriers that serve the Baltimore area.

Door-to-door auto transport service is the epitome of convenience in vehicle shipping. In Baltimore, MD, we will ask for your exact pickup and delivery addresses—whether it’s a home driveway, an apartment complex, or a business location within the city or surrounding county. As long as it is possible, the assigned carrier will pick up and deliver your vehicle to those addresses, and if local restrictions arise, we’ll arrange a nearby safe spot such as 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 Baltimore

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

Discover Baltimore, MD – a vibrant port city where historic charm meets modern logistics, making it a great spot for car shipping.

  • Geography: Nestled on the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore’s waterfront offers easy access for ships and trucks.
  • Iconic Landmark: The Inner Harbor, home to the National Aquarium and historic ships, is a top tourist draw.
  • History & Culture: Known as “Charm City,” Baltimore was a key Civil War port and birthplace of the Star‑Spangled Banner.
  • Vehicle Law: Maryland requires all vehicles to pass an annual safety inspection and to be registered within 30 days of moving to the state.
  • Climate: Mild winters and warm, humid summers mean road conditions are generally favorable year‑round.
  • Economy: The Port of Baltimore is the 5th largest U.S. container port, supporting automotive, steel, and aerospace industries.
  • Population: About 585,000 residents, with a diverse mix of cultures and a growing young‑professional community.
  • Transportation: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, major interstates I‑95, I‑83, and extensive rail lines streamline vehicle movement.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping, also called auto transport, may feel confusing the first time you try it in Baltimore, MD. The process is simple once you know the two main players: brokers and carriers. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, works as the middle‑man who matches you with a carrier – the company that actually drives the truck or trailer. The broker’s job is to find a reputable carrier with solid insurance and good reviews, while the carrier handles the physical move of your vehicle.

Here’s a step‑by‑step guide from start to finish. First, you call a broker to request a quote. The broker gathers details about your car, pick‑up location, and destination, then searches its network for an available carrier. Once a carrier is selected, the broker confirms the schedule and shares the pick‑up window with you. On the agreed day, the carrier arrives at your Baltimore address, inspects the vehicle, and loads it onto an open or enclosed trailer.

After loading, the carrier transports the car to the destination city. When the vehicle arrives, the driver unloads it and walks you through a brief inspection to confirm condition. At this point you settle payment – either to the broker or directly to the carrier, depending on the agreement you made at the quoting stage.

A few practical tips can keep the move smooth. If you own a high‑end or classic car, request an enclosed trailer for extra protection. Remove all personal items, trash, and loose accessories before the carrier picks up the vehicle; carriers are not responsible for items left inside. Make sure the car can roll – a dead battery or seized wheels can cause delays. Finally, keep about a quarter tank of gas so the carrier can move the car onto the trailer without a push start.

By following these steps, Baltimore residents can feel confident that their car shipping experience will be transparent, safe, and hassle‑free. Knowing the role of brokers versus carriers and preparing your vehicle ahead of time are the keys to a successful auto transport journey.