Car Shipping in Pennsylvania: 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.

Check our Vehicle Shipping Tips for full details. In short, follow these steps to ready your car for Pennsylvania transit:

• Clean the interior and exterior. Remove trash, personal items, and any loose accessories (e.g., roof racks, bike racks, spoilers) that could shift.
• Turn off toll passes and remove any tags. The carrier cannot transport active toll devices.
• Ensure you have the keys. Provide the driver with a complete set of keys, including any remote‑start or alarm fob.
• Check fluid levels. Keep gas under a quarter tank and make sure oil, coolant, and brake fluid are at normal levels.
• Document existing damage. Take photos of the vehicle from several angles and note any scratches or dents.
• Secure loose parts. Fold in side mirrors, retract antennas, and lock the doors.
• Disable alarms. If possible, turn off any anti‑theft alarms to avoid accidental triggers.

Following these steps helps protect your car and speeds up the loading process.

Yes. All carriers we work with carry at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before a vehicle leaves the terminal, we verify the carrier’s policy is active and that it covers the entire trip, including any stops in Pennsylvania. If anything were to happen, the carrier’s insurance will pay for damages up to the policy limits, and you can also purchase additional coverage through us if you want extra peace of mind.

Book early. We recommend scheduling your pickup at least 14 days in advance. This gives carriers time to bundle your car with other loads on the same route, which lowers cost and secures a spot. If you are shipping during busy periods such as summer or holidays, add a few extra days to avoid delays.

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 transport uses a standard flatbed with side walls. It is the most common method and typically 30-50% cheaper than enclosed. Vehicles are exposed to weather, road debris, and occasional dust, but carriers use tie-down straps and protective blankets. Open trucks are widely available across Pennsylvania, so pickup and delivery windows are often shorter.

Enclosed transport uses a fully covered trailer that shields the car from the elements, road salt, stones, and potential vandalism. This extra protection adds about 40-60% to the cost. Enclosed carriers are fewer, so scheduling may take a bit longer, especially for remote locations.

Choose open if you are shipping a daily driver, a low-value vehicle, or if budget is the top priority. Choose enclosed for classic cars, high-value imports, vehicles with custom paint, or any car that cannot tolerate exposure.

Both options are covered by the same federal insurance standards, but many owners purchase additional coverage for high-value cars. In Pennsylvania, the choice does not affect the licensing or permits required for the carrier.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport in Pennsylvania. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will travel to those locations, load your vehicle, and deliver it to the drop‑off address you provided. If a street is too narrow, a weight limit exists, or safety is a concern, we will discuss an alternate nearby spot such as a well‑lit parking lot or a gas station. The service works for shipments both into and out of Pennsylvania, and we keep you informed at each step.

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!