($867) Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Fayetteville, NC
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 864 miles from Portland, Maine, to Fayetteville, North Carolina, ranges from $867 to $1,183. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fayetteville to Portland car shipping guide.
The best Portland to Fayetteville car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Portland to Fayetteville:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Portland
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Portland, ME:
- Intercity Lines Inc: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Rust Auto Shippers: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Chip's Transport Service: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Ck5 Transport Svc Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from ME to NC
Relocating from Portland to Fayetteville means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Portland to Fayetteville, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 864 miles from Portland to Fayetteville can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Maine to North Carolina is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Portland to Fayetteville. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Fayetteville. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Portland to Fayetteville car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Portland to Fayetteville, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Portland to Fayetteville, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Fayetteville, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Portland. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Fayetteville will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 864 miles from Portland to Fayetteville will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Maine.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Portland and Fayetteville often affect the cost of auto transport.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
May, October and April are the best months to move in Fayetteville, while you need to reconsider your plans on July and August.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Portland to Fayetteville in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 864-mile drive between Portland and Fayetteville, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Portland to Fayetteville takes two to seven days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Portland and Fayetteville vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Portland:
- Fayetteville:
Car insurance requirements
- Portland: In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
- Fayetteville: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
Vehicle inspections
- Portland: The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
- Fayetteville: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
Driver’s license
- Portland: New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
- Fayetteville: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Portland to Fayetteville?
The cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Fayetteville, NC varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Portland to Fayetteville will range from $867 to $1,183.
How long will it take to ship my car from Portland to Fayetteville?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 864 miles from Portland to Fayetteville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Portland to Fayetteville?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Portland to Fayetteville. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Portland to Fayetteville?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Portland to Fayetteville than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 864-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
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