Delaware Car Shipping: 2026 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.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in Delaware is straightforward, but a few state-specific considerations will help protect your car during shipping.

Remove toll transponders and passes. Delaware has the E-ZPass system for toll roads. Remove any E-ZPass transponder from your windshield before shipping, as these can be damaged during transit and may cause billing issues.

Address winter road treatment residue. Delaware winters are mild compared to northern states, but the state does salt roads. Check your vehicle's undercarriage and wheel wells for salt buildup or road treatment residue and rinse them off before shipping. Salt can accelerate rust if left on your car during transport.

Remove fragile items and accessories. Take out toll passes, GPS devices, dash cams, phone mounts, and any loose items from your vehicle. Remove exterior accessories like roof racks, bike racks, or custom mirrors that could be damaged in transit.

Ensure you have a key available. Provide the carrier with a working key so they can move your vehicle into position on the transport trailer if needed.

Check tire pressure and fluid levels. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your vehicle has adequate coolant, oil, and other fluids. This helps prevent leaks during the shipping process.

Document your vehicle's condition. Take photos of your car before pickup to have a record of its condition. This protects you if any damage occurs during transit.

For more detailed shipping preparation guidance, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips article.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship it with us. All of our carriers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before we assign a carrier to your shipment, we verify that their insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your transport.

This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process. We take this seriously because we know how important your vehicle is to you. That's why we've been verifying carrier insurance since we started in 2012—it's one of the ways we help you get real value and avoid the issues that come with working through large brokers who cut corners.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for the best rates and carrier availability in Delaware.

However, Delaware's location and seasonal patterns affect timing. Here's what you need to know:

Winter Weather (November to March) — Delaware experiences ice storms and heavy snow that can delay pickups. Schedule even earlier during these months—aim for three to four weeks out. Carriers often have reduced availability when weather hits, so booking early gives you more options.

Summer Heat (June to August) — Hot weather can impact carrier schedules and vehicle condition during transport. While not as disruptive as winter, summer is busy. Book two to three weeks ahead to secure reliable service.

Snowbird Season (October to April) — Many Delaware residents travel south during colder months. This increases demand on carriers heading to Florida and Arizona. If you're shipping during this period, add an extra week to your lead time.

Hurricane Season (June to November) — Delaware's Atlantic coast means potential hurricane disruptions. If you're shipping during peak hurricane months (August to October), schedule pickups earlier to account for possible delays.

The Real Advantage of Early Booking — Carriers bundle shipments to run routes efficiently. The sooner you post your shipment, the more likely carriers can combine your car with others heading the same direction. This benefits you with better pricing and faster service.

Bottom line: Two weeks is our minimum, but three weeks gives you real flexibility and better rates, especially during Delaware's challenging winter months.

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 guide on shipping a car with personal items 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. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport

The main difference comes down to protection and cost. Open transport is the most affordable option. Your car rides on an open trailer exposed to the elements and road conditions. It's safe for most vehicles, but your car may pick up dust, dirt, or minor road debris during shipping.

Enclosed transport costs significantly more—typically 50% or higher than open options. Your vehicle travels inside a covered trailer, protected from weather, debris, and road hazards. This option is best if you're shipping a classic car, luxury vehicle, or a car with a custom paint job that needs extra protection.

Here's the honest truth: both methods get your car to Delaware safely. Open transport works fine for most daily drivers. Choose enclosed only if your vehicle's condition justifies the extra expense. At Sakaem Logistics, we help you find the right option for your needs and budget—not just the most expensive one.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Delaware. This is the most convenient option for shipping your vehicle.

When you book with us, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses in Delaware (or anywhere else). Our carriers will pick up your car at your location and deliver it directly to your destination whenever possible.

We're transparent about the process: if your specific address has transportation restrictions or safety concerns—like narrow roads or low clearances—our carrier will contact you to arrange an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot. We'll work with you to find a solution that works.

Since 2012, we've been committed to breaking up the old broker monopoly and giving you fair value for your car shipping. Our highly rated reviews speak to our reliability and service quality.

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!