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. Start by removing any E-ZPass transponder from your windshield, as Delaware uses this toll system on major highways. You'll also want to take out any fragile items, personal belongings, and removable accessories that could shift or get damaged during transport.

Since Delaware winters can bring salt and road treatment residue, wash your vehicle thoroughly before pickup to remove any accumulated salt. This helps prevent corrosion during transit. Also remove any snow chains or ice scrapers you might have stored inside.

Make sure your vehicle has a working key available to give the carrier, and check that your tires are properly inflated. If your car will be shipped during the colder months, verify that your battery is in good condition and your coolant levels are adequate.

For Delaware's coastal areas, if sand or salt residue has built up on your vehicle, a quick wash before shipping helps protect your car's exterior during transport.

Finally, note any existing damage to your vehicle with photos or notes before the carrier arrives. This protects you and ensures you have a clear record of your car's condition at pickup. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details about the complete shipping process.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during shipping in Delaware. All carriers in our network carry minimum liability insurance of $1,000,000 and cargo insurance of $100,000. This means your car is protected throughout the entire transport process.

Before we assign a carrier to your shipment, we verify that their insurance is current and valid. We don't move forward until we confirm everything is in order.

Keep in mind that while carrier insurance covers damage caused by the carrier's negligence, it's worth reviewing your own auto insurance policy. Some policies include coverage for shipped vehicles, and understanding your full protection is always smart.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for the best rates and carrier availability. However, Delaware has some unique seasonal factors that affect scheduling.

Winter Weather Delays (November through March)
Delaware experiences nor'easters and ice storms that can disrupt carrier schedules. If you're shipping during winter months, book three to four weeks ahead to account for potential weather delays and to ensure carriers can work around icy roads and reduced visibility.

Summer Heat (June through September)
While Delaware doesn't face extreme heat like southern states, summer is peak moving season nationwide. Carriers fill up quickly during June, July, and August when families relocate. Plan for three weeks minimum during these months.

Hurricane Season (June through November)
As an Atlantic coast state, Delaware can experience hurricane impacts that delay shipments. If you're shipping during this window—especially late summer through fall—book earlier rather than later to avoid last-minute cancellations.

Snowbird and College Traffic
Delaware doesn't see the massive snowbird migration of Florida or Arizona, but it does experience college move-in traffic in August and move-out traffic in May (especially with nearby universities). These periods see increased carrier demand, so aim for three weeks advance notice.

The Bottom Line
Post your shipment as soon as you know your timeline. The sooner you list it, the better carriers can bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction—which saves you money. Two weeks is the bare minimum, but three weeks gives you real flexibility and better pricing 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 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

Open transport and enclosed transport are the two main ways to ship a car in Delaware. Here's what you need to know:

Open Transport is the most common and affordable option. Your car rides on an open trailer with other vehicles. It's exposed to weather and road debris, but it's reliable and cost-effective for most cars.

Enclosed Transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer. Your car stays shielded from weather, dust, and debris. This option costs more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose open transport if you're shipping a standard vehicle and want to save money. It's safe and gets your car where it needs to go.

Choose enclosed transport if you're shipping a high-value vehicle, classic car, or one with a custom paint job that you want extra protection for. The added cost is worth the peace of mind.

Both options are reliable ways to ship your car in Delaware. Pick the one that fits your vehicle and budget.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Delaware. When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to those locations whenever possible.

We're transparent about what can and can't happen. If there are transportation restrictions or safety concerns at your specified address, your carrier will work with you to find an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot. We'll discuss any adjustments before pickup so there are no surprises.

Since 2012, we've been committed to breaking up the monopoly that large brokers had on car shipping. Our highly rated reviews show that we deliver on our promise to help you get real value when shipping your vehicle. We handle door-to-door service with the same care and attention we bring to everything we do.

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!