Indiana 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 Indiana is straightforward. Start by removing any toll transponders like an I-PASS device, which is commonly used on Indiana toll roads. These can be damaged during transport and may interfere with the carrier's equipment.

Next, remove all interior and exterior accessories that could shift or break during transit. This includes phone mounts, roof racks, bike racks, and custom trim pieces. Take off any fragile items from inside the vehicle—your GPS, air fresheners, loose change, and personal belongings should all come out.

Since Indiana experiences cold winters, check your vehicle for snow chains, ice scrapers, or roof-mounted cargo carriers. Remove these items before shipping. Also, if your car has accumulated salt residue from winter road treatments, consider giving it a quick wash. Road salt can cause corrosion if left sitting during transit.

Make sure your battery is in good condition and that you have at least a quarter tank of gas. Your carrier will need to be able to start and move your vehicle. Provide the driver with a working key—having a spare available makes the process smoother.

Finally, document your vehicle's condition before pickup. Take photos of the exterior and note any existing dents, scratches, or damage. This protects you and creates a clear record for the carrier.

For more details about the full shipping process, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship it through Sakaem Logistics. Every carrier we work with must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and active before your shipment begins.

This means your car is protected throughout the transport process. We take insurance seriously because we know how important your vehicle is to you. Since 2012, we've worked hard to make sure our customers get the coverage they deserve—without the hassle that comes with working through big brokers.

If you have questions about your specific shipment's coverage, we're here to help clarify what's included.

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

Indiana has unique seasonal patterns that affect carrier schedules. Winter weather is the biggest factor—heavy snow and ice storms from December through February can cause delays and reduce available carriers. If you're shipping during winter months, book even earlier (three to four weeks out) to account for potential weather-related disruptions.

Summer is peak season in Indiana, especially June through August, when college students move and families relocate. Carriers fill up quickly during these months, so book as early as possible—ideally four weeks ahead if you're shipping in summer.

Spring and fall are more flexible periods with better carrier availability. You can sometimes get away with two weeks' notice during these shoulder seasons, though earlier is still better.

The sooner you post your shipment, the better your chances of carriers bundling your vehicle with others heading in the same direction. This helps you get competitive pricing and faster transit times. Don't wait until the last minute—that's when rates spike and options disappear.

If you have flexibility with your dates, avoid booking during major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) when carrier availability drops significantly across the state.

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 and enclosed auto transport are the two main ways to ship a car in Indiana. Here's what you need to know about each.

Open Transport is the most common and affordable option. Your car travels on an open trailer alongside other vehicles. It's exposed to weather, road debris, and dust. Open transport works well for most everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs. The lower cost makes it a practical choice when you're shipping a standard vehicle.

Enclosed Transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer. Your car is shielded from weather, debris, and road hazards. Enclosed transport costs more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport. It's the right choice if you're shipping a classic car, luxury vehicle, or a car with a custom paint job that needs extra protection.

How to Choose

Ask yourself these questions: Is your vehicle high-value or irreplaceable? Does it have a fresh paint job or custom modifications? Are you shipping during harsh weather? If you answered yes to any of these, enclosed transport is worth the investment. If you're shipping a reliable daily driver and want to save money, open transport gets the job done safely.

Since 2012, we've helped thousands of people find the right shipping option for their needs. We're transparent about costs and honest about what each option offers. Your car's condition and your budget should guide your decision.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Indiana. When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will do their best to pick up and deliver your vehicle exactly where you want it.

Sometimes, due to safety concerns or access restrictions (like narrow driveways or low bridges), a carrier may need to suggest an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot. If this happens, we'll work with you to find a solution that works for everyone.

Door-to-door service is the most convenient option for most people, and it's what we strive to provide. Since 2012, we've helped thousands of people ship their cars with transparency and fair pricing—no monopoly pricing, just honest service.

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!