Maine 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 Maine requires a few key steps to ensure safe delivery. Start by removing any E-ZPass toll transponders from your windshield, as these won't function during transport and could be damaged. Next, clear out all personal items, toll passes, and fragile belongings from inside your car.

Since Maine experiences harsh winters, make sure to remove snow chains, ice scrapers, and roof racks before shipping. Also check your vehicle for any salt and road treatment residue on the undercarriage—rinse these off if possible, as salt buildup can cause corrosion during transit.

For the carrier's convenience, ensure you have a working key available to provide them when they arrive. Remove any external accessories like bike racks, antennas, or spoilers that could shift or get damaged during transport. Check your tire pressure and coolant levels before shipping, especially if you're shipping during winter months when cold temperatures can affect vehicle systems.

If your vehicle has a Maine inspection sticker, don't worry—you can renew that after delivery. Just make sure your vehicle is in safe operating condition for the carrier to move it on and off the transport trailer.

For more detailed preparation tips, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide.

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

This means your car is protected during transport. If any damage occurs, the carrier's insurance covers it. We make sure the coverage is in place so you can ship with confidence.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for Maine shipments. This gives carriers time to find compatible loads and bundle shipments efficiently, which helps keep your costs down.

Winter weather is the biggest factor in Maine. From November through March, snow and ice storms can cause delays and force carriers to adjust routes. If you're shipping during these months, aim for three to four weeks advance notice to account for potential weather disruptions. December and January are particularly unpredictable.

Summer and early fall are your best windows. May through October typically see faster pickup times and more carrier availability. You can often schedule with two weeks' notice during these months. However, July and August can get busy with vacation traffic and summer construction on highways, so three weeks is still ideal.

College season matters in Maine. If you're shipping to or from the University of Maine or other colleges, avoid late August and early September when student move-in creates carrier bottlenecks. Similarly, late May and early June can be tight as students move out.

The bottom line: Post your shipment as soon as you know your timeline. Maine is a less densely populated state, so carriers don't run these routes as frequently as they do through major hubs. The earlier you list your vehicle, the better your chances of finding a carrier quickly and avoiding rush fees.

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 standard option where your car travels on an open trailer exposed to the elements. Enclosed transport shields your vehicle inside a covered trailer.

Cost: Open transport is the most affordable choice. Enclosed transport typically costs 50% to 100% more because it requires specialized equipment and handles fewer vehicles per trip.

Protection: Open transport works well for most vehicles. Your car may be exposed to weather, dust, and road debris during shipping. Enclosed transport protects against these elements, making it ideal if you're shipping a classic car, luxury vehicle, or one with a custom paint job that needs extra care.

Best for Maine shipping: Most people shipping to and from Maine choose open transport for everyday vehicles. It's reliable, cost-effective, and gets the job done. Choose enclosed transport if your vehicle is high-value or you want maximum protection from Maine's weather and road conditions.

Both options are safe and widely available. The choice depends on your budget and how much protection your specific vehicle needs.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Maine. 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 understand that sometimes pickup or delivery locations may have restrictions—like narrow roads, low clearances, or limited access. If that happens, our carrier will work with you to find a nearby alternative, such as a local gas station or parking lot.

Since 2012, we've been committed to making car shipping simple and transparent. We cut out the middlemen and connect you directly with reliable carriers, so you get fair prices and honest service—not corporate runaround.

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!