Maryland 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 Maryland requires a few key steps to ensure a smooth shipping experience.

Remove E-ZPass and other toll devices: Maryland uses E-ZPass for toll roads, particularly on the Maryland Toll Expressway and other toll facilities. Remove your E-ZPass transponder before shipping to avoid toll charges during transit and potential damage to the device.

Address winter weather residue: Maryland experiences cold, snowy winters. Remove any snow chains, ice scrapers, or roof racks that could be damaged or cause damage during transport. Also clean off any salt and road treatment residue from your vehicle's undercarriage and exterior, as this can cause corrosion during shipping.

Check tire pressure and fluid levels: Maryland's temperature swings can affect tire pressure. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and your coolant levels are adequate before shipping. This helps protect your vehicle during transit.

Remove personal items and accessories: Take out all personal belongings, loose items in the trunk, and any aftermarket accessories (roof racks, spoilers, custom antennas) that could be damaged or lost during transit. Keep one key available for the carrier to access your vehicle if needed.

Verify your vehicle's condition: Maryland requires vehicles to pass inspection, so document your vehicle's current condition with photos before shipping. This protects you in case of any transit-related damage.

For more detailed guidance, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. Since 2012, we've helped Maryland residents get fair value on car shipping without the markup of large brokers.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship it with us. All carriers we work with 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 coverage protects your vehicle during transport. However, we recommend reviewing your own auto insurance policy to understand what additional coverage you may have during shipping.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for the best rates and carrier availability in Maryland. However, the ideal timing depends on the season.

Winter considerations (November through March): Maryland experiences significant winter weather, including ice storms and heavy snow that can delay shipments. If you're shipping during winter months, schedule at least three to four weeks ahead to account for potential weather delays and reduced carrier availability. Carriers often move slower during icy conditions on I-95 and other major routes.

Summer peak season (June through August): This is high-demand season in Maryland, especially with college move-ins and military relocations near bases like Fort Meade and Aberdeen Proving Ground. Schedule three to four weeks in advance during these months, as carriers fill up quickly.

Spring and fall (April-May, September-October): These are ideal shipping windows with moderate demand. Two to three weeks' notice is usually sufficient.

Holiday periods (Thanksgiving through New Year's): Expect reduced carrier availability. Plan ahead by scheduling four weeks in advance if shipping during the holidays.

The bottom line: the sooner you schedule, the better your options. Posting your shipment early allows carriers to bundle your vehicle with others heading in the same direction, which means better rates for you. Maryland sits on major shipping corridors (I-95, I-81), so demand is consistent year-round, but planning ahead always works in your favor.

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 common and affordable option. Your car travels on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road debris. It works well for most vehicles and everyday cars.

Enclosed transport shields your vehicle completely. Your car travels inside a covered trailer, protected from rain, snow, dirt, and debris. This costs more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport.

When to choose each option:

Open transport is ideal if you're shipping a standard vehicle, want to save money, and don't mind minor exposure to the elements.

Enclosed transport makes sense for high-value cars, classic vehicles, luxury cars, or vehicles with custom paint jobs. If your car is worth protecting from the road, enclosed is worth the extra cost.

Both options are safe and reliable for getting your vehicle to or from Maryland. The choice depends on your vehicle's value and your budget. We help you find the right fit for your specific situation.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Maryland. This means we'll pick up your vehicle from your preferred location and deliver it directly to your destination address.

When you book with us, we'll ask for your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier network will work to accommodate your requested locations whenever possible. If there are any transportation restrictions or safety concerns at a specific address, the carrier will contact you to arrange an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot.

Door-to-door service is the most convenient option for most customers. Since 2012, we've helped thousands of people ship their cars across Maryland and beyond, cutting through the complexity that larger brokers created. Our transparent approach means no surprises—just straightforward vehicle shipping that works for you.

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!