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 keep your car safe during shipping.

Remove toll transponders: Maryland uses E-ZPass, a toll transponder system used on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and other toll roads. Remove your E-ZPass device before shipping to avoid accidental charges and potential damage.

Address winter weather residue: Maryland winters can be harsh. If you're shipping during or after winter, wash off any salt and road treatment residue from your vehicle's undercarriage and exterior. Salt buildup can cause rust and corrosion during transit and storage.

Check tire pressure and fluids: Maryland's temperature swings—from cold winters to humid summers—can affect your vehicle's pressure systems. Make sure your tire pressure is at the manufacturer's recommended level and that your coolant and other fluids are topped off.

Remove accessories and loose items: Take off any roof racks, bike carriers, or exterior accessories that could be damaged or lost in transit. Clear the interior of personal belongings, toll passes, and fragile items. Even small objects can shift during transport.

Provide a working key: Give the carrier at least one key to your vehicle. This allows them to move your car safely during loading and unloading.

Document your vehicle's condition: Take photos of your car from multiple angles before pickup. This protects you and creates a clear record of any pre-existing damage.

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

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. We require all carriers on our network to 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 active and valid for the entire duration of your transport.

This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process. We take transparency seriously—you'll know exactly what coverage is in place before your vehicle leaves Maryland or arrives at its destination.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for Maryland shipments. This gives carriers time to bundle your vehicle with others heading in the same direction, which helps keep costs down.

Maryland-Specific Timing Considerations:

Winter Weather (November-March): Maryland experiences ice storms and heavy snow, especially in the western mountains and during January and February. If you're shipping during winter months, book even earlier—aim for three to four weeks out. Winter weather can cause delays, and carriers may need extra time to plan routes around icy conditions.

Summer Heat (June-August): While not as disruptive as winter, hot weather can affect carrier schedules. Many carriers reduce availability during peak summer travel season when demand spikes. Book three weeks ahead during June, July, and August.

College Move Season (August-September and May-June): Maryland has major universities including University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, and Towson University. During move-in (late August) and move-out (May-June) periods, carrier availability tightens significantly. Schedule four weeks in advance if shipping during these windows.

Fall and Spring: September through May (outside of college move season) are ideal times to ship. Carriers have better availability, and weather is more predictable. Two weeks' notice is usually sufficient during these periods.

Holiday Periods: Thanksgiving week through early January sees increased traffic and reduced carrier capacity. Plan four weeks ahead if shipping during the holidays.

The bottom line: Post your shipment as soon as you know your move date. The earlier you book, the more carrier options you'll have and the better rates you'll find. Don't wait until the last minute.

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 Maryland. Here's what you need to know about each.

Open Transport is the most common and affordable option. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside other vehicles. It's exposed to weather and road debris, but it's reliable for standard vehicles. Most cars shipped this way arrive in perfect condition.

Enclosed Transport means your car travels in a fully covered trailer. It's protected from weather, dirt, and debris. This option costs more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport—but it's worth it if you're shipping a high-value vehicle, classic car, luxury model, or one with a custom paint job.

How to Choose

Pick open transport if you're shipping a standard daily driver and want to save money. Pick enclosed transport if your vehicle needs extra protection or if you simply want peace of mind.

At Sakaem Logistics, we've been helping people get real value on car shipping since 2017. We work with both open and enclosed carriers across Maryland, so you get honest pricing and the right option for your vehicle—not just whatever makes the broker the most money.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Maryland. 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 drop off your vehicle at the exact locations you specify.

Sometimes, pickup or delivery at a specific address isn't possible due to safety concerns, road restrictions, or access issues. When that happens, our carrier will work with you to find a nearby alternative—like a gas station, parking lot, or other accessible location. We'll always communicate these details with you upfront so there are no surprises.

Since 2012, we've been committed to cutting through the complexity of car shipping and giving you straightforward, honest service. Our customers' ratings reflect our dedication to getting your vehicle where it needs to go, safely and reliably.

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!