New Jersey 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 New Jersey is straightforward. Start by removing your E-ZPass transponder from your windshield—this is critical since toll systems are common on New Jersey highways, and you don't want unexpected charges or damage during shipping.

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

Since New Jersey experiences cold winters with road salt and treatment chemicals, clean off any salt residue or road treatment buildup from your vehicle's undercarriage and exterior. This prevents corrosion during transport. If you have snow chains or ice scrapers mounted on or in your vehicle, remove them.

Make sure your vehicle is in working condition and that you have a spare key available to give to the carrier. Check that your tires are properly inflated and your fuel tank is at a quarter tank or less—this reduces weight and is safer for transport.

Finally, document your vehicle's condition with photos before pickup. Note any existing damage so there's no confusion when your car arrives at its destination.

For more detailed guidance on the entire shipping process, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. Every carrier we work with is required to have a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before we move your car, we verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your shipment.

This means your vehicle is protected throughout the shipping process. We take this seriously because we know your car matters to you. That's why we've been checking insurance requirements since we started in 2012—to make sure you get real protection, not just promises.

We recommend scheduling your New Jersey car shipment at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to find matches and bundle your vehicle with others heading in the same direction, which keeps costs down for you.

Winter weather is the biggest factor in New Jersey. From December through March, snow and ice storms can delay pickups significantly. If you're shipping during winter, plan for 4+ weeks of lead time to account for weather-related delays and the higher demand for carriers during this season. Carriers often have tighter schedules when roads are slippery.

Spring and fall are ideal times to ship. March through May and September through November typically have the most carrier availability and fastest pickup times. You can often get pickup scheduled within 1-2 weeks during these seasons.

Summer (June-August) brings moderate demand. While not as constrained as winter, summer can get busy with people relocating for work or vacation travel. Plan for 2-3 weeks during these months.

The holidays matter too. Thanksgiving week through early January sees reduced carrier availability across the Northeast. If you need a pickup during this window, schedule 4+ weeks out.

The bottom line: Book as soon as you know your shipping date. The earlier you post your shipment, the more carrier options you'll have and the better rates you'll find. In New Jersey especially, winter weather can sneak up on you, so 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 vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: What's the Difference?

The main difference comes down to protection and cost. Open transport uses an open trailer where your car sits exposed to the elements. Enclosed transport uses a covered trailer that shields your vehicle from weather, debris, and road hazards.

Cost: Open transport is the more affordable option. Enclosed transport typically costs 50% to 100% more because it offers extra protection and requires specialized equipment.

Best for Open Transport: Daily drivers, newer standard vehicles, and budget-conscious shippers. Your car will get from point A to point B safely, but it may pick up some dust or minor wear from the road.

Best for Enclosed Transport: High-value vehicles, classic cars, luxury models, or vehicles with custom paint jobs. If your car is irreplaceable or you want maximum protection, enclosed is worth the extra investment.

At Sakaem Logistics, we've been helping New Jersey residents find the right shipping option since 2017. We're transparent about pricing and honest about what each method offers, so you can choose what works best for your vehicle and budget.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout New Jersey. 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 not every address works for vehicle delivery. If your location has transportation restrictions or safety concerns, our carriers will work with you to find a nearby alternative, such as a gas station or parking lot. We'll make sure the solution works for you before pickup.

Since 2012, we've been committed to making car shipping transparent and affordable. Our door-to-door service takes the hassle out of getting your vehicle where it needs to go in New Jersey.

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!