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, but a few state-specific steps will help protect your car during shipping.

Remove your E-ZPass transponder. New Jersey's toll system uses E-ZPass, and you'll want to remove this device before the carrier picks up your vehicle. Leaving it in place could result in unexpected toll charges during transport.

Clear out personal items and accessories. Remove or secure any interior items, phone chargers, sunglasses, or loose objects. Take off roof racks, bike carriers, antennas, or any exterior accessories that could get damaged or cause issues during transit.

Check for winter residue. If shipping during or after winter months, wash away salt and road treatment residue from your vehicle's undercarriage and exterior. New Jersey's roads are heavily treated with salt, which can accelerate rust and corrosion if left on your car during the shipping process.

Have a key ready. Make sure you have a working key available for the carrier. They'll need it to move your vehicle on and off the transport truck.

Verify your vehicle's condition. Take photos of your car from multiple angles before pickup. Document any existing damage so there's no confusion about the condition when your vehicle arrives.

Check your fuel level. Keep your fuel tank at a quarter tank or less. This reduces weight and is a safety requirement for most carriers.

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

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 each carrier's insurance policy is current and valid before your shipment begins.

This means your car is protected during transit. If any damage occurs during shipping, the carrier's cargo insurance covers it. We make sure every carrier meets these insurance requirements—no exceptions.

Since 2012, we've worked to break the monopoly that large brokers held over the car shipping industry. Today, our highly rated reviews reflect our commitment to transparency and protecting your vehicle every step of the way.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for the best rates and availability in New Jersey. Here's why timing matters for your state:

Winter Weather (November–March): New Jersey experiences snow, ice, and sleet that can delay shipments. If you're shipping during these months, add an extra week to your timeline. Carriers often move slower on icy roads, and some routes may face temporary closures.

Summer Heat (June–August): Peak moving season hits New Jersey hard as families relocate and college students move. Carrier availability tightens significantly. Book at least three weeks ahead during summer to secure a spot.

Snowbird Season (October–April): Many New Jersey residents head south to Florida and Arizona for winter. This creates high demand on southbound routes, especially in fall. If you're shipping south, schedule a month out if possible.

College Move Seasons (August–September and May–June): With major universities like Rutgers, Princeton, and NJIT in the state, carrier schedules fill up fast during move-in and move-out weeks. Book early if you're shipping during these windows.

Holiday Traffic (November–December): Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks see congested highways and reduced carrier availability. Plan ahead if you need to ship during the holidays.

The Bottom Line: The sooner you post your shipment, the better your chances of finding carriers willing to bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction—which saves you money. Two weeks is the minimum, but three weeks gives you real flexibility.

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.

The main difference between open and enclosed auto transport comes down to protection and cost.

Open Transport is the most affordable option. Your vehicle rides on an open trailer exposed to the elements—sun, rain, wind, and road debris. It's safe for most everyday cars, but your vehicle may pick up dust or minor dings during transit.

Enclosed Transport costs significantly more (typically 50% or higher) because your car is fully protected inside a covered trailer. This shields your vehicle from weather, debris, and prying eyes. It's the smart choice if you're shipping a classic car, luxury vehicle, custom paint job, or anything you want to arrive in showroom condition.

Think of it this way: open transport gets your car from point A to point B safely and affordably. Enclosed transport adds peace of mind and maximum protection. Choose based on your vehicle's value and your comfort level with exposure during the journey.

Since 2012, we've helped countless New Jersey customers find the right transport option for their needs—whether that's budget-friendly open transport or premium enclosed protection.

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

Here's how it works: When you book with us, tell us where you'd like your car picked up and dropped off. Our carriers will do their best to accommodate your exact addresses. If there are any transportation restrictions or safety concerns with a specific location, the carrier will contact you to arrange an alternative nearby spot, such as a gas station or parking lot.

Door-to-door service is the most convenient option because it saves you time and hassle. Since 2012, we've helped thousands of people ship their vehicles across New Jersey and beyond by keeping the process simple and transparent.

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!