Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania requires attention to a few key details, especially given the state's climate and infrastructure.

Remove your E-ZPass transponder. Pennsylvania uses E-ZPass for toll roads, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike. You must remove this device before shipping, as it can be damaged during transit and may incur unwanted charges.

Address winter residue and equipment. Pennsylvania experiences harsh winters with road salt and de-icing treatments. Before shipping, wash your vehicle thoroughly to remove salt buildup, which can cause rust and corrosion. Remove any snow chains, ice scrapers, or winter floor mats that could shift or cause damage during transit.

Check your tire pressure and fluid levels. Temperature fluctuations during transport can affect tire pressure and engine fluids. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and your coolant and other fluids are at recommended levels.

Remove personal items and accessories. Take out toll passes, phone chargers, air fresheners, dash cams, and any aftermarket accessories. Remove exterior items like roof racks, bike racks, or custom antennas. These can be damaged or lost during transit.

Have a spare key ready. Provide the carrier with a working key so they can move your vehicle if needed during loading and unloading.

Document your vehicle's condition. Take photos of your car before pickup. Note any existing damage, dents, or scratches so there's no confusion about pre-existing wear.

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

Yes, your vehicle is insured during shipping. All carriers we work with are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your shipment begins, we verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your transport.

This means your vehicle is protected throughout the shipping process. We take this seriously because we know how important your car is to you. That's why we've always verified insurance as part of our commitment to getting you the best value and peace of mind when shipping in Pennsylvania.

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

Winter Weather Delays (November–March)
Pennsylvania gets significant snow and ice, especially in the northern regions and mountains. Winter weather can slow carrier routes and reduce available trucks. If you're shipping during these months, add an extra week to your timeline to account for potential delays.

College Move-In and Move-Out Seasons
Pennsylvania has major universities like Penn State, University of Pennsylvania, and Carnegie Mellon. Late August through early September and late April through May see heavy vehicle shipping demand. Book earlier during these periods—three to four weeks out if possible—since carriers get booked up quickly.

Holiday Traffic (November–December and December 26–January 2)
The weeks before and after Christmas and New Year's see increased traffic and carrier demand. Schedule pickups at least three weeks ahead during these busy periods.

Summer Heat (July–August)
While Pennsylvania doesn't get extreme heat like southern states, summer is still peak travel season. Carriers fill up faster, so stick to the two-week minimum or book earlier if possible.

General Rule
Pennsylvania is a well-serviced state with good carrier availability year-round, so you won't need excessive lead time like remote areas might. But the sooner you post your shipment, the better your chances of getting competitive rates and having carriers bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction. This saves you money.

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.

When shipping a car in Pennsylvania, you'll choose between two main transport options: open and enclosed auto transport.

Open transport is the most common and affordable choice. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer, exposed to the elements and road conditions. It works well for most everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs. The main trade-off is that your vehicle may be exposed to weather, dust, and debris during transit.

Enclosed transport shields your vehicle inside a covered trailer. Your car stays protected from rain, snow, dirt, and road debris. This option costs significantly more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport—but it's worth considering if you're shipping a high-value vehicle, classic car, luxury model, or one with a custom paint job that needs extra protection.

The best choice depends on your vehicle's value and condition. If you're shipping a reliable daily driver, open transport saves you money. If you're shipping something you can't afford to risk, enclosed transport provides peace of mind. At Sakaem Logistics, we help you find the right option for your specific needs and budget.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Pennsylvania. 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 deliver your vehicle exactly where you want it.

We understand that convenience matters. That's why we work hard to make the process as simple as possible. However, we're also transparent about the reality of car shipping. In some cases, there may be transportation restrictions or safety challenges at your requested location—like narrow streets, low clearances, or difficult terrain. When this happens, our carrier will work with you to find a nearby alternative, such as a gas station or parking lot.

Since 2012, we've been committed to giving people real value in car shipping and breaking down the barriers that large brokers created. Our highly rated reviews show that we deliver on that promise. With door-to-door service in Pennsylvania, you get the convenience you're looking for—with honest communication every step of the way.

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!