Pennsylvania Car Shipping: 2026 Costs & Routes

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Preparing your vehicle for transit in Pennsylvania requires a few important steps to protect your car during shipping.

Remove toll transponders. Pennsylvania uses the E-ZPass system on its toll roads and bridges. Remove your E-ZPass transponder before shipping, as it can be damaged during transit and may be charged tolls if left on your vehicle.

Clear winter road treatment residue. Pennsylvania winters are harsh, and roads are treated with salt and brine. Before shipping, wash your vehicle thoroughly to remove salt buildup and road treatment residue. This prevents corrosion damage during transport and protects your car's undercarriage.

Remove accessories and personal items. Take off any exterior accessories like roof racks, bike racks, or custom trim pieces. Inside your vehicle, remove toll passes, GPS units, phone chargers, and any fragile items. The carrier is not responsible for damage to personal belongings or loose items.

Ensure you have a working key. Provide the carrier with a key so they can move your vehicle on and off the transport truck if needed. A spare key is helpful in case of emergencies.

Check your fuel level and tire pressure. Keep your fuel tank no more than one-quarter full to reduce weight. Check your tire pressure and make sure all tires are properly inflated before transit.

Document your vehicle's condition. Take photos and note any existing damage before pickup. This protects you if any issues arise during transport.

For more detailed guidance, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when shipping in Pennsylvania. All carriers in our network 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 policy is valid and active for the entire duration of your transport.

This coverage protects you in the unlikely event of damage during transit. We take insurance seriously because we know how important your vehicle is to you. That's why we've made carrier verification a core part of how we operate since 2017.

If you have questions about coverage details or what's included in your specific shipment, we're here to help you understand the process.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for Pennsylvania shipments. The sooner you book, the better your chances of getting a carrier that fits your timeline and location.

Pennsylvania-specific timing considerations:

Winter delays (November through March): Pennsylvania experiences heavy snow and ice storms, especially in the western and northern regions. Winter weather can cause carriers to delay pickups or reroute shipments. If you're shipping during these months, add extra time to your schedule and book earlier than you normally would.

Summer heat (June through August): Hot summer months can strain carrier schedules as demand increases. College students moving to and from universities like Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, and Temple University create seasonal surges. If you're shipping during summer, especially around late May through early August, book at least three weeks out.

Holiday season (November through December): Carrier availability tightens during the holidays. If you need a pickup before Thanksgiving or Christmas, schedule at least three to four weeks in advance.

Spring and fall: These are typically your best windows for scheduling. Two weeks' notice is usually sufficient, though earlier is still better.

Why book early? Carriers often bundle multiple shipments from the same region to keep costs down. When you book early, you give carriers more flexibility to combine your car with others heading the same direction, which can mean better rates and more reliable service.

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 You Need to Know

The main difference comes down to protection and price.

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 in good condition. You'll save 40-50% compared to enclosed transport.

Enclosed Transport covers your vehicle completely during shipment. Your car stays protected from rain, snow, dirt, and flying debris. This costs more—typically 50% higher than open transport—but it's the right choice if you're shipping a high-value vehicle, classic car, luxury model, or one with a custom paint job that you want to protect.

Think about your vehicle's value and condition. If it's a daily driver in normal condition, open transport makes sense. If it's something you can't afford to risk, enclosed transport is worth the extra cost.

Both options get your car to Pennsylvania safely. The choice depends on your budget and how much protection your specific vehicle needs.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Pennsylvania. This means we pick up your vehicle from your preferred location and deliver it to your desired destination—making the process as convenient as possible for you.

When you book with us, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier network will work to accommodate your preferred locations. However, we're transparent about one thing: if your pickup or delivery address has restrictions (like narrow roads, low clearances, or safety concerns), the carrier may suggest an alternative nearby location, such as a local gas station or parking lot. We'll always communicate with you about this before it becomes an issue.

Since 2012, we've been committed to breaking the monopoly of large brokers and giving people real value in car shipping. Our highly-rated reviews show that our transparent, straightforward approach works.

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!