Delaware Auto Transport: Daily Car Shipping Routes in Wilmington, Dover & Newark

• Pickup and delivery at your address in all 3 Delaware counties, or a nearby meetpoint where the truck cannot fit
• Open and enclosed transport on every major route
• Licensed broker MC-796224, USDOT 2336907, matched to FMCSA-compliant carriers
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees at pickup

Delaware Auto Transport Routes, Transit Times, and Pricing

Depending on the car's location, most pickup windows are 24 to 72 hours from when the vehicle is ready to be picked up. This window could take up to 5 days in remote areas. Delaware car shipping turnaround time for a destination under 1,000 miles is 2 to 3 days. From 1,000 to 1,750 miles, the transit time is estimated to be 4 to 6 days. From 1,750 to 2,500 miles, the transit time is estimated at 7 to 10 days.

Major Delaware Cities and Towns Served

Every city and town below is covered on the same terms, and so is every town between them.

• Wilmington
• Dover
• Newark
• Middletown
• Milford
• Smyrna
• Seaford
• Georgetown
• Millsboro
• Elsmere
• New Castle
• Laurel
• Clayton
• Camden
• Harrington
• Milton
• Lewes
• Selbyville
• Ocean View
• Bridgeville

Shipping a Car to Delaware

The most popular lanes into Delaware, with the transit windows this page has always published.

No page on our site publishes a price for these five lanes into Delaware yet, so each one reads Get a quote. Your quote comes back with a real, locked number.

Shipping a Car from Delaware

The most popular lanes out of Delaware. Transit windows are this page's own.

No page on our site publishes a price for these five lanes out of Delaware yet, so each one reads Get a quote. Your quote comes back with a real, locked number.

Per-Mile Pricing Guide for Delaware Routes

The same per-mile guide appears on our Texas, New York, California, and Florida pages. A simple way to sanity check any Delaware quote.

• Short distance (under 500 miles)

  $1.00 to $1.75 per mile

• Medium distance (500 to 1,000 miles)

  $0.75 to $1.00 per mile

• Long distance (1,000+ miles)

  $0.50 to $0.75 per mile

• Distance: The length of your journey is a critical factor affecting costs, playing a significant role in determining your quote.
• Locations: Specific cities matter, with considerations such as local traffic conditions, proximity to major highways, and ease of pickup/drop-off contributing to pricing variations.
• Trailer Type: Opt for open-air transport for a more budget-friendly option or consider enclosed trailers for added protection, albeit at a higher cost.
• Vehicle Details: The dimensions and weight of your car are significant factors influencing the auto transport rate.
• Seasonality: Prices fluctuate throughout the year, influenced by the demand for car shipping. More active seasons might lead to slightly higher costs, depending on the chosen route.

For the most accurate Delaware auto transport rate, provide the following details:

• Your car's specifications and type
• Origin and destination cities
• If possible, flexibility with shipping dates
• Preferred trailer type (open or enclosed)

By supplying this information, you'll receive a personalized car shipping rate tailored to meet your specific needs when transporting your vehicle to or from Delaware.

Delaware Military Installations We Serve

• Dover Air Force Base

  Dover, DE. Home of the 436th Airlift Wing, the Eagle Wing, which owns, maintains, and operates the base's C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

• 512th Airlift Wing

  Dover Air Force Base, DE. The Air Force Reserve's Liberty Wing, which helps maintain and operate the C-5M and C-17 aircraft assigned to the 436th.

• New Castle Air National Guard Base

  New Castle, DE. Home of the Delaware Air National Guard's 166th Airlift Wing and its C-130H Hercules aircraft.

• Army Aviation Support Facility

  New Castle, DE. The Delaware Army National Guard's aviation facility, where Guard crews fly the UH-60 Black Hawk.

• Bethany Beach Training Site

  Bethany Beach, DE. Training site on the Delaware coast. Ground broke on September 16, 2026 for new barracks serving the 193rd Regional Training Institute.

Timing Your Shipment Around PCS Orders

PCS season runs May to August. Carrier supply tightens, prices rise, and pickup dates fill weeks ahead. Book 3 to 4 weeks out once orders are in hand. We can hold a quote for 7 days while you finalize report dates.

Know where the posts sit. Dover Air Force Base is in Dover, home of the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings. The 166th Airlift Wing flies from New Castle Air National Guard Base, and the Army Guard's aviation facility is in New Castle too. The Bethany Beach Training Site is on the coast in Bethany Beach. Service members and their families whose cars are registered in their home state do not have to register them in Delaware. The DMV says they need no Delaware license or registration until 60 days after they leave the service.

Military Discount and Who Qualifies

Military rate available for: active duty, reserve, National Guard, retired service members, and veterans. Mention your status on the call or in the quote form. Government bills of lading and DPS reimbursement requests are supported.

What Moves on Lowboy and Step Deck Trailers

• Dozers and road building equipment
• Graders and paving equipment
• Excavators and wheel loaders
• Tractors and farm implements
• Cranes, lifts, and aerial booms
• Skid steers and compact track loaders

Why Lowboy and RGN Transport Works for Delaware

• Height Compliance

  Lowboy decks sit 18 to 24 inches off the ground. Tall machinery clears bridges and overpasses on I-95, I-495, US-13, and SR 1.

• Stability and Capacity

  Step deck and lowboy trailers carry the weight of full-size dozers, graders, and excavators without straining the suspension.

• Permit and Escort Expertise

  Carriers in our network handle DelDOT oversize and overweight hauling permits, and they plan around DelDOT's holiday limits, when permitted moves stop from noon the day before a major holiday until 9 a.m. after it.

Equipment that does not fit on a step deck moves on a Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailer. The front detaches so tracked machinery rolls on without ramps. Best for excavators, dozers, and equipment without functional drive systems.

Should You Drive or Ship Your Car to or from Delaware?

No route guide covers a Delaware lane yet, so we do not publish a driving cost for one. Here is how the two options compare on everything except the price.

Driving vs. Shipping, Side by Side

The transit windows are the ones this page has always published. Your quote supplies the shipping price, so the table leaves dollar figures out.

Moving to Delaware: What to Do After Your Car Arrives

Most people shipping into Delaware are relocating or reporting to Dover Air Force Base or a Guard unit in New Castle. Delaware gives you 60 days, and every car with an out-of-state title goes through a DMV inspection lane before it gets a Delaware title. Here is what actually applies.

The Document Fee on a Car You Already Own

Delaware charges a one-time document fee when a car from another state is titled here. It is 5.25 percent of the car's value, and the minimum is $8. For a car bought and registered in another state, state law figures the fee on its fair market value on the day you title it in Delaware.

There is one way around the fee. If you paid sales tax, a transfer tax, or a similar tax on the purchase to another state within 90 days before you title the car here, the fee does not apply. Bring proof of the tax you paid, along with the other state's title and registration.

Inspection and Emissions at a DMV Lane

Every car with an out-of-state title goes through inspection at a DMV inspection lane before it gets a Delaware title. The DMV inspects at all four of its offices, and there is no fee. Your car's model year and weight decide whether it needs the full inspection or just a VIN check, but every car gets a safety inspection. Bring your title or registration to the lane. See the DMV's inspection information page before you go.

The full inspection includes an emissions test in all three counties. Gas cars from 1968 to 1995 get an idle test at the tailpipe. Gas cars from 1996 on and diesels from 1997 on, under 8,500 pounds, get an OBD II scan. To renew your registration later, you show a passing inspection, and you can have it done up to 90 days early.

Insurance and License

Delaware requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage. Those limits took effect in December 2017. You also need personal injury protection of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. Insurance from another state is not accepted to title and register a car here, so set up a Delaware policy first.

You have 60 days after becoming a resident to apply for a Delaware driver's license. Bring your old license, proof of legal presence, proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of Delaware residency. A Class D license costs $50 and lasts 8 years. The written and road tests are normally waived if your old license is valid.

Take your out-of-state title, your Delaware insurance card, and your inspection report to a DMV office. The title fee is $35, or $55 with a lien, and registration is $40 a year for a passenger car. Since October 1, 2025, cars rated at 6,000 pounds or less add a yearly fee of $110 if electric, $85 if a plug-in hybrid, and $60 if a hybrid that does not plug in. Check current fees with the Delaware DMV before you go.

Delaware Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our Delaware car shipping service. For everything else, see our auto transport FAQ.

• What is the cost of shipping a car to Delaware?

  The cost of shipping a car to Delaware depends on several factors, including distance, location, trailer type, vehicle details, and seasonality. Prices fluctuate throughout the year, and busy seasons may lead to slightly higher costs. In order to get the most accurate quote, you should provide the following information: your car's type and specifications, origin and destination cities, flexible shipping dates (if possible), and preferred trailer type (open or enclosed).

• How long does it take to ship a car to or from Delaware?

  Most pickup windows are 24 to 72 hours from when the vehicle is ready to be picked up. In remote areas, it could take up to 5 days. Here are some estimated transit times based on distance: under 1,000 miles, 2 to 3 days. 1,000 to 1,750 miles, 4 to 6 days. 1,750 to 2,500 miles, 7 to 10 days.

• What types of vehicles can I transport to or from Delaware?

  Number 1 Auto Transport handles all your vehicle relocation needs, from everyday cars and trucks like coupes, sedans, SUVs, and pickups to minivans and passenger vans. We've got you covered for specialty vehicles too, including electric cars, motorcycles, and all-terrain rides like ATVs and UTVs. Need your golf cart or a John Deere Tractor shipped? If it has wheels, we can ship it!

• Can I transport a car to or from Delaware if it's not running?

  Yes, carriers in our network are equipped with a winch to help pull the vehicle onto the trailer. Please let your dedicated shipping agent know if the car breaks, rolls, and steers.

• Can I pack my car when transporting it to or from Delaware?

  While some personal belongings can be transported inside your vehicle for your convenience, there are restrictions. The total weight must be under 100 pounds, and for security reasons, they should be stored in the trunk or back seat, remaining below the window line. It's important to note that any personal belongings shipped within the car are not covered by the standard transport insurance in case of damage or loss.

• Does my vehicle need to have plates when shipping it to or from Delaware?

  No, but sometimes a carrier will have to meet in a parking lot due to the size of his truck and the destination street layout. If so, you will most likely have to drive the car a few blocks.

• How should I prep my car before shipping it?

  It's recommended to wash your car so the transport carrier can do a proper inspection at pickup. Remove any toll tags so you don't incur fees while in transit. It's also best to remove any loose parts to prevent any damage during transport.

• What is the cheapest way to transport a car to or from Delaware?

  The cheapest way to ship a car to or from Delaware is on an open car trailer.

• Should I drive or ship my car to Delaware?

  If the trip is a short distance, you should consider driving it to save money. Shipping is ideal for long distances, valuable cars, or if you don't want the hassle of driving yourself.

• Is my vehicle insured when using a Delaware car shipping service?

  Yes, all the carriers in our network are vetted and screened with the DOT and FMCSA to make sure they have up to date and adequate cargo coverage to fully protect your car during transport.

• How do I get a quote for shipping my car to Delaware?

  Most car shipping carriers request a 3-day (weekday) window for pickup. Once you have your desired pickup window, provide us with the year, make, model, and we will be able to provide you with a Delaware car shipping rate.

• How do I pay for my Delaware auto transport service?

  Number 1 Auto Transport offers a variety of convenient payment methods to ensure a smooth transaction for our customers. We accept all major credit cards for your convenience. Additionally, we facilitate secure electronic transfers through established platforms (Zelle, Venmo, Cashapp, Paypal) as well as ACH and wire transfers. For alternative payment preferences, certified and bank checks are also accepted.

• What documents do I need to provide to ship my car?

  You do not need to provide any documents to ship your car. However, it is recommended to sign a Bill of Lading before the carrier leaves.

• What happens upon pick-up and delivery of my car?

  The transport carrier will conduct a thorough inspection with you at the predetermined pickup location, noting any existing dents or scratches. The same inspection will be done upon delivery.

• How far in advance do I need to schedule my Delaware car shipping service?

  To ensure we can fulfill your preferred delivery timeframe, scheduling your car shipment with ample lead time is highly recommended. Ideally, booking your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance allows for optimal planning and execution.

• Do I have to register my car in Delaware after it arrives?

  Yes, if you are moving here. Delaware law gives you 60 days after you become a resident to title and register your car at a DMV office. Every car with an out-of-state title goes through a free inspection at a DMV lane first, and the full inspection includes an emissions test. A car coming in from another state owes a 5.25 percent document fee unless you paid sales tax or a similar tax on it to another state within the last 90 days, and you need a Delaware insurance policy. You also have 60 days to apply for a Delaware driver's license.