Pennsylvania Auto Transport: Daily Car Shipping Routes in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh & Allentown

• Pickup and delivery at your address across all 67 Pennsylvania 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

Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Cities Served

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

• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh
• Allentown
• Reading
• Erie
• Bethlehem
• Scranton
• Lancaster
• Harrisburg
• York
• Wilkes-Barre
• Altoona
• State College
• Penn Hills
• Norristown
• Chester
• Mount Lebanon
• Bethel Park
• Easton
• Hazleton

Shipping a Car to Pennsylvania

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

The Texas figures come from our Texas auto transport page, the Florida figures from our Florida auto transport page, whose table prices this lane in either direction, and the California figures from our California auto transport page. Lanes with no published figure read Get a quote.

Shipping a Car from Pennsylvania

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

No page on our site prices these five lanes in this direction, so each one reads Get a quote. Your quote comes back with a real, locked number.

Popular City-to-City Pennsylvania Routes

The one Pennsylvania city pair our site prices today. Standard sedans on open or enclosed carriers. Every other pair is quoted on request.

This row comes from our New York auto transport page. No route guide covers a Pennsylvania lane yet.

Average Pennsylvania Car Shipping Cost by Distance

When you arrange for a professional auto transport service, the total cost depends on a variety of factors, from the type of vehicle you're shipping to the distance it needs to travel. In the meantime, the charts below give you a clearer idea of how prices shift with vehicle specifications, travel ranges, and carrier options.

Average Pennsylvania Car Shipping Cost by Vehicle Type

Per-Mile Pricing Guide for Pennsylvania Routes

The same per-mile guide appears on our Texas, New York, California, and Florida pages. A simple way to sanity check any Pennsylvania 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 crucial factor influencing costs, serving as a significant determinant for your quote.
• Locations: Specific cities play a role, 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 choice, or consider enclosed trailers for added protection, albeit at a higher cost.
• Vehicle Details: The dimensions and weight of your car are substantial 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.

To obtain the most accurate Pennsylvania auto transport rate, provide the following details:

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

By furnishing this information, you'll receive a personalized car shipping rate tailored to meet the specific challenges of transporting a vehicle to or from Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Military Installations We Serve

• Carlisle Barracks

  Carlisle, PA. Home of the U.S. Army War College, one of the nation's oldest military installations.

• Fort Indiantown Gap

  Lebanon and Dauphin counties, PA. Pennsylvania National Guard headquarters and the busiest Guard training center in fiscal 2025.

• Letterkenny Army Depot

  Chambersburg, PA. Repairs and modernizes air and missile defense systems on more than 18,000 acres.

• Tobyhanna Army Depot

  Tobyhanna, PA. The Army's C4ISR and electronics depot, deep in the Pocono Mountains.

• Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg

  Mechanicsburg, PA. More than 20 tenant commands on an 806-acre complex off the Carlisle Pike.

• Naval Support Activity Philadelphia

  Philadelphia, PA. Home of NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Philadelphia, which focuses on aviation supply.

• Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station

  Pittsburgh International Airport, PA. The 911th Airlift Wing flies the C-17 Globemaster III.

• Horsham Air Guard Station

  Horsham, PA. Biddle Air National Guard Base, home of the 111th Attack Wing and its MQ-9 crews.

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.

Most of the state's military work sits in the Susquehanna Valley near Harrisburg. Carlisle Barracks, Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, and DLA Distribution Susquehanna in New Cumberland are all there, and the New Cumberland site runs the largest distribution processing facility in the Defense Department. Fort Indiantown Gap covers northern Lebanon and Dauphin counties. Letterkenny is in Chambersburg, Tobyhanna is in the Poconos, and the Philadelphia, Horsham, and Pittsburgh bases sit in those metros.

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

• Excavators and cranes
• Dozers, loaders, and backhoes
• Skid steers and compact track loaders
• Lifts and aerial booms
• Combines, tractors, and farm implements
• Industrial generators and pumps

Why Lowboy and RGN Transport Works for Pennsylvania

• Height Compliance

  Lowboy decks sit 18 to 24 inches off the ground. Tall machinery clears bridges and overpasses on the Turnpike and I-80.

• Stability and Capacity

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

• Permit and Escort Expertise

  Carriers in our network handle PennDOT oversize and overweight permits, route surveys, escort vehicles, and restricted travel windows.

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 Pennsylvania?

No route guide covers a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania: What to Do After Your Car Arrives

Most people shipping into Pennsylvania are relocating. Pennsylvania gives you 20 days to title and register, and the inspection clock starts as soon as the plate is issued. Here is what actually applies.

No Sales Tax on a Car You Have Owned Six Months

Pennsylvania charges 6 percent sales tax on vehicles, 7 percent in Allegheny County and 8 percent in Philadelphia. You will not owe it if you have a valid out-of-state title and owned the vehicle for six months before moving here. Under six months, you show proof of sales tax paid or pay Pennsylvania tax. The state credits tax paid to another state that gives Pennsylvania the same credit, up to the Pennsylvania rate.

The title fee is $72, and a passenger car registration is $48 for one year or $96 for two. Each lien adds $36. Electric vehicles pay a $250 road user charge a year and plug-in hybrids pay $63, and some counties add a $5 fee for local use. A car titled in another state also needs a tracing of its VIN plate, or a VIN check by a certified inspection mechanic or a notary at a dealer.

Safety Inspection in 10 Days, Emissions in 25 Counties

Pennsylvania still inspects cars every year. A newly registered vehicle must pass a safety inspection within ten days, and most passenger cars then get a sticker valid for one year from the month of inspection. Each station sets its own fees and posts them.

Emissions testing applies in 25 counties: Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, and Westmoreland around Pittsburgh; Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia around Philadelphia; Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Northampton, and York in the south central region; and Blair, Cambria, Centre, Erie, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, and Mercer in the north. There, the test is due once a year, with the safety inspection or before it. The other 42 counties skip the emissions test, but most cars and light trucks get a visual anti-tampering check during the safety inspection.

Insurance and License

Pennsylvania requires three coverages: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, $5,000 in property damage liability, and $5,000 in medical benefits, which pay regardless of fault. You also pick limited or full tort. If you do not choose limited tort, you are treated as having chosen full tort. Proof of Pennsylvania insurance goes with the title application.

New residents have 60 days to get a Pennsylvania driver's license. You surrender your old license, take a vision screening, and fill out Form DL-180R. The knowledge test is not required when your out-of-state license is valid or expired six months or less.

Take the out-of-state title, Pennsylvania photo ID, proof of Pennsylvania insurance, the VIN tracing, and Form MV-1 to an authorized agent. Most notaries, dealers, and messenger services can handle it. Then book the safety inspection inside ten days. Details are on the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services new resident page.

Pennsylvania Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions

The questions we get most on Pennsylvania moves. For everything else, see our auto transport FAQ.

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

  The cost of shipping a car to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

  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 Pennsylvania?

  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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

  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 Pennsylvania?

  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 Pennsylvania?

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

• Should I drive or ship my car to Pennsylvania?

  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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

  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 Pennsylvania car shipping rate.

• How do I pay for my Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania after it arrives?

  Yes, if you are moving here. You have 20 days to apply for a Pennsylvania title and registration and 60 days to get a Pennsylvania driver's license. You will not owe sales tax if you have a valid out-of-state title and owned the car for six months before the move. Once it is registered, the car must pass a Pennsylvania safety inspection within ten days, and an emissions test too in 25 counties.