Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Wilmington, Delaware to New York, New York

It's usually cheaper to drive your car than to ship it, especially for shorter distances, as driving costs primarily involve fuel, while shipping adds significant professional fees and potentially higher insurance for the carrier. However, driving incurs hidden costs like wear-and-tear, depreciation, tolls, and your time, so for very long distances or if your car is unreliable, shipping might be worth the extra expense for convenience and safety, with costs varying greatly by distance, carrier, and vehicle type.

For long distances (500+ miles), shipping a car by train is generally cheaper and more eco-friendly, offering significant cost savings over trucks, though it's less flexible with fixed routes and station drop-offs. Truck transport provides more convenience and speed, with door-to-door service, but usually at a higher price, especially for longer hauls where rail's cost advantage widens.

The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is typically using an open transport carrier, where your car travels on a large trailer with other vehicles, as it's the most common and cost-effective method. To save more, choose terminal-to-terminal service (dropping off/picking up at designated points), book in advance, be flexible with dates, and compare quotes from multiple companies like Montway, uShip, or Sherpa Auto Transport.