How to Easily Ship a Car to Maine – A Complete Transportation Guide

September 26, 2024Car Shipping Essentials
Maya Brown

Born in Atlanta, Maya has called many places home in her lifetime. She's a content writer and moving expert who loves to help people relocate smoothly

Maine may be the land of lighthouses and lobster, but getting your four-wheeler there is the real adventure. If you’re planning to ship a car to Maine, the process might seem more complicated than it actually is. Knowing how to make it happen takes the hassle out of the whole process. Besides rugged coastlines and chilly winters, here’s what you can expect from vehicle shipping across the country all the way to Pine Tree State.

Transporting a vehicle to Maine doesn’t have to be a hassle, but you do have to think about the specifics. Do you want open or enclosed transport? What kind of delivery would you prefer? This should be decided according to your preferences and budget. Once you’ve got all the details down, book with a reputable company to ensure a smooth ride ahead.

Maine Is Calling, But How Do You Get Your Prized Ride There?

With over 1.3 million registered vehicles cruising around Maine, it’s clear this state knows its way around the road.

And while a whopping 38.4% of those are utility vehicles, don’t be fooled into thinking you don’t need a four-wheeler for the daily commute here.

The Ford F-Series is the most popular four-wheeler in the state

Sure, Maine loves its trucks, but personal city cars and pickups make up more than half of the vehicles zipping through those pine-tree-lined streets. All in all, if you’re cross-country moving to this exciting spot, having a set of wheels is pretty much a must. And to get your prized ride to Maine, a car shipping company is all you need.

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A New England Road Trip Sounds Great Until You’re Actually on the Road

We know what you’re thinking – why not drive across the country yourself? Sure, a road trip through New England sounds like the stuff of dreams – until the reality of endless hours, traffic jams, and pit stops hits you. It’s fun for the first hour or two, but once you’re stuck behind a slow-moving truck with no exit in sight, the romance wears off fast.

Add in Maine’s unpredictable weather, and suddenly, that cross-country drive doesn’t seem so charming. And don’t forget you’ve got a whole move to plan on top of it! So, while the idea of hitting the open road may seem adventurous, the benefits of car shipping are undeniable.

Having a road trip might sound fun at first - until you really think about it

How Does Shipping a Car to Maine Work, Really?

Shipping a car sounds complicated, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. Whether you’re in the midst of an interstate move or just sending your ride to its new owner in Maine, the auto transport company handles all the logistics, and all you’ve got to do is settle on the shipping details with them.

What Are the Factors Behind Auto Transport Quotes?

When it comes to car shipping costs, distance is a big deal – obviously, covering transport from Florida to Maine is going to be pricier than hopping across a few states. The type of vehicle matters, too. A compact car? Easier on the wallet. An oversized pickup? Well, let’s just say it might need a little extra space and maneuvering, and that influences the final cost.

Other important factors are at play here, such as the choice between open and enclosed auto shipping. We’ll dive into those details later on, but first, let’s talk about how you can make sure that you’ve got the right company for the job.

A woman counting money needed for a car shipping company
Several factors play a part in how much you'll be paying for this service

Choosing the Right Auto Transport Company – No, They’re Not All the Same

Selecting the right auto shipping company is very important. It’s like choosing a co-pilot for a long road trip – you want someone reliable, trustworthy, and who knows what they’re doing. There are around 8,000 such businesses in the US, and sure, plenty of them will promise to get a four-wheeler to Maine, but not all of them are created equal. You wouldn’t hand the keys to a random stranger, so why trust just anyone with the prized ride?

Licensing and Transparent Car Shipping Quotes – The Pillars of Reliable Businesses

Legit companies are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), meaning they’re up to code and know how to handle any vehicle properly. Check their USDOT number, as well as the safety record, and above all – don’t be shy about getting in touch and asking questions. After all, we’re talking about your prized ride here.

And while we’re on the topic of communication, we’ve got to mention the car transport quote once more. This is not just a number – it’s also a sneak peek into whether you’re dealing with true professionals. Reputable companies provide clear and transparent quotes, breaking down all the costs involved without hidden fees. So, let’s talk about what should be included in this estimate.

a-person-using-a-laptop
Make sure to research different companies to find the perfect one

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport – What’s the Best Way to Ship a Car to Maine?

When it comes to the type of carrier itself, reputable companies such as USA Auto Transport give you two solid options – open and enclosed car shipping. It’s like choosing between flying coach or first class – both will get you where you need to go safely, but the ride might be a bit different. So, it all comes down to what you’re expecting from this journey.

Open Carrier Auto Transport

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Enclosed Auto Transport

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Open Carrier Transport – The Budget-Friendly Option

Open trailer is the most common and budget-friendly way offered by our car shipping company in Maine. You’ve probably seen these out on the highway – they’re like a parade of vehicles, up to 10 of them, being towed cross-country, exposed to the elements but safely secured.

While the four-wheeler might get a bit of dust on the way, it’ll arrive in Maine just as ready to explore as you are! Because of that, it’s great for everyday vehicles that don’t mind a little fresh air, such as:

  • Sedans,
  • Compact cars,
  • SUVs,
  • Light trucks,
  • Standard pickups.

Enclosed Auto Shipping – For Those Special Four-Wheelers

If your four-wheeler is more of a prized possession than just a ride, an enclosed trailer is the way to go. It’s the literal VIP treatment, shielding the vehicle from the weather, road debris, and anything else it might encounter along the way. That’s why this is the best course of action for luxury cars, classic rides, or any other set of wheels that deserve extra care.

A large truck transports cargo during a winter storm. Thissymbolizes the strength and determination of the transportation industry in challenging weather conditions
If you've got a real four-wheeled gem, an enclosed carrier is the way to go

Door-To-Door vs. Terminal-To-Terminal Car Shipping – What’s the Deal?

As if choosing between open and enclosed carriers wasn’t enough, you’ve also got another decision to make – how you want the vehicle to be delivered. Here, it’s all about balancing convenience with the relocation budget. The choice is yours – and the wallet’s.

Door-To-Door Auto Transport – Because Who Doesn’t Like Convenience?

Just like enclosed trailers, the door-to-door option is pretty much the VIP of delivery methods. The vehicle gets picked up from your driveway and delivered right to the new home – no extra stops, no hassle.

It’s the ultimate convenience, especially if you’d rather spend time settling in than figuring out how to get to a random terminal. Plus, who doesn’t like the idea of their four-wheeler being chauffeured door-to-door?

Terminal-To-Terminal Delivery – The More Budget-Friendly Route

For those who don’t mind a little extra legwork, terminal-to-terminal delivery can save you some cash. You’ll drop off the four-wheeler at a designated terminal and pick it up from another once it’s arrived in Pine Tree State. Obviously, it’s not quite as convenient as the door-to-door option, but if you’re looking for a way to save on moving costs, this is it.

Car carrier trailer truck with brand new SUV cars
You can also choose where you want the four-wheeler to be delivered

How To Prepare the Four-Wheeler for the Journey to Maine

Now that you’ve got all the details down – from choosing the type of transport to figuring out what kind of delivery you need – the only thing left to do is settle on these details with the chosen company and prepare the car for transport. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science, but it’s still crucial to give the four-wheeler a little TLC before it hits the road (or, well, the carrier). Here’s what you should do.

Clean It Inside and Out

Before the vehicle heads off, give it a good wash, inside and out. Not only does this make your ride look sharp, but it also helps you spot any pre-existing scratches or dings. Plus, no one wants to be greeted by a week-old fast-food wrapper when the four-wheeler finally arrives in Maine.

Empty the Trunk – This Isn’t a Moving Van

While it’s tempting to use the four-wheeler as extra space, it’s better to ship it lighty – besides, that’s what storage units are for. Remove all personal items and anything that could bounce around during the journey – that whole predicament could turn into a nightmare real quick.

Keep the Fuel Light, Not Full Tank

The four-wheeler won’t be driving itself to Maine, so there’s no need to fill up the tank. In fact, it’s better to keep it about a quarter full to reduce the car’s weight during transport. Save yourself the extra gas money – you’ll fill up when it’s safely parked on Maine soil!

Maine, Here We Come – And You Won’t Have to Even Hit the Road!

So, there you have it – shipping cars in the USA has never been quite this easy, including getting it to Maine! It’s a real breeze compared to driving it yourself through unpredictable weather, endless highways, and questionable gas station snacks. Your four-wheeled companion deserves the easy route, and let’s be honest, so do you.

If you’re ready to get the wheels rolling (literally), USA Auto Transport is here to help. Besides all of the options mentioned above, we also offer moving services, so with us, you’ve got the whole package! And, if you’re curious about pricing, just contact us and we’ll break it down for you. So, kick back, relax, and let us take the wheel – your car’s Maine adventure starts here!

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