Ohio Car Shipping Services

If you are shipping a vehicle between November and March, enclosed auto transport is highly recommended to protect against the heavy liquid brine and rock salt used on Ohio interstates. Ohio is aggressive with pre-treating roads, and an open trailer will leave your vehicle’s undercarriage and paint exposed to these corrosive chemicals for hundreds of miles. For luxury cars or new purchases being delivered to the "Snowbelt" region near Lake Erie, the extra 30–40% cost for an enclosed carrier is a smart investment in long-term value.

On average, shipping a car to Ohio ranges from $550 to $1,350, depending on your origin and the time of year. Because Ohio is a primary transit corridor for I-70, I-75, and I-80, shipping to major hubs like Columbus, Cincinnati, or Cleveland is often more affordable than in neighboring states due to high carrier availability. In 2026, expect slightly higher rates for rural deliveries in the Appalachian foothills of Southeast Ohio, where drivers must deviate from the main interstate arteries.

Yes, every vehicle coming into Ohio with an out-of-state title must undergo a physical VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) inspection before a local title can be issued. This is a simple verification of the serial number and is not a mechanical safety inspection. You can have this performed at any Ohio deputy registrar agency (BMV) or most licensed car dealerships for a small fee (typically under $10). We recommend scheduling this the same day your car is delivered so you can finalize your registration within the state's 30-day residency window.

If you have owned and operated your vehicle in another state for at least six months, you generally do not have to pay Ohio sales tax when you register it. However, if you purchased a car out-of-state and shipped it to Ohio immediately, you will be required to pay the difference between your previous state's tax rate and the Ohio state/county tax rate. Be prepared to show your original bill of sale at the Clerk of Courts title office to prove how much tax was already paid.

Shipping an EV like a Tesla or Rivian to Ohio in 2026 is very common, but winter shipments require extra care. Extreme cold can significantly temporarily reduce a battery's range while sitting on a trailer. We recommend that your EV has at least a 50% charge at the time of pickup to ensure it can be safely driven off the trailer and to the nearest charging station upon arrival, especially if delivery is in the sub-freezing Lake Erie region.

Yes, we frequently deliver vehicles for students at The Ohio State University (Columbus) and the University of Cincinnati. Because these campuses are in high-density urban areas with strict "No Truck" zones, we typically arrange for delivery at a large peripheral parking lot, such as near St. John Arena or a designated campus transit center. This ensures the carrier has enough room to operate safely without obstructing student traffic or risking a citation.

If you are an Ohio resident purchasing a car from an out-of-state dealer, the carrier only needs the keys and a signed Bill of Lading. However, for your own protection and registration, ensure the dealer provides the out-of-state title (properly notarized if required by that state) and a bill of sale. Once the car is delivered, you must take these documents, along with your VIN inspection certificate, to the County Clerk of Courts to obtain your Ohio title before you can get your license plates.