10 Best Auto Transport Companies in Oregon For 2024

Itching to go on your first journey in the state of Oregon? Before you start up your engine, be sure to cover everything with the following steps:

1. Understand Oregon Residency

This step only applies to those relocating to the state of Oregon from another state who plan to establish their permanent and principal residence in the state (i.e., college students living here temporarily). Oregon legally requires new residents to take specific steps regarding insurance, car registration, and more based upon the date that residency is established. It may be challenging to establish an exact date of residence, but the state suggests residency is established if any of the following occur:

• You live in OR for at least six months out of the year
• You obtain an Oregon driver license
• You have a child attend a local public school
• You pay resident tuition at a college or university
• You have a military record that lists OR as your home
• You pay Oregon state income tax

Note: Keep the date you establish residency in mind as you review the remaining steps.

2. Update Your Insurance to Comply with OR Laws

Each state sets its own laws regarding auto insurance minimums. In Oregon, you are legally required to purchase an insurance policy from a licensed OR insurance agent with the following coverage amounts:

• $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person/$50,000 per person: Covers your medical bills and cost of repair/replacement of your vehicle when hit by an uninsured driver.
• $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person/$50,000 per accident: Bodily injury liability coverage helps to cover another person’s injuries for which you are at fault.
• $20,000 property damage liability per accident: Property liability coverage pays for any damage done to another car or property in an accident in which you are the at-fault driver.
• $15,000 personal injury protection: PIP coverage pays for you and your passengers' medical expenses if you are in an accident, regardless of the party at-fault.

Note: you must have proof of insurance coverage to title and register your vehicle.

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you bring a car into Oregon from out of state, you must apply for title and registration within 30 days of establishing residency.

• Title: A title shows your proof of ownership of the vehicle in the state of Oregon. To obtain a certificate of title, you must provide proof of identity, ownership, required insurance coverage, application form, original odometer disclosure (if applicable), original releases or bills of sale, original lien releases (if applicable), VIN inspection at DMV, Use Tax Certificate (7,500 miles or less), and pay applicable fees. For more info on titling your car, click here.
• Registration: Additionally, you must register your car and obtain a metal license plate, a registration certificate, and registration stickers. Along with titling requirements, you provide the following: proof of compliance (low emissions vehicle requirement) and Certificate of Compliance (emissions test at DEQ). You can complete the initial registration at the time of titling. For more information on motor vehicle registration, click here.

4. Obtain a Valid Oregon Driver License

You must obtain an Oregon license within 30 days of establishing residency. You must apply for your license in-person at a DMV office (click here for locations). During the application process, you must:

• Study OR Driver’s Manual
• Start online pre-application
• Make an appointment at a local DMV office
• Provide proof: residential address, identity, and legal presence in the US
• Pass a vision test
• Pass the knowledge and drive test (if applicable)
• Pay applicable fees

5. Toll Bridges in Oregon

The state of Oregon is home to two main toll bridges. The Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge connects White Salmon and Washington State’s Bingen over the Columbia River (which connects with Hood River). The total gross weight limit is 80,000 lbs. Vehicles taller than 14 feet 7 inches cannot utilize the bridge. Passenger vehicles currently pay $2, and motorcycles pay $0.75. The Bridge of the Gods spans the Columbia River and connects SR-14 and I-84. The current toll fee is $2.

If you frequent one of these routes, you may want to sign up for a BreezeBy toll pass, which enables you to breeze through the tolling area without making a cash payment and offers substantial discounts on the regular toll. Learn more about signing up for a BreezeBy account here.

Are you looking to ship your vehicle to Oregon from another part of the country? Caravan Auto Transport’s network of vetted, licensed, and insured auto transporters offers safe, efficient transport of your automobile to its destination without running up the miles on the odometer. These reputable Oregon car shipping companies provide the following services:

Open Car Transport

The most common method of car transportation, open transport carriers are ideal if you’re looking for an affordable shipping option with speedy delivery. As the name suggests, your car is loaded onto an open-air trailer along with several other vehicles headed to the same destination.

Enclosed Auto Transport

If you desire enhanced security or protection for your vehicle, you may wish to arrange enclosed carrier shipping. Inside a covered trailer, your car has protection from harsh weather conditions and road hazards like dust and dirt. Shipping your car in a closed carrier also enhances its safety during transit by keeping the vehicle concealed.

Door-to-Door Car Shipping

With a door-to-door car shipping service, you choose the desired pick-up and drop-off locations rather than having to arrange getting your vehicle to or from a transport terminal. Door-to-door shipping is the most convenient choice for shipping your car to or from Oregon, saving you time and effort.

Expedited Shipping

In a hurry to get your car from one location to the next? Upgrading to expedited shipping ensures a seamless pick-up and drop-off of your vehicle on your schedule. As a priority customer, you receive fast, timely service, so you can get back to driving that much quicker.

Classic and Antique Car Transport

When it comes to transporting a classic car, you want an auto transport company that can deliver your vehicle without a single dent or scratch. From vintage Mustangs to antique DeVaux Sports Coupes, our network of classic auto transporters has the expertise and equipment to transport your classic car safely, so it arrives in pristine condition.

High End and Luxury Auto Shipping

Exotic car transporters use specialty equipment, like hydraulic lifts and sophisticated tie-downs, along with enclosed trucks, to keep your valuable car safe during every mile of transit. An enclosed car hauler ensures the ultimate protection for your high-end or luxury vehicle, protecting it from dirt, dust, and debris along the way.

From moving off to college to building your career, there are numerous reasons you may be interested in shipping a car to Oregon or somewhere outside of the Beaver State. Caravan Auto Transport’s network of auto shippers streamlines the car hauling process no matter your reason for transporting your vehicle to or from OR.

Moving and Relocation

When moving cross-country or out-of-state, many people choose to ship their cars rather than add a long road trip to an already stressful and exhausting relocation experience. Leave the logistics of moving your car in the hands of professionals with either open or enclosed vehicle shipping services.

Military

Oregon is home to two military bases and eight Coast Guard Stations. Many military personnel are stationed in the Beaver State, from Camp Rilea in Warrenton to Umatilla Chemical Depot Army Base in Umatilla. If you are one of the brave men and women serving our country, we’re happy to serve you with top-notch car transportation to or from Oregon.

Online Car Buyers

Whether you’ve found the perfect vehicle on Craigslist, eBay, or AutoTrader, you may need some assistance getting it home, especially if it’s sitting on the other side of the country. Instead of flying out to pick it up and putting hundreds or thousands of miles on the odometer just to get it to your driveway, arrange for a hauler to transport your new car for you.

College Students

From the celebrated University of Oregon to the more intimate Oregon Christian University, Oregon has no shortage of top-tier colleges and universities for those seeking to further their education. If you have a college student moving to Oregon from out-of-state (or vice versa), have their vehicle shipped straight to campus with a fast, affordable auto transport service.

On average, it costs between $500-$1500 to ship a car to Oregon. Anticipate paying around $1 per mile for the first 1-500 miles, then approximately $.75 for every mile after that. Several factors influence the final cost of shipping your vehicle, including the origin and destination zip codes, the method of transport (open vs. enclosed), the speed of shipment, the type of vehicle, and the time of year. The best way to get an accurate estimate of car shipping costs is by requesting free quotes from our network of auto transport companies.