Nationwide Porsche Shipping: Getting Your Car to the Right Specialist
Based on the hundreds of Carrera GT services we've completed, we've identified patterns that inform our recommendations.
Finding the right specialist for your Porsche is essential—but what if that specialist is across the country? For owners of Carrera GTs, 918 Spyders, and other demanding Porsches, shipping for expert service is increasingly common and surprisingly straightforward.
At Repasi Motorwerks, we receive cars from California, Texas, Florida, and everywhere in between. This guide explains how owners safely ship their Porsches to our Connecticut facility.
Why Ship for Service?
Not every shop can work on every Porsche. Certain cars demand specialized expertise that most local shops—including many dealers—simply don't have.
Cars That Often Require Shipping
Carrera GT Most dealers decline Carrera GT work. The few that accept it may lack meaningful experience. Qualified specialists are rare—many owners find shipping more practical than compromising on expertise.
918 Spyder High-voltage hybrid work requires specific certifications and equipment. Not all Porsche dealers maintain 918 capability.
GT3 RS / GT2 RS While more widely serviced, track preparation and specialized work benefit from GT-focused expertise.
Air-Cooled Classics Restoration-quality work on vintage Porsches requires specialists increasingly rare in many regions.
The Math Works
Consider a Carrera GT clutch replacement:
- Local shop (if one exists): Unknown expertise, significant risk
- Distant dealer (if one accepts): High cost, potentially limited experience
- Qualified specialist + shipping: Expert care, known outcome
Spending $3,000 on shipping to get the job done right once beats the alternative.
Shipping Options
Enclosed Transport (Strongly Recommended)
For any Porsche worth over $100,000, enclosed transport is the only appropriate choice.
What Enclosed Provides:
- Complete weather protection
- Shield from road debris
- Climate control capability
- Higher insurance limits
- Professional handling
Typical Costs (2025):
| Route | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles to Connecticut | $2,500 - $3,200 |
| San Francisco to Connecticut | $2,700 - $3,500 |
| Miami to Connecticut | $1,500 - $2,000 |
| Dallas to Connecticut | $2,000 - $2,600 |
| Chicago to Connecticut | $1,200 - $1,600 |
| Atlanta to Connecticut | $1,300 - $1,700 |
Transit Times: Coast-to-coast: 7-12 days Regional: 3-7 days
Open Transport (Not Recommended for Collectibles)
Open transport costs less but exposes your car to:
- Weather conditions
- Road debris
- Potential minor damage
- Visible transit
For a daily driver Cayenne, open transport may be acceptable. For a Carrera GT, it's not.
Choosing a Transport Company
What to Verify
Insurance Coverage Minimum $500,000 cargo insurance is standard. For Carrera GTs and 918s, request coverage matching your car's value or obtain supplemental coverage.
Enclosed Fleet Verify they operate enclosed trailers, not just broker for them. Direct carriers provide more control.
Exotic Experience Companies regularly transporting high-value cars understand the care required. Ask about their hypercar experience.
Reviews and References Online reviews provide insight. We can also share which carriers have delivered cars successfully to our shop.
Recommended Carriers
Based on cars we've received, these carriers consistently deliver excellent service:
- Reliable Carriers
- Passport Transport
- Intercity Lines
- Plycar Transport
Preparing Your Car for Shipping
Before Pickup
Document Condition Photograph your car thoroughly before transport:
- All body panels, each angle
- Wheels and tires
- Interior condition
- Any existing damage (note specifically)
- Odometer reading
Reduce Fuel Keep fuel level at approximately 1/4 tank. Reduces weight and minimizes any fuel-related issues.
Remove Personal Items Transport insurance typically excludes personal property. Remove anything not permanently attached.
Disable Aftermarket Alarms If your car has an aftermarket alarm that might trigger during transport, disable it.
Ensure Battery Charge The car needs to drive on and off the trailer. Verify the battery is adequately charged.
Note Any Issues If the car has any operational quirks (slow to start, needs specific procedure), document them for the driver.
At Pickup
Be Present Ideally, be present when the carrier picks up your car. If impossible, have a trusted representative available.
Review Bill of Lading The driver will complete a condition report. Review it carefully:
- Verify noted damage matches reality
- Add any damage not noted
- Keep a copy
Get Driver Information Obtain the driver's name, phone number, and expected delivery date.
Delivery and Inspection
Before Unloading
When your car arrives at our facility:
- We photograph the car on the trailer before unloading
- We inspect for any transit damage
- We compare to the bill of lading
- We notify you of safe arrival
If Damage Occurs
Transit damage is rare with quality carriers, but if it happens:
- Document immediately with photos
- Note on the bill of lading
- File claim with carrier
- We'll help document for your claim
Coordination with Our Shop
Scheduling Service
Contact us before arranging transport. We'll:
- Discuss your service needs
- Provide time estimate
- Coordinate delivery timing
- Prepare for your car's arrival
During Service
While your car is with us:
- Regular update communication
- Photographic documentation
- Clear explanation of findings
- Transparent pricing
Return Shipping
When service is complete:
- We coordinate return transport
- Prepare the car for shipping
- Document completion condition
- Ship to your specified address
Cost Analysis Example
For a Carrera GT owner in California needing clutch replacement:
Option A: Local (if available)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Service (unknown shop) | $25,000+ |
| Risk of improper work | High |
| Total | Uncertain |
Option B: Ship to Specialist
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Enclosed transport (round trip) | $5,500 |
| Expert clutch replacement | $22,000 |
| Total | $27,500 |
The shipping cost is offset by lower specialist labor rates, and the work is done correctly by experienced technicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my car be at your shop? Depends on the work. We provide estimates before you ship and update if anything changes.
Can you arrange shipping for me? We can recommend carriers and coordinate timing. You contract directly with the transport company.
What if I need my car during repairs? For lengthy projects, we can discuss interim solutions or priority scheduling.
Our Approach
When we take on this service at Repasi Motorwerks, we follow a methodical process developed over 15+ years of Porsche GT work:
- Initial Assessment — We perform a full PIWIS diagnostic scan and visual inspection to understand the complete picture
- Documentation — Every step is photographed and logged for your records and the car's provenance
- Factory Specifications — We use Porsche factory tools and torque specifications throughout
- Verification — After completion, we road test and re-scan to confirm proper operation
This systematic approach comes from our experience with hundreds of similar services. We know what to look for and what can go wrong.
Is my car insured while at your shop? Yes, we maintain comprehensive shop coverage. Your insurance remains primary.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us to discuss your service needs. Once we understand the work required, we'll help coordinate logistics to get your Porsche to our facility safely and efficiently.
Whether you're across the country or just prefer our expertise over local options, we welcome the opportunity to serve your Porsche.