How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Washington State?

The average Washington auto transport rate falls between $0.60 and $1.20 per mile, depending on distance, vehicle size, and carrier type. Local and regional moves within the Northwest generally cost $500–$800, while longer cross-country shipments to the East Coast typically range $1,200–$1,800. Enclosed transport and expedited service usually add 30–40% to the base price. For the most accurate estimate, enter your trip details in our calculator.

Washington Car Shipping Prices — What Affects Your Rate?

Your final price depends on a few key factors:

  • Distance & Route: Longer trips cost more overall but less per mile. Popular WA corridors (Seattle ↔ Los Angeles, Spokane ↔ Phoenix) are more competitive.

  • Vehicle Type & Condition: Larger or modified vehicles and non-runners require special equipment.

  • Trailer Type: Open (best value) vs Enclosed (max protection for luxury/classics).

  • Timing & Season: Snowbird season, holidays, and severe weather can tighten carrier capacity.

  • Pickup/Drop-off Locations: Door-to-door is standard; remote or hard-to-reach areas may add a small surcharge.

  • Tip: Be flexible by 1–3 days on pickup for the best carrier match and price.

Example Washington Routes & Typical Ranges

These are illustrative, not guarantees. Please use the calculator for a tailored quote.

Route (Door-to-Door)Miles (approx.)Open Carrier RangeEnclosed Range
Seattle, WA → Los Angeles, CA1,150$700–$1,150$1,200–$1,800
Seattle, WA → Phoenix, AZ1,400$850–$1,350$1,350–$2,050
Seattle, WA → Denver, CO1,300$800–$1,300$1,300–$1,950
Spokane, WA → Dallas, TX1,900$1,050–$1,700$1,700–$2,600
Seattle, WA → Chicago, IL2,050$1,150–$1,850$1,900–$2,900
Seattle, WA → Orlando, FL2,900$1,450–$1,850$2,500–$3,900

Pricing fluctuates with fuel, demand, and season. Your exact quote may be above or below these ranges.

Open vs. Enclosed Washington Car Shipping

Open Carrier (Most Popular)

  • Best overall value

  • Nationwide availability & faster dispatch

  • Great for daily drivers and standard vehicles

Enclosed Carrier (Premium Protection)

  • Shielded from weather and road debris

  • Liftgate/soft-strap handling for low-clearance or exotic cars

  • Ideal for luxury, classics, and high-value vehicles

How Washington Car Shipping Works
  1. Get Your Price: Enter trip details in the calculator.

  2. Reserve Your Spot: Confirm the order—no hidden fees, transparent terms.

  3. Pickup: Licensed, insured driver meets you for inspection and loading.

  4. Transit Updates: Track progress and stay in the loop.

  5. Delivery: Final walk-around, sign off, and you’re done.

Door-to-Door: Standard on most routes. We can meet at a nearby safe location if your street has access restrictions.

 

Why Ship with Smart Auto Move?
  • Licensed, Bonded, Insured Carriers (FMCSA/DOT compliant)

  • Real, All-In Pricing—no bait-and-switch games

  • Thousands of Successful Shipments and repeat customers

  • Flexible Options: Open, enclosed, expedited

  • Dedicated Support: Human help from quote to delivery

Washington Shipping Tips
    • Urban vs. Rural: Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Spokane have strong carrier traffic; remote pickups may add lead time.

    • Weather Watch: Winter passes and mountain routes can affect timing—book a wider pickup window in peak winter.

    • Ready the Vehicle: One quarter tank of fuel, remove personal items, note existing cosmetic marks, and hand off one set of keys

Washington Car Shipping Quicke faqs
  • How fast can you pick up in Washington?
    Standard dispatch is typically 1–5 business days. Expedited options may secure pickup within 24–72 hours on many lanes.

    Is my vehicle insured in transit?
    Yes. Every carrier we book is required to carry active cargo insurance. Coverage details appear on your order; ask us any time.

    Can I ship if my car isn’t running?
    Yes—non-running vehicles can be transported with a winch or specialized equipment. Select “Inoperable” in the calculator.

    Do you offer military/student/snowbird pricing?
    Yes—seasonal and group discounts are available on many routes. Ask our team for current offers.

    Can I put items in the car?
    Light personal items (generally up to ~100 lbs, below window line) are often acceptable at the carrier’s discretion. Extra weight may affect pricing.

Popular Washington Car Shipping Services
STANDARD

Gets vehicles picked up within a 7-day window

EXPEDITED

Gets vehicles picked up within a 72 hour window. 

ENCLOSED

Trucks with ceilings and walls for maximum protection

Ready to Get Your Washington Car Shipping Price?