Virginia Car Shipping: 2026 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in Virginia is straightforward. Start by removing your E-ZPass transponder if you have one—Virginia uses E-ZPass for toll roads like the Northern Virginia Toll Road, and these devices can be damaged during transport or cause issues with the carrier.

Next, remove any interior and exterior accessories that could shift or break during shipping. This includes toll passes, GPS devices, phone mounts, roof racks, and loose items inside your car. Empty your trunk and glove compartment, and make sure to remove any fragile or valuable items.

Check your tire pressure and coolant levels. Virginia's summer heat and humidity can affect both, so ensure your tires are properly inflated and your cooling system is in good working order before transit.

If you're shipping during winter months, remove any snow chains or ice scrapers from your vehicle. Also, wash off any salt or road treatment residue from winter driving—Virginia roads are treated with salt during cold weather, and this residue can cause corrosion if left on your car during transport.

Document your vehicle's condition before pickup. Take photos of any existing damage, note the mileage and fuel level, and make sure you have a spare key available for the carrier. This protects you and ensures a smooth handoff.

For more detailed guidance, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. We've been helping people ship cars since 2012, and these simple steps make the process easier for everyone involved.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. All carriers in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance before they can transport your car.

We verify that every carrier's insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your shipment. This means your vehicle is protected throughout the transport process, whether you're shipping to, from, or within Virginia.

That said, we recommend checking with your own auto insurance provider about your coverage during transit. Some policies include protection during shipping, while others may have gaps. A quick call to your insurer can give you peace of mind about your specific situation.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for the best rates and availability. However, Virginia's unique seasonal patterns mean timing matters even more.

Winter Weather (November through March) is critical. Virginia experiences ice storms and snow that can delay pickups, especially in the western mountainous regions. If you're shipping during winter, book 3-4 weeks ahead to give carriers flexibility around weather disruptions.

Summer Peak Season (June through August) brings heavy demand as families relocate and college students move. Northern Virginia's proximity to Washington, D.C. makes this season especially competitive. Plan for 3-4 weeks during these months to secure carrier availability.

College Move Seasons (late May through early June and mid-August through September) create bottlenecks around major universities like UVA, Virginia Tech, and William & Mary. If you're shipping during these windows, book 4 weeks ahead.

Military PCS Season (May through September) impacts areas near major bases like Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Base Langley-Eustis. These regions see concentrated shipping demand, so earlier booking helps.

Off-season booking (October, November, and January-April) offers more flexibility. You can often schedule pickups with 1-2 weeks notice during these quieter months.

The bottom line: book sooner rather than later so carriers can bundle your shipment with others heading the same direction. This helps you get better rates and more reliable service.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our guide on shipping a car with personal items for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle's condition. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

Open Transport is the most common and affordable option for shipping cars in Virginia. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer alongside other cars, exposed to the elements. It's a reliable choice for most vehicles and typically costs less than enclosed options.

Enclosed Transport provides extra protection by shipping your car in a fully enclosed trailer. Your vehicle is shielded from weather, road debris, and dust during transit. This option costs more—usually 50% to 100% higher than open transport—but offers peace of mind for valuable vehicles.

When to choose each option:

• Open transport: Best for everyday vehicles, newer cars with standard finishes, and budget-conscious shippers.
• Enclosed transport: Ideal for classic cars, luxury vehicles, custom paint jobs, or any car you want maximum protection for during the move.

Both methods are safe and widely used. The choice comes down to your vehicle's value and your comfort level with exposure during shipping. We're transparent about pricing and can help you pick the right option for your situation.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Virginia. When you book with us, tell us where you'd like your vehicle picked up and delivered, and we'll do our best to make it happen.

Our carriers will pick up and drop off your car at the addresses you specify. If there are any transportation restrictions or safety concerns—like narrow driveways or limited access—the carrier will contact you to find an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or public parking lot.

Since 2012, we've worked to break up the monopoly that large brokers had on car shipping. Our transparent approach means you'll know what to expect, and our highly rated reviews show that people trust us to get the job done right.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics' FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!