Washington 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 Washington involves a few key steps to protect it during shipping.

Remove toll transponders and electronics. Washington has the Good To Go! system for toll collection on highways like I-405 and I-90. Remove your toll transponder before shipping to avoid accidental charges and potential damage.

Clear winter gear. Washington's rainy winters mean many vehicles carry snow chains, ice scrapers, and emergency supplies. Remove these items—they can shift during transit and damage your car's interior or exterior. Also, wash off any salt or road treatment residue from winter driving, as this can cause corrosion during transport.

Handle coastal considerations. If you're shipping from or to Washington's coastal areas, rinse away salt air and sand buildup. Salt exposure accelerates rust and corrosion, especially on undercarriages and metal parts.

Check your vehicle's condition. Make sure your battery is in good shape, your gas tank is no more than a quarter full, and your tires are properly inflated. Washington's variable weather means proper tire pressure helps protect your vehicle during loading and unloading.

Remove personal items and accessories. Take out any interior valuables, dash cams, custom floor mats, or roof racks. Remove any exterior add-ons like bike racks or cargo boxes that could be damaged or cause damage during transit.

Have keys ready. Make sure you have at least one working key to give to the carrier so they can move your vehicle as needed.

For more detailed preparation tips, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship it through us. All carriers we work with must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your shipment begins, we verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and active for the full duration of your transport.

This insurance protects your vehicle during transit. However, we recommend reviewing your own auto insurance policy as well. Some policies cover vehicles during shipping, while others may have gaps. A quick call to your insurance provider can clarify what's covered on your end.

We've been helping people ship cars since 2012, and our commitment to working only with properly insured carriers is one reason our customers trust us with their vehicles.

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

Winter Weather Delays (November through March)

Washington's mountain passes and coastal routes can experience heavy snow and ice, especially over the Cascades. If you're shipping during winter months, add an extra week to your timeline. Carriers often move slower or pause operations during severe weather, so booking early gives you flexibility if conditions change.

Summer Heat and Holiday Rush (June through August)

Summer is peak moving season nationwide, and Washington sees increased demand from people relocating to Seattle and surrounding areas. Book at least three weeks ahead during June, July, and August. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day) can also tighten carrier availability, so plan around these dates if possible.

College Season (August and May)

Washington is home to major universities like the University of Washington. August move-ins and May move-outs create shipping bottlenecks. If your student is relocating, schedule at least three weeks early to avoid last-minute scrambles.

The Bottom Line

The sooner you book, the better. Post your shipment as early as possible so carriers can bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction. This saves you money and gets you more reliable pickup dates. Even if you're not in a peak season, early booking gives you more carrier options and better pricing.

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 vs Enclosed Auto Transport

The main difference between open and enclosed auto transport is protection and cost. Open transport uses an uncovered trailer, while enclosed transport uses a covered trailer.

Open Transport is the more affordable option. Your vehicle is exposed to weather, road debris, and dust during shipping. This works well for everyday cars that can handle minor exposure. Most people choose open transport because it saves money without sacrificing reliability.

Enclosed Transport costs more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport. Your vehicle travels inside a covered trailer, protected from weather, debris, and road hazards. This is the better choice if you have a classic car, luxury vehicle, custom paint job, or any car you want extra protection for.

Which should you choose? Ask yourself: Can my vehicle handle exposure to the elements during transit? If yes, open transport makes sense. If you have a high-value or sensitive vehicle, enclosed transport is worth the extra cost for peace of mind.

Since 2012, we've helped thousands of people in Washington find the right shipping option for their needs. We're transparent about pricing and honest about what each option offers—no hidden fees, no pressure.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Washington. We'll pick up your vehicle from your preferred location and deliver it directly to your destination address whenever possible.

When you book with us, just let us know where you'd like your car picked up and dropped off. Our carriers will work to accommodate your addresses. If there are any transportation restrictions or safety concerns at your specified location, the carrier will contact you to arrange an alternative nearby spot, like a gas station or parking lot.

Door-to-door service is the most convenient option for shipping your vehicle. Since 2012, we've been committed to making car shipping simple and transparent—cutting through the complexity that the big brokers created. Our highly rated reviews show that we deliver on this promise.

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!