Distance & lane
Seattle’s listed lanes reach Los Angeles, Dallas, Phoenix, and the East Coast. Longer routes use more driver time and fuel, so distance and carrier traffic affect your quote.
Seattle, WA Car Shipping 2026 Costs & Routes
Typical cost to ship a car from Seattle$1,025–$1,350
Shipping to Seattle: $1,050–$1,375
At a glance
- Seattle to Los AngelesSeattle–Los Angeles is the most common listed outbound lane: $800–$925 typical, 1–4 days on the road, with 450 shipments on record.
- Where arriving cars come fromCalifornia leads Seattle arrivals with 1,412 shipments on record; California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Virginia, and Georgia account for roughly half.
- Vehicle size affects quotesIn Seattle, open-transport SUVs typically quote $100 above sedans; pickups typically quote $400 above sedans.
- Washington registrationNew Washington residents have 30 days after moving to get a Washington license and register the car [WA DOL].
Prices by vehicle
What it costs to ship your vehicle from Seattle
Sedans are the lower-cost baseline on open transport, while larger vehicles usually take more trailer space and quote higher. Enclosed service offers added protection for a high-value car, with a clear price premium.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / coupe | $1,125 | $1,800 |
| SUV / crossover | $1,225 | $1,900 |
| Pickup truck | $1,525 | $2,350 |
| Van / minivan | $1,350 | Quote on request |
Median customer quote on record for running vehicles leaving Seattle, across all routes. Your route and dates set the final price.
Popular routes
Top destinations from Seattle
| Destination | Typical range | Quote · transit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles, CA450 shipments on recordWA → CA guide | $800–$9251–4 days transit | |
| 2 | Dallas, TX443 shipments on recordWA → TX guide | $1,050–$1,3003–7 days transit | |
| 3 | New York, NY367 shipments on record | $1,200–$1,4254–10 days transit | |
| 4 | Phoenix, AZ362 shipments on recordWA → AZ guide | $900–$1,0751–5 days transit | |
| 5 | Washington, DC309 shipments on record | $1,175–$1,4004–9 days transit | |
| 6 | Austin, TX308 shipments on recordWA → TX guide | $1,050–$1,2753–7 days transit | |
| 7 | Atlanta, GA262 shipments on record | $1,175–$1,4254–9 days transit | |
| 8 | Houston, TX261 shipments on recordWA → TX guide | $1,075–$1,2753–7 days transit | |
| 9 | San Diego, CA228 shipments on recordWA → CA guide | $825–$1,0001–5 days transit | |
| 10 | Chicago, IL227 shipments on record | $1,025–$1,2003–7 days transit | |
$750$1,000$1,250$1,500 |
Transit is SAKAEM's standard estimate by distance, counted from pickup.
Where Seattle cars come from
Cars arriving in Seattle most often come from California, Texas, and Florida, with Arizona, Virginia, and Georgia also among the leading origins. Those six states account for roughly half of inbound shipments on record, so you’ll often be coordinating a cross-state arrival rather than a nearby Washington move.
- California1412
- Texas1193
- Florida913
- Arizona443
- Virginia429
- Georgia420
Shipments delivered to Seattle on record, by origin state.
Reviews
What customers say about shipping with SAKAEM
★★★★★
Quick fast and easy delivery. Service was great! Drivers drove from New York to Missouri picked the car up on Friday Dropped it off in Federal Way Washington Monday. I will recommend and use them in the future.
★★★★★
5 stars. Very professional, easy to communicate with, and no hidden surprises. Highly recommend this broker!
★★★★★
Sakaem Logistics was very supportive and had great and timely communication with finding a driver to transport a vehicle across the country. It was expensive but I understand the price of diesel gas is astronomical right now. They are very Professional as was the driver.
Cost factors
What moves the price of a Seattle shipment
Season
Snowbird demand can tighten carrier availability on routes between Seattle and warmer states. Winter snow and ice may close Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 or Stevens Pass, affecting trips between western and eastern Washington.
Vehicle size
A pickup, SUV, or van uses more trailer space than a sedan. Larger dimensions and weight can limit which carrier has room, moving the quote.
Pickup access
Tight blocks and gated properties around central Seattle may not fit a car hauler. Access can affect the practical pickup point and route.
Open vs enclosed
Open transport is common for everyday cars. Enclosed carriers add protection for a high-value vehicle and usually cost more because equipment and capacity differ.
Save money
5 ways to pay less (and wait less)
Pick an easy meeting point
For Ballard, Capitol Hill, or Belltown, ask whether a wider nearby street or open lot would be a better truck meeting point before pickup day.
Keep your dates flexible
A flexible pickup window can make it easier to fit your car into a carrier’s route along I-5 or I-90.
Plan for winter pass closures
For a winter move between western and eastern Washington, allow schedule flexibility around Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass.
Match transport to the car
Choose enclosed transport for a high-value or collector car; use open service for a routine daily driver.
Flag access limits early
Tell the carrier about gated access, narrow streets, or other pickup limits before the truck is assigned.
Getting your car ready? See our vehicle shipping tips.
Moving to Seattle
Your Washington car checklist
Moving to Seattle from out of state? Take care of your Washington license and registration after arrival, then handle your title through a vehicle licensing office.
Get your Washington license and registration
You have 30 days after moving to Washington to get a Washington driver license and register your car. [WA DOL]
Transfer your title
Get a Washington driver license before registering. Take your current title to any vehicle licensing office and note the odometer mileage; if a bank holds the title, ask the office how to have it sent. [WA DOL]
Meet the insurance minimum
Washington requires at least 25/50/10 liability coverage: $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $10,000 for property damage. [RCW 46.29.090]
Skip the emissions test
Washington ended its emissions check program on January 1, 2020; you no longer need an emissions test to register or renew. [WA Ecology]
Check your window tint
Side and rear tint must let in at least 24% of light and reflect no more than 35%. The windshield may have clear UV film and a tint strip along the top 6 inches. [RCW 46.37.430]
Know the toll roads
Good To Go! is used on the SR 520 Bridge, Tacoma Narrows Bridge, SR 99 Tunnel, SR 509 Expressway, and I-405 and SR 167 express toll lanes. Drivers without an account are billed by mail with an extra fee. [WSDOT]
- County
- King County, Washington
- Main roads
- I-5, I-90, I-405, SR 99
- Neighborhoods
- Ballard, Capitol Hill, Belltown, Fremont
- Nearby cities
- Bellevue, Kirkland, Renton, Redmond, Bremerton
Seattle at a glance
Service area
Pickup and delivery in and around Seattle
SAKAEM serves Ballard, Capitol Hill, Belltown, Fremont, the University District, and Columbia City; on tight residential blocks, a nearby truck-friendly meeting point may work better. Routes connect through I-5, I-90, I-405, SR 99, SR 509, and SR 519, serving Bellevue, Kirkland, Renton, Redmond, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Lynnwood, and Kent.
Seattle ZIP codes
- 98101
- 98102
- 98103
- 98104
- 98105
- 98106
- 98107
- 98108
- 98109
- 98111
- 98112
- 98113
- 98114
- 98115
- 98116
- 98117
How it works
Shipping your car in four steps
Share your route
Provide your Seattle pickup and delivery points, vehicle details, and preferred dates.
Choose your service
Review your quote and select open or enclosed transport for your car.
Coordinate pickup
Confirm a truck-friendly meeting point and coordinate pickup details with your carrier.
Receive your car
Check the vehicle at delivery and confirm the handoff details.
New to auto transport? Here's how to ship a car, step by step.
FAQ
Seattle car shipping questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Seattle?
Seattle outbound quotes on record typically fall at $1,025–$1,350, while inbound quotes typically fall at $1,050–$1,375. These are open-transport quotes for running vehicles and reflect the middle half of customer quotes on record, not a guaranteed offer. Your route, vehicle, pickup access, timing, and transport type can change the final quote.
How long does car shipping to or from Seattle take?
Seattle shipments to Los Angeles typically take 1–4 days on the road; Dallas takes 3–7 days, and New York takes 4–10 days. Transit starts after pickup, and these estimates aren’t guarantees. Time before pickup is separate, so plan around your move date and stay in touch as the carrier route is set.
Is my car insured during transport?
SAKAEM carriers are FMCSA-licensed and insured; they carry at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Ask for the carrier’s insurance details before pickup and review the vehicle’s condition at handoff, especially if you’re shipping a valuable car.
Can I leave personal items in the car?
SAKAEM allows up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or below the window line. Keep the load within that limit, secure anything you leave inside, and remove valuables, documents, and fragile items. The driver needs clear access to inspect the vehicle and load it safely.
Can you ship a non-running car?
SAKAEM can ship a non-running vehicle if it rolls, brakes, and steers and a key is available. Tell us about the car’s condition when you request a quote so the right equipment can be arranged. If it cannot roll, brake, or steer, this service requirement isn’t met.
How do I pay for car shipping?
You can pay by card, or pay the carrier by cash or certified check; Zelle and Venmo are also accepted. Confirm which option applies before pickup so you have the right payment ready for your shipment. SAKAEM does not require an upfront deposit.
Do I need to be present at pickup?
A designated adult must be present at both pickup and delivery to inspect the car and sign the Bill of Lading. Arrange for someone you trust if you cannot attend. Have the keys and any access instructions ready, and review the vehicle condition together before signing.
Have another question? Browse the full car shipping FAQ.
Get a Seattle car shipping quote
Tell SAKAEM your route, vehicle, and preferred pickup timing to get a quote built around your move.
Sources: SAKAEM shipment records on file (October 2026); US Census Bureau (county); [RCW 46.29.090], [RCW 46.37.430], [WA DOL], [WA Ecology], [WSDOT], official state sources, verified 2026-10-01.
Industry Resources: FMCSA Carrier Lookup · U.S. Department of Transportation · SAKAEM Logistics on BBB · NHTSA