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 the Chicago to Seattle route is straightforward. Here's what you need to do:

Remove Personal Items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and garage door openers. Carriers aren't insured for personal items, and they add unnecessary weight.

Document the Condition: Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup. This protects you if any damage occurs during the 2,000+ mile journey.

Check Fluid Levels and Battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank) and that the battery works. The driver needs to load and unload your vehicle.

Secure or Remove Accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, or antennas that could get damaged. Make sure your trunk and doors close properly.

Disable Alarms: Turn off your car alarm to prevent it from going off during transport.

Provide a Key: Have a working key ready for the carrier at pickup.

For a complete checklist, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Taking these simple steps ensures a smooth shipping experience from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Chicago to Seattle. All carriers in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before we assign your shipment, we verify that the carrier's insurance is active and valid. You'll receive a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate before pickup, so you have proof of coverage for the entire journey from Illinois to Washington.

This insurance protects your vehicle against damage that occurs during loading, transport, and unloading. While damage is rare, you should still document your car's condition with photos before the carrier picks it up in Chicago.

Important note: The carrier's insurance covers damage caused during transport. Your personal auto insurance covers other situations, like theft from the carrier's truck. We recommend checking with your insurance provider if you have questions about your specific coverage.

We recommend booking your car shipment from Chicago to Seattle at least 1-2 weeks in advance, though 3-4 weeks is ideal for the best rates and carrier availability.

Here's why earlier is better:

• More carrier options: The Chicago to Seattle route (about 2,000 miles) is popular, but carriers need time to plan their routes and bundle shipments
• Better pricing: Last-minute bookings often cost 20-30% more due to limited availability
• Flexible pickup windows: More notice means you can choose dates that work best for your schedule

That said, we understand plans change. If you need faster service, we can often arrange pickups within 2-5 days, though expect premium pricing for rush orders.

Pro tip: If you know your moving date, book as early as possible. You can always adjust your pickup window later if needed.

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 Auto Transport Process Article 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.

When shipping your car from Chicago to Seattle, you have two main options: open transport and enclosed transport. Here's what makes them different:

Open Transport is the most popular and affordable option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air trailer (the kind you see on highways carrying 7-10 cars). It's exposed to weather and road conditions during the 2,000+ mile journey across the country. This method is safe, reliable, and used for about 90% of all car shipments. It's perfect for everyday vehicles.

Enclosed Transport ships your car inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather, dust, and road debris. This costs 50-60% more than open transport but offers maximum protection. Choose this option if you're shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car with custom paint or modifications.

Bottom line: For most Chicago to Seattle shipments, open transport offers excellent value and protection. Only upgrade to enclosed if your vehicle's value or condition demands that extra security. Either way, your car will be fully insured during transit.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA. This is our standard service and the most convenient option for shipping your vehicle across this 2,000+ mile route.

Here's how it works: When you book with Sakaem Logistics, we'll ask for your preferred pickup address in Chicago and delivery address in Seattle. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your home, office, or specified location to load your vehicle, then deliver it right to your door in Seattle.

In some cases, large car carriers may face restrictions due to narrow streets, low-hanging trees, or tight residential areas. If your location isn't accessible for an 18-wheeler, don't worry—we'll work with you to find a convenient nearby meeting spot like a shopping center parking lot or gas station. This happens occasionally in both cities' dense neighborhoods, but we always prioritize what's easiest for you.

Door-to-door service is included in your quote at no extra charge. It saves you time and eliminates the need to drop off or pick up your vehicle at a terminal.

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!