Car shipping from Miami, FL to Washington, DC

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 Miami to Washington, DC route is straightforward but important. Start by giving your car a thorough cleaning, inside and out—this helps you document its condition with photos before shipping. Remove all personal belongings, toll transponders (like SunPass or E-ZPass), and any loose items from the interior, as carriers aren't insured for personal property.

Check that your gas tank is between 1/4 and 1/2 full—enough for loading and unloading, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. Remove or secure any custom accessories like spoilers, bike racks, or antenna toppers that could be damaged during transport. Make sure you have a working set of keys to give the driver.

Document your vehicle's current condition with timestamped photos from all angles, paying special attention to any existing scratches or dents. Disable your car alarm to prevent it from going off during transit. If your vehicle has any mechanical issues, let your carrier know upfront—most carriers can transport non-running vehicles, but they need advance notice.

For a complete walkthrough of the preparation process, check out our detailed guide on how to ship a car. You'll also want to have your car shipping documents ready, including your vehicle registration and insurance information, for a smooth pickup and delivery experience.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Miami, FL to Washington, DC. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all carriers in our network to maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your vehicle hits the road, we verify that the carrier's insurance policy is current, valid, and in good standing for the entire duration of your shipment.

This insurance coverage protects your vehicle against damage that may occur during loading, transport, and unloading. While our carriers take every precaution to ensure safe delivery, this comprehensive coverage gives you peace of mind throughout the journey from Miami to Washington, DC.

When your driver arrives for pickup, they'll provide you with a copy of their insurance certificate along with other car shipping documents. We recommend reviewing this documentation and taking photos of your vehicle before it's loaded onto the carrier. This creates a clear record of your vehicle's condition at the start of transport.

If you have questions about insurance coverage or the shipping process, our team is here to help every step of the way.

We recommend scheduling your pickup service from Miami, FL at least 1-2 weeks in advance, though booking earlier gives you more flexibility and often better rates. The sooner you book, the more time carriers have to plan efficient routes and bundle your shipment with other vehicles heading to the Washington, DC area.

If you're shipping during peak season (summer months, holidays, or snowbird migration periods), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead to secure your preferred dates. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, but they typically cost more and offer fewer carrier options. For more tips on planning your shipment, check out our guide on how to ship a car.

Early booking also gives you time to prepare your vehicle, gather necessary car shipping documents, and arrange your schedule around the pickup window. Most carriers provide a 1-2 day pickup window rather than an exact time, so advance planning helps reduce stress and ensures a smooth experience.

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 car shipping guide 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 Miami, FL to Washington, DC, you'll choose between two main transport methods: open and enclosed auto transport. Understanding the differences helps you make the right choice for your vehicle and budget.

Open Auto Transport is the most popular and economical option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier (the same type you see hauling cars on highways). While your car is exposed to weather and road elements during the roughly 1,000-mile journey, this method is safe, reliable, and used for transporting the vast majority of vehicles nationwide. It typically costs significantly less than enclosed transport.

Enclosed Auto Transport provides premium protection by shipping your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, road debris, and dust. This option typically costs 40-60% more than open transport. It's ideal for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle with custom paint or modifications where maximum protection justifies the higher investment.

For most standard vehicles making the Miami to Washington, DC trip, open transport offers excellent value and reliability. However, if you're shipping a high-value or specialty vehicle, enclosed transport provides peace of mind. Want to learn more about shipping costs? Check out our guide on the Cost To Ship A Car to help you budget accordingly.

Yes! We offer comprehensive door to door car shipping from Miami, FL to Washington, DC. This means we'll pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or any address you specify in Miami and deliver it directly to your desired location in the DC area.

When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will do their best to access both locations. However, if your street has low-hanging trees, narrow roads, or weight restrictions that prevent a large carrier truck from safely accessing your address, we'll work with you to arrange a convenient nearby meeting spot—such as a shopping center parking lot or gas station within a few blocks.

This service saves you the hassle of driving to a terminal or depot. Most customers find door-to-door transport to be the most convenient option, and it's our standard service for the Miami to Washington, DC route. Just make sure someone is available at both locations to hand off and receive the keys, or learn more about having someone else pick up your car in your name if you can't be there personally.

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.

See our car shipping guide to learn more about car shipping!