(470) 912-2692 Get Quote

Car Shipping in Virginia: 2025 Costs & Routes

Last updated: October 2025

Mike De Candia
Certified by:
Mike De Candia
Mike started working for SAKAEM in 2012 and has been successfully transporting cars ever since.
Pete Bottino
Sakaem is operated by:
Pete Bottino
Pete has been in the transportation industry for nearly 40 years and launched SAKAEM back in 2012.
The SAKAEM Price Match

We guarantee to match any price you find. We are experts at finding the best price for your shipment and getting the best value for your money.

ON THIS PAGE

1 Virginia Car Shipping Overview
2 Top Destination States
3 Key Takeaways
4 Customer Testimonials
5 Why Choose SAKAEM?
6 Cost Factors
7 Tips to Save on Car Shipping
8 Moving to Virginia?
9 Car Transport FAQs
STATE OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Virginia

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has fought the big broker monopoly to give you real value on car shipping and auto transport. With a decade‑plus of honest, transparent service and glowing reviews, we know Virginia’s routes inside out. Whether you’re moving a single sedan or a fleet, our scrappy team makes the process clear, affordable, and stress‑free.

Average Cost FROM Virginia

$875 – $1,250
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Virginia

$775 – $1,300
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Virginia

1
California
1547 shipments
$1,100 – $1,300
2
Texas
774 shipments
$925 – $1,100
3
Florida
483 shipments
$725 – $900
4
Arizona
459 shipments
$1,075 – $1,175
5
Washington
363 shipments
$1,250 – $1,550
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination States from Virginia

The most common destination states for car shipping from Virginia, showing average costs and popular city pairs. Data based on recent shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Top 10 Destination States Updated: October 2025
Rank Destination State Avg Cost Range Popular Route
1 California $1,100 – $1,300 Norfolk to San Diego
2 Texas $925 – $1,100 Alexandria to Houston
3 Florida $725 – $900 Gainesville to Naples
4 Arizona $1,075 – $1,175 Lansdowne to Tempe
5 Washington $1,250 – $1,550 Arlington to Seattle
6 Colorado $1,075 – $1,275 Arlington to Denver
7 Oregon $1,250 – $1,525 Arlington to Portland
8 Georgia $625 – $750 Alexandria to Savannah
9 Nevada $1,075 – $1,450 Alexandria to Las Vegas
10 New York $575 – $700 Newport News to Middletown
VA CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
Before calling Sakaem I was booked to use another transport company because their price was the best I could find. The day before they were going to pick up my car, they called me and said they had a reliable driver but he wanted an extra $300. I told them to forget it and called Sakaem. At the last minute they gave me a good price and said it was guaranteed. They service was great and my car arrived in NJ when they said it would be there. I will use them again in January!
Paul Shapiro
Jul 2025
Google logo
I'm a Merchant Mariner in VA, just back in off of deployment. I called you on Tuesday the vehicle was on the trailer on Wednesday and I received the vehicle on Thursday 10/10/23. GA to VA, Ivan from Ukraine was the best!!! Thanks once again Ivan, again prayers to you a nd your family back home. Respect!! Darryl C ATL
Darryl M. Cooper
Aug 2023
Google logo
First time shipping a car to Michigan. Signed a contract with a broker and last minute the truck broke down and he could not find a driver and then the price went up. Scrambled at the last minute and we reached out to Sakaem and talked to Jack. Told him about our situation and he was very understanding and he was able to get our truck to Michigan without any problems. They could haven taken advantage of the situation but they didn’t. Also the driver was very nice. Thank you Jack!!!
Sandy Kanaski
Apr 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Virginia

EXPERIENCE

Trust the experts with your car relocation. Years of experience mean your vehicle is well taken care of. A strong track record of safety and service lets you relax, knowing your car is in good hands.

TRANSPARENCY

Understand what your quote includes and the quality you’re paying for when shipping with a reputable carrier. Fair and transparent pricing lets you confidently book your car transport.

AFFORDABILITY

There are no upfront costs when booking. Don’t pay for your service until you receive it. Book your shipment and pay your deposit when the truck is dispatched for pickup.

PERSONALIZED

Have a team ready to assist you with a smooth shipping process. Our team aims to customize your booking to fit your individual needs while addressing your questions and concerns.

COMPREHENSIVE

Enjoy one point of contact from start to finish for a hassle-free shipping process. Your dedicated advisor will expertly guide you through each step for easy auto transport.

INSURED

All carriers are vetted through FMCSA for valid insurance. Trust our experts to select a safe, highly vetted carrier and deliver your vehicle securely to its destination.

KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs in Virginia

Distance

Distance matters because carriers charge by mileage; longer trips use more fuel, driver time, and wear on equipment. In Virginia, shipping from coastal towns to inland cities can add several hundred miles, directly raising the total cost.

Season

Season affects rates because demand spikes in summer and holiday periods, prompting carriers to raise prices. Off‑peak months see fewer bookings, allowing lower fees. Shipping a Virginia vehicle during peak season can cost noticeably more.

Route

Route influences price since major highways allow faster, fuel‑efficient travel, reducing labor costs. Smaller coastal or rural roads in Virginia may require slower speeds and extra handling, which increases time and expense for the carrier.

Vehicle Type

Vehicle type matters as larger or heavier trucks and SUVs require stronger tie‑downs and may need specialized equipment, raising fuel consumption and labor. Standard cars fit easily on most open trailers, keeping costs lower than for bulky vehicles.

Traffic Considerations

Traffic considerations impact pricing because congested periods force carriers to spend extra hours on the road, increasing fuel and labor costs. Shipping before Thanksgiving or during local festivals in Virginia may be pricier than quieter weeks.

Carrier Availability

Carrier availability drives cost; during peak seasons carriers are booked weeks out, allowing them to charge higher rates for limited slots. In off‑season, carriers have more capacity, often offering discounts and faster booking for Virginia shipments.

Population Density

Population density influences cost as densely populated Virginia areas like Richmond or Northern Virginia require more stops, permits, and careful navigation, adding time and fees. Rural locations may have fewer obstacles but longer distances, affecting the overall price.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping your car during Virginia’s off‑season—outside the busy snowbird months—can lower rates by up to 20%. Even a few weeks’ shift in timing often yields noticeable savings.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Choosing pickup or delivery spots near major highways, rather than deep neighborhood streets, reduces truck mileage and parking fees. This simple route tweak often trims your shipping cost.

3

Hub city advantages

Select a Virginia hub city like Richmond or Norfolk that sits at highway intersections. Multiple route options increase competition among carriers, driving down your quoted price.

4

Weather considerations

Check Virginia’s seasonal weather trends; heavy snow or rain can delay shipments and raise costs. Planning around mild months helps keep your timeline and budget on track.

5

Booking in advance

Reserve your transport weeks ahead of moving day. Early bookings give carriers time to plan routes, avoid last‑minute surcharges, and typically provide a better price.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers are the most economical choice for standard vehicles; they cost less than enclosed units. Reserve enclosed trailers only for high‑value or weather‑sensitive cars.

7

Flexible dates

If you allow a five‑day window for pickup and delivery, carriers can consolidate loads and offer lower rates. Flexibility on dates often translates directly into savings.

8

Compare quotes

Get multiple quotes from reputable auto transport companies to find the best deal for your Virginia car shipping needs. We will match any competitor’s quote.

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Virginia

Professional auto transport service for Virginia moves

Car shipping to Virginia begins with registration at the DMV; new residents must title and register within 30 days. [DMV]

Virginia requires a Virginia title; out‑of‑state titles must be surrendered and a VIN inspection performed at a DMV office. [DMV]

Emissions testing is required in the Northern and Central regions each year for gasoline cars older than 1996. [DEQ]

Window tint is limited to 35% VLT on front side windows; rear windows may be darker. Violations can be cited by state police. [Virginia State Police]

Minimum ground clearance is 7 inches for trucks and SUVs; lower frames may need a lift kit to meet the rule. [VDOT]

Winter tires are not mandatory, but snow and ice on the Blue Ridge Mountains make studded tires useful from November to March. [NWS]

When auto transport moves a vehicle into Virginia, the carrier must provide a bill of lading that matches the VIN on the title. [FMCSA]

Insurance rates in Virginia are influenced by the state’s “no‑fault” system and the driver’s liability limits; minimum coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$20,000. [Virginia Department of Insurance]

Drivers shipping a car out of Virginia should cancel Virginia registration after the vehicle is deregistered to avoid fees. [DMV]

Checking local ordinances for weight limits on bridges can prevent delays during car shipping across the state. [VDOT]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Virginia Vehicle Transport FAQs

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.

Before your car leaves Virginia, follow these quick steps to keep it safe and avoid extra fees. 1. Clean out the interior. Remove all personal items, loose accessories, and any toll‑pass devices. 2. Document the condition. Take clear photos of the exterior and interior, noting any existing scratches or dents. 3. Check fluids and fuel. Ensure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full and that there are no leaks. 4. Secure loose parts. Take off roof racks, spoilers, bike racks, antenna extensions, and fold in side mirrors if possible. 5. Provide a key. Have a working key (or remote) ready for the carrier. 6. Disable alarms. Turn off any alarm systems that could trigger during transport. For a full checklist, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes. Every carrier we partner with carries a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, which satisfies both federal rules and Virginia state requirements. Before your vehicle is loaded, we verify that the carrier’s policy is active and that the coverage limits fully protect the value of your car. This protection is included in the quoted price, so you don’t need to purchase extra insurance unless you want additional coverage through your own auto insurer.

Schedule early. The sooner you book, the better. We recommend booking at least two weeks before you need the pickup. This gives carriers time to bundle your vehicle with other shipments in Virginia, which can lower costs and improve availability. Posting three to four weeks ahead gives you the most carrier options and often the lowest rates. Requests made less than a week out are still possible but limit choices and may increase the price.

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.

Open auto transport uses a standard flatbed trailer with the vehicle exposed to the elements. It is the most common and cost‑effective option, typically 30‑50% cheaper than enclosed service. Open trucks are ideal for everyday cars, SUVs, and trucks that are not of high collectible value. The vehicle is secured with straps, but it can still be exposed to rain, dust, road debris, and sun.

Enclosed auto transport places the vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. This protects the car from weather, road salt, stone chips, and any accidental scratches. Because the trailer holds fewer vehicles and requires more handling, the price is usually 40‑60% higher than open transport. Enclosed service is recommended for classic cars, luxury vehicles, custom paint jobs, or any car you want to keep in pristine condition.

In Virginia, both options are widely available. Choose open transport for budget‑friendly, routine moves, and opt for enclosed when the vehicle’s value or condition warrants extra protection.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics offers door-to-door auto transport throughout Virginia. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will travel to those locations, load your vehicle, and deliver it directly to the drop-off address you provide.

If a road, bridge, or local regulation makes a direct address impossible, we will arrange a nearby safe spot—such as a gas station or commercial parking lot—so your car stays protected.

We have been shipping cars since 2012, fighting the monopoly of big brokers and keeping rates fair. Our highly‑rated reviews show we deliver on time and treat each vehicle with care.

Door-to-door service is the most convenient way to move a car, and we strive to make the process clear and stress‑free.

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!

DID YOU KNOW?

Fun Facts About Virginia

Discover interesting insights about the state you’re shipping to or from

Virginia, the Old Dominion, offers a blend of coastal charm, mountain scenery, and rich history—perfect for anyone shipping a car to or from the state.

  • Geography: From the Atlantic shoreline to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia spans over 40,000 square miles of diverse terrain, giving drivers scenic routes like the Skyline Drive.
  • Key Cities: Richmond’s historic riverfront, Virginia Beach’s boardwalk, and the tech hub of Northern Virginia attract millions of visitors each year.
  • Historical Significance: Virginia is the birthplace of eight U.S. presidents and the site of the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown.
  • Vehicle Laws: All passenger vehicles must display a front license plate, and Virginia requires a safety inspection every two years for registered cars.
  • Climate: The state enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters along the coast and cooler, snowy winters in the mountains.
  • Economy: Strong sectors include defense, aerospace, and agriculture—making vehicle transport a steady need.
  • Population: Home to over 8.6 million people, Virginia’s diverse demographics include a growing number of retirees and young professionals.
  • Unique Charm: Virginia’s “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan reflects its welcoming spirit, perfect for newcomers driving in for work or leisure.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping, also called auto transport, can feel confusing the first time you need it in Virginia. This quick 101 guide walks you through each stage so you know what to expect from the moment you call a broker until your vehicle arrives safely at its new home.

The industry works with two key players: brokers and carriers. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, does not move the truck itself but matches you with a carrier that owns the transport equipment. Choosing a reputable broker ensures the carrier has solid reviews, proper insurance, and a clean safety record.

Step one: Call a broker for a free quote. Provide the pick‑up address, destination, vehicle type, and any timing needs. The broker will confirm that your car can travel on an open or enclosed trailer and will give you a timeline.

Step two: The broker searches its network and selects a carrier that meets your criteria. A good broker only works with carriers that hold valid USDOT numbers, have up‑to‑date insurance, and maintain high customer ratings. The carrier’s driver will be assigned to your shipment.

Step three: The carrier arrives to pick up your car. They will inspect the vehicle, note any existing damage, and secure it on the trailer. Make sure the car rolls freely and has about a quarter tank of fuel.

Step four: During transit the carrier follows the agreed route and keeps you updated on progress. Once the vehicle reaches the destination in Virginia or out of state, the driver will position the car for unloading and conduct a final inspection.

Step five: Pay the broker or carrier at pickup or delivery, as agreed. After payment, you receive the bill of lading and any receipts. For high‑value cars, ask for an enclosed trailer. Always remove personal items, lock the doors, and keep a photo record of the vehicle’s condition.