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Salt Lake City, UT Car Shipping: 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.
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ON THIS PAGE

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

Car Shipping in Salt Lake City, UT

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has been a scrappy, customer‑focused team breaking the monopoly of big brokers on car shipping. Whether you need auto transport to or from Salt Lake City, UT, our transparent process and decades‑long expertise keep costs low and expectations clear. Trust our highly rated reviews and let us guide you through every step of moving your vehicle safely and affordably.

Average Cost FROM Salt Lake City

$900 – $1,250
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Salt Lake City

$900 – $1,275
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Salt Lake City, UT

1
Florida
128 shipments
$1,050 – $1,275
2
Texas
85 shipments
$850 – $1,050
3
California
82 shipments
$600 – $775
4
North Carolina
79 shipments
$1,100 – $1,400
5
Georgia
52 shipments
$1,025 – $1,200
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Salt Lake City, UT

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Salt Lake City, showing average costs and specific routes. Data based on recent shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Top 10 Destination Cities Updated: October 2025
Rank Destination City Avg Cost Range Route
1 New York, NY $1,075 – $1,250 Salt Lake City, UT to New York, NY
2 Washington, DC $1,000 – $1,175 Salt Lake City, UT to Washington, DC
3 Atlanta, GA $1,025 – $1,125 Salt Lake City, UT to Atlanta, GA
4 Dallas, TX $850 – $1,000 Salt Lake City, UT to Dallas, TX
5 Tampa, FL $1,050 – $1,275 Salt Lake City, UT to Tampa, FL
6 Los Angeles, CA $575 – $700 Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles, CA
7 Miami, FL $1,100 – $1,225 Salt Lake City, UT to Miami, FL
8 Boston, MA $1,100 – $1,400 Salt Lake City, UT to Boston, MA
9 Charlotte, NC $1,125 – $1,300 Salt Lake City, UT to Charlotte, NC
10 Houston, TX $900 – $1,025 Salt Lake City, UT to Houston, TX
Salt Lake City, UT CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

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
Google logo
Shipped 2 vehicles from Boston to Salt Lake City. SAKAEM did a fabulous job coordinating the transport company and driver to deliver my vehicles. It was all around a great and affordable experience. It took about 5 days for vehicles to arrive. I will say that shipping your vehicles across the country is much better than driving them
Makayla Weist
Jul 2023
Google logo
I recently had to move cross country and SAKAEM found a carrier for me in 3 days and they did an excellent job in getting my vehicle from NV to MA in 3.5 days. I wish I had more clarity on paying in full at the beginning, which was different than what I was told regarding a deposit and payment upon delivery. Luckily the carrier verified this so there were no issues. Overall, the move was seamless and I would use SAKAEM in the future.
Chris Cunningham
May 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Salt Lake City

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 Salt Lake City

Distance

Shipping costs rise with mileage, so a move from Salt Lake City to the East or West Coast will be noticeably higher than a regional haul within Utah or neighboring states. Because Salt Lake City sits near the geographic center of the western U.S., many routes are long enough to benefit from carrier discounts on longer hauls, but very short trips (under 300 mi) often have a minimum charge that can seem steep.

Season

Winter brings snow and occasional chain requirements on I‑15 and I‑80, which can raise carrier fees and limit availability, while spring and summer see higher demand as people relocate, often pushing rates up. Conversely, the slower holiday season in late fall can produce modest discounts as carriers seek back‑haul work.

Route

The primary corridors out of Salt Lake City are I‑15 north‑south and I‑80 east‑west, which are heavily used by auto carriers and allow for predictable pricing. Mountain passes such as Parleys Summit on I‑15 can add fuel costs and require extra driver time, especially in winter, influencing the final quote.

Vehicle Type

Larger SUVs, trucks, and low‑clearance vehicles need more space on open trailers, sometimes incurring a size surcharge, while high‑value or classic cars are often quoted higher for enclosed transport to protect them from weather and road debris. Heavy or unusually shaped loads may also require a specialized carrier, adding to the cost.

Traffic Considerations

Salt Lake City’s downtown core experiences rush‑hour congestion on I‑15 and I‑80, which can add idle time and fuel use for carriers, modestly increasing rates. However, the overall traffic density is lower than in larger metros, so most routes remain efficient for long‑haul trucks.

Carrier Availability

Because Salt Lake City is a regional hub for several national carriers, competition is strong, which generally keeps prices competitive. Seasonal spikes or extreme weather can temporarily reduce carrier availability, leading to higher quotes during those periods.

Population Density

Salt Lake City’s moderate population density and its location in a valley surrounded by mountains limit direct port access, so most vehicles are moved by road rather than rail or sea. This geographic setup means carriers rely on well‑maintained highways, and the city’s growth creates steady demand without the extreme congestion seen in megacities, keeping logistics relatively smooth.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping in late fall (late October to early November) or early spring (mid‑March to early April) usually avoids the summer vacation surge and the winter snow‑bound weeks, so carriers have more capacity and offer lower rates. The cooler, drier weather also means fewer delays on I‑15 and I‑80 corridors.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a day or two, especially to a weekday, carriers can fill gaps in their schedule and pass the savings to you. For example, moving a drop‑off from a Saturday to the following Tuesday often reduces the quoted price by 5‑10%.

3

Hub city advantages

Salt Lake City sits at the crossroads of I‑15, I‑80 and major rail lines, making it a natural hub for cross‑country auto transport. This high traffic gives carriers multiple route options, which drives competition and keeps prices lower than in more isolated markets.

4

Weather considerations

Winter snowstorms can close mountain passes on I‑15 and I‑80, so schedule pickups before heavy snowfall (late November) or after the snow melts (late March). Keep an eye on spring wind gusts in the Wasatch Range, which can delay open‑trailer loads, and build a buffer day into your timeline.

5

Booking in advance

Securing your spot 3‑4 weeks ahead gives carriers time to plan routes that include Salt Lake City, and they reward the certainty with lower rates. Early bookings also lock in pricing before the summer travel peak pushes quotes higher.

6

Open carrier transport

Choosing an open trailer instead of an enclosed one can cut the cost by roughly $150‑$250 because the carrier can load more vehicles per run. In Utah’s dry climate, the risk of weather damage is low outside of the winter months, so open trailers are a safe, budget‑friendly choice.

7

Flexible dates

When you allow a window of several days, carriers can bundle your shipment with other loads heading through Salt Lake City, optimizing the route and reducing deadhead miles. This often results in a discount because the carrier can maintain a full truckload rather than a single‑vehicle run.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Salt Lake City

Professional auto transport service for Salt Lake City moves

Utah requires a unique vehicle registration process that can be completed online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. New owners must provide a VIN verification, proof of insurance, and, in Salt Lake, Davis, and Weber counties, an emissions test certificate before a plate is issued [UTAH DMV].

In Salt Lake City, drivers should know the parking rules: residential permit zones cover many neighborhoods, downtown meters run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and street cleaning or snow‑removal bans can appear on city signs. Paying attention to these signs avoids tickets and towing [City Website].

Utah has specific vehicle laws. Front side windows must let in at least 35 % visible light, while rear windows may be darker. Vehicles over 8 feet tall need a special permit for certain bridges. Emissions testing is required every two years in the counties that participate in the Utah Clean Air program [Utah Code].

People moving to or from Salt Lake City should prepare for winter. Snow tires or chains, a battery warmer, and keeping the fuel tank at least half full help prevent breakdowns. State‑wide, Utah is a no‑fault insurance state; the minimum coverage is $25 k/$65 k/$15 k for bodily injury plus $5 k for personal injury protection and $25 k for uninsured motorist protection. Insurance must be active before registration can be completed [UTAH DMV].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Salt Lake City 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.

See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details about how to prepare your vehicle for shipping. In Salt Lake City, be sure to remove any UDOT toll tags, ski racks or other accessories that could catch on equipment, and keep the gas tank about a quarter full to reduce weight. Also, leave the key with the carrier and clear out any personal items or fragile objects from the interior.

Yes, when you ship a vehicle to or from Salt Lake City, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers serving the Salt Lake City area must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify the policy is active for the whole trip.

In Salt Lake City, we recommend booking your pickup at least two weeks in advance, though the sooner you post the shipment the better. Because the city is a busy hub for carriers, early scheduling lets us bundle your car with other local loads and secure a more competitive rate. Booking early also helps us navigate seasonal factors such as winter weather that can affect availability.

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.

In Salt Lake City, enclosed transport still costs about 50% more than open trailers, but it protects your vehicle from the region’s dust, snow and mountain road debris. Choose enclosed shipping for high‑value cars, classics, or custom paint jobs that can’t risk scratches or weather exposure. Open transport is a reliable, cost‑effective option for everyday vehicles when extra protection isn’t essential.

Door-to-door auto transport is the most convenient way to ship your vehicle in Salt Lake City, UT. When you book, we’ll ask for your exact pickup and delivery addresses—whether it’s a home, office, or apartment complex anywhere in Salt Lake City or the surrounding metro area such as Murray, West Valley City, or Sandy. If local rules or safety concerns prevent a direct drop‑off, the carrier will arrange a nearby safe spot like a gas station or parking lot.

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 Salt Lake City

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

Salt Lake City, UT is a vibrant hub where mountains meet a modern downtown, making it a unique spot for car owners and travelers alike.

  • Mountain‑side geography: The city sits at 4,300 ft between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Range, offering stunning backdrops for any vehicle shipment.
  • Iconic landmarks: The historic Temple Square and the futuristic City Creek Center draw visitors from around the world.
  • Rich pioneer history: Founded in 1847 by Brigham Young, Salt Lake City still celebrates its western roots with annual festivals.
  • Vehicle‑friendly laws: Utah requires all cars to have winter tires or chains when snow is forecast, a useful tip for drivers heading north.
  • Four‑season climate: Expect dry, sunny summers and snowy winters; the average annual precipitation is only 16 inches.
  • Strong economy: Tech, finance, and outdoor recreation fuel growth, creating steady demand for reliable auto transport.
  • Transportation network: Salt Lake City International Airport handles major cargo flights, while I‑15, I‑80, and the nearby port of Ogden streamline truck routes.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

If you are new to car shipping from Salt Lake City, UT, this 101 guide will walk you through every step of the auto transport process. Understanding the flow helps you feel confident, avoid surprises, and keep your vehicle safe from pickup to delivery.

First, know the difference between a broker and a carrier. A broker—like Sakaem Logistics—does not move the vehicle themselves. Instead, they match you with a licensed carrier who actually drives the truck or trailer. Reputable brokers vet carriers for insurance, safety records, and customer reviews, giving you a reliable partner for the whole journey.

Step 1: Call a broker to get a quote. Provide the make, model, and pickup and drop‑off locations in Salt Lake City, UT, and the broker will give you a clear estimate and explain any special requirements.

Step 2: The broker searches for a carrier that fits your schedule and vehicle type. Because the broker has relationships with many carriers, they can secure a spot on an open trailer quickly and ensure the carrier holds proper insurance.

Step 3: The carrier arrives to pick up your car. Before the driver arrives, clear all personal items, make sure the car can roll under its own power, and leave about a quarter tank of gas. If you own a high‑end or classic car, request an enclosed trailer for added protection.

Step 4: The carrier transports the vehicle to the destination you specified. Once the car is unloaded, you will settle payment with the broker or carrier, usually at the time of pickup or delivery, depending on the agreement you signed.

Things to remember: use an enclosed trailer for luxury or collectible cars, empty the interior of all belongings, ensure the vehicle can roll, and keep the fuel level around a quarter tank. Following these simple steps makes auto transport from Salt Lake City, UT smooth and stress‑free.