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Seattle, WA 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 Seattle 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 Seattle?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Seattle, WA

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has fought the big‑broker monopoly to give drivers honest, affordable car shipping in Seattle, WA. Our scrappy team leverages decades of auto transport experience, and our five‑star reviews prove we deliver. In this guide you’ll learn realistic costs, top destinations, and practical tips so you can move your vehicle with confidence.

Average Cost FROM Seattle

$1,000 – $1,350
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Seattle

$1,025 – $1,350
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Seattle, WA

1
California
825 shipments
$750 – $900
2
Texas
778 shipments
$1,050 – $1,250
3
Florida
530 shipments
$1,200 – $1,450
4
North Carolina
299 shipments
$1,175 – $1,425
5
Arizona
297 shipments
$900 – $1,075
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Seattle, WA

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Seattle, 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 Los Angeles, CA $750 – $900 Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA
2 Dallas, TX $1,025 – $1,200 Seattle, WA to Dallas, TX
3 New York, NY $1,175 – $1,425 Seattle, WA to New York, NY
4 Phoenix, AZ $900 – $1,050 Seattle, WA to Phoenix, AZ
5 Washington, DC $1,175 – $1,400 Seattle, WA to Washington, DC
6 Austin, TX $1,050 – $1,250 Seattle, WA to Austin, TX
7 Houston, TX $1,075 – $1,225 Seattle, WA to Houston, TX
8 Atlanta, GA $1,175 – $1,375 Seattle, WA to Atlanta, GA
9 San Diego, CA $800 – $950 Seattle, WA to San Diego, CA
10 Chicago, IL $1,000 – $1,175 Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
Seattle, WA CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
I had Sakaem Logistics move my daughters car from Washington to Florida. I was very happy with their attention to detail and they stayed in touch with me the entire time! Highly recommend for professional service!
Sheila Friesner
Mar 2022
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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.
Emily Madison
Aug 2023
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I had Sakaem Logistics move my daughters car from Washington to Florida. I was very happy with their attention to detail and they stayed in touch with me the entire time! Highly recommend for professional service!
Sheila Friesner
Mar 2022
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Seattle

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 Seattle

Distance

Shipping costs rise with mileage, and Seattle’s location on the Pacific coast means trips to the interior U.S. or East Coast can be several thousand miles, adding fuel and driver time charges. Shorter regional moves, such as to Portland or Vancouver, stay lower because the carrier travels less distance.

Season

Demand spikes in summer when people relocate or go on road trips, pushing prices up, while winter’s rain and occasional snow can slow traffic and raise insurance premiums. Spring and fall tend to be calmer, so rates may dip slightly.

Route

Carriers often use I‑5 for north‑south runs, I‑90 to cross the Cascades toward Spokane, and I‑405 or SR 520 to reach the Port of Seattle, which can affect tolls and fuel use. Routes that avoid mountain passes in winter may cost a bit more but keep the vehicle safer.

Vehicle Type

Larger trucks, SUVs, and low‑clearance sports cars need more space on the carrier, raising the per‑vehicle fee. Heavy or unusually shaped vehicles may also require special equipment, adding to the cost.

Traffic Considerations

Seattle’s rush‑hour congestion on I‑5, I‑405 and downtown bridges can add idle time, which carriers factor into their rates. Toll bridges and frequent construction zones further increase fuel and scheduling expenses.

Carrier Availability

The Port of Seattle attracts many regional carriers, creating healthy competition that can keep prices competitive. However, peak moving seasons can strain capacity, leading to higher quotes until more trucks become available.

Population Density

Seattle’s dense urban core limits easy loading zones, so carriers often need permits or off‑site staging areas, adding logistical steps. Higher population also means more local demand, which can both increase competition and push rates up during busy periods.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping in the shoulder months of September‑November or February‑April usually avoids the summer moving rush and the holiday peak, so carriers often offer lower rates. The milder weather and reduced demand on I‑5 and I‑90 corridors let drivers plan more efficiently, which translates into savings for you.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a few days, carriers can bundle your load with other shipments heading the same way, cutting deadhead miles. In Seattle’s busy port area, a flexible window lets drivers avoid peak traffic on the I‑5 corridor and secure a cheaper slot.

3

Hub city advantages

Seattle’s status as a major Pacific Northwest hub—home to the Port of Seattle, Sea‑Tac Airport, and interstate links I‑5, I‑90, and SR‑520—means many carriers run regular routes through the city. This high volume creates competition and more pricing options for car shippers.

4

Weather considerations

Seattle’s rainy season (October‑April) can delay loading at the port or cause temporary road closures on mountain passes like Snoqualmie, so plan for a buffer day. However, the city’s mild temperatures mean you won’t need an enclosed trailer solely for weather protection, keeping costs down.

5

Booking in advance

Securing a spot 4‑6 weeks ahead of your move gives you access to the carrier’s scheduled runs on the I‑5 and I‑90 corridors before they fill up. Early bookings also lock in current rates before seasonal price spikes in the summer moving season.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers are the default on the I‑5 freight lanes and cost about 10‑15% less than enclosed units because they’re quicker to load and more widely available. In Seattle’s moderate climate, the risk of weather damage is low, making open transport a cost‑effective choice for most vehicles.

7

Flexible dates

Offering a range of delivery dates lets carriers align your shipment with existing routes that pass through Seattle, reducing extra mileage around the city’s congestion points like the downtown tunnel. This route optimization often results in lower per‑mile charges.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Seattle

Professional auto transport service for Seattle moves

Washington requires all vehicles to be registered with the Department of Licensing within 30 days of arrival. New owners must provide a title, proof of insurance, and a completed Vehicle Title Application (Form TD‑420‑001). The state conducts biennial emissions testing for most gasoline cars in the Seattle‑Puget Sound area; hybrids and electric vehicles are exempt [WA Dept of Ecology]. Window tint may not reduce visible light transmission below 24 percent on the front side windows, and any tint on the rear must be clearly marked with the state sticker [WA Legislature]. Height restrictions for vehicle frames are limited to 13 feet on state highways, with lower clearances on many Seattle bridges [WSDOT]. Washington’s no‑fault insurance law requires a minimum of $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 property damage, and carriers should verify coverage before auto transport [DOL].

Seattle drivers face tight parking rules; residential permits are required for most curbside spots and the city enforces two‑hour loading zones with digital meters [Seattle DOT]. Rush‑hour traffic concentrates on I‑5, Aurora Avenue, and the downtown tunnel, so scheduling car shipping early in the morning can avoid delays. Winter weather often brings rain and occasional snow, so many locals fit all‑season or winter tires and add anti‑rust undercoating before a long haul [WA Dept of Transportation]. When moving to Seattle, check the vehicle’s battery health for cold starts and clear any snow from mirrors and lights before transport. Conversely, those shipping a car out of Seattle should remove any Seattle‑specific decals and ensure the registration sticker is current to prevent inspection holds at state borders [DOL].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Seattle 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 Seattle, be sure to remove any Good To Go toll tag, take off floor mats and rain‑prone accessories, keep a set of keys handy for the carrier, and clear out any loose or fragile items from the interior and exterior.

Yes, when you ship your vehicle from or to Seattle, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers we work with carry at least $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify the policy is active for the entire trip, including any moves through the Port of Seattle or local routes. This protection applies whether you are sending a car to the Cascades, the Olympic Peninsula, or anywhere beyond Washington state.

Because Seattle’s busy port and occasional rain can affect carrier schedules, we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance. The sooner you schedule, the better, as it lets carriers bundle your car with other shipments from the Seattle area.

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 Seattle, open transport is the most common and cost‑effective way to ship a car, but the city’s rainy climate and busy I‑5 corridor can expose vehicles to road debris, so many owners of high‑value or show cars opt for enclosed transport. Enclosed trailers typically run about 50% more expensive than open ones, offering protection from the elements, gravel, and potential dings during the trip through the Pacific Northwest. If your vehicle has a custom paint job, classic status, or you simply want extra peace of mind while it travels to or from the Port of Seattle, an enclosed carrier is the safer option.

We provide door-to-door auto transport throughout Seattle, WA, so you can have your vehicle picked up and delivered to the exact address you give us—whether it’s a home driveway, a condo garage, or a business lot. Our carriers know the city’s streets and will work with you if a location is hard to reach, arranging a nearby gas station or parking lot as needed. The service is designed for convenience while complying with any local traffic or safety restrictions.

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 Seattle

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

Seattle, WA blends stunning natural scenery with a bustling port city vibe, making it a top spot for car owners and auto shippers.

  • Geography: Seattle sits between Puget Sound and Lake Washington on rolling hills, giving water views from many angles.
  • Iconic Landmarks: The Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and historic ferry terminal are must‑see for newcomers.
  • History & Culture: Founded in 1851, Seattle grew from timber to tech, birthing grunge music and companies like Amazon.
  • Vehicle Laws: Seattle mandates annual emissions testing and strict idling limits, which can affect shipping schedules.
  • Climate: Mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers bring about 37 inches of rain yearly—protect your car from moisture.
  • Economy: The Port of Seattle moves over 1.5 million TEU each year, supporting aerospace, shipping and auto transport.
  • Population: More than 750,000 people live in Seattle, enjoying a diverse culture and outdoor lifestyle.
  • Transportation: Seattle‑Tacoma Intl Airport, the Port of Seattle, and I‑5/I‑90 highways make car shipping easy.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

If you’re new to car shipping in Seattle, WA, this 101 guide walks you through what to expect. Auto transport moves your vehicle from one location to another using professional carriers. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car out of state, or sending a vehicle to a family member, understanding the steps helps you feel confident and keeps the process smooth. The process is straightforward, but a few key details can make a big difference in safety and timing.

First, know the difference between a broker and a carrier. A broker, like Sakaem Logistics, does not drive the truck. Instead, the broker matches you with a carrier – the company that actually hauls the car. Reputable brokers work only with carriers that have solid reviews, proper insurance, and a clean safety record. This middle‑man role gives you more options and often better service, while the carrier focuses on the physical move.

Here’s the typical flow from start to finish: 1) Call a broker to request a quote. 2) The broker reviews your pickup and delivery details, then finds a carrier that fits your timeline and vehicle type. 3) Once a carrier is assigned, they schedule a pickup date. 4) On the pickup day, the carrier arrives, inspects the car, and loads it onto the trailer. 5) The carrier transports the vehicle to the destination and unloads it. 6) You settle payment with the broker or carrier at pickup or delivery, depending on the agreement.

A few things to know about the transport process: Use an enclosed trailer for high‑end or classic cars to protect them from weather and road debris. Remove all personal items and clear the interior before the carrier arrives. The car must be able to roll – a flat‑tire or stuck vehicle can cause delays. Finally, keep about a quarter tank of gas in the tank; this helps the carrier move the car onto and off the trailer safely.