(470) 912-2692 Get Quote

Kansas City, MO 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.
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 Kansas 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 Kansas City?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Kansas City, MO

Looking to ship your ride from Kansas City, MO? Our scrappy team, founded in 2012, cuts through the broker monopoly to give you honest, affordable car shipping and auto transport solutions. With years of experience and rave reviews, we guide you through every step—pricing, routes, and tips—so your vehicle arrives safely and on budget.

Average Cost FROM Kansas City

$725 – $1,050
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Kansas City

$775 – $1,100
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Kansas City, MO

1
California
151 shipments
$900 – $1,125
2
Florida
117 shipments
$800 – $975
3
Arizona
70 shipments
$850 – $1,050
4
Washington
60 shipments
$1,075 – $1,250
5
Texas
57 shipments
$675 – $800
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Kansas City, MO

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Kansas 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 Phoenix, AZ $825 – $1,025 Kansas City, MO to Phoenix, AZ
2 Los Angeles, CA $875 – $1,100 Kansas City, MO to Los Angeles, CA
3 Seattle, WA $1,075 – $1,225 Kansas City, MO to Seattle, WA
4 New York, NY $750 – $975 Kansas City, MO to New York, NY
5 Washington, DC $700 – $875 Kansas City, MO to Washington, DC
6 Atlanta, GA $650 – $725 Kansas City, MO to Atlanta, GA
7 Houston, TX $700 – $800 Kansas City, MO to Houston, TX
8 Miami, FL $700 – $925 Kansas City, MO to Miami, FL
9 San Diego, CA $875 – $1,200 Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA
10 Tampa, FL $825 – $900 Kansas City, MO to Tampa, FL
Kansas City, MO 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
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
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
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Kansas 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 Kansas City

Distance

Shipping costs rise with mileage, so a Kansas City pickup or delivery adds a baseline charge that scales with the total miles traveled. Because Kansas City sits near the geographic center of the United States, routes to both coasts often start here, making distance a primary driver of the final price.

Season

Winter snow and occasional ice storms in Kansas City can delay trucks and increase fuel use, so rates tend to rise in the colder months. Summer heat and spring tornado season also affect demand, with higher prices during peak moving periods in spring and early fall when many people relocate.

Route

Major interstates I‑70, I‑35, I‑435 and I‑635 intersect in Kansas City, providing direct north‑south and east‑west corridors that carriers use to plan efficient trips. When a route follows these highways, fuel and driver time are minimized, which can lower the quoted rate compared to more indirect paths.

Vehicle Type

Larger or heavier vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, or classic cars require more space and stronger tie‑down points, leading to higher fees than standard sedans. Vehicles with low clearance or unusually tall dimensions may need special equipment or routing, which adds to the cost.

Traffic Considerations

Kansas City’s rush‑hour congestion on I‑70 and I‑35, especially around downtown and the airport, can extend travel time and increase fuel consumption, slightly raising carrier charges. However, the city’s overall traffic is moderate compared to larger metros, so the impact is usually modest.

Carrier Availability

Because Kansas City is a central hub for many national carriers, there is healthy competition among brokers and transport companies, which helps keep prices competitive. Seasonal spikes or driver shortages can temporarily reduce availability, causing rates to inch up during those periods.

Population Density

Kansas City’s moderate population density means fewer stop‑and‑go deliveries within the metro area, allowing carriers to batch shipments efficiently. Its central location reduces deadhead miles for trucks heading east or west, which can lower overall shipping costs compared to more densely packed coastal cities.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping in the low‑demand months of mid‑January through early March, or late October to early December, usually yields lower quotes because fewer customers are moving cars and carriers have more capacity. Avoid the holiday rush in late December and the spring surge when college moves and spring break trips increase demand.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift your pickup or delivery by a few days, carriers can bundle your load with nearby shipments on I‑70 or I‑35, which often reduces the per‑vehicle price. Request a range of dates rather than a single fixed day to let the broker match you with the most cost‑efficient route.

3

Hub city advantages

Kansas City sits at the crossroads of I‑70, I‑35, I‑29 and major rail lines, making it a natural consolidation point for east‑west and north‑south hauls. This hub status means carriers frequently run through the city, so you can tap into existing routes and benefit from competitive pricing and frequent service windows.

4

Weather considerations

Kansas City experiences snow and ice from December to February and severe thunderstorms with occasional hail in late spring and early summer; both can delay shipments. Schedule pickups outside of peak snow weeks or allow extra buffer time during tornado season (April‑June) to avoid unexpected reroutes or extra fees.

5

Booking in advance

Securing a reservation 3‑4 weeks ahead of your move lets you lock in current rates before the spring‑summer demand spike, and it gives carriers time to plan optimal loads that include Kansas City stops. Early booking also provides more options for preferred pickup locations near the I‑70/I‑35 interchange.

6

Open carrier transport

Choosing an open trailer instead of an enclosed one can cut the cost by 15‑25% because open decks are the default equipment for most carriers on the Kansas City corridor. The trade‑off is less protection from the elements, so reserve open transport for months with mild weather (late spring to early fall).

7

Flexible dates

When you give carriers a flexible window—say any Monday‑Wednesday in a given week—they can adjust their itinerary to fill gaps between other Kansas City pickups, minimizing deadhead miles and passing the savings to you. This flexibility is especially valuable during the busy summer travel season when routes are tightly packed.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Kansas City

Professional auto transport service for Kansas City moves

When you bring a car to Missouri, you must register it within 30 days of establishing residency. The Missouri Department of Revenue handles the paperwork, and you’ll need a title, proof of insurance, and a completed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108). A temporary permit can be obtained for out‑of‑state travel while you wait for the permanent plates [DMV].

Kansas City adds its own rules. Street parking often requires a residential permit, and downtown zones enforce strict time limits. Expect heavy rush‑hour traffic on I‑70 and I‑35, and be aware of the “Kansas City Streetcar” lanes that may affect lane changes. The city’s website lists the latest parking map and permit fees [City Website].

Missouri does not have a statewide emissions test, but St. Louis and St. Charles counties require it; Kansas City generally does not. Window tint is limited to 35% light transmission on front side windows, while rear windows may be darker. Vehicle height is regulated on certain bridges, so check clearance signs when planning routes [Missouri Statutes][Missouri DMV].

If you’re moving to Kansas City, prepare for winter weather. Snow and ice are common, so consider winter tires or chains for better traction. A good battery heater and a windshield scraper are simple tools that keep your car reliable during cold months.

Missouri drivers must carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. Because the state follows a fault‑based system, your insurance can affect how claims are settled after an accident. Review your policy before shipping a vehicle to ensure you meet these limits [Missouri Insurance].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Kansas 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 Kansas City, MO, be sure to remove any Kansas Turnpike toll tags, clear out loose items and accessories, and have a set of keys ready for the carrier. Also, check for any local traffic advisories that might affect your drop‑off or pick‑up location.

Yes, when you ship your vehicle to or from Kansas City, MO, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers we work with carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we confirm the policy is active for the entire trip.

The sooner you book, the better—aim for at least two weeks in advance. Because Kansas City sits at a major crossroads of highways and rail lines, carriers can often bundle your car with other shipments heading through the MCI area, which can lower cost and speed delivery. Posting your shipment as soon as you know the date gives us the most flexibility to find the best route and 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.

In Kansas City, open transport is the most common and cost‑effective option for shipping a car, typically costing about 30‑50% less than an enclosed trailer. Enclosed transport, which shields the vehicle from road debris, weather, and potential scratches, runs roughly 50% higher and is best for high‑value classics, custom paint jobs, or any car you want extra protection for during a cross‑country move to or from the KC area.

Yes, we provide door-to-door auto transport throughout Kansas City, MO and the surrounding metro area. When you book, we’ll ask for your exact pickup and delivery addresses, and our carrier will collect and drop off your vehicle right at those locations whenever possible. If a restriction or safety issue arises, we’ll work with you to choose a convenient nearby spot such as a gas station, parking lot, or the Kansas City International Airport.

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 Kansas City

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

Kansas City, MO blends river‑front charm with Midwestern hustle, making it a fascinating hub for anyone shipping a car to or from the area.

  • Geography & Natural Features: The city sits at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers, offering scenic waterfronts and easy access to major freight routes.
  • Landmarks & Attractions: Home to the iconic Nelson‑Atkins Museum of Art, the bustling Country Club Plaza, and the famous Kansas City Barbecue scene, there’s always something to explore while you wait for your vehicle.
  • History & Culture: Known for its jazz heritage and the historic 18th & Vine district, Kansas City helped shape America’s musical landscape.
  • Vehicle‑Related Laws: Missouri requires a temporary permit for out‑of‑state plates, and Kansas City enforces a strict “no idling” rule for diesel trucks in downtown zones, helping keep the air clean.
  • Climate: Expect hot, humid summers and chilly, windy winters; spring brings frequent thunderstorms, so plan your shipping dates accordingly.
  • Economy & Industries: A logistics powerhouse, the city hosts major distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and the world‑renowned Kansas City International Airport (MCI), all supporting smooth auto transport.
  • Population: Over 500,000 residents make up a diverse, growing community that values both tradition and innovation.
  • Transportation Infrastructure: Intersected by I‑70, I‑35, and I‑29, plus extensive rail lines and the Port of Kansas City on the Missouri River, the city offers multiple pathways for vehicle shipments.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Living in Kansas City, MO and needing to move a vehicle? Auto transport can feel overwhelming, but this 101 guide walks you through every step of car shipping so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.

Two key players handle the move: brokers and carriers. A broker, like Sakaem Logistics, matches you with a carrier that actually transports the car. A reputable broker ensures the carrier is vetted, insured, and well‑reviewed.

First, call a broker for a quote. Provide vehicle type, pick‑up and drop‑off locations, and timing preferences. The broker then gives a clear estimate and can discuss options such as an enclosed trailer for high‑value cars.

Once you accept the quote, the broker searches its network for a carrier that fits your route and schedule. A trustworthy broker only works with carriers that have solid safety records, proper licensing, and adequate insurance.

On the scheduled day, the carrier arrives at your Kansas City address to load the car. The driver inspects the vehicle, notes existing damage, and confirms it can roll. Remove all personal items and keep the fuel tank about a quarter full.

The carrier transports the car to the destination, monitoring it throughout the trip. Upon arrival, you or your representative inspect the vehicle for new damage, sign the delivery receipt, and the driver unloads the car at the agreed spot.

Payment is made to the broker or carrier at pick‑up or delivery, as agreed. Tips: use an enclosed trailer for luxury cars, clear out all belongings, ensure the car rolls freely, and keep the tank roughly a quarter full.