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Car Shipping in Idaho: 2026 Costs & Routes

Last updated: February 2026

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 Idaho 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 Idaho?
9 Car Transport FAQs
STATE OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Idaho

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has fought the big broker monopoly to give you real value on car shipping and auto transport. Our scrappy, customer‑focused team knows Idaho routes like the back of a map, and our decades of experience backed by top reviews means you can trust the process. Read on for clear, honest tips on moving your vehicle to or from Idaho.

Average Cost FROM Idaho

$1,000 – $1,525
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Idaho

$975 – $1,525
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Idaho

1
California
187 shipments
$775 – $1,050
2
Florida
141 shipments
$1,250 – $1,725
3
Texas
129 shipments
$1,075 – $1,400
4
North Carolina
81 shipments
$1,350 – $1,675
5
Arizona
59 shipments
$950 – $1,175
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination States from Idaho

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

Top 10 Destination States Updated: February 2026
Rank Destination State Avg Cost Range Popular Route
1 California $775 – $1,050 Boise to San Diego
2 Florida $1,250 – $1,725 Boise to Bradenton
3 Texas $1,075 – $1,400 Boise to Austin
4 North Carolina $1,350 – $1,675 Boise to Charlotte
5 Arizona $950 – $1,175 Post Falls to Sun City
6 New York $1,300 – $1,900 Moscow to Troy
7 Washington $650 – $900 Idaho Falls to Kent
8 Georgia $1,275 – $1,650 Boise to McDonough
9 Virginia $1,250 – $1,675 Boise to Midlothian
10 Colorado $800 – $1,100 Idaho Falls to Parker
ID CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
Great experience working with Sakaem, I hired them to transport my son’s vehicle from Chicago to Air Force base in Mississippi, vehicle was delivered as expected, driver was flexible with drop off location since he was not able to access into military base.\r\nSo he arranged with my son to deliver at an outside location.\r\nWould work again with Sakaem Logistic in future.
alvaro lopez
Jul 2025
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
SAKAEM Logistics was a pleasure to work with from start to finish, reasonable pricing, thorough communication on what to expect, I had a friend in CO who had to provide Igor the truck driver my car key, and the driver called and was there on time, and drive the car out to me in Florida. My car was delivered promptly and we inspected my car thoroughly and a receipt provided. Thank you for making this easy! Jennifer
Sand
Jun 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Idaho

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 Idaho

Distance

Distance directly drives fuel, labor, and time costs. Longer trips require more miles, higher fuel consumption, and extended driver hours, which raise the price. In Idaho, shipping across the state is cheaper than coast‑to‑coast moves, but still scales with mileage.

Season

Season influences demand and weather-related risks. Summer and holiday periods see higher shipping volumes, pushing rates up. Winter can bring snow and icy roads in Idaho, requiring extra precautions and potentially higher fees for safe transport.

Route

Route choice affects tolls, road conditions, and fuel efficiency. Major highways in Idaho, like I‑84, allow steady speeds and lower fuel use, keeping costs down. Smaller, winding roads or remote mountain passes can increase travel time and expenses.

Vehicle Type

Vehicle type matters because size and weight affect loading difficulty and fuel consumption. Standard cars fit easily on open trailers, keeping costs low. Larger SUVs or trucks need more space, stronger tie‑downs, and sometimes specialized equipment, raising the price.

Traffic Considerations

Traffic peaks, especially the week before Thanksgiving, increase congestion and driver overtime, which can raise shipping costs. Planning shipments during off‑peak windows helps avoid delays and extra fees, ensuring a smoother, more affordable move for Idaho customers.

Carrier Availability

Carrier availability fluctuates with seasonal demand. In peak months, carriers may be booked weeks ahead, forcing higher rates or longer wait times. Off‑season, more drivers are free, often resulting in quicker quotes and lower prices for Idaho shipments.

Population Density

Population density influences pickup and delivery fees. Urban centers like Boise have higher demand, more competition, and easier access, often lowering costs. Rural locations require longer deadhead miles and may incur extra handling fees, raising the overall price.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship your car during Idaho’s off‑season to cut costs; even a few weeks away from peak snowbird travel can lower rates, as carriers have more capacity and offer discounts.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Choosing pickup or drop‑off points near major highways in Idaho saves money, because trucks avoid narrow neighborhoods and benefit from easier access, wider roads, and ample parking.

3

Hub city advantages

Select a hub city close to Idaho’s interstate network for pickup or delivery; multiple highway connections give carriers options, driving competition and typically lower shipping quotes.

4

Weather considerations

Check Idaho’s seasonal weather before scheduling; extreme snow or heat can delay routes and raise fees, so planning around milder conditions helps keep costs predictable and shipments on time.

5

Booking in advance

Reserve your Idaho car shipment weeks ahead to lock in lower rates; early bookings give carriers time to plan efficiently, often resulting in discounted pricing versus last‑minute requests.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers are the most affordable choice for standard vehicles; they protect cars from road debris while keeping rates low, whereas enclosed trailers add premium protection for high‑end models.

7

Flexible dates

If you allow a five‑day window for pickup and delivery, many carriers will lower fees; flexible dates let them consolidate loads and optimize routes, reducing overall cost.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Idaho

Professional auto transport service for Idaho moves

When you move to Idaho, you must register your car within 30 days at the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles. Bring the title, a bill of sale, and proof of Idaho residency. The DMV issues a new plate and a registration sticker that must be displayed on the rear license plate [ID DMV].

Idaho does not have a state‑wide emissions test. Only Ada and Canyon counties require a biennial test for gasoline vehicles from the 1996 model year onward. If you are shipping a car to those counties, expect an emissions check before registration is complete [ID DMV].

Window tint limits are 35% visible light transmission on the front side windows and 70% on the rear side windows. The windshield must remain clear. These rules apply to all vehicles, whether they arrive by auto transport or are driven across the border [ID DOT].

Winter weather in Idaho can be severe. Drivers shipping a vehicle north of the Snake River should consider winter tires, snow chains, or all‑season tires with good tread. Heavy snow on mountain passes often forces carriers to use four‑wheel‑drive trucks or add tire chains for safety.

Idaho is a fault‑state, so the minimum liability coverage is $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Many insurers also offer optional uninsured motorist protection, which can be valuable on rural roads. Check with your provider to ensure the policy meets Idaho’s minimums before you begin auto transport or car shipping [ID Dept of Insurance].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Idaho 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 Idaho, follow these simple steps to keep it safe and avoid extra fees:

  • Clean the vehicle. Wash the exterior and remove any loose dirt or debris that could hide damage.
  • Take photos. Snap clear pictures of the front, rear, sides, and interior. These act as proof of condition.
  • Remove personal items. Take out all valuables, toll tags, GPS units, and any loose accessories (roof racks, bike racks, spoilers, etc.).
  • Check fluids and battery. Ensure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full, the battery is charged, and there are no leaks.
  • Secure or disable alarms. Deactivate any anti‑theft systems that could trigger during loading.
  • Provide the keys. Have a complete set of keys (including remote fobs) ready for the carrier.
  • Inspect tires. Inflate them to the recommended pressure and note any existing wear.

Following these steps helps the carrier load and unload your car quickly, and it protects you from disputes over damage.

Yes. When you ship a vehicle in Idaho with Sakaem Logistics, the carrier must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify the carrier’s policy before pickup and keep it active for the entire trip. The coverage protects against loss or damage that occurs while the car is in transit, but it does not cover pre‑existing wear or damage caused by the owner. We recommend taking photos of your vehicle before it is loaded so you can confirm its condition on delivery.

Schedule your pickup as early as possible—ideally two weeks before you need it. The sooner you book, the more options we have to bundle your vehicle with other loads heading the same way, which can lower cost and secure a spot during busy seasons. If you’re shipping in spring or summer, when demand spikes, aim for 3‑4 weeks ahead. For off‑peak months, a two‑week window usually works.

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 transport uses a standard multi‑car trailer with the vehicles exposed to the elements. It is the most common and cost‑effective option, typically 40‑50% cheaper than enclosed. It’s ideal for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs that aren’t high‑value or show‑room ready.

Enclosed transport places each vehicle inside a weather‑proof trailer. The cost is higher—about 50% more—because the trailer is smaller and requires more handling. This method protects the car from rain, wind, road debris, and UV exposure, making it the preferred choice for classic cars, luxury models, custom paint, or any vehicle you want to keep spotless.

In Idaho, the choice also depends on route conditions. Open trucks are plentiful on major highways, while enclosed carriers may be fewer and need advance booking. Both services are offered by Sakaem Logistics, and we match you with the right option based on your budget and vehicle value.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics provides door‑to‑door auto transport in Idaho. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will pick up your vehicle at the address you give and deliver it to the destination address, as long as the location is accessible and meets transport regulations. If the address cannot be reached, we will work with you to choose a nearby safe spot such as a gas station or parking lot. This service is available for shipments both from and to Idaho and is included in our standard pricing with no hidden fees.

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 Idaho

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

Idaho, known as the Gem State, offers a mix of rugged scenery and friendly towns that make car shipping an adventure.

  • Mountain Majesty: The Rocky Mountains slice through the eastern border, giving drivers breathtaking passes like the Sawtooth Range.
  • River Roads: The Snake River winds 1,000 miles, providing scenic routes for trucks and a popular spot for boaters.
  • Boise Boom: Idaho’s capital has grown fast, now home to tech firms and a vibrant downtown that welcomes new residents.
  • Potato Power: Idaho produces about 30% of the nation’s potatoes, so you’ll often see fields stretching to the horizon.
  • Winter Weather: Snow can blanket mountain passes from November to April, so seasonal planning helps avoid delays.
  • Vehicle Laws: Idaho requires temporary tags for out‑of‑state vehicles and permits open‑carrier transport without extra state fees.
  • Economy: Besides agriculture, the state’s economy thrives on manufacturing, data centers, and outdoor recreation.
  • Population: Roughly 1.9 million people live here, with a mix of retirees, families, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping in Idaho is simple once you know the steps. Whether you call it auto transport or vehicle relocation, the process follows a clear, repeatable path.

First, understand the two main players: brokers and carriers. A broker, like Sakaem Logistics, acts as a match‑maker, while the carrier actually drives the truck that moves your car.

Step 1: Call a reputable broker to request a quote. The broker gathers details about your vehicle, pick‑up location, and destination in Idaho or beyond.

Step 2: The broker selects a carrier with solid reviews, proper licensing, and adequate insurance. This vetting protects you and ensures a reliable move.

Step 3: The carrier arrives on the agreed date to pick up your car. They will inspect the vehicle, note any existing damage, and load it onto an open or enclosed trailer.

Step 4: During transit, the carrier follows the route you approved. Most Idaho shipments travel to popular destinations like California, Florida, or Texas, but any state is possible.

Step 5: Upon arrival, the carrier unloads the vehicle and hands it to you. Payment is typically made to the broker or directly to the carrier at pick‑up or delivery, as agreed.

Tips for a smooth transport: choose an enclosed trailer for high‑end or classic cars to protect them from weather and road debris.

Before the carrier arrives, clear all personal items, make sure the car rolls freely, and leave about a quarter tank of gas. This helps loading and prevents damage.

By following these steps, Idaho drivers can feel confident that their auto transport experience will be transparent, safe, and hassle‑free.