Car Shipping in Idaho: 2025 Costs & Routes

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.

Preparing your vehicle for a smooth, safe trip across Idaho (or out of Idaho) is simple. Follow these steps before the carrier arrives:

• Clean the car. Wash the exterior and remove any dirt or debris that could hide damage.
• Remove personal items. Take out all loose objects, toll tags, GPS units, and anything that could shift or break. The carrier is not responsible for items left inside.
• Check fluid levels. Ensure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full; this reduces weight and limits leaks. Top off oil, coolant, and windshield‑washer fluid if needed.
• Disable alarms and anti‑theft devices. Give the driver the key (or a spare) so they can lock and unlock the vehicle.
• Document the condition. Take photos of the interior and exterior from several angles. Note any scratches, dents, or chips.
• Secure or remove accessories. Take off roof racks, bike carriers, spoilers, or any aftermarket parts that aren’t factory‑installed.
• Leave the car in neutral (or park). For automatic transmissions, set to “Park” and engage the parking brake. For manuals, leave in neutral with the hand brake on.

For a complete checklist, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips page.

Yes. All carriers we work with must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before a vehicle leaves Idaho, we confirm that the carrier’s policy is active and covers the full transport period. This coverage protects you against loss, damage, or theft while the car is in transit.

If you have personal auto insurance or a credit‑card protection plan, you may have extra coverage as well. You can ask the carrier for a copy of their insurance certificate and request additional protection if you want more than the standard limits.

Be sure to read the carrier’s insurance details before you sign the contract so you know exactly what is covered.

Schedule early, but not too early. For most shipments in Idaho we suggest booking at least 14 days before you need the vehicle. This gives carriers enough time to group your car with other loads heading the same direction, which keeps costs low.

If you’re moving during peak periods (summer, holidays, or end‑of‑month), add a few extra days—up to three weeks if possible. During off‑peak times a one‑week notice may still work, but you’ll have fewer carrier options and possibly higher rates.

In short: aim for a two‑week lead time, and adjust upward during busy seasons. This balance helps you get the best price and ensures a smooth pickup.

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 two or three lanes. Your vehicle is secured with straps, but it is exposed to the elements, road debris, and weather for the entire trip. In Idaho, this means your car will see the same mountain air, sun, snow, or dust that any other vehicle on the road does.

Enclosed auto transport places your car inside a fully covered trailer. The walls protect against wind, rain, snow, dust, and stray stones. Because the trailer is smaller and the driver can only haul a few cars at a time, the service usually costs 40‑60% more than open transport.

Choose open transport if your vehicle is a daily driver, a budget‑friendly model, or if you are comfortable with normal road exposure. It is the most common choice for Idaho residents and offers the fastest scheduling and lowest price.

Choose enclosed transport for high‑value cars—classic, antique, exotic, or vehicles with custom paint, aftermarket parts, or a delicate interior. The extra protection is also worth considering during Idaho’s winter months or when shipping through dusty, high‑altitude routes.

In short, open is cheaper and works for most cars; enclosed is pricier but gives superior protection for valuable or sentimental vehicles.

Yes, we provide door-to-door auto transport for any location in Idaho. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses you want. Our carrier will travel to those spots and load or unload your vehicle there, as long as the site meets basic safety and size requirements.

If a driveway is too narrow, the road is blocked, or local regulations prevent a direct drop‑off, we will work with you to choose a nearby, convenient spot—such as a gas station, a public parking lot, or a carrier‑approved terminal.

Because we are a scrappy, independent team that started in 2012 to give drivers better value and break the big‑broker monopoly, we keep costs low and service transparent. Our many five‑star reviews show that Idaho customers trust us to move their cars safely and on time.

We track your shipment from the moment we pick it up until it reaches the door you chose, so you always know where your vehicle is.

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!