Denver, CO 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.

CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Denver, CO

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has been the scrappy challenger breaking the monopoly on car shipping. Our honest, transparent auto transport process in Denver, CO gives you real value and peace of mind. Backed by decades of experience and glowing reviews, we guide you through every step—pricing, timing, and tips—so you can move your vehicle confidently and affordably.

Average Cost FROM Denver

$775 – $1,025
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Denver

$900 – $1,175
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Denver, CO

1
464 shipments
$900 – $1,050
2
417 shipments
$700 – $850
3
183 shipments
$700 – $850
4
178 shipments
$925 – $1,175
5
149 shipments
$925 – $1,075
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Denver, CO

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Denver, 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 $675 – $800 Denver, CO to Los Angeles, CA
2 Miami, FL $900 – $1,075 Denver, CO to Miami, FL
3 Washington, DC $900 – $1,050 Denver, CO to Washington, DC
4 New York, NY $875 – $1,075 Denver, CO to New York, NY
5 Boston, MA $900 – $1,100 Denver, CO to Boston, MA
6 Atlanta, GA $800 – $925 Denver, CO to Atlanta, GA
7 Phoenix, AZ $650 – $775 Denver, CO to Phoenix, AZ
8 Tampa, FL $900 – $1,000 Denver, CO to Tampa, FL
9 Seattle, WA $850 – $975 Denver, CO to Seattle, WA
10 San Francisco, CA $750 – $875 Denver, CO to San Francisco, CA
Denver, CO CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
Needed a car transported from Colorado to Florida and was overwhelmed with offers from various companies. Matthew was extremely helpful in securing transport for me. SAKAEM Logistics is the best transport company. Our car was delivered a day early. Great communication and they do what they say. Thank you for being so professional and easy to work with.
Kathy Hess
Sep 2023
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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
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I had a 5 star experience with SAKAEM! They secured a very reliable transport for 2 cars going from Tennessee to Colorado. All went off on time and without any curve balls.
Steve Turski
Jun 2023
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Denver

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 Denver

Distance

Because shipping costs are largely calculated per mile, longer hauls to or from Denver increase fuel, driver time, and wear on the truck. Denver sits roughly 1,000 miles from the East Coast and 800 miles from the West Coast, so cross‑country moves will be priced higher than regional trips. Shorter distances within Colorado or neighboring states keep rates lower.

Season

Denver experiences heavy snowfall and icy conditions in winter, prompting carriers to add a seasonal surcharge for safety and potential delays. Summer sees a surge in vehicle moves as people relocate for vacations, which can push prices up due to higher demand. Spring and fall generally offer the most stable rates.

Route

Major corridors such as I‑25, I‑70, and US‑285 connect Denver to the rest of the country, and carriers price routes based on tolls, mountain passes, and road conditions. The high‑altitude stretch over the Continental Divide on I‑70 can add fuel costs and require experienced drivers, which may raise the quote. Direct highway routes without major detours are usually cheaper.

Vehicle Type

Larger trucks, SUVs, and heavy‑duty vehicles weigh more, so they consume more fuel and may need specialized equipment, raising the price. Low‑profile sports cars or classic models often require enclosed trailers for protection, adding a premium. Small sedans are the cheapest to ship because they fit easily on standard open carriers.

Traffic Considerations

Denver’s downtown core and I‑25 corridor experience rush‑hour congestion, especially on weekdays, which can increase driver hours and fuel burn. Carriers factor in expected delays when planning routes, so shipments scheduled during peak traffic may cost slightly more. Bypass routes like the I‑225 loop can help mitigate these impacts.

Carrier Availability

Denver is a major logistics hub with several regional and national auto transport carriers, creating healthy competition that can lower prices. However, during peak moving seasons or severe weather, carrier capacity can tighten, leading to higher rates. The city’s proximity to the Denver International Airport also attracts carriers who combine air and ground services.

Population Density

Denver’s metro area is densely populated compared to much of the Mountain West, meaning many pickup and drop‑off points are within a short radius, which can reduce deadhead miles for carriers. The city’s central location in the U.S. makes it a natural crossroads for east‑west and north‑south shipments, helping keep logistics efficient. However, higher urban density can increase local traffic and parking constraints, modestly affecting pricing.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship during the shoulder months of October‑November or March‑April when Denver’s tourist traffic eases and carriers have more empty capacity, leading to lower rates. Avoid the summer vacation surge (June‑August) and the holiday rush in December, when demand spikes and prices rise.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a few days, carriers can fit your load into a back‑haul or combine it with nearby shipments, which often reduces the price. Mid‑week moves (Tuesday‑Thursday) are especially cheap because they avoid weekend congestion on I‑25 and I‑70.

3

Hub city advantages

Denver sits at the crossroads of I‑25, I‑70, and major rail lines, making it a natural hub for cross‑country auto transport. This high traffic creates competition among carriers, which helps keep prices down and improves schedule availability.

4

Weather considerations

Denver’s winter snowstorms can close mountain passes on I‑70 and I‑25, causing delays, so plan for extra buffer days in December‑February. Conversely, the dry, mild weather in late spring and early fall offers the most predictable transit times, helping you avoid weather‑related price surges.

5

Booking in advance

Reserve your spot 4‑6 weeks ahead of time to lock in off‑peak pricing before the summer and holiday peaks hit the Denver market. Early booking also gives you leverage to compare quotes and select the most reliable carrier.

6

Open carrier transport

Choosing an open trailer can shave 10‑20% off the cost because it’s the standard option for most carriers serving Denver. The city’s dry climate and low humidity also mean less risk of rust or paint damage compared to more humid regions, making open transport a safe, budget‑friendly choice for most vehicles.

7

Flexible dates

When you offer a flexible delivery window, carriers can route your car through Denver alongside other loads heading the same direction, maximizing truck utilization and lowering your fee. A 3‑5 day window often yields the best savings without sacrificing convenience.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Denver

Professional auto transport service for Denver moves

Colorado requires a two‑step registration for any vehicle shipped to Denver. First, the owner must obtain a Colorado title or an out‑of‑state title transfer at a DMV office or online portal, then submit the completed registration packet with proof of insurance, a VIN inspection, and the appropriate fee [DMV]. Most counties, including Denver, also mandate biennial emissions testing for gasoline‑powered cars; the test must be completed before the registration can be finalized [CO DOT].

Denver drivers face city‑specific rules that affect auto transport planning. Residential parking permits are required in many neighborhoods, and downtown zones enforce strict loading‑zone hours that can delay vehicle drop‑offs [City Website]. Winter weather is severe, so shipping companies often advise adding snow tires or all‑season tires and checking that windshield wipers and antifreeze are rated for sub‑zero temperatures. The city’s rush‑hour traffic flows north‑south on I‑25 and east‑west on US‑6, so timing deliveries outside peak periods can save time.

Statewide, Colorado law limits front‑side window tint to a minimum of 35% light transmission and prohibits overly low vehicle frames on public roads for safety reasons [CO DMV]. Drivers must carry at least $25,000/$50,000/$15,000 in liability coverage, and many insurers offer discounts for safe‑driving records and anti‑theft devices, which can lower costs for those moving cars in or out of Denver [Insurance Guide].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Denver 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 Denver, be sure to remove any ski or snowboard gear, toll tags for the I‑70 express lanes, and any loose exterior accessories that could be damaged by the high altitude and mountain road vibrations; keep the key handy for the carrier and make sure the battery is fully charged.

Yes, when you ship your vehicle to or from Denver, CO, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers we work with carry at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify the policy is active for the entire trip, even through Denver’s mountain weather conditions.

The sooner, the better. We recommend scheduling your Denver pickup at least two weeks in advance, especially during winter months when mountain weather can affect routes. Posting your shipment early helps carriers bundle your car with other loads in the Denver metro area, often lowering costs.

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 Denver, open‑transport trucks are the most common and cost‑effective way to ship a vehicle, typically about 50% cheaper than enclosed trailers. Enclosed transport, which can cost roughly 50% more, is ideal for high‑value cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint that need protection from road debris, mountain dust, and winter weather common in the Rockies. Choose open for everyday cars and enclosed for extra peace of mind.

Door-to-door auto transport service is the epitome of convenience in vehicle shipping. In Denver, CO we will pick up your car from any residential, commercial or airport address you provide, and deliver it directly to the destination you specify, as long as it is accessible to our carriers. If local restrictions, high‑altitude weather, or limited access require a nearby gas station or parking lot, our driver will coordinate a convenient alternate spot with you.

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 Denver

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

Denver, CO sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offering a sunny skyline and a vibrant culture that makes car shipping both exciting and convenient.

  • Mile‑High City: Denver’s official elevation is exactly 5,280 feet (one mile) above sea level, which can affect engine performance during long drives.
  • Front Range Views: The city’s western edge provides stunning mountain vistas and easy access to ski resorts like Loveland, just an hour away.
  • Union Station Hub: This historic train station now hosts restaurants, co‑working spaces, and a bustling transit center linking Amtrak, light rail, and buses.
  • Gold Rush Roots: Founded in 1858 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, Denver grew from a mining camp into a modern metropolis.
  • Emissions Check: Colorado requires biennial smog inspections for vehicles older than six years, a key step before shipping a car into Denver.
  • Four‑Season Sunshine: Denver enjoys about 300 sunny days a year, but winter snow and summer thunderstorms can influence shipping schedules.
  • Logistics Leader: Denver’s central location makes it a freight hub, with the Denver International Airport handling the most cargo of any U.S. airport.
  • Highway Network: I‑25, I‑70, and I‑76 intersect near the city, offering direct routes for auto transport trucks across the West and Midwest.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

If you’re new to car shipping in Denver, CO, this 101 guide walks you through every step of the auto transport journey, from the first phone call to the moment your vehicle arrives at its new address.

First, understand the two main players: brokers and carriers. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, acts as a middle‑man who matches you with a carrier. The carrier is the company that actually drives the truck and moves your car.

Step 1 – Call a broker. You give basic details about your vehicle, pick‑up location in Denver, and destination. The broker provides a quick, no‑obligation quote and explains any special options, like enclosed transport for luxury models.

Step 2 – The broker selects a carrier. Reputable brokers vet carriers for safety ratings, insurance coverage, and customer reviews. This vetting protects you and ensures the carrier handling your auto transport meets industry standards.

Step 3 – Carrier pick‑up. The driver arrives on the agreed date, inspects the vehicle, and loads it onto an open or enclosed trailer. Before this, you should clear all personal items, make sure the car rolls freely, and leave about a quarter tank of fuel.

Step 4 – In‑transit care. For high‑end cars, choose an enclosed trailer to shield the paint and interior from weather and road debris. The carrier secures the vehicle with straps and monitors it throughout the trip.

Step 5 – Delivery. When the truck reaches the destination, the driver unloads the car, checks for any damage, and hands you the keys. You verify the condition before signing the delivery paperwork.

Step 6 – Payment. You settle the invoice with the broker or carrier at pick‑up or delivery, depending on the agreement you set up in step 1.

Quick tips for a smooth Denver auto transport: remove all trash and loose items, ensure the car can be moved on its own wheels, keep the gas tank at roughly 25 % full, and confirm whether you need an open or enclosed trailer based on your vehicle’s value.