Car Shipping in Washington: 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.

Before your car leaves Washington, follow these quick steps to keep it safe and avoid delays:

• Clean the vehicle. A quick wash helps you spot existing dents or scratches and lets the carrier document the condition.
• Remove personal items. Take out all loose objects, toll tags, snow chains, roof racks, bike racks, or any accessories that could shift or get damaged.
• Check fluids and battery. Ensure oil, coolant and windshield‑washer fluid are at proper levels, but keep the fuel tank no more than a quarter full to reduce weight.
• Secure the interior. Fold seats forward, lock doors, and disable any alarm systems that might trigger during loading.
• Gather the keys. Provide the carrier with all sets of keys (including remote‑start or valet keys) so they can access the vehicle if needed.
• Document the condition. Take photos of the exterior and interior from multiple angles and note any existing damage.
• Check tire pressure. Inflate tires to the recommended PSI to prevent flat‑spotting during transport.

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

Yes. When you ship a vehicle in Washington 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 is active and in good standing for the whole trip. This coverage protects you against damage, loss, or theft while the vehicle is in transit. Your personal auto policy may also apply, so you can check with your insurer for any additional protection you want.

Schedule your pickup at least 2 weeks in advance. This gives carriers time to plan routes, bundle your vehicle with nearby loads, and secure the best price. If you can post your shipment earlier—ideally 3–4 weeks ahead—you’ll have the most flexibility and the lowest risk of delays, especially during peak seasons (summer and holidays). Booking later may limit options and increase 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.

Open transport is the most common and cost‑effective method. In Washington it typically costs 15‑30% less than an enclosed carrier because the trailer has open sides that can hold many cars at once. The vehicle is exposed to weather, road debris, and occasional dust, but for most daily drivers, trucks, and SUVs this risk is minimal.

Enclosed transport uses a fully covered trailer. The price is usually about 50% higher than open shipping. The enclosure shields the car from rain, snow, wind, road salt, and stray stones—an important benefit in Washington’s wet climate. This option is best for classic cars, luxury models, vehicles with custom paint, or any high‑value auto that can’t afford any surface damage.

Both services provide door‑to‑door pickup and delivery, the same level of carrier insurance, and tracking updates. The choice comes down to budget versus the level of protection you need for your specific vehicle.

Yes, we provide door‑to‑door auto transport throughout Washington. When you book, we ask for your exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our vetted carriers will travel to those locations, load your vehicle, and deliver it straight to the address you gave. If a road restriction, weight limit, or safety issue prevents a direct drop‑off, the driver will contact you to arrange a nearby safe spot such as a gas station or parking lot.

We handle all the paperwork, insurance details, and state‑specific permits, so you don’t have to worry about hidden steps. Because we’re a scrappy, independent broker founded in 2012, we focus on value and transparency rather than charging extra fees that large brokers hide.

Our service works for cars, trucks, and SUVs moving both into and out of Washington. As long as the addresses are accessible by a transport truck, we’ll do the door‑to‑door leg for 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!