Car shipping from Los Angeles, California to Seattle, Washington

Last updated: September 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.
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LOS ANGELES TO SEATTLE

Auto Transport from Los Angeles to Seattle

Planning to move your vehicle from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA? Car shipping across this popular West Coast route doesn’t have to break the bank or leave you guessing. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport between these major cities, including real costs, timing, and insider tips to ensure your car arrives safely and affordably.

Average Distance, Time
and Cost

AVG DISTANCE
1,135 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
1-4 days
AVG COST
$1000 – $1200
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA Shipments

Actual car shipping prices from the last 30 days for routes between Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. These represent real customer shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Live Pricing from Completed Routes Updated: September 2025
Origin Destination Total Cost Trailer Vehicle
Thousand Oaks, CA Redmond, WA 925 Open SUV
Los Angeles, CA Seattle, WA 925 Open Car
Aliso Viejo, CA Issaquah, WA 850 Open Car
Santa Ana, CA Bothell, WA 850 Open Car
Irvine, CA Seattle, WA 950 Open Car
Irvine, CA Seattle, WA 825 Open Car
Pico Rivera, CA Bellevue, WA 800 Open Car
Laguna Niguel, CA Everett, WA 900 Open Car
Los Angeles, CA Seattle, WA 775 Open Car
Chino Hills, CA Tacoma, WA 825 Open SUV
LOS ANGELES, CA TO SEATTLE, WA CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
I had to move my daughter’s car last minute from CA to MI. I thought this would be hard, but Matt made it so easy and stress free! Thank you so much for getting this done so quickly! My car was picked up the next day and delivered safely to my daughter. I HIGHLY recommend this company if ever transporting your car!
Theresa Owens
Jul 2022
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Omg!!!! I had the most amazing experience!! From start to finish they were amazing great communication answered every and any questions I had! Price was perfect and no hassle. Vehicle arrived early. From PA to LA hassle free no worries Driver was very helpful and called and kept me informed. Thank you so very much for the freedom to not be stressed in the process!!
serena johns
Apr 2025
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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
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car from Los Angeles to Seattle

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 Los Angeles, California to Seattle, Washington Shipping Prices

Distance

The 1,135-mile journey from Los Angeles to Seattle is a major cost factor. This long distance means higher fuel costs and more driver time, which directly impacts your shipping price. Expect distance to be one of your biggest cost drivers for this cross-state move.

Season

Summer months (June-August) are peak season for this route, with higher prices due to increased demand from people relocating. Winter can offer savings, but weather delays in mountain passes may extend transit times. Spring and fall typically offer the best balance of price and reliability.

Route

You’re in luck with this route! The LA to Seattle corridor runs primarily along Interstate 5, a major highway that carriers use frequently. This popular route means lower costs compared to remote destinations, as carriers can easily find return loads and don’t need to make special detours.

Vehicle Type

Standard sedans and compact cars ship cheapest on this route. Large SUVs, trucks, and lifted vehicles cost 20-40% more due to extra weight, height restrictions, and loading challenges. Oversized vehicles may require special equipment, further increasing costs.

Traffic Considerations

Avoid shipping during major holidays, especially Thanksgiving week and late August when college students move. These peak travel times create delays and higher prices. Summer vacation months also see increased traffic that can slow delivery times.

Carrier Availability

This popular route typically has good carrier availability year-round. During peak season, book 2-3 weeks ahead. Off-season bookings can often be arranged within a week. The high volume of carriers on this route works in your favor for competitive pricing.

Population Density

Both LA and Seattle are major metropolitan areas with good carrier access, keeping costs reasonable. However, if you can meet your carrier in suburbs rather than downtown cores, you might save $50-100 and avoid urban delivery complications like narrow streets and parking restrictions.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Avoid peak shipping seasons like snowbird migration periods to save money on your LA to Seattle car transport. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can result in significantly lower rates.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Consider meeting carriers near major highways instead of requiring door-to-door service. Trucks navigate wide roads and highway access points more easily than narrow neighborhood streets, reducing your shipping costs.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose pickup and delivery locations near major highway intersections in both LA and Seattle areas. These hub locations offer carriers multiple route options, creating competition that drives down your shipping rates.

4

Weather considerations

Plan around extreme weather seasons that can increase shipping costs and delays. Winter snow conditions and summer heat waves may cause carriers to adjust schedules and raise prices accordingly.

5

Booking in advance

Book your LA to Seattle car shipment weeks ahead of your move date rather than waiting until the last minute. Advanced booking secures better rates and ensures carrier availability.

6

Open carrier transport

Select open trailer transport instead of enclosed options to cut costs significantly. Unless you’re shipping a luxury or classic vehicle requiring weather protection, open trailers provide safe, economical transport.

7

Flexible dates

Offer carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery dates rather than demanding specific days. This flexibility allows carriers to optimize their schedules and pass savings directly to you.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from Los Angeles to Seattle

Professional auto transport service for city-to-city moves

When planning car shipping from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA, you’ll need to register your vehicle in Washington within 30 days of establishing residency [WA DOL]. Washington requires a vehicle inspection, emissions test (for certain counties), and title transfer. California vehicles must pass Washington’s emissions standards, which are generally less strict than California’s requirements [WA DOL]. You’ll need proof of insurance, current registration, and odometer disclosure.

Washington allows darker window tinting than California – up to 24% light transmission on front side windows versus California’s 70% requirement [WA State Patrol]. However, prepare your vehicle for Seattle’s climate after auto transport. Consider all-season or winter tires, as Seattle receives snow and frequent rain. Washington doesn’t require tire chains for passenger vehicles, but they’re recommended for mountain driving [WSDOT].

Insurance considerations differ significantly between states. Washington requires higher minimum liability coverage – $25,000 per person versus California’s $15,000 [WA OIC]. Washington is also a no-fault insurance state for personal injury protection, unlike California [WA OIC]. Contact your insurance provider before your Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA move to ensure continuous coverage and compliance with Washington’s requirements. Some insurers offer discounts for relocating to areas with lower accident rates.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Los Angeles, California to Seattle, Washington 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.

Preparing your vehicle for the Los Angeles to Seattle route is simple but important. Start by removing all personal items from inside your car – this includes toll passes, GPS devices, phone chargers, and any loose items that could shift during the 1,140-mile journey.

Clean your vehicle inside and out before pickup. This makes it easier to spot any existing damage during the inspection process. Take photos of your car from multiple angles as documentation.

Make sure your car is in running condition with at least a quarter tank of gas (but no more than half full). Remove or secure any exterior accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antenna toppers that could be damaged by wind or low-hanging branches.

Have a spare key ready for the carrier driver. The original key works too, but a spare gives you peace of mind. Finally, disable your car alarm to prevent it from going off during transport.

For a complete preparation checklist and more shipping tips, visit our Vehicle Shipping Guide.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Los Angeles to Seattle. Every carrier in our network must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before we assign your LA to Seattle shipment, we check that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid. This means your car is protected for the entire 1,135-mile journey up the West Coast.

What this covers: Damage from accidents, weather, or loading issues during transport. You’ll get insurance certificates before pickup so you have proof of coverage.

At Sakaem Logistics, we believe in full transparency – no hidden fees, no insurance surprises. Your quote includes all insurance costs upfront.

For shipping your car from Los Angeles to Seattle, book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for the best rates and service options.

Here’s why early booking helps:

  • Better pricing: Carriers can group your car with others heading to Seattle
  • More carrier options: Popular routes like LA to Seattle fill up quickly
  • Flexible pickup dates: You’ll have more scheduling choices

If you need faster service, we can often arrange pickup within 3-7 days, but expect higher costs. During busy seasons (summer and fall), book even earlier – up to 4 weeks ahead.

Pro tip: The LA to Seattle route is well-traveled, so carriers run it regularly. This works in your favor for both pricing and timing!

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 multi-car trailers where your vehicle is exposed to weather and road conditions during the 1,140-mile journey from Los Angeles to Seattle. This is the most popular option, accounting for about 90% of all car shipments. It typically costs $200-400 less than enclosed transport.

Enclosed Auto Transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from rain, debris, and Pacific Coast weather conditions. This premium service costs 40-60% more but is worth considering for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom modifications.

Which should you choose? For most everyday vehicles making the LA to Seattle trip, open transport offers excellent value and reliability. Choose enclosed transport if your car is worth over $50,000, has a custom paint job, or you simply want maximum protection during the 2-3 day transit time.

At Sakaem Logistics, we help you compare both options with transparent pricing – no hidden fees or monopoly markups that plague this industry.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA. This is our most popular shipping option because it saves you time and hassle.

Here’s how it works: When you book with Sakaem Logistics, simply provide your pickup address in Los Angeles and your delivery address in Seattle. Our carrier will come directly to your location to load your vehicle and deliver it right to your destination.

However, some addresses may not be accessible for large car carriers due to:

  • Narrow streets or low-hanging branches
  • Residential restrictions
  • Safety concerns

If your exact address isn’t accessible, don’t worry. Our carrier will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station – usually within a few blocks of your location.

Door-to-door service from LA to Seattle typically takes 3-5 days and costs slightly more than terminal-to-terminal shipping, but most customers find the convenience worth it.

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!

Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA is easier than you might think. The auto transport industry works through two main types of companies: brokers and carriers. Brokers like Sakaem Logistics connect you with carriers who actually move your vehicle. Carriers are the trucking companies with the equipment to transport your car safely across the 1,135-mile route.

The car shipping process starts when you call a reputable broker to get a quote for your Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA transport. The broker will gather details about your vehicle and shipping needs, then find a qualified carrier in their network. This step is crucial – working with an established broker ensures you get matched with licensed carriers who have proper insurance and good customer reviews.

Once your broker secures a carrier, the pickup process begins. The carrier will contact you to schedule a convenient pickup time in Los Angeles. Before the driver arrives, remove all personal items from your car – carriers cannot transport personal belongings for liability reasons. Your vehicle must be able to roll, steer, and brake normally for safe loading onto the transport truck.

Keep your gas tank at about a quarter full – enough fuel for loading and unloading, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. For high-end vehicles, consider enclosed trailer service for maximum protection during your auto transport. The carrier will inspect your car with you before loading, documenting any existing damage.

Your car will typically arrive in Seattle within 1-4 days. Upon delivery, you’ll inspect the vehicle again and pay the remaining balance to complete your car shipping experience.