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 cross-country journey from Los Angeles to Washington, DC is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:

Before pickup:

• Remove all personal items, including toll passes, GPS devices, and loose items that could shift during transport
• Clean your car inside and out – this helps with the inspection process
• Take photos of your vehicle from all angles to document its condition
• Check fluid levels and tire pressure, but keep your gas tank only 1/4 full
• Remove or secure any custom accessories like spoilers, bike racks, or loose trim
• Make sure you have a working key to give the driver

Day of pickup:

• Be present for the vehicle inspection
• Review and sign the Bill of Lading carefully
• Note any existing damage on the inspection report

For a complete guide, check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips. Following these steps protects your car during the 2,600+ mile journey and ensures a smooth pickup and delivery process.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Los Angeles, CA to Washington, DC. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all our carriers to maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before your cross-country shipment begins, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. This covers the entire 2,700-mile journey from LA to DC. You’ll receive proof of insurance documentation before pickup.

What’s covered:

• Damage during loading and unloading
• Accidents during transport
• Weather-related damage
• Theft (rare but covered)

We recommend taking photos of your vehicle before pickup. This helps with any insurance claims, though damage is uncommon on this popular route.

Book your car shipping from Los Angeles to Washington, DC at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and reliable carriers.

Here’s why early booking matters:

• Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle multiple vehicles
• More carrier options: Popular routes like LA to DC fill up quickly
• Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date choices
• Less stress: Avoid last-minute rush fees and limited availability

That said, we understand plans change. At Sakaem Logistics, we’ve successfully arranged shipments with just a few days’ notice. However, expect to pay 15-25% more for rush bookings.

Pro tip: If you know your move date, book as soon as possible. You can always adjust your pickup window later if needed.

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 budget-friendly option for shipping your car from Los Angeles to Washington, DC. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer alongside other cars, exposed to weather and road elements. This method costs significantly less and is perfectly safe for most vehicles.

Enclosed transport protects your car inside a covered trailer, shielding it from rain, dust, and road debris during the cross-country journey. This premium service typically costs 40-60% more than open transport but is worth it for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom modifications.

For the 2,650-mile route from LA to DC, most customers choose open transport since it offers excellent value and reliable service. Consider enclosed transport if your vehicle is worth over $50,000 or has sentimental value you can’t replace.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics offers door-to-door auto transport service from Los Angeles, CA to Washington, DC. This service means we pick up your car from your home or office in LA and deliver it directly to your new address in Washington, DC.

How it works: When you book with us, simply provide your pickup address in Los Angeles and your delivery address in Washington, DC. Our carrier will come to you at both ends of the journey.

What if my street has restrictions? Sometimes large car carriers can’t access narrow streets, apartment complexes, or areas with low-hanging branches. Don’t worry – our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby location like a shopping center or gas station that’s easy for you to reach.

This door-to-door service saves you time and hassle compared to dropping off and picking up your vehicle at terminals. It’s especially helpful for busy professionals making the cross-country move from LA to DC.

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!