Car shipping from Seattle, Washington to New York City, New York

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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SEATTLE TO NEW YORK CITY

Auto Transport from Seattle to New York City

Planning to ship your car from Seattle, WA to New York City, NY? You’re looking at one of America’s most popular cross-country auto transport routes. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping costs, timelines, and expert tips for this 2,800-mile journey. Whether you’re relocating for work or buying a vehicle online, we’ll help you navigate the auto transport process with confidence.

Average Distance, Time
and Cost

AVG DISTANCE
2,840 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
4-10 days
AVG COST
$1300 – $1600
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent Seattle, WA to New York City, NY Shipments

Actual car shipping prices from the last 30 days for routes between Seattle, WA and New York City, NY. 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
Tacoma, WA Woodhaven, NY 1350 Open SUV
Dupont, WA Yonkers, NY 1175 Open Car
Bellevue, WA Harrison, NY 1275 Open SUV
Bellevue, WA Harrison, NY 1425 Open SUV
Auburn, WA Staten Island, NY 1200 Open Car
Issaquah, WA Brooklyn, NY 1425 Open SUV
Seattle, WA Staten Island, NY 1225 Open Car
Seattle, WA Brooklyn, NY 1300 Open SUV
Tacoma, WA East Elmhurst, NY 1300 Open SUV
Seattle, WA Belle Harbor, NY 1625 Open Pickup
SEATTLE, WA TO NEW YORK CITY, NY CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

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I had Sakaem Logistics move my daughters car from Washington to Florida. I was very happy with their attention to detail and they stayed in touch with me the entire time! Highly recommend for professional service!
Sheila Friesner
Mar 2022
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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
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got my car shipped from NY-FL, 4 days transit. Besides the rate change which is understandable the service was good and overall a smooth transaction and pleasant. fast turn around responses a plus, communication is excellent. thx Tom and Val. will use your service again.
Mya Ta
Jul 2022
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car from Seattle to New York City

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 Seattle, Washington to New York City, New York Shipping Prices

Distance

The 2,850-mile journey from Seattle to New York City is one of the longest cross-country routes in the US. This distance directly impacts your shipping cost – expect to pay more than shorter regional moves. However, this popular coast-to-coast route often has good carrier availability, which can help keep prices competitive.

Season

Winter months (November-February) typically offer the best rates for this route, while summer sees higher demand and prices. Spring is popular for college students and families relocating, driving up costs. Book early if you must ship during peak summer months.

Route

The Seattle to NYC route follows major interstates like I-90 and I-80, which is great news for your wallet. These well-traveled highways mean lower costs compared to remote routes. Carriers regularly run this path, making it easier to find available transport at reasonable rates.

Vehicle Type

Standard sedans and compact cars cost less to ship than SUVs, trucks, or oversized vehicles. Larger vehicles take up more trailer space, weigh more (increasing fuel costs), and are harder to load. If you’re shipping a pickup truck or large SUV, expect to pay 10-20% more than a standard car.

Traffic Considerations

Avoid shipping during major travel periods like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, or Labor Day weekend. Heavy traffic slows down carriers and increases costs. Summer months see more road construction and vacation traffic, which can delay delivery and bump up prices.

Carrier Availability

This popular route usually has good carrier availability year-round. During peak season (summer), book 2-3 weeks ahead. In slower winter months, you might find a carrier within a few days. More available carriers means better prices and faster pickup times.

Population Density

Delivery within NYC itself costs more due to traffic, parking challenges, and size restrictions for large carriers. Consider having your car delivered to nearby areas in New Jersey or outer NYC boroughs to save money. Many customers save $100-200 by meeting their carrier at an accessible location outside Manhattan.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Avoid peak moving seasons like summer and snowbird migration periods to secure lower rates. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant savings during busy seasons.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Meeting carriers near major highways instead of residential areas can reduce costs. Truck drivers prefer accessible locations with wide roads and ample parking over narrow neighborhood streets.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose pickup and delivery locations near major highway intersections in both Seattle and New York City. These hub locations offer more carrier options and competitive pricing than remote areas.

4

Weather considerations

Winter shipping may increase costs due to snow and ice risks, while extreme summer heat can cause delays. Plan around severe weather seasons for better pricing and reliability.

5

Booking in advance

Reserve your car shipment weeks ahead of your move date to secure better rates. Last-minute bookings typically cost more due to limited carrier availability and urgent scheduling needs.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers only for luxury or classic cars requiring extra protection from weather and road debris.

7

Flexible dates

Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery can lower your shipping costs. Flexible scheduling allows carriers to optimize their routes and pass savings to you.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from Seattle to New York City

Professional auto transport service for city-to-city moves

When planning car shipping from Seattle, WA to New York City, NY, you’ll need to handle several registration changes. New York requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency [NY DMV]. You’ll need your current Washington title, proof of insurance, and identification. New York charges a $50 title fee plus registration fees based on your vehicle’s weight [NY DMV].

Key regulatory differences exist between states that affect your auto transport decision. New York requires annual safety inspections and emissions testing for most vehicles, while Washington only mandates emissions testing in certain counties [NY DMV] [WA DOL]. New York allows window tinting up to 70% light transmission on front windows, stricter than Washington’s rules [NY DMV]. Vehicle height modifications have different limits in each state, so check compliance before shipping.

Preparing your car for Seattle, WA to New York City, NY transport requires weather considerations. New York’s harsh winters demand all-season or winter tires, unlike Seattle’s milder climate. Consider rust-proofing treatments due to road salt usage [NY DOT]. Insurance requirements also differ – New York mandates higher minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000) compared to Washington’s requirements [NY DMV] [WA DOL]. Contact your insurance provider before transport to ensure continuous coverage during the move.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Seattle, Washington to New York City, New York 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.

Getting your car ready for the long haul from Seattle to New York City is simple with the right steps. Here’s what you need to do:

Remove Personal Items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes, GPS devices, and anything in the glove box or trunk. Carriers aren’t responsible for personal items.

Clean Your Vehicle: Wash your car inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage and makes the inspection process smoother.

Document Everything: Take photos of your car from all angles, noting any scratches or dents. This protects you if issues arise during transit.

Check Fluids and Battery: Make sure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and coolant. Your battery should be in good shape since drivers need to load and unload your vehicle.

Remove Accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, or anything that could get damaged or fall off during the 2,800-mile journey.

Have Keys Ready: You’ll need to give the carrier a working key. Make sure all your keys work before pickup day.

For a complete guide, check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps helps ensure your cross-country move goes smoothly.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Seattle, WA to New York City, NY. All Sakaem Logistics carriers must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

We verify each carrier’s insurance is active and valid before your cross-country shipment begins. This coverage protects your vehicle for the entire 2,800+ mile journey from the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast.

What’s covered: Damage from accidents, theft, fire, and weather during transport. You’ll receive insurance documentation before pickup so you have peace of mind for your Seattle to NYC move.

Remember to document your car’s condition with photos before pickup. While damage is rare, having before-and-after photos makes any insurance claims quick and easy to process.

For car shipping from Seattle, WA to New York City, NY, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This cross-country route covers over 2,800 miles and typically takes 7-10 days for delivery.

Booking early gives you several key benefits:

  • Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle your car with other Seattle-area shipments
  • More carrier options: Popular routes like Seattle to NYC fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons
  • Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options that work with your timeline

If you’re moving during busy periods (summer months, holidays, or college seasons), consider booking 4-6 weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings are possible but often cost 20-30% more and offer fewer scheduling options.

Pro tip: Post your shipment as soon as you know your moving date. At Sakaem Logistics, we help match your Seattle pickup with carriers already heading to the East Coast, saving you money while supporting smaller, independent drivers.

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.

When shipping your car from Seattle, WA to New York City, NY, you have two main transport options:

Open Auto Transport: Your vehicle travels on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road conditions. This is the most popular choice because it costs less and works well for everyday cars. Most vehicles arrive in perfect condition using open transport.

Enclosed Auto Transport: Your car rides inside a covered trailer, protected from weather, road debris, and dust. This option typically costs 40-60% more than open transport but provides maximum protection.

Choose enclosed transport if you have:

  • Classic or vintage cars
  • Luxury vehicles worth over $50,000
  • Custom paint jobs or modifications
  • Low-clearance sports cars

For the Seattle to NYC route (about 2,800 miles), your car will spend 7-10 days on the road. Weather can vary greatly across this route, especially during winter months when enclosed transport becomes more valuable.

Most customers choose open transport and save money. However, if your vehicle is irreplaceable or extremely valuable, enclosed transport offers peace of mind for the cross-country journey.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics offers door-to-door auto transport service from Seattle, WA to New York City, NY. This means we’ll pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in Seattle and deliver it directly to your specified location in NYC.

When you book with us, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will do their best to reach these exact locations. However, if your street has restrictions like low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or weight limits for large trucks, we’ll work with you to find a safe nearby spot like a shopping center or gas station.

Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle – no need to drive to terminals or arrange extra transportation. It’s especially helpful for the long Seattle to New York route, letting you focus on your move while we handle getting your vehicle safely across the country.

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 Seattle, WA to New York City, NY may seem complex, but understanding the basics makes the process straightforward. Auto transport involves two key players: brokers and carriers. Brokers like Sakaem Logistics act as intermediaries who connect you with licensed carriers, while carriers are the companies that physically transport your vehicle on their trucks.

The car shipping process begins when you call a reputable broker to get a quote for your Seattle, WA to New York City, NY route. Once you agree to the terms, the broker finds a qualified carrier with proper insurance and good reviews. This step is crucial because working with a trusted broker ensures your vehicle is handled by reliable professionals. The carrier will then schedule a pickup time and location that works for you.

During pickup, the carrier will inspect your car and load it onto their transport truck. Your vehicle will travel the 2,840-mile journey, typically taking 4-10 days for delivery. Upon arrival in New York City, the carrier will contact you to arrange delivery. Payment is usually made at pickup or delivery, depending on the broker’s terms.

Before your auto transport begins, prepare your vehicle properly. Remove all personal items from the car, as carriers are not responsible for belongings left inside. Ensure your car can roll freely, even if it doesn’t run. Keep about a quarter tank of gas – enough for loading and unloading but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. For luxury or classic vehicles, consider enclosed trailer transport for maximum protection during your Seattle, WA to New York City, NY shipment.