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Car shipping from Washington, District of Columbia to Dallas, Texas

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.
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.

ON THIS PAGE

1 Washington, DC to Dallas, TX
2 Recent Shipments & Pricing
3 Key Takeaways
4 Customer Testimonials
5 Why Choose SAKAEM?
6 Cost Factors
7 Tips to Save on Car Shipping
8 Moving to Dallas?
9 Car Transport FAQs
WASHINGTON TO DALLAS

Auto Transport from Washington to Dallas

Planning to move your vehicle from Washington, DC to Dallas, TX? Car shipping doesn’t have to break the bank or leave you stressed. This complete guide covers everything about auto transport on this popular 1,300-mile route – from real pricing data to transit times and insider tips. Whether you’re relocating for work or buying a car across state lines, we’ll help you ship smart and save money.

Average Distance, Time
and Cost

AVG DISTANCE
1,329 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
1-5 days
AVG COST
$1000 – $1125
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent Washington, DC to Dallas, TX Shipments

Actual car shipping prices from the last 30 days for routes between Washington, DC and Dallas, TX. 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
Glenarden, MD Princeton, TX 650 Open Car
Springfield, VA Keller, TX 700 Open Car
Ashburn, VA Dallas, TX 850 Open Car
Alexandria, VA Roanoke, TX 850 Open Car
Alexandria, VA Arlington, TX 875 Open SUV
Herndon, VA Mckinney, TX 850 Open SUV
Vienna, VA Lucas, TX 775 Open Car
Arlington, VA Arlington, TX 800 Open Car
Alexandria, VA Arlington, TX 875 Open Car
Martin\’S Additions, MD Irving, TX 925 Open SUV
WASHINGTON, DC TO DALLAS, TX CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
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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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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Sakaem Logistics transported my son’s Acura from Los Angeles, CA to Waco, Texas in 5 days. Tim, who drove the transport was professional and courteous and kept communications prior to pickup and close to delivery time. Everything went smoothly with no issues. Price was competitive with other firms. I will use Sakaem again and highly recommend them for your transport needs.
Joon Lee
Aug 2022
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car from Washington to Dallas

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 Washington, District of Columbia to Dallas, Texas Shipping Prices

Distance

The 1,300-mile journey from Washington, DC to Dallas, TX is a major cross-country haul that significantly impacts shipping costs. Longer distances mean higher fuel costs, more driver time, and increased wear on carrier equipment. This route typically costs more than shorter regional moves, but the per-mile rate often becomes more economical on longer hauls like this one.

Season

Shipping costs fluctuate throughout the year based on demand. Summer months (June-August) typically see the highest prices due to family relocations and college moves. Winter offers the best rates, while spring and fall sit in the middle. If you have flexibility, shipping during off-peak months can save you hundreds of dollars.

Route

The DC to Dallas route follows major interstate highways like I-95, I-85, and I-20, which is great news for your wallet. These well-traveled corridors have consistent carrier traffic and easier logistics compared to remote areas. Since both cities are major metropolitan hubs with good highway access, you’ll avoid the premium charges that come with hard-to-reach destinations.

Vehicle Type

Standard sedans and compact cars are cheapest to ship since they’re easiest to load and take up less trailer space. SUVs, trucks, and larger vehicles cost more due to their weight (higher fuel costs) and size (fewer vehicles per trailer). Oversized vehicles may require special equipment, further increasing costs. Modified or lowered vehicles may also incur additional fees.

Traffic Considerations

Heavy traffic periods like the week before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer moving season create delays and higher costs. Carriers face longer transit times and increased fuel consumption in congested areas. Planning your shipment outside these peak travel times helps ensure faster delivery and better rates.

Carrier Availability

Carrier availability directly impacts both price and timing. During peak season, high demand means you’ll pay more and wait longer for pickup. Off-season shipping offers more carrier options and competitive pricing. The DC-Dallas route has good year-round carrier availability since it connects two major markets, but booking 2-3 weeks ahead ensures better rates and scheduling.

Population Density

Both Washington, DC and Dallas are major metropolitan areas with good carrier access, which helps keep costs reasonable. However, dense urban areas can create pickup and delivery challenges. Consider meeting your carrier at an easily accessible location with truck-friendly parking rather than narrow city streets. Suburban pickup/delivery points often reduce costs and complications.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Avoid peak moving seasons like summer and snowbird migration periods to save significantly on Washington DC to Dallas car shipping costs. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can result in substantial savings.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Consider pickup and delivery locations near major highways instead of residential neighborhoods. Carriers prefer accessible spots with wide roads and parking, often passing these savings directly to customers like you.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose pickup spots near DC’s major highways like I-95 and delivery locations near Dallas highways like I-35. Hub cities with multiple highway access points create more carrier options and competitive pricing.

4

Weather considerations

Winter weather in Washington DC and extreme Texas heat can increase shipping costs and delays. Plan around severe weather seasons when possible to avoid weather-related surcharges and scheduling complications.

5

Booking in advance

Book your Washington DC to Dallas car shipment weeks ahead rather than last-minute. Advanced booking gives carriers better route planning opportunities and rewards you with significantly lower shipping rates.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options for Washington DC to Dallas routes. Unless shipping a luxury vehicle requiring weather protection, open transport offers excellent value and reliability.

7

Flexible dates

Offer carriers five-day pickup and delivery windows instead of exact dates. This flexibility allows them to optimize routes and schedules, savings they’ll share with you through lower shipping costs.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from Washington to Dallas

Professional auto transport service for city-to-city moves

When planning car shipping from Washington, DC to Dallas, TX, you’ll need to navigate different vehicle registration requirements. Texas requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency [TxDMV]. You’ll need your DC title, proof of insurance, and must pass a safety inspection before registration. DC vehicles don’t require emissions testing, but Texas has specific counties with emissions requirements, though Dallas County currently doesn’t mandate testing [TxDMV].

Auto transport from Washington, DC to Dallas, TX involves moving between different vehicle law jurisdictions. Texas allows darker window tinting than DC – up to 25% on front side windows versus DC’s 70% requirement [TxDMV]. Texas also has more lenient vehicle height modifications compared to DC’s strict regulations. Consider weather modifications when moving south; winter tires suitable for DC snow may be unnecessary in Dallas’s milder climate.

Insurance considerations differ significantly between jurisdictions. Texas follows a fault-based insurance system and requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per injured person [TDI]. DC has higher minimum requirements and no-fault provisions. Shop for Texas insurance before your move, as rates in Dallas often differ from DC premiums. Many carriers offer coverage transfers, making the transition smoother during your Washington, DC to Dallas, TX relocation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Washington, District of Columbia to Dallas, Texas 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 Washington, DC to Dallas, TX route is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:

Remove personal items: Take out toll passes, GPS devices, and any loose items that could shift during the 1,300+ mile journey. While your car is insured during transport, personal belongings are not covered.

Clean your vehicle: Wash your car inside and out. This makes it easier to spot any existing damage during the pre-transport inspection.

Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank) and that the battery works. The carrier needs to drive your car on and off the truck.

Document everything: Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup. This protects you if any damage occurs during transit.

Have keys ready: Make sure you have a working key for the driver. Remove any extra keys or key fobs from your keychain.

For a complete checklist and more tips, check out our Vehicle Shipping Guide. Following these steps helps ensure your car arrives in Dallas safely and on time.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Washington, DC to Dallas, TX. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all our carriers to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage.

Here’s what protects your vehicle:

  • $1,000,000 liability insurance – Covers accidents and damages
  • $100,000 cargo insurance – Protects your specific vehicle
  • Verified coverage – We check that insurance is active before your car ships

This insurance is included in your quote at no extra cost. We verify each carrier’s policy is valid and current for your entire DC to Dallas shipment. Your vehicle is protected from pickup to delivery.

Pro tip: Take photos of your car before shipping and keep your personal insurance active during transport for complete peace of mind.

We recommend scheduling your car pickup from Washington, DC at least 2-3 weeks in advance. The earlier you book, the better your chances of getting competitive rates and flexible pickup dates.

Here’s why early booking helps:

  • Better pricing: Carriers can plan routes more efficiently when they have advance notice
  • More carrier options: Popular routes like DC to Dallas fill up quickly
  • Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup window options to choose from

If you’re moving during peak season (summer months or around holidays), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead. Winter bookings can sometimes be arranged with shorter notice, but weather delays are more common.

Need to ship last-minute? We can still help, but expect higher prices and limited pickup windows. Rush orders typically cost 20-30% more than advance bookings.

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 Washington, DC to Dallas, TX, you have two main options: open transport and enclosed transport.

Open transport is the most popular choice. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside other vehicles. It costs less and gets your car there just as safely. Most cars you see on the road every day handle weather and road debris just fine – and yours will too.

Enclosed transport puts your car inside a covered trailer. It costs 40-60% more than open transport. Choose this option if you have a classic car, luxury vehicle, or custom paint job that needs extra protection from weather and road debris.

For most people shipping from DC to Dallas, open transport offers the best value. Your car will arrive safely and you’ll save money. Only choose enclosed if your vehicle is worth over $50,000 or has special value that justifies the higher cost.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics offers door-to-door auto transport service from Washington, DC to Dallas, TX. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle directly from your home, office, or preferred address in the DC area and deliver it right to your doorstep in Dallas.

Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your pickup address in Washington, DC and your delivery address in Dallas, TX. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to collect your vehicle from the exact location you specify and deliver it directly to your new address in Texas.

Important note: In rare cases where large transport trucks cannot safely access your specific address due to narrow streets, low-hanging branches, or residential restrictions, our carrier will work with you to find a convenient nearby location like a shopping center or gas station. This ensures your vehicle stays safe while making pickup and delivery as easy as possible for you.

Our door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of driving to terminals or meeting points, making your DC to Dallas car shipping experience smooth and convenient.

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 Washington, DC to Dallas, TX 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, while carriers are the companies that actually transport your vehicle. Think of brokers as matchmakers who find the right carrier for your specific needs.

The car shipping process starts when you call a reputable broker like Sakaem Logistics for a quote. Once you book your shipment, 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 gets matched with reliable carriers. The carrier then schedules a pickup time and location that works for you.

On pickup day, the carrier will inspect your vehicle and load it onto their trailer. Your car will then travel the 1,329 miles from Washington, DC to Dallas, TX, typically taking 1-5 days depending on the carrier’s route and schedule. Upon delivery, the carrier will unload your vehicle and conduct a final inspection with you present.

Before your car shipping pickup, prepare your vehicle properly. Remove all personal items from inside the car, as carriers cannot transport personal belongings. Ensure your car can roll, brake, and steer, even if it has mechanical issues. Keep about a quarter tank of gas – enough to drive on and off the trailer but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. For luxury or classic vehicles, consider enclosed trailer transport for maximum protection during your Washington, DC to Dallas, TX auto transport.