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Car shipping from Washington, District of Columbia to Los Angeles, California

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 Los Angeles, CA
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 Los Angeles?
9 Car Transport FAQs
WASHINGTON TO LOS ANGELES

Auto Transport from Washington to Los Angeles

Planning to ship your car from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA? You’re looking at one of America’s most popular auto transport routes. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a vehicle online, or moving cross-country, car shipping across 2,700 miles requires careful planning. This guide covers everything you need to know about costs, timing, and tips for successful auto transport between these major cities.

Average Distance, Time
and Cost

AVG DISTANCE
2,669 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
4-9 days
AVG COST
$1175 – $1375
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA Shipments

Actual car shipping prices from the last 30 days for routes between Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA. 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
Bethesda, MD Central La, CA 1050 Open Car
Westlake, MD Temple City, CA 1050 Open Car
Arlington, VA Marina Del Rey, CA 900 Open Car
Arlington, VA Chino Hills, CA 1000 Open SUV
Fairfax, VA Ontario, CA 1075 Open Car
Olney, MD Los Angeles, CA 1125 Open Car
Silver Spring, MD Los Angeles, CA 1050 Open SUV
Silver Spring, MD Los Angeles, CA 1075 Open Car
Alexandria, VA Los Angeles, CA 1100 Open Car
Mclean, VA Altadena, CA 1050 Open Car
WASHINGTON, DC TO LOS ANGELES, CA 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
Google logo
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
Google logo
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 Los Angeles

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 Los Angeles, California Shipping Prices

Distance

The 2,650-mile journey from Washington, DC to Los Angeles is one of the longest cross-country routes in the US. This distance significantly impacts your shipping cost, as carriers must account for fuel, driver wages, and vehicle wear over this extended haul. Expect distance to be the largest factor in your quote.

Season

Summer months (June-August) are peak season for this route, with costs rising 10-20% due to high demand from families moving before school starts. Winter offers the best rates, while spring and fall provide moderate pricing. Book early during peak times to secure better rates.

Route

The DC to LA route follows major interstates like I-40 and I-10, which is great news for your wallet. These well-traveled highways have excellent carrier availability and lower costs compared to remote routes. The straightforward path means fewer delays and more competitive pricing from multiple carriers.

Vehicle Type

Standard sedans and small SUVs cost the least to ship on this route. Large trucks, lifted vehicles, or oversized SUVs will cost 20-40% more due to weight restrictions and loading challenges. Luxury or modified vehicles may require special handling, increasing costs further.

Traffic Considerations

Avoid shipping during Thanksgiving week, Christmas, and back-to-school periods when highways are congested. These busy times can add 2-5 days to delivery and increase costs. Plan around major holidays for faster, cheaper service.

Carrier Availability

This popular route has good carrier availability year-round, but summer demand can create 1-2 week delays. Off-season shipping (October-March) typically offers pickup within 3-7 days. Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season for best results.

Population Density

DC pickup is straightforward with good highway access, but LA delivery can be tricky. Consider meeting your carrier in suburbs like Riverside or San Bernardino to save $100-200 compared to downtown LA delivery. Dense LA traffic adds time and cost for carriers.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship your car during off-peak months to save hundreds of dollars. Avoid busy snowbird season when retirees migrate south, as demand spikes prices significantly during these periods.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Meet carriers near major highways instead of residential streets to reduce costs. Truck drivers prefer accessible locations with wide roads and parking, passing savings directly to customers.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose pickup spots near DC’s major highways and delivery locations close to LA’s interstate system. Highway-adjacent locations attract more carriers, creating competition that drives down shipping rates.

4

Weather considerations

Avoid winter shipping from DC when possible, as snow and ice increase costs. Summer heat can also delay transport, so spring and fall often provide optimal pricing.

5

Booking in advance

Book your DC to LA car shipment weeks ahead to secure better pricing. Last-minute bookings limit carrier options and force you to accept higher rates from available drivers.

6

Open carrier transport

Select open trailers over enclosed ones to cut shipping costs substantially. Reserve enclosed trailers only for luxury vehicles needing extra protection from road debris and weather elements.

7

Flexible dates

Offer five-day pickup and delivery windows instead of exact dates to unlock lower rates. Flexible scheduling helps carriers optimize routes, and they share these savings with customers.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from Washington to Los Angeles

Professional auto transport service for city-to-city moves

When planning car shipping from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA, you’ll need to handle California’s vehicle registration within 20 days of establishing residency [CA DMV]. California requires a VIN verification, smog check for most vehicles over four years old, and payment of registration fees that can be significantly higher than DC rates [CA DMV]. Your DC registration will need to be surrendered during this process.

California has stricter vehicle regulations than DC that affect your auto transport decision. The state enforces rigorous emissions standards, so older vehicles may need costly modifications to pass smog tests [CARB]. Window tinting laws allow only 70% light transmission on front side windows, which is less restrictive than DC’s rules [CA Vehicle Code]. Vehicle height modifications are also regulated more strictly in California.

For your Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA move, consider removing winter-specific items like snow tires and ice scrapers before shipping. California’s year-round mild climate means these items are unnecessary and add weight to your shipment. Insurance requirements differ significantly – California mandates higher minimum liability coverage than DC, so contact your provider before the move to ensure compliance [CA Insurance Code]. Many insurers offer different rates between states, so compare options early in your relocation process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Washington, District of Columbia to Los Angeles, California 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 car for the cross-country journey from Washington, DC to Los Angeles takes just a few simple steps. Start by removing all personal items from inside your vehicle – this includes toll passes, GPS devices, phone chargers, and anything loose that could shift during transport.

Clean your car inside and out before pickup. This helps you spot any existing damage and makes the inspection process smoother. Take photos of your vehicle from all angles as a record.

Make sure your gas tank is no more than 1/4 full to reduce weight and meet safety rules. Remove or secure any exterior accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or custom antennas that could get damaged on the 2,700-mile trip.

Have a spare key ready for the driver, and ensure your car is in good working order with proper tire pressure. For complete details, check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide.

Following these steps will help ensure your car arrives safely in Los Angeles, ready for your new West Coast adventures.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all our carriers to maintain:

  • $1,000,000 in liability insurance – covers damages to other vehicles or property
  • $100,000 in cargo insurance – protects your specific vehicle during transport

Before your car leaves Washington, DC, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid. This coverage stays in place for the entire 2,700-mile journey to Los Angeles.

Important: While rare, if damage occurs, you’ll file a claim directly with the carrier’s insurance company. We recommend taking photos of your vehicle before pickup and noting any existing damage on the inspection report.

This insurance protection is included in your quote – no extra fees or hidden costs.

For car shipping from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA, we recommend scheduling your pickup at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This cross-country route covers about 2,700 miles and is one of the most popular shipping lanes in the US.

Here’s why early booking helps:

  • Better carrier availability: More time means more transport options
  • Lower costs: Carriers can group your car with others heading west
  • Flexible scheduling: You get priority for pickup dates that work for you

During peak seasons (summer and fall), consider booking 4-6 weeks ahead. College students and snowbirds create high demand on this DC to LA route during these times.

Need to ship last-minute? We can still help, but expect higher prices and limited pickup windows. Our team works hard to find solutions even with short notice.

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 Los Angeles, CA, 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 40-60% less than enclosed transport. Most cars arrive safely with only minor dust that washes off easily.

Enclosed Auto Transport: Your car rides inside a covered trailer, protected from weather, road debris, and dust. This premium service costs more but offers maximum protection for your vehicle during the 2,800-mile journey across the country.

Which should you choose? Pick enclosed transport if you own a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car worth over $75,000. For everyday vehicles like sedans, SUVs, and trucks, open transport works great and saves you money.

At Sakaem Logistics, most customers shipping from DC to LA choose open transport. It’s reliable, affordable, and gets your car there safely. Need help deciding? Our team can explain both options and help you pick what’s best for your car and budget.

Yes! We offer convenient door-to-door auto transport service from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA. This means we’ll pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in the DC area and deliver it directly to your specified location in Los Angeles.

Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your preferred pickup address in Washington, DC and your delivery address in Los Angeles. Our assigned carrier will handle the rest, bringing your vehicle right to your door on both ends of the journey.

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

Door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of driving to terminals or pickup points, making your DC to LA car shipment truly stress-free.

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 Los Angeles, CA is a straightforward process when you understand the basics. The auto transport industry consists of two main types of companies: brokers and carriers. Brokers like Sakaem Logistics connect customers with carriers, while carriers are the companies that actually transport your vehicle on their trucks. This system helps ensure you get reliable service across the 2,669-mile journey.

The car shipping process begins when you call a reputable broker like Sakaem Logistics for a quote. Once you agree to the terms, the broker finds a qualified carrier with proper insurance and good reviews to handle your auto transport. The carrier will contact you to schedule pickup at your Washington, DC location. After loading your vehicle, the carrier transports it to Los Angeles, CA, which typically takes 4-9 days. Upon delivery, you’ll complete payment to either the broker or carrier as agreed.

Before your car shipping appointment, prepare your vehicle properly. Remove all personal items from the car, as carriers cannot transport personal belongings. Ensure your vehicle can roll freely, even if it doesn’t run perfectly. 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 on the Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA route, consider enclosed trailer transport for maximum protection from weather and road debris during the cross-country journey.