Washington Auto Transport – Move Cars To & From WA

Washington car shipping is easy with the right knowledge and guidance. This guide puts together a few pointers to help you put your vehicle in order and pick the right auto shipping carrier.

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Planning a move to or from Washington state?

Whether you’re chasing breathtaking scenery or landing a new job opportunity, the last thing you want is the stress of shipping your car. Compare The Carrier, your one-stop shop for auto transport comparisons, is here to guide you through the process with ease.

This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about Washington auto transport. We’ll explore essential pre-shipment steps, equip you with expert tips for choosing the right auto transport company, and unveil the different shipping options available. Plus, we’ll shed light on cost factors, documentation requirements for overseas shipments, and answer any lingering questions you may have.

So, buckle up and get ready for a smooth ride! With Compare The Carrier as your navigator, your car will be safely delivered to its new destination before you can say “Space Needle.”

How does Washington auto transport work?

How much does Washington vehicle shipping cost?

Top 5 Washington auto transport companies

What documents do you need & How to prepare your vehicle when shipping to Washington?

FAQ

Many Washington auto transport companies and full-service movers offer car shipping services. So, your chosen moving company may also have the facilities to transport your vehicle alongside your luggage. Alternatively, there are reputable businesses that specialize solely in shipping cars.

Whatever the case, shipping a car to and from Washington state typically involves using open or closed vehicle carriers. Although there are other options like trains, airplanes, and boats. these are the cheaper alternatives.

How Does Washington Auto Transport Work?

Washington car shipping is straightforward if you know the right things to do. Here’s a step-by-step description of how it works:

#1. Carry Out Research
Washington car shipping starts with finding the right auto shipping company to work with. Begin your research from the point you start thinking of shipping your vehicle. A quick Google search will reveal many auto shipping options, but remember that not every business advertised online is legitimate.
So, from the displayed options, pick a few and read their terms and third-party reviews or run their business name through official portals like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These business terms and customer reviews will give you an idea of how their business operates and what past clients think about their service, separate from their marketing efforts.

#2. Choose an Auto Transport Company
Now that you have done the research, narrow your options and request shipping quotes from each. Once you’ve gotten these estimates, compare costs, but remember that the cheapest estimate does not always translate to the best customer service.
Before choosing an auto transporter to carry your car, ask yourself what kind of company you want moving your car. Work with the closest to your preferences, not necessarily the most affordable.
Some companies use affordability as bait to get an upfront non-refundable deposit or collect your email address and contact information. So, while reaching out to companies for quotes, exercise caution; otherwise, you may receive unsolicited phone calls and emails from websites where you entered your information.

#3. Provide Your Transporting Information
Most auto transport companies may require you to fill out an information form containing basic vehicle details. These include the vehicle’s make, model, pickup location, destination point, contact information, etc.
Armed with these details, your chosen auto transport company can provide an accurate quote and recommend transportation modalities unique to your vehicle.

#4. Choose A Transportation Option
A professional auto shipping company will typically advise you on the best car shipping option for your situation. There are three main options: ground transport, air, and sea freight.
Air freight is faster and safer for transporting high-value cars, while sea freight is cheaper but involves longer delivery times and isn’t recommended for delicate vehicles. Your budget and vehicle’s status are key factors in determining which option is best.
If you’re using ground transport, you’ll decide between open or enclosed auto transport, and door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal shipping. With door-to-door shipping, the auto transport company receives the vehicle from your doorstep and delivers it to the receiver’s doorstep.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping is similar, except pickup and delivery happen at designated terminals. Open car transport places the vehicle on an open trailer alongside other vehicles, individually secured. Enclosed auto transport places the vehicle in a covered trailer with fewer vehicles and a strong framework to protect it from the elements.

#5. Inspect Your Vehicle
Verify that your vehicle is in good condition before handing it over to an auto shipping company in Washington state. Most car shipping companies prefer that your vehicle have no more than a quarter tank of fuel during shipping to avoid leaks.
Leave your vehicle with just enough gas to drive it onto the shipping truck and off. It’s also advisable to wash your vehicle before shipping, not only for aesthetics but to make scratches and dents visible for the Bill of Lading.

#6. Check for Insurance
Many auto transport companies offer insurance or warranty coverage on transported vehicles. So, it is important to confirm that your chosen shipping company has an insurance policy in place and the insurance terms.
Sometimes, the insurance terms may not be adequate, requiring you to seek additional insurance. Yet, other times, the insurance coverage may be sufficient, and you may need to defer your existing vehicle insurance policy.

#7. Schedule Pickup & Delivery
Once you and the auto transport company agree on terms, select the pickup and delivery dates. At this point, you may pay a deposit to reserve your slot and receive a contract with the agreed terms and additional information.

How Much
Does Washington Vehicle Shipping Cost?

In practice, there are no fixed shipping rates, as many factors contribute to the total cost of ship car to\from Washington state. These factors include:

Time and Season: Shipping costs tend to fall during the off-season winter months and climb up in the summer due to the differences in demand.

Vehicle Size & Weight: The bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost to ship

Distance: Long-distance shipping typically costs more than shorter distances.

Vehicle Make & Model: Your vehicle’s specifications are other factors determining its total shipping costs. Suppose you want to transport a luxury vehicle, for instance. In that case, you will pay higher because these vehicles require more attention and care.

Type of Transport Option: Your carriage option contributes to how steep your shipping costs will be. Like we said earlier, enclosed carriers cost more than open-air carriers.

The estimated cost of shipping a 2004 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 via an open carrier auto transport from Tacoma to Chicago ranges from $1,135 to $1,185, including tax, fuel, and door-to-door service, and more. On the other hand, shipping a 2004 Bentley Continental GT from Seattle, WA, to Georgiana, AL, costs between $1300 to $1,650, depending on the carrier.

Request a quote from your chosen carrier to get an accurate auto shipping estimate for your vehicle.

Top 5 Washington Auto Transport Companies

If you’re considering shipping a car to Washington and need a reliable Washington car shipping company, here are the top five Washington auto transport companies to try:

#1. Get Carrier

GetCarrier loads, haul and delivers anything on wheels. This Washington service provider makes shipping easy by connecting you with auto transport carriers to do your heavy lifting.

All you have to do is to visit their website and request a quote. Then, the system will generate instant prices from some of the top carriers nearest to you, from which you can then make a choice and book online.

A driver typically contacts you after your booking to schedule pickup and delivery. What makes GetCarrier a top carrier is that its quote process is easy, and its website interface is easy to navigate, with a wide range of prices for you to choose from.

best enclosed auto transport companies based on car shipping reviews, corsia logistics

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moverjetlogistics Washington Auto Transport

#2. MoverJet Logistics

MoverJet Logistics is a 5-star rated logistic company with nationwide reach, great prices, top-rated drivers, and high-tech software. What distinguishes MoverJet Logistics from the competition is that it allows you to book your shipment without making upfront payments.

They only charge you after pickup. What’s more? You get to save 25% on vehicle shipping and access to a professional customer service team between the hours of 9 am to 9 pm, seven days a week.

enclosed car shipping best service Washington Auto Transport - Move Cars To & From WA 7

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#3. TrueCarrier

True Carriers stand out as an industry leader, with 13 years of experience in local and international auto transport. Their shipping expertise is not limited to motor vehicles alone, but also motorcycles and more.

With this company, you get various options, like ATV transport, enclosed vehicle transport, RV, boat transport, and more. There’s reliable customer service, transparent pricing, and no upfront deposit demands.

enclosed car shipping service, sherpa auto transport

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#4. InterBay Transport Logistics

Interbay Transport Logistics is a Seattle-based family-owned auto transport business with 22 years of experience in car shipping. This brand boasts of being the leading auto transport company in the Pacific Northwest, providing nationwide comprehensive auto transport services.

Its core vehicle shipping locations are Los Angeles, Tacoma, Dallas, Portland, Seattle, Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, and more. They promise a high level of service that will exceed your expectations and guarantee that your vehicle(s) arrive safely at its destination.

top enclosed auto shipping Washington Auto Transport - Move Cars To & From WA 12

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Diesel Auto Express - WA state auto transport

#5. Diesel Auto Express

Diesel Auto Express is an auto transportation expert, serving all 50 states from its base in Vancouver, WA. In its 10 years of industry experience, Diesel Auto Express leaves a trail of satisfied customers in its wake, providing a wide range of auto shipping services, including open and enclosed auto transport.

With this auto transport company, you can save 30% on shipping fees, no hassles, excellent transparency on all services, and a free quote.

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What Documents Do You Need & How to Prepare Your Vehicle When Shipping to Washington?

The necessary paperwork for your vehicle shipment can sometimes get confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Let us look at some of the relevant car shipping documents below:

Bill of Lading (BOL)
Even if you skip the other documents, you must have your bill of lading. It is some sort of receipt that serves as evidence of delivery and the car’s condition at the point of pickup and delivery.
The Bill of Lading records any dent, damage, or defect on the vehicle before loading and at the delivery point, allowing the receiver to pursue action for damages that occurred during transit. Insurance companies typically refuse to pay out once there are no notations on the bill of lading.

Title & Registration Documents
Your car’s title document signifies ownership, and registration means that your vehicle has all the legal documentation in your home state. This way, it’s easier for the police to identify you when they run your license plates.
Although many companies do not ask for these documents, it is good to have them handy.

Insurance
While you may not need insurance, being the customer, your shipper does. Insurance coverage amounts vary, so you must ensure that your carrier has sufficient coverage to ensure your vehicle is adequately insured. Remember to always check insurance terms before signing a contract.

Documents For Overseas Auto Transportation

People often ship cars to Washington state for onward movement overseas, and this type of shipping often requires specific documentation like:

Personal ID: A state-issued ID, passport, or driver’s license would suffice.

Proof of Ownership: Before shipping a vehicle overseas, you must prove that you own the car and it’s not stolen. Suppose you’re leasing or financing the vehicle, then you will need to provide a lien authorization notarized by the lien holder.

Letter of Intent: This letter indicates who the shipping company should contact and send original documentation to at the point of delivery.

WA Vehicle Shipping Preparations

To prepare your vehicle for overseas shipping, bear the following in mind:

Clear out the fuel in the fuel tank, leaving less than ¼

Remove your personal effects to avoid theft

Ensure that your car is in operating condition, with functioning brakes, and is neat.

Check for dents, cracks, and other damages to the vehicle

Remove your fire extinguisher(s)

Popular Routes To And From Washington

Bringing your vehicle to or from the Evergreen State? These are among the most popular routes our carriers run:

California to Washington

Texas to Washington

Florida to Washington

New York to Washington

Illinois to Washington

Arizona to Washington

Heading the other way? Check Washington to California, Washington to Texas, or Washington to Florida for reverse-direction pricing and timelines.

With the knowledge you’ve gained from this guide, you’re now equipped to navigate the world of Washington auto transport with confidence.

Whether you’re moving across the state or further, Compare The Carrier is here to connect you with reliable and affordable auto transport companies. Preparation is key, so utilize our comparison tools, gather your necessary documents, and choose the shipping option that best suits your needs.

Ready to get moving? Get an instant, no-obligation estimate with our auto transport calculator, or explore our car shipping services to see how Compare The Carrier guides you to a smooth journey to your new Washington adventure.

FAQ

Can I Keep Personal Effects in My Car?

No! The Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibits the transportation of personal belongings via auto shipping. The carrier’s insurance does not cover these personal effects, which can be confiscated during inspections, while the auto carrier pays a fine.

How Long Does Auto Shipping Take?

Delivery times depend on the pickup location and final destination. On average, it can be anything from a few days to a couple of weeks.

When Should I Book My Auto Shipping Slot?

It is advisable to book at least a week in advance to meet up with your pickup and delivery requirements.

How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Washington?

Costs vary widely by route, vehicle size, and season, generally ranging from roughly $1,000 to $1,700+ for standard sedans on common routes. Request a quote for your specific route for an accurate estimate.

Is it cheaper to ship a car to Washington by open or enclosed carrier?

Open carrier transport is generally cheaper and is the standard choice for most vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but offers better protection, making it worthwhile for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.

Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery in Washington?

Yes, either you or a designated representative should be present to hand over the keys, review the vehicle’s condition, and sign the Bill of Lading at both pickup and delivery.

Can I ship an inoperable vehicle to or from Washington?

Most carriers can accommodate non-running vehicles, but you’ll need a carrier equipped with a winch, and the vehicle must still roll, brake, and steer. Always disclose the vehicle’s condition when booking.

What’s the best time of year to ship a car to Washington?

Shipping costs tend to be lower during the winter off-season and higher in summer when demand peaks. Booking during the off-season, when possible, can help you save on your shipment.

Written by

Ryan Foster

Senior Auto Transport & Logistics Specialist

12+ Years Experience

Ryan leverages 12+ years of experience to simplify complex vehicle logistics. From interstate hauls to specialized shipping, he provides transparent, actionable advice to help customers navigate the transport process with confidence.