Best Car Shipping Companies in Washington DC, MD (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Need reliable car shipping in Washington DC, MD? Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick. They’ve earned a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, offer a variety of services, and keep prices competitive. While prices can vary, you’ll usually pay between and $1,400 to ship your car from Washington DC.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Maryland car shipping guide.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
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- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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Top car shipping companies in Washington DC, MD
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Maryland, these are the best auto transport companies available in Washington DC:
Comparing Washington DC car auto transport companies
We’ve explored the top names in auto transport and studied 10 local car shipping services in Washington DC, 8 within Maryland, and over 532 nationwide to assess service availability and guide you to the right choice.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Washington DC, across Maryland, and nationwide:
- Real-time tracking: 9 in Washington DC (75.0%), 6 in Maryland (66.67%), 352 nationwide (56.23%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 3 in Washington DC (25.0%), 3 in Maryland (33.33%), 176 nationwide (28.12%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 2 in Washington DC (16.67%), 2 in Maryland (22.22%), 172 nationwide (27.48%)
- Expedited delivery: 8 in Washington DC (66.67%), 7 in Maryland (77.78%), 347 nationwide (55.43%)
- Insurance included: 9 in Washington DC (75.0%), 8 in Maryland (88.89%), 488 nationwide (77.96%)
| Company | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Capital Exports Inc | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| All State to State Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Montage Transport & Logistics | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Washington DC Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here’s how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Washington DC, across Maryland, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 4 in Washington DC (33.33%), 2 in Maryland (22.22%), 158 nationwide (25.24%)
- Senior discount: 1 in Washington DC (8.33%), 0 in Maryland (0.0%), 39 nationwide (6.23%)
- Student discount: 1 in Washington DC (8.33%), 0 in Maryland (0.0%), 32 nationwide (5.11%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Capital Exports Inc | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| All State to State Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Montage Transport & Logistics | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Washington DC Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We’ve thoroughly assessed 2,400 car shipping providers countrywide, evaluating and scoring them on essential aspects using our distinct methodology.
Our evaluation included the following metrics:
- Service range evaluation: We examined the breadth of services each company offers, including their provision of open and enclosed transport options. We also considered if their services include direct door-to-door delivery or just terminal facilities, along with the variety of vehicles they can ship. Companies supporting vehicle types such as RVs and motorcycles achieved higher ratings than those restricting to car transport.
- Add-on services: We acknowledged companies with extra points for their distinctive optional services, such as prompt shipping, guaranteed pickup arrangements, car wash offerings, and rental car paybacks.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We evaluated each company based on where they offer their services. Companies providing coverage in Alaska and Hawaii, along with the continental U.S., were rated more favorably than those serving only the Lower 48 or a limited number of states.
- Scheduling and payment: We assessed how easily customers can organize services and foresee expenses through precise quotes, price matching, flat-fee options, and additional benefits. Car shipping companies providing binding quotes or price assurances were rated more favorably than those with opaque pricing strategies.
Average cost to ship a car out of Washington DC
With a population of 672,079 and the status of a major Maryland city, Washington DC sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Washington DC compared to smaller towns nearby.
Moving a car out of Washington DC, Maryland typically starts around but can go up to as much as $1,400 or more. Your final price depends on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping your vehicle from Washington DC, Maryland to other states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Maryland to Texas | $1,095 – $1,613 |
| Maryland to Florida | $813 – $1,313 |
| Maryland to New York | $462 – $565 |
| Maryland to North Carolina | $514 – $687 |
| Maryland to Ohio | $650 – $909 |
| Michigan to Maryland | $770 – $1,117 |
| California to Maryland | $1,488 – $2,176 |
| Illinois to Maryland | $802 – $1,133 |
| Arizona to Maryland | $1,354 – $2,119 |
| Georgia to Maryland | $784 – $1,118 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Washington DC
As a major city, Washington DC benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Washington DC is 151, which is well above the national average. This can increase the price of car shipping due to higher labor and operational costs in the region.
- Moving distance: Shipping your car within Washington DC or nearby cities in Maryland usually costs less than transporting it across the country.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of Washington DC to a more suburban area.
- Your vehicle’s size and condition: Smaller cars are typically cheaper to ship, while classic or luxury vehicles from Washington DC often need extra care, which can raise the price. Learn about classic car shipping.
- Transport method options: In Washington DC, you can choose open-air shipping for budget-friendly transport or opt for enclosed carriers for greater protection, which is perfect if you’re concerned about weather or road debris.
- Fuel rates: Local fuel prices in Washington DC matter. Higher gas prices mean a higher bill for car shipping, especially over long distances.
- Delivery timing: If you need your car ASAP, expedited or guaranteed shipping from Washington DC will cost more.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Washington DC and Maryland experience hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional heavy snow, which can lead to delays and increased costs for car shipping due to weather-related disruptions and road conditions. Shipping prices may rise during severe weather or peak seasonal changes when demand and risk are higher.
Tips for choosing the right Washington DC car shipping company
- Compare prices: Choose Washington DC shippers with upfront pricing to avoid bait-and-switch quotes or hidden fees. A fair starting rate in Maryland is around $1,100.
- Double-check insurance: Make sure your chosen shipper offers reliable insurance and a simple claims process, especially if your vehicle is high-value or rare.
- Read verified reviews: Customer stories from Washington DC give you a behind-the-scenes look at how companies actually perform.
- Verify credentials: The FMCSA’s company snapshot tool can verify if a shipper is properly licensed and safe.
- Compare pricing and service: Don’t just blindly pick the cheapest quote. Be sure the price includes solid service, a delivery window, and careful handling.
- Know your timeline: Review shipping timeframes carefully. Delivery dates vary depending on location, season, and type of carrier.
- Explore optional services: Companies that offer flexible pickup, storage, or faster delivery can be worth the extra cost if convenience matters.
- Tap into local referrals: Ask neighbors, coworkers, or family in Washington DC who they’ve used — and what their experience was like.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Washington DC?
Many car shipping companies in Washington DC, Maryland, provide real-time tracking. Customers can usually track their vehicle’s progress via the company’s website or mobile app. You can find out when your car leaves Washington DC, the expected arrival time, and any delays during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Washington DC?
I-95 offers direct north-south access along the East Coast. I-270 connects to I-70 for westbound routes. I-66 provides a direct link to Virginia and the Midwest. I-495, the Capital Beltway, connects major interstates for flexible routing.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company’s license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) number and look it up on the USDOT’s FMCSA website. This works for any provider based in Washington DC or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Washington DC?
Many carriers don’t need to inspect your car before shipping it out of Washington DC. But if you have a classic or high-value car, they might ask for proof of insurance. Always check the inspection laws in the state you are shipping to, as these regulations can differ.
Take Maryland regulations as an example. If you’ve just moved to Maryland or purchased a vehicle, you need to have it inspected at an authorized station before you can register it. New residents must complete a vehicle safety check before they can register their car.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Washington DC?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It’s a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Washington DC to your next destination.
What’s the cheapest car shipping company in Washington DC?
Value-oriented car shipping companies in Washington DC that provide budget-friendly open transport options include Baltimore Auto Shipping Group (offers military discounts), All State to State Auto Transport, and Montage Transport & Logistics.
Who ships classic cars out of Washington DC?
Classic car shipping specialists in Washington DC that provide secure enclosed transport for vintage and collectible vehicles include Baltimore Auto Shipping Group, Capital Exports Inc, and All State to State Auto Transport.
More Maryland car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Maryland, these resources should help:
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