Best Car Shipping Companies in Tacoma, WA (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: If you’re looking for an excellent car shipping company in Tacoma, WA, Nexus Auto Transport stands out for its impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, affordable rates, and lineup of services. While prices vary, you can usually expect to pay between and $1,422 to ship your car from Tacoma.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Washington 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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- Fact-checked for accuracy
Top car shipping companies in Tacoma, WA
Considering moving your vehicle locally or out of Washington? Here’s a list of the premier car transport companies located in Tacoma:
Comparing Tacoma car auto transport companies
Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of 10 local car shipping providers in Tacoma, 16 throughout Washington, and more than 532 across the country to compare service options and assist you in selecting the best solution.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Tacoma, across Washington, and nationwide:
- Multi-car shipping: 7 in Tacoma (58.33%), 12 in Washington (66.67%), 429 nationwide (68.53%)
- Real-time tracking: 9 in Tacoma (75.0%), 11 in Washington (61.11%), 352 nationwide (56.23%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 4 in Tacoma (33.33%), 5 in Washington (27.78%), 176 nationwide (28.12%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 5 in Tacoma (41.67%), 7 in Washington (38.89%), 172 nationwide (27.48%)
- Expedited delivery: 10 in Tacoma (83.33%), 14 in Washington (77.78%), 347 nationwide (55.43%)
| Company | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carworx Auto Transport Inc | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Seattle Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Interbay Transport Logistics | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Matson | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ceva Logistics | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here’s how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Tacoma, across Washington, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 5 in Tacoma (41.67%), 6 in Washington (33.33%), 158 nationwide (25.24%)
- Senior discount: 2 in Tacoma (16.67%), 2 in Washington (11.11%), 39 nationwide (6.23%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carworx Auto Transport Inc | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Seattle Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Interbay Transport Logistics | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Matson | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ceva Logistics | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Comprehensive offerings: Our assessment focused on the range of services available from each provider. We considered if they provide open, enclosed, or both types of transport. Additionally, we evaluated whether the service includes door-to-door delivery or is limited to terminal pickup and drop-off, along with the variety of vehicles they can transport. Companies capable of moving specialty vehicles such as RVs and motorcycles received higher scores compared to those that only ship standard cars.
- Add-on services: Extra points were given to companies that feature unique optional perks, including fast shipping, confirmed pickup slots, car wash services, and compensation for rental vehicles.
- Review analysis: Our team assessed customer reviews from prominent sites like Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to determine if car shipping companies meet the expected service timelines, maintain good communication, and adhere to budget projections. We also investigated each company’s reputation within the industry, confirming their USDOT certificate and their relationship with relevant trade associations.
- Availability: Our evaluation took into account the locations each company operates in. Companies that include Alaska and Hawaii in their service areas, along with the continental U.S., received more points than those restricted to the Lower 48 or smaller territories.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Average cost to ship a car out of Tacoma
With a population of 223,968 and the status of a major Washington city, Tacoma sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Tacoma compared to smaller towns nearby.
Shipping a car out of Tacoma, Washington usually ranges from to $1,422. Your final price will depend on how far you’re going and current fuel costs.
Check out these estimated price ranges for moving a vehicle from Tacoma, Washington to another state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Washington to Arizona | $1,150 – $1,630 |
| Washington to Michigan | $1,370 – $2,058 |
| Washington to New York | $1,503 – $2,290 |
| Washington to Illinois | $1,233 – $1,912 |
| Washington to Florida | $1,502 – $2,519 |
| North Carolina to Washington | $1,459 – $2,176 |
| Ohio to Washington | $1,358 – $2,097 |
| Georgia to Washington | $1,372 – $2,154 |
| California to Washington | $862 – $1,285 |
| Texas to Washington | $1,228 – $1,954 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Tacoma
As a major city, Tacoma benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Tacoma is 123, 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.
- Distance matters: Moving your car locally within Tacoma or to nearby areas in Washington is typically more affordable than shipping it across state lines.
- Location type: It’s often pricier to transport a car out of busy downtown Tacoma compared to moves between quieter suburban neighborhoods.
- Vehicle type and condition: Smaller cars are typically cheaper to move, while classic, luxury, or specialty vehicles from Tacoma often need extra care and can bump up the price. Learn more about classic car transport.
- Available shipping options in Tacoma: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards.
- Fuel prices: What you’ll pay to ship can go up or down depending on current gas rates in Tacoma, especially with long-distance trips.
- How fast you need it: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Tacoma comes at a higher price tag.
- Weather and season: Mild, temperate weather in Tacoma typically leads to stable car shipping prices, as extreme conditions like heavy snow or rain are rare and unlikely to disrupt transport schedules. Scheduling shipments in the drier summer months can further minimize potential weather-related delays or added costs.
Tips for choosing the right Tacoma car shipping company
- Get accurate quotes: Pick a Tacoma company that shares total costs upfront. In Washington, a typical job starts near $1,100.
- Review insurance coverage: Select shippers that offer detailed insurance info, flexible coverage levels, and a simple claims process.
- Read local reviews: Customer reviews from Tacoma offer real insight into how reliable a company is. They can help you avoid scams and choose a shipper with solid satisfaction ratings.
- Check for licensing: Use the FMCSA lookup tool to confirm that the company is licensed, insured, and operating legally.
- Know what you’re paying for: Some quotes don’t include all services. Ask if things like door-to-door delivery or insurance are baked into the price.
- Plan around delivery timing: Ask when your car will be picked up and delivered and whether delays are common for your route.
- Look for custom options: Shippers in Tacoma may offer services like door-to-door delivery or expedited shipping to fit your needs.
- Get a referral: Talk to friends or family in Tacoma who’ve shipped cars before. Their recommendations can save you time and hassle.
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 Tacoma?
Many car shipping companies in Tacoma, Washington, provide real-time tracking. Customers can usually track their vehicle’s journey via the company’s website or mobile app. You can check when your vehicle departs Tacoma, its estimated arrival time, and any possible delays during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Tacoma?
Interstate 5 connects Tacoma north to Seattle, south to Portland. Interstate 705 links downtown Tacoma to I-5. Interstate 90 starts in Seattle, enabling direct eastbound transport. Interstate 82 branches off I-90 toward eastern Washington and Oregon.
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 Tacoma or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Tacoma?
Most carriers don’t need an inspection to transport your car from Tacoma. But if you’re moving a classic or high-value car, they might ask for proof of insurance. Make sure to check the inspection requirements for the state you’re sending the car to, since rules differ by state.
Take Washington regulations as an example. In Washington state, there aren’t any yearly safety inspections, but vehicles still need to meet strict Clean Car standards.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Tacoma?
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 Tacoma to your next destination.
What’s the cheapest car shipping company in Tacoma?
Tacoma car shippers offering economical open transport services at competitive rates include Carworx Auto Transport Inc, Seattle Auto Shipping Group (offers military discounts), and Interbay Transport Logistics (offers military, senior discounts).
Who ships classic cars out of Tacoma?
Professional vintage car transport companies in Tacoma offering secure enclosed delivery include Carworx Auto Transport Inc, Seattle Auto Shipping Group, and Matson.
More Washington car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Washington, these resources should help:
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