Best Car Shipping Companies in Seattle, WA (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: For top-notch car shipping in Seattle, WA, Nexus Auto Transport stands out. With a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, great prices, and a wide range of services, they’re our top pick for moving your car. Although rates can differ, shipping your car from Seattle typically costs between and $1,382.
|
|
|
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Washington car shipping guide.
Our track record
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
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Top car shipping companies in Seattle, WA
For those planning to ship their car nearby or outside of Washington, these are the leading auto transport services in Seattle:
Comparing Seattle car auto transport companies
Initially, we investigated major auto transport brands, followed by an evaluation of 9 local car shipping businesses in Seattle, 16 across Washington, and upwards of 532 nationwide to determine service availability and help you make the ideal choice.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Seattle, across Washington, and nationwide:
- Guaranteed delivery: 4 in Seattle (36.36%), 5 in Washington (27.78%), 176 nationwide (28.12%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 5 in Seattle (45.45%), 7 in Washington (38.89%), 172 nationwide (27.48%)
- Expedited delivery: 9 in Seattle (81.82%), 14 in Washington (77.78%), 347 nationwide (55.43%)
- Insurance included: 9 in Seattle (81.82%), 14 in Washington (77.78%), 488 nationwide (77.96%)
- Open transport: 9 in Seattle (81.82%), 16 in Washington (88.89%), 532 nationwide (84.98%)
| Company | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Seattle, across Washington, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 5 in Seattle (45.45%), 6 in Washington (33.33%), 158 nationwide (25.24%)
- Senior discount: 2 in Seattle (18.18%), 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
Our investigation covered 2,400 vehicle shipping companies nationwide, assessing and scoring them based on significant factors through our tailored methodology.
The aspects we examined include:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: Higher ratings were awarded to companies offering distinct optional services such as expedited shipping, assured pickup schedules, complimentary car washes, and coverage for rental cars.
- User experience: We examined reviews on major platforms including Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to verify that a car shipping company offers services that are both timely and communicative, while staying within the expected budget. Furthermore, we scrutinized each company’s reputation in the car transport industry, ensuring they hold a current USDOT license and maintain a standing with professional trade organizations.
- Availability: We assessed companies on the basis of their service regions. Higher ratings were given to companies covering Alaska, Hawaii, and the continental U.S., in contrast to those that are limited to the Lower 48 or even less.
- Scheduling and payment: We analyzed how efficiently customers can book services and estimate costs using precise quotes, competitive pricing, standardized rates, and other incentives. Car transport companies that provide guaranteed estimates or price stability were rated more positively than those that lack pricing openness.
Average cost to ship a car out of Seattle
With a population of 737,015 and the status of a major Washington city, Seattle sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Seattle compared to smaller towns nearby.
The cost to ship a car out of Washington from Seattle typically costs between to $1,382. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from Seattle will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Seattle, Washington, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Washington to Georgia | $1,416 – $2,267 |
| Washington to California | $846 – $1,285 |
| Washington to Arizona | $1,150 – $1,630 |
| Washington to Illinois | $1,233 – $1,912 |
| Washington to Ohio | $1,273 – $2,055 |
| New York to Washington | $1,459 – $2,244 |
| Florida to Washington | $1,517 – $2,519 |
| Michigan to Washington | $1,278 – $2,161 |
| Texas to Washington | $1,228 – $1,954 |
| North Carolina to Washington | $1,459 – $2,176 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Seattle
As a major city, Seattle benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Seattle is 158, 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.
- How far you’re moving: Shipping your car locally within Seattle or nearby in Washington often costs less than sending it across state lines.
- Urban vs. suburban moves: Whether you’re moving from the heart of downtown Seattle or out to the suburbs, your route can influence your shipping price depending on the ease of access and logistics.
- Vehicle make and condition: Smaller cars usually come with lower transport fees than big SUVs or trucks. Special vehicles like luxury and classic models from Seattle may need custom carriers for safe loading, which raises the cost.
- Shipping methods in Seattle: Choose between open-air transport for affordability or enclosed shipping for extra protection from weather and road hazards; the safer the option, the higher the price.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Seattle’s fuel prices, especially if you’re planning along haul.
- Delivery timing: If you need your car to arrive fast or by a specific date, express and guaranteed services from Seattle come with a higher price tag.
- Season and weather: Seattle’s mild, temperate climate means weather rarely causes delays or price increases for car shipping services. While occasional rain is common, it typically doesn’t impact shipping costs.
Tips for choosing the right Seattle car shipping company
- Get clear quotes: Get a detailed estimate from Seattle providers. In Washington, expect to pay about $1,100 on average.
- Understand your coverage: Make sure your provider explains how they insure vehicles, what’s covered, and how claims are handled.
- Read company reviews: Verified reviews from Seattle locals offer great insight into a shipper’s reliability and customer service.
- Verify company credentials: Always confirm a car shipper’s legitimacy. Use the FMCSA company snapshot to check USDOT licenses, safety scores, and operating status.
- Evaluate services, not just price: The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Review what’s included, especially around pickup windows and handling.
- Get realistic delivery dates: Good shippers will give you honest timeframes based on location, weather, and demand.
- Get flexible options: Many Seattle shippers offer extras like door-to-door transport or rush delivery if you need it.
- Lean on local knowledge: Ask around in Seattle — a trusted referral often beats hours of online research.
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 Seattle?
Many car shipping companies in Seattle, Washington, provide real-time tracking services. Customers can usually track their vehicle’s progress on the company’s website or mobile app. You can view when your vehicle departs Seattle, the expected arrival time, and any potential delays during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Seattle?
Efficient interstates for shipping a car out of Seattle include I-5, I-90, and I-405. I-5 runs north to south. I-90 connects Seattle to the east. I-405 serves as a bypass around Seattle. These interstates provide direct routes for car transport.
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 Seattle or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Seattle?
Most carriers don’t need to inspect your car when shipping it from Seattle. But if you’re shipping a classic or high-value car, you might need to provide proof of insurance. Always look up the inspection laws for the state where the car is going, as rules can differ.
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 Seattle?
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 Seattle to your next destination.
What’s the cheapest car shipping company in Seattle?
Affordable auto transport companies serving Seattle with cost-effective open trailer shipping 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 Seattle?
Trusted classic car haulers serving Seattle with specialized enclosed shipping services 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:
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!