($976) Cost to ship a car from Wichita, KS to Washington DC, MD
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,252 miles from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington DC, Maryland, generally falls between $976 and $1,420. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Washington DC to Wichita 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
The best Wichita to Washington DC car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Wichita to Washington DC:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Wichita
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Wichita, KS:
- Oklohoma City Auto Shipping Group: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Kansas City Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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:
- 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: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- 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 awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- 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.
Car shipping alternatives from KS to MD
When you’re moving from Wichita to Washington DC, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Wichita to Washington DC, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,252-mile journey from Wichita to Washington DC could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Kansas to Maryland, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Wichita to Washington DC safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Washington DC is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Wichita to Washington DC car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Wichita to Washington DC, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Wichita to Washington DC, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Washington DC, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Wichita. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Washington DC will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,252 miles from Wichita to Washington DC will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Kansas.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Wichita and Washington DC can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Wichita experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Wichita often experiences severe weather with thunderstorms occurring frequently during the spring and summer. These occasionally bring large hail and frequent lightning. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid hail and lightning.
Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Wichita to Washington DC during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 1,252 miles between Wichita and Washington DC, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Wichita to Washington DC is three to eight days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Wichita and Washington DC vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Wichita: Each permit has an applicable fee, the general fee schedule is described on the respective permits. Fees should be received by the City of Wichita prior to work being completed or street being used. Use of street is required for occurrences when the street, sidewalk, right-of-way, or alley is partially or completely closed by construction or staging activity. To discuss whether a use of street is appropriate for specific activities, or a specific job, please contact Traffic Engineering at 316-268-4446.
- Washington DC: The City charges $55 per permit for up to 88 feet of parking space (about 3-4 car lengths). If metered, it can be an additional $24-48 per meter per day.
Car insurance requirements
- Wichita: Kansas mandates car insurance for all drivers, with minimum liability coverage: $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
- Washington DC: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
Vehicle inspections
- Wichita: Kansas only requires car inspections when registering an out-of-state vehicle.
- Washington DC: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
Driver’s license
- Wichita: Kansas requires new residents to obtain a driver's license and register their vehicle within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
- Washington DC: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Wichita to Washington DC?
The cost to ship a car from Wichita, KS to Washington DC, MD varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Wichita to Washington DC will range from $976 to $1,420.
How long will it take to ship my car from Wichita to Washington DC?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,252 miles from Wichita to Washington DC. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Wichita to Washington DC?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Wichita to Washington DC. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Wichita to Washington DC?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Wichita to Washington DC than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,252-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
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