($815) Cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Kansas City, MO
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,057 miles from Washington DC, Maryland, to Kansas City, Missouri, ranges from $815 to $1,279. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Kansas City to Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Kansas City car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Washington DC to Kansas City:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Washington DC
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Washington DC, MD:
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Capital Exports Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- All State to State Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Montage Transport & Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Washington DC Auto Transport: 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 MD to MO
If you’re planning a move from Washington DC to Kansas City, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Washington DC to Kansas City, 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,057 miles from Washington DC to Kansas City might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Maryland to Missouri is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Washington DC to Kansas City. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Kansas City. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Washington DC to Kansas City car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Washington DC to Kansas City can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Washington DC to Kansas City, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Washington DC tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Kansas City, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Washington DC depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Kansas City will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 1,057 miles from Washington DC to Kansas City will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Maryland.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Washington DC and Kansas City can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
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.
Kansas City is in an area of the country with a lot of storms, very hot summers, and very cold winters. Therefore, there's chance that your move will be affected by the weather. Check the forecast ahead of time to plan accordingly. Remember, moves often require spending many hours outdoors.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Washington DC to Kansas City during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,057-mile trip from Washington DC to Kansas City, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Washington DC to Kansas City usually takes two–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Washington DC and Kansas City vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Kansas City: Although there's no specific permit required to move in Kansas City, you may still need to apply for a loading permit or something similar if your move requires you to block public lanes, curbs, sidewalks, etc.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Kansas City: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
Vehicle inspections
- 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.
- Kansas City: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Kansas City: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Washington DC to Kansas City?
The cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Kansas City, MO 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 Washington DC to Kansas City will range from $815 to $1,279.
How long will it take to ship my car from Washington DC to Kansas City?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,057 miles from Washington DC to Kansas City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Washington DC to Kansas City?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Washington DC to Kansas City. 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 Washington DC to Kansas City?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Washington DC to Kansas City 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 1,057-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.
210 E Lexington St #100, Baltimore, MD 21202 US
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