($1,320) Cost to ship a car from Kansas City, MO to Seattle, WA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,836 miles from Kansas City, Missouri, to Seattle, Washington, generally falls between $1,320 and $1,958. 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 Seattle to Kansas City 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 Kansas City to Seattle car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Kansas City to Seattle:
- 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 Kansas City
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Kansas City, MO:
- ASAP Transport Solutions: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Kansas City Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- AMPM 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 MO to WA
When you’re moving from Kansas City to Seattle, 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
If you’re planning a move from Kansas City to Seattle, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,836 miles from Kansas City to Seattle 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
Having a driver transport your car from Missouri to Washington is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Kansas City to Seattle. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Seattle, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Kansas City to Seattle car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Kansas City to Seattle, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Kansas City to Seattle, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Kansas City are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Seattle? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Kansas City. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Seattle will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 1,836 miles from Kansas City to Seattle will cost more than a shorter move within Missouri.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Kansas City and Seattle.
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.
Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Kansas City to Seattle during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,836-mile distance between Kansas City and Seattle and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Kansas City to Seattle takes three to eleven days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Kansas City and Seattle vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Seattle: You may apply for a temporary no parking permit if you need to use a public parking space for your move. This permit will cost $16 for 2 days of use plus an extra fee of lost revenue if you're occupying a parking meter space. This extra fee can go from $16-$27.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Seattle: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.
Vehicle inspections
- 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.
- Seattle: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Seattle: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Kansas City to Seattle?
The cost to ship a car from Kansas City, MO to Seattle, WA 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 Kansas City to Seattle will range from $1,320 to $1,958.
How long will it take to ship my car from Kansas City to Seattle?
It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,836 miles from Kansas City to Seattle. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Kansas City to Seattle?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Kansas City to Seattle. 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 Kansas City to Seattle?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Kansas City to Seattle 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 1,836-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.
11248 Strang Line Rd, Lenexa, KS 66215 US
1712 Main St 4th floor, Kansas City, MO 64108 US
200 Marley Rd, Kansas City, KS 66115 US
2345 Grand Blvd # 2400, Kansas City, MO 64108 US
3150 Fiberglass Rd, Kansas City, KS 66115 US