($1,501) Cost to ship a car from Memphis, TN to Seattle, WA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,286 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, to Seattle, Washington, generally falls between $1,501 and $2,325. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Seattle to Memphis 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
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The best Memphis to Seattle car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Memphis 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 Memphis
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Memphis, TN:
- Waddle Trucking Llc: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Mt. Olive Auto & Freight Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 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 TN to WA
If you’re planning a move from Memphis to Seattle, 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 Memphis to Seattle, 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 lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 2,286-mile drive from Memphis to Seattle into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Tennessee to Washington, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Memphis to Seattle safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Seattle. 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 Memphis to Seattle car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Memphis to Seattle, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Memphis to Seattle, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Seattle, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Memphis. 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
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 2,286 miles from Memphis to Seattle will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Tennessee.
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
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Memphis and Seattle can impact car shipping prices.
Winter weather comes alternately from the upper Great Plains and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to drastic swings in temperature. Summer weather may come from Texas (very hot and humid) or the Gulf (hot and very humid). Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year though mainly during the spring months. Large hail, strong winds, flooding and frequent lightning can accompany these storms. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Memphis to Seattle during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 2,286-mile journey from Memphis to Seattle makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Memphis to Seattle takes five to thirteen days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Memphis and Seattle vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Memphis: A single trip or annual permit must be obtained before traveling with oversize and/or overweight loads on Tennessee roadways. All permit types can be obtained through the TNTRIPS application.
- 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
- Memphis: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
- 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
- Memphis: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
- 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
- Memphis: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
- 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 Memphis to Seattle?
The cost to ship a car from Memphis, TN 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 Memphis to Seattle will range from $1,501 to $2,325.
How long will it take to ship my car from Memphis to Seattle?
It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,286 miles from Memphis to Seattle. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Memphis to Seattle?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Memphis 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 Memphis to Seattle?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Memphis 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 2,286-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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