Best Seattle Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, SGT Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Seattle, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the Washington car shipping page.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
Best car shipping companies in Seattle
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Washington, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Seattle.
- SGT Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- AmeriFreight
- Ship A Car Direct
- Carworx Auto Transport Inc
- Seattle Auto Shipping Group
- Matson
- Interbay Transport Logistics
- Seattle Car Shipping
SGT Auto Transport
https://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Insured shipping
- Open and enclosed transport
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Carworx Auto Transport Inc
Carworx Auto Transport Inc (DOT: 2237515) is a highly rated car shipping company with a Yelp rating of 4.1, a Google rating of 4.8, and an A+ rating from the BBB. They provide a range of services including transport for cars that don’t run, enclosed transport, electric vehicle shipping, and international shipping.
Additionally, they offer storage solutions and ensure your vehicle is fully insured during transit. However, despite their extensive services, they do not offer damage-free guarantees, which might be a downside for some customers.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Seattle Auto Shipping Group
Seattle Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a reputable car shipping company known for its comprehensive range of services and high customer satisfaction ratings. With a Yelp rating of 4.6, a Google rating of 4.7, and an A+ rating with the BBB, they have built a strong reputation for reliability and quality service.
They offer a wide array of services, including inoperable car transport, enclosed transport, and international shipping, catering to various customer needs. Additionally, they provide a damage-free guarantee and are fully insured, ensuring peace of mind for their clients. Military personnel benefit from a special discount, further enhancing their appeal.
However, a potential downside is that they do not offer storage solutions, which may be a consideration for some customers. Despite this, Seattle Auto Shipping Group stands out for its commitment to excellent service and customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
Matson
Matson is a car shipping company known for its range of services, including transport for inoperable cars, enclosed transport, international shipping, and specific options like RV, boat, and motorcycle shipping. Customers benefit from a damage-free guarantee, guaranteed delivery, and the ability to track their shipments. Additionally, Matson offers a military discount and allows payments by credit card and cash.
The company is rated 3.4 on Yelp and 4.1 on Google, though it has not been rated by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A potential downside for some customers is the lack of storage solutions and additional discounts like those for students or senior citizens.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
Interbay Transport Logistics
Interbay Transport Logistics (DOT: 2246442) is a well-rated car shipping company boasting a Yelp rating of 4.8 and a top-tier BBB rating of A+.
They provide a wide range of services, including enclosed transport, international shipping, and the transport of ATVs, RVs, and boats. The company is known for its comprehensive insurance coverage and damage-free guarantees, offering peace of mind to their customers.
Despite their extensive service offerings, they do not handle inoperable car transport, which may be a drawback for clients with cars that don’t run. Another benefit is the variety of discounts available, including for military personnel, seniors, and repeat customers, making their services more accessible to a broad clientele.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Senior Discount
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Seattle Car Shipping
Seattle Car Shipping (DOT: 2239008) offers a range of car shipping services, highlighting their commitment to a damage-free guarantee, full insurance coverage, and the ability to transport inoperable cars. They specialize in a variety of transport options including enclosed, open, and multi-car transport, and extend their services to international shipping as well. Despite their extensive service offerings, guaranteed delivery is not available, which may be a drawback for some customers. With a notable Yelp rating of 4.2, they have established a strong reputation, although they have yet to establish ratings on Google and BBB.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
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
Average car shipping costs in Seattle
The average cost to ship a car from Seattle to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Seattle, Washington, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Washington to Ohio | $1,680 – $2,808 |
| Washington to Texas | $1,535 – $2,418 |
| Washington to Georgia | $1,770 – $2,862 |
| Washington to Florida | $1,896 – $3,180 |
| Washington to North Carolina | $1,896 – $2,749 |
| Arizona to Washington | $1,369 – $2,118 |
| Michigan to Washington | $1,581 – $2,470 |
| New York to Washington | $1,716 – $2,919 |
| Illinois to Washington | $1,590 – $2,439 |
| California to Washington | $1,047 – $1,671 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Seattle
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Seattle or to another city in Washington can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of Seattle to a more suburban area.
- Type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Seattle might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Seattle: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against Seattle’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Seattle’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Seattle come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Frequent rain in Seattle increases vehicle inspections, potentially raising shipping costs. Rainy conditions also necessitate additional protective measures for vehicles.
Tips for choosing the right Seattle, WA, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Seattle, compare costs with a critical eye. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected fees, ensuring that competitive rates do not undermine service quality. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in Washington.
- Review insurance and safety in Seattle. Choose Seattle companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Confirm their dedication to protecting your vehicle throughout its journey.
- Read customer reviews. Reading customer reviews in Seattle, Washington is critical for choosing the right car shipping company because it provides firsthand insights into the company’s reliability, service quality, and customer satisfaction. Reviews can also highlight potential issues that may not be evident from the company’s promotional materials.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research ensures verification of credentials and reading reviews, which helps identify reputable Seattle car shipping companies and avoid scams. It equips you with information about pricing and services, safeguarding your investment.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Seattle, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Seattle. Balance service quality against pricing, and be wary of unusually low rates that might indicate hidden costs or poor service.
- Ask about insurance coverage. Inquire specifically about the insurance coverage provided by companies in Seattle. Understand the extent of coverage and the process for making claims in case of damage during transit.
- Understand delivery timelines. Clarify expected pickup and delivery times. Companies in Seattle should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Seattle that offer customizable options, such as door-to-door delivery or specific handling requirements for your vehicle.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get personal referrals from friends or family in Seattle who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Seattle?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Seattle, Washington, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or a mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Seattle, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Seattle?
Efficient interstates: I-5, I-90, I-405.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Seattle car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Seattle?
If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance before taking your vehicle out of Seattle. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Washington, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take Washington regulations as an example. In Washington, there are no yearly safety inspections, but cars must still meet strict Clean Car standards.
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.
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