Best Car Shipping Companies in Washington DC, MD (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Washington DC, MD, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
|
|
|
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the Maryland car shipping page.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Top car shipping companies in Washington DC, MD
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Maryland, these are the best auto transport companies available in Washington DC:
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.
Average cost to ship a car out of Washington DC
The cost to ship a car out of Maryland from Washington DC typically starts around $1,200. Your exact price will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Washington DC, Maryland, to a different state:
Route | Cost |
---|---|
Maryland to Georgia | $759 – $1,105 |
Maryland to Texas | $1,116 – $1,545 |
Maryland to California | $1,499 – $2,330 |
Maryland to Florida | $852 – $1,296 |
Maryland to Arizona | $1,271 – $2,157 |
New York to Maryland | $429 – $581 |
Ohio to Maryland | $646 – $869 |
Michigan to Maryland | $784 – $1,150 |
Illinois to Maryland | $769 – $1,226 |
North Carolina to Maryland | $523 – $700 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Washington DC
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Washington DC or to another city in Maryland 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 Washington DC to a more suburban area.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Washington DC might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Washington DC: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Washington DC’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Washington DC comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Extreme temperatures and variable weather conditions in Washington DC, Maryland, could increase the cost of car shipping due to added precautions and potential delays. Heavy snow or high heat may require specialized equipment and insurance.
Tips for choosing the right Washington DC car shipping company
- Compare prices. Look for companies in Washington DC with transparent pricing. This will help you avoid getting hooked in with a lowball estimate, then hit with unexpected fees upon delivery. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in Maryland.
- Review insurance coverage and claims policies. Choose Washington DC companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Be sure to ask about a company’s claims process, whether they offer multiple insurance plans, and if they provide a damage-free promise or other safety-related guarantee.
- Read customer reviews. Reading reviews from Washington DC customers is important because they share real experiences and insights about local car shipping services. Considering consumer feedback helps you avoid scams and choose a company with high customer satisfaction.
- Research thoroughly. Along with reading online reviews, ensure that a Washington DC company is legitimate and reputable to avoid scams or poor service. Verify this by checking a car shipper’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) company snapshot, which includes USDOT licensing, current operating status, and safety reports.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Washington DC. Make sure you are balancing service quality and pricing, rather than just opting for the cheapest quote. You should be wary of unusually low rates, which could be a sign of a lowball estimate that results in hidden costs or poor service.
- Understand shipping timelines. Review expected pickup and delivery times with Washington DC car shippers to ensure their timelines are realistic and fit your shipping needs. Transport time frames will vary based on a number of factors, including the time of year and type of transport.
- Look for customized service. Washington DC companies that offer add-on options like door-to-door service or expedited delivery are better able to help you create a personalized car shipping plan that works for your specific situation.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get referrals from friends or family in Washington DC who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
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
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Washington DC?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Washington DC, Maryland, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Washington DC, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Washington DC?
Efficient interstates include I-95, I-495, and I-270.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Washington DC car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s FMCSA website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Washington DC?
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 Washington DC. You probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Maryland, but you should check the requirements in the delivery location since motor vehicle laws can vary from state to state.
Take Maryland regulations as an example. If you have recently moved to Maryland or purchased a new vehicle, you need to get it inspected at a certified inspection station before registering it. New residents must complete a vehicle safety inspection to get their car registration.
More Maryland car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Maryland, these resources should help:
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!