Best Washington DC Car Shipping Companies (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, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the Maryland 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 Washington DC
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Maryland, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Washington DC.
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Montway Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group
- Capital Exports Inc
- All State to State Auto Transport
- Montage Transport & Logistics
- Ceva Logistics
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Baltimore Auto Shipping Group
Baltimore Auto Shipping Group offers a variety of specialized services, including transport for inoperable cars, enclosed transport options, and multi-car transport. They also cater to specific needs like RV, boat, trailer, and motorcycle shipping. Their dedication to quality is demonstrated by their fully insured services and adherence to detailed inspection reports, and they pride themselves on maintaining an A+ rating with the BBB; however, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
While they provide useful options such as expedited delivery and international shipping, they do not offer electric vehicle shipping, which could be a downside for some customers. Moreover, the company requires a deposit upfront and does not accept payment by cash or money order, limiting payment flexibility. Despite these few limitations, their array of services and military discount make them a solid choice for many car shipping needs.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- 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
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Capital Exports Inc
Capital Exports Inc (DOT: 2482713) offers a variety of transportation options, including enclosed transport, multi-car transport, and classic car shipping. The company specializes in international shipping and provides services for heavy equipment, boats, motorcycles, and RVs.
Although they do not provide services such as guaranteed delivery or transporting inoperable cars, they offer terminal-to-terminal delivery and storage solutions. A potential downside is the absence of any discount programs, such as military or senior discounts, which might be a consideration for some customers.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, but it does have an impressive BBB rating of A+.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
All State to State Auto Transport
All State to State Auto Transport (DOT: 2390576) offers a variety of car shipping services, including transport for cars that don’t run, enclosed transport, multi-car transport, RV shipping, heavy equipment shipping, boat shipping, motorcycle shipping, and classic car shipping. They are fully insured, interstate capable, and provide expedited delivery options and shipment tracking.
While they have a commendable A+ rating with the BBB, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. A potential downside for some customers is that they do not offer international shipping or discounts such as for military, seniors, or students.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Montage Transport & Logistics
Montage Transport & Logistics (DOT: 3959435) offers a diverse range of services including inoperable car transport, enclosed transport, open transport, and motorcycle shipping, making it a versatile option for various vehicle shipping needs.
The company distinguishes itself by being fully insured and providing vehicle transport across state lines. However, it does not offer a damage-free guarantee, which might be a concern for some customers.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. Additionally, they do not provide military or senior discounts, which may be a drawback for certain clients.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Ceva Logistics
Ceva Logistics (DOT: 187774) offers a comprehensive array of car shipping services, including fully insured shipments, enclosed transport, and guaranteed delivery. They accommodate different types of vehicles, such as heavy equipment, boats, motorcycles, and provide terminal-to-terminal delivery. In addition to international shipping, they also offer expedited delivery and storage solutions, ensuring a smooth experience for their customers.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, thus potential clients may need to rely on customer testimonials or personal inquiries for feedback. Unfortunately, Ceva Logistics does not offer shipping for inoperable cars, which could be a downside for owners of cars that don’t run. Additionally, various discounts like military, teacher, and AAA discounts are not available.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- 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
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 Washington DC
The average cost to ship a car from Washington DC to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Washington DC, Maryland, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Maryland to North Carolina | $565 – $742 |
| Maryland to Georgia | $829 – $1,124 |
| Maryland to Texas | $1,147 – $1,708 |
| Maryland to Arizona | $1,474 – $2,264 |
| Maryland to Florida | $887 – $1,335 |
| Illinois to Maryland | $866 – $1,312 |
| California to Maryland | $1,589 – $2,470 |
| New York to Maryland | $470 – $604 |
| Michigan to Maryland | $790 – $1,146 |
| Ohio to Maryland | $681 – $953 |
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.
- 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 shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against Washington DC’s specific climate challenges.
- 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.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Washington DC come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions in Washington DC, Maryland affect car shipping costs due to potential delays and additional preparations for safe transport. Both summer heat and winter snowfall impact logistics.
Tips for choosing the right Washington DC, MD, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Washington DC, 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 Maryland.
- Review insurance and safety in Washington DC. Choose Washington DC 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 Washington DC and Maryland helps ensure you select a reputable car shipping company with verified performance and reliable service. Reviews provide insights into customer satisfaction and potential issues.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research ensures that you select a licensed, reputable Washington DC car shipping company, minimizing the risk of fraud. Verifying credentials and reviews helps avoid scams.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Washington DC, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Washington DC. 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 Washington DC. 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 Washington DC should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 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 a 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?
Interstate 95 for north-south routes. Interstate 70 for east-west routes. Interstate 495, also known as the Capital Beltway, for regional connections.
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 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. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Maryland, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take Maryland regulations as an example. If you just moved to Maryland or purchased a vehicle, you need to have it inspected at an authorized station before you can register it. New residents must complete a vehicle safety inspection before getting car registration.
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.
More car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Maryland, these resources should help:
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