Best Car Shipping Companies in Tacoma, WA (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 Tacoma, WA, 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 Washington car shipping page.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
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Top car shipping companies in Tacoma, WA
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Washington, these are the best auto transport companies available in Tacoma:
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
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
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
Carworx Auto Transport Inc
Carworx Auto Transport Inc (DOT: 2237515) is a highly-rated car shipping business, holding commendable customer reviews with a 4.1 rating on Yelp, 4.8 on Google, and an A+ rating from the BBB. The company offers several specialized services including transport for classic cars, cars that don’t run, and electric vehicles, ensuring flexibility for a variety of shipping needs. They also provide fully insured transportation options and storage solutions. However, it should be noted that Carworx Auto Transport Inc does not offer discounts for military personnel or other common discount categories, which may be a downside for some potential 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) offers a variety of impressive services for car shipping customers. They stand out with high ratings, including a 4.6 on Yelp, a 4.7 on Google, and an A+ rating with the BBB. Their services include shipping for electric vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, and even classic cars, all supported by a damage-free guarantee and full insurance.
They also provide specialized transport for inoperable cars and offer significant discounts for military personnel. However, potential clients should note that they do not offer storage solutions, which could be a drawback for those needing temporary storage options.
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
Interbay Transport Logistics
Interbay Transport Logistics (DOT: 2246442) is a highly-rated car shipping company that excels in providing a range of services tailored to meet diverse customer needs. They offer enclosed transport, multi-car transport, and international shipping, ensuring vehicles are handled with care and delivered efficiently. Customers can benefit from several discounts such as military, senior, and multiple vehicle discounts, demonstrating their commitment to affordability.
Despite their extensive service offerings, they do not transport cars that don’t run, which might be a limitation for some customers. Their strong reputation is supported by a stellar Yelp rating of 4.8 and an A+ rating with the BBB, though they have yet to establish ratings on Google.
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
Matson
Matson (DOT: 2214472) offers a comprehensive range of car shipping services, including international shipping, enclosed transport, and expedited delivery. They are fully insured and provide a damage-free guarantee, ensuring peace of mind for their customers. Additionally, Matson stands out by offering military discounts and transporting inoperable cars and RVs.
While they have a Yelp rating of 3.4 and a Google rating of 4.1, their rating on BBB is not reported. One potential downside for customers is that Matson does not offer ATV shipping services, which might be a consideration for some. Overall, they provide reliable and varied transport options to meet different customer needs.
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
Ceva Logistics
Ceva Logistics (DOT: 187774) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of services including enclosed transport, guaranteed delivery, international shipping, and storage solutions. They allow payments by credit card and provide expedited delivery and shipment tracking. However, the company does not transport inoperable cars or offer shipping for ATVs and RVs, which might be a downside for some customers. Ceva Logistics has a Yelp rating of 1.4, a Google rating of 2.2, and a BBB rating of D-.
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
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 Tacoma
The cost to ship a car out of Washington from Tacoma 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 Tacoma, Washington, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Washington to Ohio | $1,258 – $2,115 |
| Washington to California | $827 – $1,270 |
| Washington to North Carolina | $1,442 – $2,218 |
| Washington to Illinois | $1,283 – $1,889 |
| Washington to Texas | $1,239 – $1,912 |
| Florida to Washington | $1,499 – $2,367 |
| Georgia to Washington | $1,456 – $2,150 |
| Arizona to Washington | $1,028 – $1,658 |
| Michigan to Washington | $1,364 – $2,198 |
| New York to Washington | $1,356 – $2,330 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Tacoma
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Tacoma: 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 Tacoma’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Tacoma comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Tacoma’s mild weather minimizes delays caused by extreme conditions, potentially reducing car shipping costs. However, increased humidity in summer could necessitate additional protective measures.
Tips for choosing the right Tacoma car shipping company
- Compare prices. Look for companies in Tacoma 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 Washington.
- Review insurance coverage and claims policies. Choose Tacoma 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. It’s important to read reviews from Tacoma customers because they share real-life experiences and insights about local car shipping services. Consumer feedback helps you avoid scams and choose a company with high customer satisfaction.
- Research thoroughly. Besides reading online reviews, make sure a Tacoma 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 info, operating status, and safety reports.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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. Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Tacoma, Washington, 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 Tacoma, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Tacoma?
The most efficient interstates for shipping a car out of Tacoma include I-5, I-90, and I-405. I-5 runs north-south, facilitating access to major cities. I-90 extends east, connecting to the Midwest and East Coast. I-405 serves as a bypass around Seattle, reducing congestion.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
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 Tacoma. You probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Washington, but you should check the requirements in the delivery location since motor vehicle laws can vary from state to state.
Take Washington regulations as an example. In Washington, vehicles don’t need yearly safety inspections, but they must meet strict Clean Car standards.
More Washington car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Washington, these resources should help:
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