Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles to Washington DC
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,668 miles from Los Angeles to Washington DC ranges from $1,539 to $2,425. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Washington DC, MD in 7–15 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Washington DC to Los Angeles car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Los Angeles to Washington DC car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Los Angeles to Washington DC, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Los Angeles to Washington DC, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Los Angeles, 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 Washington DC, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Los Angeles. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Washington DC will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the City of Angels to the DC — approximately 2,668 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.
Time of the year
The season and weather in both Los Angeles and Washington DC can impact car shipping prices.
The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Los Angeles to Washington DC during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,668-mile distance between Los Angeles and Washington DC and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Los Angeles to Washington DC typically takes between 7 and 15 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Los Angeles to Washington DC car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Los Angeles to Washington DC:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Los Angeles and Washington DC vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Los Angeles: If the pick-up or drop-off location is in a place where it is difficult to find a parking spot, you have two options for getting a parking permit for the moving truck. 1. Get in touch with the city office or department and get a permit and sign from them – “Temporary No Parking”. Usually these cost $10-60. Every city has its own requirements and procedures for granting permits. 2. Contact the company, which provides a service for installing “Temporary No Parking”. Such a sign usually cost about $250. Oversize vehicle parking permits may be purchased either by mail or in person at one of four Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Public Service Centers. Permits are issued to Los Angeles residents for a fee of $10.00 per day and may be purchased for up to three days at a time.
- Washington DC: The City charges $55 per permit for up to 88 feet of parking space (about 3-4 car lengths). If metered, it can be an additional $24-48 per meter per day.
Car insurance requirements
- Los Angeles: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
- Washington DC: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
Vehicle inspections
- Los Angeles: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
- Washington DC: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
Driver’s license
- Los Angeles: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Washington DC: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Los Angeles to Washington DC?
The cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Los Angeles to Washington DC will range from $1,539 to $2,425.
How long will it take to ship my car from Los Angeles to Washington DC?
It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,668 miles from Los Angeles to Washington DC. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Los Angeles to Washington DC?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Los Angeles to Washington DC. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
