Cost to ship a car from Lafayette to Washington DC
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,195 miles from Lafayette to Washington DC ranges from $888 to $1,418. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Washington DC, MD in 2–8 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 Lafayette car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Lafayette to Washington DC car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Lafayette to Washington DC, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Lafayette to Washington DC, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Lafayette, 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 Lafayette. 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 Hub City to the DC — approximately 1,195 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 Lafayette and Washington DC can impact car shipping prices.
It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
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 Lafayette 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 1,195-mile distance between Lafayette 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 Lafayette to Washington DC typically takes between 2 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Lafayette 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 Lafayette to Washington DC:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing Lafayette and Washington DC vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
- 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
- Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
- 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
- Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
- 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
- Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
- 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 Lafayette to Washington DC?
The cost to ship a car from Lafayette, LA 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 Lafayette to Washington DC will range from $888 to $1,418.
How long will it take to ship my car from Lafayette to Washington DC?
It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,195 miles from Lafayette to Washington DC. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lafayette to Washington DC?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lafayette to Washington DC. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
