Cost to ship a car from Washington DC to Sacramento
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,728 miles from Washington DC to Sacramento ranges from $1,529 to $2,470. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Sacramento, CA 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 Sacramento to Washington DC car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Washington DC to Sacramento car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Washington DC to Sacramento, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Washington DC to Sacramento, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Washington DC, 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 Sacramento, 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 Washington DC. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Sacramento will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the DC to the Almond Capital of the World — approximately 2,728 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 Washington DC and Sacramento can impact car shipping prices.
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.
Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Washington DC to Sacramento 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 2,728-mile distance between Washington DC and Sacramento 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 Washington DC to Sacramento 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.
Washington DC to Sacramento car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Washington DC to Sacramento:
- 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 Car Marketplace
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Comparing Washington DC and Sacramento vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Sacramento: All Residential Parking Permits, including Online 24-Hour Temporary Parking Permits, are free of charge. Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged Vehicle permit (stickers) or Visitor permits (placards) is $25. Online Temporary Permits that are lost, stolen or damaged will not be replaced as the permit may be re-printed for that vehicle if the valid time is still in effect.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Sacramento: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- 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.
- Sacramento: 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.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Sacramento: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Washington DC to Sacramento?
The cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Sacramento, CA 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 Washington DC to Sacramento will range from $1,529 to $2,470.
How long will it take to ship my car from Washington DC to Sacramento?
It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,728 miles from Washington DC to Sacramento. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Washington DC to Sacramento?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Washington DC to Sacramento. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
