Cost to ship a car from Charlotte to Seattle

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,819 miles from Charlotte to Seattle ranges from $1,475 to $2,398. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Seattle, WA 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 Seattle to Charlotte car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Charlotte to Seattle car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Charlotte to Seattle, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Charlotte to Seattle, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Charlotte, 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 Seattle, 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 Charlotte. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Seattle will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Queen City to the Emerald City — approximately 2,819 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 Charlotte and Seattle can impact car shipping prices.

Charlotte has a moderate climate. Your move is unlikely to be affected by the weather although, the rare snow day in the wintertime could make the road conditions difficult to drive on.

Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Charlotte to Seattle 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 2,819-mile distance between Charlotte and Seattle 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 Charlotte to Seattle 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.

Charlotte to Seattle car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Charlotte to Seattle:

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Charlotte and Seattle vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Charlotte: Charlotte's Park It program manages on-street parking throughout Uptown, South End, Elizabeth, NoDa and Commonwealth Avenue in Plaza Midwood.
  • Seattle: You may apply for a temporary no parking permit if you need to use a public parking space for your move. This permit will cost $16 for 2 days of use plus an extra fee of lost revenue if you're occupying a parking meter space. This extra fee can go from $16-$27.

Car insurance requirements

  • Charlotte: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
  • Seattle: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.

Vehicle inspections

  • Charlotte: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
  • Seattle: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.

Driver’s license

  • Charlotte: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
  • Seattle: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Charlotte to Seattle?

The cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to Seattle, WA 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 Charlotte to Seattle will range from $1,475 to $2,398.

How long will it take to ship my car from Charlotte to Seattle?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,819 miles from Charlotte to Seattle. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charlotte to Seattle?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Charlotte to Seattle. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Charlotte resources