Cost to ship a car from Albany to Tacoma

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,898 miles from Albany to Tacoma ranges from $1,685 to $2,607. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Tacoma, 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 Tacoma to Albany car shipping guide.

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We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.

Factors affecting Albany to Tacoma car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Smallbany to the America’s #1 Wired City — approximately 2,898 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 Albany and Tacoma can impact car shipping prices.

August, June and July are the best months to consider moving into Albany as weather during these months are very favorable. During October to January, Albany experiences a cold weather where it can get snow and rain and could be colder than the rest of the New York States.

Tacoma has one of the best weather in the state of Washington which is a desirable feature for residence. Humidity in Tacoma is generally tolerable. The most humid months are August, July and September which are the best months to schedule a move to avoid rainfall and snow.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Albany to Tacoma 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 2,898-mile distance between Albany and Tacoma 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 Albany to Tacoma 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.

Albany to Tacoma car shipping companies

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

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Albany and Tacoma vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Albany: Check with the City of Albany for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Albany.
  • Tacoma: Some neighborhoods have competition for a limited number of on-street parking spaces. Growing demand for parking is attributable to several factors such as increased vehicle ownership, increased residential occupancy, and increases in nearby employment and commercial/retail activity. The Residential Parking Program (RPP) is a management tool used to mitigate adverse and chronic levels of commuter or non-resident parking along streets with adjacent residential properties. All vehicles parked in a designated Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) must adhere to the posted regulations or risk being issued a corrective action. A fee based parking permit is required to park for more than two-hours in an RPZ. To contact the Residential Parking Program (RPP), please email [email protected] or call at (253) 591-5371.

Car insurance requirements

  • Albany: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
  • Tacoma: 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

  • Albany: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
  • Tacoma: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.

Driver’s license

  • Albany: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
  • Tacoma: 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 Albany to Tacoma?

The cost to ship a car from Albany, NY to Tacoma, 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 Albany to Tacoma will range from $1,685 to $2,607.

How long will it take to ship my car from Albany to Tacoma?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,898 miles from Albany to Tacoma. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Albany to Tacoma?

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

Helpful Albany resources