Cost to ship a car from Salt Lake City to Tacoma
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 853 miles from Salt Lake City to Tacoma ranges from $859 to $1,258. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Tacoma, WA in 2–7 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 Salt Lake City car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Salt Lake City to Tacoma car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Salt Lake City to Tacoma, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Salt Lake City to Tacoma, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City. 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 Crossroads of the West to the America’s #1 Wired City — approximately 853 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 Salt Lake City and Tacoma can impact car shipping prices.
June, September and May are the most pleasant months in Salt Lake City, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
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 Salt Lake City 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 853-mile distance between Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to Tacoma typically takes between 2 and 7 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Salt Lake City to Tacoma car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Salt Lake City to Tacoma:
- 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 Salt Lake City and Tacoma vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Salt Lake City: Certain areas within the city, like hospitals, universities, etc. attract non-residents to seek parking in/near residential areas. This can sometimes place undue hardship on area residents and property owners by contributing to excess noise, air pollution, litter, traffic hazards, congestion and severe shortage of available on-street parking spaces. By preventing all day, (non-resident) vehicle parking in a qualifying area, it can address these problems. Make sure to secure a parking permit if needed in the area where you will move. You can apply online at Citizen Portal (Register for an account and Login before it will give you the option to apply.), or mail your application and supporting documentation to Transportation Division, 349 South 200 East, Ste. 150, SLC UT 84111. If you have any questions, please call our office at 801-535-6630 or e-mail [email protected].
- 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
- Salt Lake City: In Utah, it is mandatory for drivers to maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage, including $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage with identical limits is required.
- 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
- Salt Lake City: Vehicles in the state of Utah are mandated to pass an annual safety inspection to ensure that key components such as brakes, lights and tires are in good working condition. Additionally, vehicles older than 6 years are also required to pass an emissions inspection to confirm that they are not emitting excessive levels of pollutants. If a vehicle fails either of these inspections, it must be repaired and retested before it can be legally driven on the road.
- 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
- Salt Lake City: In order to get a driver's license in Utah, a person must pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a vision test, as well as provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the required fees. Those under 18 years of age must also complete driver education and have a learner's permit before being eligible for a full license.
- 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 Salt Lake City to Tacoma?
The cost to ship a car from Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City to Tacoma will range from $859 to $1,258.
How long will it take to ship my car from Salt Lake City to Tacoma?
It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 853 miles from Salt Lake City to Tacoma. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Salt Lake City to Tacoma?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Salt Lake City to Tacoma. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
