Cost to ship a car from Tacoma to Raleigh

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,886 miles from Tacoma to Raleigh ranges from $1,618 to $2,659. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh to Tacoma car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Tacoma to Raleigh car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the America’s #1 Wired City to the City of Oaks — approximately 2,886 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 Tacoma and Raleigh can impact car shipping prices.

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.

The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Tacoma to Raleigh 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 2,886-mile distance between Tacoma and Raleigh 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 Tacoma to Raleigh 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.

Tacoma to Raleigh car shipping companies

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

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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 Tacoma and Raleigh vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • 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.
  • Raleigh: Raleigh's website doesn't specifically say that you need a parking permit but they do have rules on loading zones. Be sure to check directly with the City of Raleigh to ensure that you have what you need for your move. It's also a good idea to check directly with any neighborhood, HOA, or building regulations that may affect your move.

Car insurance requirements

  • 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.
  • Raleigh: 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Tacoma: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
  • Raleigh: 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.

Driver’s 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.
  • Raleigh: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Tacoma to Raleigh?

The cost to ship a car from Tacoma, WA to Raleigh, NC 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 Tacoma to Raleigh will range from $1,618 to $2,659.

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

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,886 miles from Tacoma to Raleigh. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Tacoma resources