Cost to ship a car from Seattle to Philadelphia

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,805 miles from Seattle to Philadelphia ranges from $1,401 to $2,305. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia to Seattle car shipping guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Factors affecting Seattle to Philadelphia car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Emerald City to the Philly — approximately 2,805 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 Seattle and Philadelphia can impact car shipping prices.

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

Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Seattle to Philadelphia 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 2,805-mile distance between Seattle and Philadelphia 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 Seattle to Philadelphia 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.

Seattle to Philadelphia car shipping companies

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

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

Comparing Seattle and Philadelphia vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • 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.
  • Philadelphia: Moving Truck = $50.00 (Center City and University City) and $25.00 (All other areas), per 40 feet of space, per day (40 feet of space is the equivalent of two (2) parking spaces) Moving/Portable Storage Container = $50.00, per container (maximum of 5 calendar days). Temporary Dumpster = $40.00, per dumpster (maximum of 7 calendar days).

Car 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.
  • Philadelphia: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.

Vehicle inspections

  • Seattle: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.
  • Philadelphia: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

Driver’s license

  • 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.
  • Philadelphia: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Seattle, WA to Philadelphia, PA 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 Seattle to Philadelphia will range from $1,401 to $2,305.

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

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,805 miles from Seattle to Philadelphia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Seattle resources