Cost to ship a car from Tacoma to Philadelphia
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,840 miles from Tacoma to Philadelphia ranges from $1,618 to $2,501. 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 Tacoma car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Tacoma to Philadelphia car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Tacoma to Philadelphia, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Tacoma to Philadelphia, 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 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 Tacoma. 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 America’s #1 Wired City to the Philly — approximately 2,840 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 Philadelphia 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.
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 Tacoma 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 2,840-mile distance between Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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.
Tacoma to Philadelphia car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Tacoma to Philadelphia:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Tacoma and Philadelphia 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Tacoma: 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
- 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.
- 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 Tacoma to Philadelphia?
The cost to ship a car from Tacoma, 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 Tacoma to Philadelphia will range from $1,618 to $2,501.
How long will it take to ship my car from Tacoma to Philadelphia?
It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,840 miles from Tacoma to Philadelphia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tacoma to Philadelphia?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tacoma to Philadelphia. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
