How much does it cost to ship a car from Washington to California?

For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $900–$1,300 from Seattle to Los Angeles (1,130 road miles). Between other big cities in the two states prices range from $700–$1,350. An SUV costs about $1,000–$1,450, a pickup $1,175–$1,700, and an enclosed trailer $1,350–$1,950 for a sedan.

How long does it take to ship a car from Washington to California?

Transit is usually 3–5 days after pickup for the 1,130-mile trip from Seattle to Los Angeles. Getting the car picked up takes another 1–5 days on a standard booking; expedited pickup within 1–2 days costs about 30% more.

When is the cheapest time to ship a car from Washington to California?

March–May and September–November is the cheapest window on this lane. Prices are highest in December, up to about 10% more. Whatever the month, a flexible pickup date booked 2–3 weeks out gets the best price.

How soon do I have to register my car in California after moving?

California requires new residents to register within 20 days of becoming a resident. The car must pass a California smog check, and it has to meet California emission standards to be registered at all.

Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car from Washington to California?

Driving 1,130 miles takes about 3 days: roughly $140 in gas and 2 nights of hotels and meals (about $280). Shipping a sedan costs about $900–$1,300. Add wear on the car and 3 days off work, and the two come out close.

Which car shipping companies go from Washington to California?

Our directory lists 34 companies based in Washington and 88 based in California, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 195 that ship nationwide.

Washington to California Car Shipping: Cost, Time & Carriers

From	Los Angeles	San Francisco	San Diego	San Jose
Seattle	$900–$1,3001,130 mi · 3–5 days	$775–$1,175810 mi · 2–4 days	$950–$1,3501,250 mi · 3–5 days	$775–$1,175840 mi · 2–4 days
Spokane	$900–$1,3001,110 mi · 3–5 days	$800–$1,200880 mi · 2–4 days	$925–$1,3251,210 mi · 3–5 days	$800–$1,200890 mi · 2–4 days
Vancouver	$850–$1,250980 mi · 2–4 days	$700–$1,100650 mi · 2–3 days	$900–$1,3001,100 mi · 3–5 days	$725–$1,100680 mi · 2–4 days
Yakima	$850–$1,2501,030 mi · 3–5 days	$750–$1,150740 mi · 2–4 days	$900–$1,3001,140 mi · 3–5 days	$750–$1,150760 mi · 2–4 days

Vehicle	Open carrier	Enclosed
Sedan or small car	$900–$1,300	$1,350–$1,950
Midsize SUV or crossover	$1,000–$1,450	$1,525–$2,175
Large SUV (Tahoe, Expedition)	$1,125–$1,625	$1,700–$2,450
Pickup truck	$1,175–$1,700	$1,750–$2,550
Motorcycle	$550–$775	$800–$1,175

DA

Diesel Auto Express

FMCSA verified

Vancouver, WA · Carrier · 60 trucks · 17 yrs in business · USDOT 1885300

Vancouver, Washington car carrier with its own fleet, shipping vehicles coast to coast for individuals and dealers.

Satisfactory safety rating
Open car transport
Enclosed car transport
Door-to-door delivery
+4 more

Shipping a car from Washington to California

Price by vehicle type

Best time to ship

Why so many cars go from Washington to California

How the price compares

Distance and transit time

On the road