Safe And Reliable Washington Car Shipping Services By A-1 Auto Transport
Nestled deep in the Pacific Northwest and not to be confused with the nation’s capital, Washington State, mirroring the diverse weather conditions found in areas such as Texas, New Mexico, and North Carolina, is a jewel offering an eclectic mix of metropolitan cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Kirkland. Acting as a peace-inducing retreat, it also showcases some of the most beautiful natural scenery found anywhere in the country. Named after the first U.S. president, George Washington, the state is a popular destination, taking a favored route even for residents from Maryland, Hawaii and beyond. Roughly 60 percent of the state’s residents live in the Seattle-Tacoma area, surrounded by Puget Sound, the bounty of nature, and numerous recreational opportunities - a stark contrast to a city like New York.
Washington holds an array of adventures like bicycling around the cities, wildlife viewing in local nature preserves, fishing, boating, canoeing, and more. Their public transport network can help explore these, but for seamless travel, a personal vehicle can be more convenient. Few spectacles rival the sight of Mount Rainier National Park with its stunning wildlife species and vibrant flowers. To truly delve into the state’s unique offerings, a vehicle is often necessary. Consider availing Washington car shipping services, easily searchable via Google. With delivery options spanning from Tacoma to Kent via various routes, drivers ensure the convenience of having your vehicle in place to fully experience Washington State.
Cost & Time To Move Your Vehicle Examples
Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
---|---|---|---|
Portland to Seattle | $173 | 173 miles | 1 - 2 days |
City Limits to Spokane | $279 | 279 miles | 2 - 4 days |
San Francisco to Seattle | $605 | 807 miles | 3 - 5 days |
Local Area to Las Vegas | $675 | 1125 miles | 4 - 6 days |
Colorado to Washington | $781 | 1301 miles | 4 - 6 days |
Washington, WA to Arizona | $866 | 1443 miles | 4 - 6 days |
Oklahoma to City Limits | $1007 | 2014 miles | 6 - 8 days |
Washington, WA to Houston | $1157 | 2313 miles | 6 - 8 days |
Nashville to The Area | $1160 | 2319 miles | 6 - 8 days |
Seattle to Atlanta | $1054 | 2636 miles | 7 - 9 days |
New York to City Limits | $1144 | 2861 miles | 7 - 9 days |
Washington, WA to Florida | $1225 | 3062 miles | 7 - 9 days |
*Prices and times for Washington auto transport are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of vehicle you are shipping.
Car Hauling Companies Near Me
Are you looking for hauling companies in Washington? Navigating a move from Washington to states as far away as New York can be an overwhelming prospect. Or perhaps you're coming from distant locations like Hawaii or Texas, our professional team of vehicle shipping planners are well-versed in arranging efficient delivery of your vehicle to Washington. When it comes to pricing, it's competitive and worth checking out. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call us; our team is ready to help on the phone provided.
Using Vehicle Relocating Companies
When planning to book Washington vehicle relocating services, keep a few key tips in mind. Checking out reviews and pricing on the service rate will give you the best value for your money. As anxious as you might be as a new driver, it's easy to see why many prospective transplants from Maryland and other states consult Google for advice on relocating their vehicle.
- Consider your final destination in Washington state: Perhaps you aren't stopping in Washington State to stay and just needed transport into the area such as Spokane valley Washington, so you have a starting point closer to where you need to be. Make sure you've mapped out your car shifting direction and have prepped your car accordingly for wherever you plan to travel once you've gotten your vehicle back from the Washington auto transport company.
- Ask about first-time transport specials: First-timers might be able to get a discount on vehicle shifting services from the company in question. Ask also about a car relocating discount for referrals should you send other people to use the relocating company’s services.
- Request insurance documentation: Your company of choice should be insured and properly bonded, so as to cover your vehicle during the moving process. Ask to see a copy of this information; it should be readily available to you from the company. If they hesitate, then consider that to be a major red flag for car transport.
Also, always remember to visit the Washington Department of Transportation website. There you can find more information on hauling, rates, and the opportunities it can offer to those visiting or relocating to the state from just about anywhere. They have a network of information that can prove valuable in your transition.
Long Distance Auto Transport
However, moving a vehicle across states can be complex. Once you cross over to another state, for example, if you're relocating from Kirkland, Washington to Texas, it's important to ensure your vehicle meets the legal requirements there. In your new route, you might also need a new driver’s license.
Whether heading to New Jersey, Seattle, or Tacoma, A1-AT can shift your vehicle to any part of the US or even to another country. With years of experience, we can advise you on the various laws and regulations in your new location, bringing peace to your transition process. For more details and to get a car transport quote for shifting to Washington state, don't hesitate to reach us via phone.
International Relocating
Unfortunately, due to incorrect documentation or tax payment issues, many people find their belongings held at customs in foreign nations. It's important to have the correct paperwork in place, especially if your move involves an intercontinental shift, like say, from Washington to Hawaii. This often incurs a monthly or annual storage charge, especially if you're moving items from states with different tax structures, such as Maryland or Texas. For instance, if you're moving from Maine, with the auto shipping model of our business, we can help you haul a lot more than just vehicles and save on these costs.
By using a reputable company like A1-AT, you can avoid such issues. Whether you're relocating from North Carolina or anywhere else in the country, with our skilled drivers at the helm and our assistance in navigating customs clearance, your vehicle will arrive safely in Washington state. To better serve our clients, we ensure customer reviews on Google and other platforms are accessible, providing valuable links to our business ratings. The only thing our increasingly satisfied customers, ranging from Everett to Yakima, need to do is get their paperwork in order concerning their condition; we'll handle the rest with exceptional customer service.
Our services extend beyond Washington, reaching out to several parts of the country, including regions like Missouri, Alabama, Oregon, Kansas, and North Dakota. Our focus on saving your time and money promises an above-average car shipping experience with high ratings, irrespective of whether you are in Nevada or any of the aforementioned states.
Cheap Car Transportation Options
When residing in places like Bellingham or Vancouver, or even afar as Kansas and Missouri, it’s important to know how the vehicle shifting cost is calculated if you wish to reduce it. Monetary factors play a significant role, including your location, whether that's the plains of Kansas or the coastal region of Oregon. Factors like the requested time and date, the condition and type of the car, and type of transport, along with diesel fuel cost, all play a part in determining final expenses. This is especially true if you're moving your vehicle from a place as far away as Maine. This business model, based on these various factors, is true whether you live in Washington, Alabama, or North Dakota. The following tips can be used as a guide for customers to avoid spending too much on vehicle shipping costs:
- Consult with one of our staff members. They’re trained to listen to your vehicle hauling requests and present appropriate options. If you’re looking to cut down Washington auto shifting costs, they’ll also tell you if you qualify for a discount.
- Take advantage of our seasonal offerings. During winter, though there are less people requesting auto transportation, it can be cheaper to ship your car because of these car shipping discounts.
- Request an open carrier and take advantage of our terminals. Our staff will explain further when you call them.
Moving Luxury and Classic Cars
To move an antique or luxury vehicle to or from Washington, or even from states as varied as Oregon and Nevada, clients across different cities like Everett and Yakima are usually looking for the highest level of safety and speed we can offer. Falling within the average expectations of our clients based across Missouri to Alabama, conditioned to strive for customer satisfaction and value for money, we recommend our enclosed auto carriers to shift a car. They are a bit more expensive, but in the lucrative auto shipping business, they’re also superior in terms of safety and speed, and this is reflected in our ratings.
Because most of our customers, including those from Vancouver and Bellingham, or those spanning regions from Alabama to North Dakota, use our services to transport classic or luxury cars within the city, we go the extra mile for this vehicle hauling service. Whether in the city or across state lines, automobiles are kept hidden from the elements, road debris or potential thieves, so the chances of something happening to them during transit are much lower. They arrive faster at their destination, since the number of cars being transported is lower. Clients in Missouri or Nevada can even choose to shift their exotic or classic vehicles in a single car carrier, so it arrives much faster and there’s less chance of it bumping into other cars.
Special Discounts
We understand that seniors and students in Everett, Yakima, and other cities or even those in states like Alabama and North Dakota may have a hard time paying the full cost of Washington auto relocating service. This understanding links back to the main ethos of our business model - to provide an affordable, high-quality solution for all our customers, regardless of where they're shipping from or to.
In consideration of the diverse sizes and varying needs of the nation, we've arranged for special customer service-oriented car shifting discounts to cater to different population classes. Just like the citizens of Missouri and Oregon, our customers across Ohio, Wisconsin, and Louisiana can also benefit from these concessions. We're dedicated to giving back to our nation's heroes by offering discounts to military members as a form of respect for their service. Furthermore, irrespective of the distances, whether our clients reside in bustling Kansas or scenic Alabama, they can plan ahead and seize the seasonal offers we provide each year. Quotes are readily available - call now for an average quote, charm yourself with our traffic-beating services and ship your car effortlessly.
Auto Transport Safety Measures
We prioritize safety during transport by ensuring each shipment carrier is equipped with straps that limit the onboard cars’ movements, whether within limited city traffic or vast interstate distances. The straps are verified and replaced when necessary, ensuring our customer's need is always considered during transportations happening across the nation - this includes not only cities like Vancouver and Bellingham but also states like Missouri, Alabama, North Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Louisiana.
Indeed, our customers in states like Washington, Kansas, Oregon, Ohio, and Wisconsin may notice that open carriers use structural beams as barriers against outside elements while enclosed trucks offer full protection against the weather. When comparing these options, remember to consider the size of your vehicle and the typical weather conditions of your route. For instance, routes across weather-affected areas of Alabama, Nevada, or Louisiana may warrant the additional cost for enclosed trucks when relocating a vehicle.
Keep in mind that, during shifting to any city, from Washington state to Yakima in North Dakota, or perhaps even farther afield to Ohio, your car is insured. However, this insurance may not cover every possible incident. Whether you're from the windswept coasts of Oregon or the calm, small town charm of Nevada, if you aim to safeguard your financial health and desire complete protection, you can request more comprehensive insurance from our company as part of our customer service.
Whether you're located in the sprawling grass plains of Oklahoma, the stunning mountain peaks in Colorado, or the lively humidity of Louisiana, for a car shipping price estimate that ensures the best value for your money, make use of the online quote calculator form at the top of this post. Input your desired pickup and drop off points, perhaps from Utah to Kentucky or from Nebraska to Wisconsin, then click on the 'get a quote' button.
Services And Information
- Washington long distance moving services
- Cheapest Washington moving companies
How to Request a Price Estimate in Auto Transport Industry?
No matter your location, be it Vancouver, Bellingham, or other cities in states like Pennsylvania or Ohio, your quote for Washington auto transport services can be obtained by directly calling our company. The number at the top of the website allows you to request a quote through a direct conversation with our dedicated staff. You can get an immediate response and possibly, based on your specific situation, even a discount! This adds extra value for your hard-earned money. Our friendly customer service representatives eagerly await your call to discuss the step-by-step shipping process or answer any further questions. We have established branches in various states including Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Bellevue, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Arkansas dedicated to offering special discounts to certain eligible clients.To experience the financial relief provided by our competitive prices, don't hesitate to call and see if you fit the discount criteria. This applies even to our customers in Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida, where we've got excellent ratings on Trustpilot due to our efficient service and prompt deliveries.
If you're planning to embark on a journey on Washington’s highways and roads, even if you're driving all the way from the warm lands of Georgia or the mighty Mississippi, or maybe the fields of Iowa, the rocky landscapes of New Hampshire, or the elevated terrains of Utah, you will need to take steps to title and register your car with the State Department of Licensing.
Auto Transport Companies Directory
SEATTLE
Selland Auto Transport Inc
Local favorite Selland Auto Transport provides car shipping to meet an array of needs, including boat and motorcycle transport. They have the best transportation equipment and provide excellent customer service in the state.
615 South 96th Street, Seattle, WA
206-767-5960
Interbay Transport Logistics
They offer shifting for cars of all types, including custom makes and models. Licensed, bonded and insured nationwide auto haulers with great BBB (Better Business Bureau) accredited customer reviews. Transports automobiles, vans, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats and other heavy hauling with their open and enclosed auto hauling carriers.
2253 Gilman Drive West, Seattle, WA
206-510-8296
Auto Transporters
This Seattle company can get your car to just about anywhere in the United Stated and some points internationally. This company can relocate a vehicle to the largest city or any small town in the eastern part.
300 South Barton Street, Seattle, WA
253-642-7351
CAMAS
Magic Carpet Auto Transport, Inc
Looking for a magical experience method of transport, look no further than this Camas-based car shipping company.
700 Northeast 4th Avenue, Camas, WA
360-834-2900
Domestic Auto Transport
They serves the greater Camas area for Washington car transport needs. Get your car delivered in the evergreen state with their simple booking process and best price.
700 Northeast 4th Avenue, Camas, WA
360-834-6013
FEDERAL WAY
Alaska Vehicle Transport Inc
Those looking for transport to or from Alaska and into the Washington area can find it in this shifting company. They provides shipment service in the city at the best price. Become one of their happy customers in the city.
35050 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way, WA
253-874-9919
PACIFIC
Pacific Auto Transport
They offer Washington auto relocating around the greater Washington state. Get your car arrived at your door with the best auto shipping company near the pacific ocean.
263 Roy Rd SW # 2, Pacific, WA
253-826-0461
LYNDEN
Auto Transport
They provide enclosed or open air transport for automobiles and motorcycles in the Lynden area. This company goes the extra miles to provide best WA auto shipping services to the customers.
152 Bay Lyn Drive, Lynden, WA
360-739-8691
VANCOUVER
Evergreen Auto Transport
Evergreen Auto Transport operates out of Vancouver but can move around the Washington state.
3305 Main St # 215, Vancouver, WA
360-882-2770
United Road Service: Vancouver
This national hauling company is a great option for those trying to get their shipment in or out of the Vancouver area.
2480 Kotobuki Way, Vancouver, WA
360-693-5835
RENTON
Selland Auto Transport
Selland Auto Transport is a locally-owned business that is well-known in the Renton area for quality shifting at affordable shipment prices.
3801 Oakesdale Avenue Southwest, Renton, WA
425-251-5950
OLYMPIA
Interbay Transport Logistics
Interbay provides WA auto transportation services around the Olympia area for a vast array of shipping options. Ship a car from your door today and get the best shipment service from Interbay.
2103 46th Avenue Northeast, Olympia, WA
206-510-8296
Car Registration
Both procedures, whether you're coming in from the peaceful suburbs of Bellevue, the bustling cities of Illinois or perhaps the historic towns in Pennsylvania, or the sunny beaches of Florida, will be done simultaneously. All you need to do is submit the title of the vehicle, a sale bill, an odometer reading, and an emissions certificate. Moreover, you must also pay the applicable fees either by mail or in person at the local office.
The required documentation might differ if you are a new resident hailing from the peach orchards of Georgia or the expansive coasts of Mississippi or other locations like Oklahoma, West Virginia, Delaware, or a military member from perhaps, Illinois, or even the bluegrass state of Kentucky.
As a new resident of Washington state, be it from the plains of Iowa, the cities of Illinois or from the canyons in Utah or Colorado, or the sun kissed beaches of Florida, you are given a month to title and register your vehicle either in person or by mail.
New residents
Whether you're relaxing at home in Bellevue, Iowa, New Hampshire, West Virginia or in busy Pennsylvania, or even relishing the southern charm of Georgia, one may submit a registration request by mailing the paperwork to a licensing office, thereby enabling smoother deliveries of the necessary documents.
Registration by Mail
You will receive your registration and vehicle title in the following 10 weeks. If you're registering an RV, a trailer, or a motor home, whether you're from the serene plains of Illinois, the vibrant city of Delaware, or the bourbon distilleries of Kentucky, or even the orange groves of Florida, you may be asked to submit proof of paying the sales tax.
- A notarized application for an ownership certificate.
- The car title issued in your former state.
- An odometer disclosure for vehicles newer than 10 years.
- A certificate validating the passing of an emission test.
- A sale bill if you bought the vehicle in the last 90 days.
- The payment for the applicable registration fees.
In-person registration, available for residents both old and new, from Arkansas to Iowa or from the historic landmarks of Mississippi to the sunny beaches of Florida, can be executed in two versions.
In-person Registration
The required documents for in-person registrations are mostly the same - whether you're new to the vibrant cities of Bellevue, the peaceful towns of New Hampshire, the sunflower fields of Georgia, or from the shores of Delaware.
- Submitting the paperwork at a licensing office – you’ll receive the registration immediately, but you will get the title by mail within the next 10 weeks.
- Submitting the paperwork at a title office and paying an extra $50 fee to receive both the title and the registration immediately.
Even though it isn’t mandatory to show proof of insurance during the registration process, having a valid insurance policy is obligatory in Washington state. This applies to everyone, even if you are from far-flung areas like West Virginia, Illinois, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Mississippi or any other state in the U.S. Trustpilot reviews can provide further insight into this process. If you drive around without having proper insurance, say in places like Kennewick or Renton in Washington state, or even in distant locations like South Carolina or Arizona, and you get stopped by law enforcers, you will have to take steps to provide a satisfactory explanation, including a potential fine.
- A signed ownership certificate.
- The car title issued by the former state of residency.
- A disclosure of the odometer statement for cars newer than 10 years.
- A certificate from the emissions test (if applicable).
- A sale bill or a purchase agreement.
- Payment for the applicable registration fees.
Vehicle insurance
The registration process is different for vehicles bought from a dealer, be it in places like Arkansas or Minnesota, as opposed to those bought from individuals in states such as Iowa or West Virginia. Regardless of how you acquired the car, whether it's in Minnesota or South Carolina, you get a period of a maximum of 15 days to get it titled and registered in Washington.
Vehicle Registration Process
For every day that passes over the allowed time frame, whether you're a resident of Bellevue, West Virginia, Arizona or the colder climes of Minnesota, you’ll get a penalty fee: $50 for the first day and an extra $2 for each following day (until the penalty sums up to a maximum of $125).
If you purchase a car from a dealer, whether in places such as Illinois, Iowa or even Renton in Washington, they will handle the paperwork regarding the registration process for you, and you will get the license plates and the necessary documents by mail.
Vehicles bought from a dealer
You can register and title by mail any vehicle you receive or buy from a private party, may it be from Arkansas, Bellevue, West Virginia, or any other location, even as far afield as Kennewick or South Carolina. The documents you need to submit for an in-person registration are.
Vehicles bought or obtained from private individuals
An application for an ownership certificate.
If you decide to apply for registration by mail, whether you're from the peaceful landscapes of New Hampshire, bustling Arkansas, or perhaps even Arizona, make sure all the documents have the signatures notarized, as otherwise they will not be recognized. While the documents (registration and title certificates) will be sent to you by mail during the next 10 weeks, in places like Renton and Kennewick, it will take maximum just 3 weeks for the license plates to arrive.
- The odometer disclosure.
- The title of the vehicle issued by your former state of residency.
- A sale bill.
- A report from the emissions test.
- Payment for the applicable taxes.
The requirements of the registration process in WA are slightly different for military members, whether you're originally from Bellevue, Illinois, or even South Carolina, depending on if they’re residents stationed inside the state, if they are residents stationed in other states like Iowa or New Hampshire, or if they are stationed in the state of WA but have their residency in a different state such as West Virginia, Minnesota or Arkansas. In some cases, military members may also benefit from a use tax exemption.
Vehicle Registration for Military Members
If your residency is in Washington, perhaps originally hailing from states like Connecticut, Michigan, or the sunny landscapes of Arizona, and you’re a military member stationed in the same state, you have to register your car by following the same standard process as civilians.
Residents that are members of the military
If your residency is in Washington and you’re a military member stationed in the same state, you have to register your car by following the same process as civilians.
If you are a Washington resident serving in the military and you’re stationed in another state, you can get your car registered by mail. You will have to submit the following documents:
- A notarized application for the title.
- A document proving the ownership of the vehicle.
- The odometer disclosure for vehicles newer than 10 years.
- The military orders (in copy) that state your location assignment as being outside of the state.
- Your LES documentation (in copy) proving your WA residency.
- Payment for the applicable registration fees.
Residents returning from deployment in another state
If you registered your car in a state where you served, whether it be Rhode Island, Indiana or any other, you can use the license plates when you get back to Washington state while they are still valid. When they expire, you will have to proceed with a new WA vehicle registration.
Military members stationed that are residents of other states
As a non-resident stationed in WA, you don’t have to get your vehicle registered. You can use your home-state license plates while your registration and insurance are valid. However, if you wish to get your vehicle registered with Washington’s State Department of Licensing, you will have to follow the same process as civilians.
If you’re driving a vehicle with license plates issued by another country, you can keep using them until they expire, at which point you will have to get the vehicle registered in your state of residency.
Those who plan to stay in the state when they leave the military will have to get their vehicles registered there.
Fees for Registration
When registering a vehicle, the fees are determined by its type, its weight, the license plates type, and by the home address of the applicant. If a sales tax hasn’t been paid, you will be issued a use tax.
Commercial vehicles and trucks have different registration fees based on the gross weight declared for them. Therefore, fees are categorized in: miscellaneous fees, combination fees, farm combination fees, and farm fees.
Among the fees that have to be paid for other vehicles, there are: registration fees, titling fees, fees for local transportation (in some counties), the excise tax for the transit authority (in some counties), the charge for congestion reduction in King County, the license plates fee, and the fees for the required inspections.
Use Tax
The payment of a use tax is mandatory when buying a car from private individuals (if the sales tax was not paid for that vehicle).
Use tax payment is required when the vehicle is bought from a county where neither a sales tax, nor a use tax is charged. The value of the use tax is the same for the sales tax in your county, plus an extra 0.3% in motor vehicle use/sales tax.
You can benefit from a use tax exemption if:
- You got the car as a gift and:
- The sales tax was paid by the vehicle’s previous owner
- The vehicle was owned for a minimum of 7 years by the previous owner and it comes from a state where a sales tax is charged.
- You purchase a car while on active duty in the military.
Tax Exemption for Military Members
As a military member, you benefit from use tax exemption if:
- You are stationed in the state but are a resident of another state.
- You are on active military duty in another state, but are a resident of WA.
- Your stay in WA is no longer than 3 months.
- Your spouse is in the military and conforms to the above criteria.
Non-residents who are stationed in the state of Washington must provide extra documentation for the registration if they want to benefit from a use tax exemption:
- A document proving they reside in another state.
- A document proving they own the vehicle.
- LES documentation stating their residence.
- A form for an exemption of the excise tax.
- Washington residents stationed in other states are tax exempt from purchases made outside the state if:
- They are on active military duty for more than 6 months.
- They've been the owners of the car for at least 90 days prior to their military discharge.
- They've purchased the car in another state.
At the moment of registration, they’ll have to submit documentation proving their deployment for more than 6 months outside of Washington and that the vehicle was purchased from another state.
Registration duplicate
You can request a duplicate of your certificate of registration by mail or in person by submitting a notarized form for the release of loss/interest and the payment of a fee for a registration duplicate.
Emissions Testing
Some counties in the state of Washington require a mandatory emissions testing to complete any vehicle registration process: Spokane, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, King.
However, even in those counties, there are some exemptions from emissions tests for:
- Diesel car that is 6,000 lbs. or less.
- Every diesel car newer than 2007.
- A car newer than 2009 that meet the emissions standards of California.
- Any hybrid car that is rated to 50 mpg or more in the city.
License Plates
You will receive the license plates via mail if you submitted the application by mail, or if a dealer submitted it for you. You’ll get your plates when you register if you apply in person at the State Department of Licensing in Washington.
Relevant Statistics
- More than 90% of vehicles moved to or from Washington arrive at their destination within the estimated time frame.
- The average distance traveled by transported vehicles in Washington is approximately 500 miles.
- Over 80% of customers who use auto transport services in Washington report high satisfaction with the overall experience.
- The peak season for auto shifting in Washington is during the summer months, with over 70% of total shipments occurring between May and August.
- Washington's leading hauling companies have a fleet size of over 100 trucks combined, ensuring efficient and timely delivery for customers.
General Facts
- Washington state has a well-developed auto transport industry.
- Auto shifting services in Washington cater to both individuals and businesses.
- There are various options for transporting vehicles in Washington, including open carriers and enclosed trailers.
- We ensure the safe and secure delivery of vehicles to their destinations.
- The cost of auto shifting in Washington depends on factors such as distance, vehicle type, and service type chosen.
Other Resources
Washington.gov - official government website for the state of Washington.
Washington Wikipedia Page - everything you need to know about the state of Washington.
University Of Washington - We think differently around here. And just as importantly, we act differently, too. It’s in our DNA, not just at the University of Washington but throughout the Northwest, to reach a little higher. Dig deeper. To keep searching for better ways to learn, live and work. And for better answers to the world’s most pressing challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Regulates Car Shipping Companies?
All auto transport companies that move cars between states are required to be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). However, car shipping companies also need to be licensed by the state they’re based in, both for local and interstate transport service.
For Washington, those permits are issued by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). WSDOT specifies how long car carriers can be, as well as how their power systems need to function. They also require each carrier to specify that their equipment is designed specifically to ship automobiles.
How Can I Find Out Whether a Car Carrier is Licensed?
If you’re looking for information about a shipping carrier’s license status, there are two places to look. The first is the FMCSA’s website, where you can check interstate licenses using the Safety and Fitness Electronic Record (SAFER) system. Simply enter the company name or USDOT number, which the shipment carrier company should be able to supply you.
As far as Washington state, you can contact the WSDOT’s Commercial Vehicle Services Department at [email protected]. They should be able to give you any information you might need about the status of a company’s state permit.
How Can I File a Complaint Against a Car Carrier?
Just like with checking a license, you can file a complaint at either the state or the federal level, depending on whether you’re transporting your automobile from state to state. For a state complaint, fill out this form from the Department of Licensing, which will start the complaint process.
For federal complaints, you should try to contact the FMCSA by phone at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238). This office is only open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Monday through Friday (Eastern Time), so keep that in mind when you call.
How Can I Ship My Car for Less?
For the most part, the main factor in determining how much shipping your car will cost is the distance — the further you send your car, the more the shipment trip will cost. However, there are some ways to help control those costs to ship your car, which include:
Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
Instead of having your car picked up and delivered at your door by the truck driver, terminal-to-terminal shipping lets you drop your car off at a large depot. Once it’s there, your car will be loaded onto a carrier and delivered to a depot as close to your final destination as possible.
While this option may be less convenient, it can save you a lot of money on your transit.
Open-Air Carriers
Shipping your car on an open-air carrier may leave your vehicle more exposed to the elements, as well as debris from the road, but for most customers, the cost savings more than make up for this increased exposure.
Open-air carriers have higher capacities, and because there are more of them available, you won’t be competing for service.
Flexibility
If your schedule is flexible, you could save a lot of money. Auto transport companies have to balance their schedules carefully. If a specific date for pick-up and delivery isn’t critical, you can let them fit you into their schedule according to their needs, which usually ends up being cheaper.
If you can schedule your move for the winter, where there’s less competition for service, costs will be even lower!
How Do I Transport My Classic, Luxury, or Exotic Car?
If you’re transporting an expensive car, you should consider opting for enclosed carriers, which offers superior protection from weather and other kinds of damage—and keeps your car away from prying eyes.
While enclosed trucks are more expensive, it’s worth the cost when you have a unique or expensive car.
How Does Car Carrier Insurance Work?
Every auto carrier in the United States is required to have insurance that covers all of the vehicles they transport. This is intended to cover any potential damage, protecting you and the car transport company.
If you’re transporting a classic or luxury car, however, you should ask your insurance company about providing additional coverage, since the carrier’s policy may not cover the entire value of your vehicle.
Are There Any Discounts Available Auto Transport Companies?
At A-1 Auto Transport, there are always a number of discounts available, although they change from season to season. Seniors, students, and members of the military almost always qualify for discounts on their auto transport services.
First-time customers may also be able to secure a discount. You may also be eligible for a referral bonus if you recommend us to others.
Finally, we may offer seasonal discounts, especially in the winter months, when fewer cars are being shipped.
How Much Paperwork Does Auto Transport Require?
There’s really not a lot of paperwork involved. You should make sure you have your driver’s license, and it’s also a good idea to have copies of your insurance, registration information, and car title. While you may not need all of these documents, having them on hand will prevent any delays in transporting your automobile from your door.
How much do auto transport services cost?
The cost of Washington auto transport services depends on several factors, including the distance the vehicle needs to be shipped, the type of vehicle being shipped, the time of year, and the transport company you choose.
On average, car shipping in Washington costs around $1.96 per mile for short distances up to 500 miles, $0.93 per mile for medium distances between 500 and 1,500 miles, and $0.58 per mile for long distances over 1,500 miles.
However, it is important to note that these are just averages, and the cost of shipping your car may vary. To get an accurate quote, contacting several different transport companies and comparing their rates is best.
How long does auto transport take?
Shipping a car to or from Washington state takes between 2 and 9 days. If the car is being shipped within the state, it will likely take 1-4 days. If the car is being shipped out of state, it will likely take 2-9 days.
What are the main differences between open and enclosed car transport?
Open car transport refers to the shipping method of transporting vehicles on an open trailer exposed to the elements. This is the most common and affordable option for car shipping.
Enclosed car transport, on the other hand, involves shipping vehicles in an enclosed trailer, protecting them from any potential damage or exposure to the elements. This option is typically used for luxury or classic cars and customers who want extra protection for their vehicles. Enclosed car transport is generally more expensive than open car transport.
What factors determine the cost of car transport services?
The cost of car transport services is determined by a combination of factors. Here are some of the primary determinants:
1. Distance: Generally, the farther you transport a car, the higher the cost. However, the cost per mile might decrease for longer distances.
2. Transport Type:
- Open Transport: Typically less expensive because it can carry more cars at once and is more widely available. However, the vehicles are exposed to the elements.
- Enclosed Transport: Offers more protection for the vehicle, making it suitable for luxury, antique, or rare cars. It's generally more expensive than open transport.
3. Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger and heavier vehicles may require special accommodations and may cost more to ship.
4. Pick-up and Drop-off Locations:
- Urban vs. Rural: Transporting a car to or from a major city is generally cheaper than in a remote or rural area due to accessibility and the number of routes going to urban centers.
- Door-to-door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal: Door-to-door services offer the convenience of having your vehicle picked up from and delivered directly to specified locations, while terminal-to-terminal requires you to drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated locations. The latter can be less expensive but less convenient.
5. Operational Condition: Vehicles that don't run or aren't drivable may incur additional fees since special equipment may be needed to load and unload them.
6. Time of Year: Some seasons, especially winter, might be more expensive due to harsh driving conditions. Conversely, during the peak moving season in the summer, prices might rise due to increased demand.
7. Insurance: Some companies include insurance in the quoted price, while others might charge extra for it. It's essential to know what is covered.
8. Fuel Prices: The cost of diesel can impact the price of auto transport, as higher fuel prices can lead to increased shipping costs.
9. Special Requirements: Any special requests or requirements, such as top-load placement (where a car is placed on the top rack of a multi-car transport) or expedited shipping, can add to the cost.
10. Economic Factors: Broader economic factors, such as demand and supply dynamics in the car transport market, can influence prices.
11. Tolls and Fees: Toll roads on the route or any special permits required can add to the cost.
12. Route Popularity: Routes with higher demand might be cheaper due to the volume of cars being transported, while less popular routes might be more expensive.
Getting multiple quotes and understanding what each quote includes and excludes is always a good idea. This will ensure that you compare apples to apples and get the best value for your money.
How far in advance should a booking be made with Auto Transport?
It is recommended to book Washington auto transport services at least 1-2 weeks in advance. This allows enough time for the transport company to arrange for a carrier and schedule the pickup of your vehicle. However, during peak seasons or busy times, such as holidays or summer months, it is advisable to book even earlier to secure your preferred dates and ensure timely delivery of your vehicle.