California to Washington
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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CALIFORNIA TO WASHINGTON
Shipping from California to Washington
Planning to move your vehicle from the Golden State to the Pacific Northwest? California to Washington car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or moving to college, professional auto transport services make the 1,100+ mile journey simple. This complete guide covers everything about car shipping between these states, including costs, timelines, and expert tips to ensure a smooth experience.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
CA
California
WA
Washington
Popular Routes from California to Washington
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from California to Washington
California to Washington car shipping typically costs $875-$1,450 and takes 1-4 days, covering an average distance of 1,037 miles along major West Coast highways.
Our California & Washington Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and BBB A+ accreditation for reliable California to Washington shipping.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the most important cost factor for California to Washington shipping, with Southern California routes costing more than Northern California due to the additional 200-400 miles.
Tips and Tricks to Save
The most important money-saving tip is choosing flexible pickup and delivery windows instead of exact dates, which can reduce shipping costs by allowing carriers to optimize their routes.
How Car Shipping Works
The most crucial step in car shipping is being present for both pickup and delivery to complete the vehicle inspection and sign the Bill of Lading documentation.
State Insights
Washington requires new residents to register vehicles within 30 days and has no emissions testing requirements, making the transition easier than California’s stricter regulations.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 7,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from California to Washington
Factors that Affect California to Washington Shipping Prices
Distance
The 800-1,200 mile distance between California and Washington directly impacts shipping costs. Longer routes from Southern California to Washington require more fuel and driver time, increasing overall expenses.
Route
Major highways like I-5 offer cheaper shipping rates than remote coastal routes. California-Washington shipments along primary interstates benefit from easier carrier access and lower transportation costs.
Season
Summer months see higher shipping costs due to increased demand from college students and families relocating. Winter offers better rates but may include weather-related delays between states.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars cost less to ship than SUVs or trucks from California to Washington. Larger vehicles require more trailer space, increase fuel consumption, and limit carrier options.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods like Thanksgiving week create traffic congestion, increasing shipping times and costs. Planning shipments during off-peak periods ensures faster delivery and potentially lower rates.
Carrier Availability
Peak summer season may require 2-3 weeks for carrier availability on California-Washington routes. Off-season shipments typically secure carriers within 3-7 days for faster scheduling.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost significantly less for California-Washington shipping and work well for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport protects luxury cars but doubles the shipping cost.
Population Density
Shipping to dense urban areas like Seattle costs more than suburban Washington destinations. Consider pickup locations outside major California cities to reduce overall shipping expenses.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Avoid peak shipping seasons like winter snowbird migrations to save significantly on California to Washington car transport. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can reduce costs during busy periods.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible five-day pickup and delivery windows instead of exact dates to unlock lower shipping rates. Carriers reward flexibility with discounted pricing for California to Washington auto transport services.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways in both states for better rates and more carrier options. Highway-accessible cities offer competitive pricing compared to remote rural locations.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for standard vehicle shipping. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection during California to Washington transport.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from California to Washington Work?
Car shipping from California to Washington is a straightforward process that covers approximately 1,037 miles along the West Coast. This popular auto transport route connects major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Spokane. The process begins when you request a quote from Sherpa Auto Transport, providing details about your vehicle, pickup location, and destination in Washington.
California to Washington car shipping offers several advantages due to the high traffic volume on this interstate corridor. Carriers frequently travel this route, which helps keep costs competitive and provides flexible scheduling options. The journey typically takes 1-4 days, depending on your specific pickup and delivery locations, weather conditions, and carrier schedules.
The auto transport process involves several key steps. First, you’ll book your shipment and receive confirmation details. Next, a carrier will contact you to schedule pickup within the agreed timeframe. During pickup, you’ll complete a vehicle inspection report and receive a copy for your records. Your car will then be loaded onto the transport truck and begin its journey north to Washington.
Pricing for this route typically ranges from $875 to $1,450, influenced by factors like vehicle size, transport type (open or enclosed), and seasonal demand. Spring and summer months often see higher demand as people relocate for work or school. Weather considerations include potential delays during winter months due to mountain passes and Pacific Northwest rain. Sherpa Auto Transport monitors these conditions closely to ensure safe, timely delivery of your vehicle to Washington.
California to Washington Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning California to Washington car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between states helps ensure a smooth transition. Washington requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency, compared to California’s 20-day requirement. The registration process in Washington typically costs less than California, with most passenger vehicles paying around $30-50 versus California’s higher DMV fees.
Vehicle regulations differ significantly between the two states. California maintains strict emissions testing requirements through smog checks, while Washington has no mandatory emissions testing for most counties. However, Washington enforces stricter window tinting laws, allowing only 24% light transmission on front side windows compared to California’s 70% requirement. Frame height restrictions also vary, with Washington being more lenient on lifted vehicles than California’s stringent modification rules.
Preparing your vehicle for Washington’s climate is crucial when using auto transport services. While California drivers rarely need winter preparations, Washington residents should invest in all-season or winter tires, especially for mountain regions. Consider adding emergency kits with blankets, flares, and de-icing equipment. Many car shipping customers also upgrade their windshield wipers and check their battery condition before the move, as cold weather can significantly impact vehicle performance.
Insurance considerations play a major role in your relocation planning. Washington operates under a tort-based insurance system, while California uses comparative negligence rules. Washington requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $10,000 for property damage. These minimums are lower than California’s requirements, potentially reducing your insurance costs. Contact your insurance provider before your auto transport arrives to ensure continuous coverage and understand how your rates might change in Washington’s different risk environment.
California to Washington Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from California to Washington is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including items in the glove box, trunk, and console. Carriers aren’t responsible for personal property.
Clean your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the pre-transport inspection.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and coolant. Make sure the battery is secure and working.
Remove or secure loose parts: Take off custom accessories, spoilers, or loose trim. Remove toll tags, GPS devices, and anything that could fall off during transport.
Document existing damage: Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup. Note any scratches, dents, or other issues.
Provide working keys: Have at least one set of keys ready for the driver. Make sure all keys work for doors, ignition, and any locks.
For complete preparation details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide. Following these steps ensures a smooth transport experience from California to Washington.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from California to Washington. Every carrier in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before we assign your shipment, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection throughout your California to Washington car shipment.
Your vehicle is covered from pickup to delivery. If any damage occurs during transport, the carrier’s insurance will handle your claim. We work directly with carriers to make the process smooth for you.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from California to Washington at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and reliable carriers.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can group your vehicle with others heading to Washington, reducing costs
- More carrier options: Popular routes like California to Washington fill up quickly
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
If you need faster service, we can often arrange pickup within 1-7 days, but expect higher rates for expedited shipping. During peak seasons (summer and fall), book even earlier to avoid delays.
Pro tip: Have your pickup and delivery addresses ready when you book. This helps carriers plan efficient routes and keeps your shipping costs down.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.
Open transport is the most common and budget-friendly option. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside other vehicles. It’s safe and reliable for most cars, but your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris during the California to Washington journey.
Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more but provides complete protection. Your car travels inside a covered trailer, shielded from rain, snow, and debris – especially important when crossing mountain passes between California and Washington.
Choose open transport for: everyday vehicles, budget-conscious moves, and standard cars. Choose enclosed transport for: luxury cars, classic vehicles, custom paint jobs, or high-value automobiles.
For detailed comparisons and pricing, check our complete open vs enclosed transport guide.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service for shipments from California to Washington. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle at your home, office, or preferred location in California and deliver it directly to your specified address in Washington.
When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule both pickup and delivery at these locations. If your street has restrictions like low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or weight limits that prevent our large transport trucks from accessing your exact address, don’t worry – we’ll work with you to find a safe, nearby alternative like a shopping center or gas station.
This door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of driving to distant terminals, making your California to Washington car shipping experience as smooth and convenient as possible.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!