Florida to Washington
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
WHY CHOOSE SHERPA?
With 4.9 Stars out of 8,000+ reviews and a BBB A+ rating: Sherpa Auto Transport stands out as the premier auto transport company in the United States, offering upfront, transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise.
Our Price Lock PromiseTransport My Vehicle From…
FLORIDA TO WASHINGTON
Shipping from Florida to Washington
Planning to move your vehicle across the country? Florida to Washington car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or snowbirding between states, choosing the right auto transport company makes all the difference. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping costs, timelines, and tips for a smooth cross-country move.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
FL
Florida
WA
Washington
Popular Routes from Florida to Washington
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Florida to Washington
Shipping a car from Florida to Washington costs $1,250-$2,050 and takes 4-10 days to travel the 3,077-mile cross-country distance.
Our Florida & Washington Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star customer rating, and BBB A+ rating for reliable Florida to Washington car shipping.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Florida to Washington shipping, with the 3,000+ mile journey requiring more fuel, driver time, and resources than shorter routes.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Florida to Washington car shipping during off-peak seasons and choose flexible pickup windows to save money and get better rates.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is vehicle preparation – clean your car, remove personal items, check fluids, and have keys ready for the carrier at pickup.
State Insights
Florida allows 28% window tinting while Washington permits only 24%, and Washington requires emissions testing in certain counties unlike Florida’s relaxed standards.
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 Florida to Washington
Factors that Affect Florida to Washington Shipping Prices
Distance
The 3,000+ mile journey from Florida to Washington significantly impacts shipping costs. This cross-country distance requires more fuel, driver time, and resources, making it one of the most expensive domestic routes available.
Route
Florida to Washington follows major interstate highways like I-10 and I-5, keeping costs reasonable. These well-traveled routes have regular carrier traffic, unlike remote areas that require special detours and higher pricing.
Season
Winter months see increased Florida-to-Washington shipments as snowbirds relocate north. Summer also brings higher demand from military and college moves, making spring and fall the most cost-effective shipping seasons.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars ship cheapest on the Florida-Washington route, while large SUVs and trucks cost significantly more. Oversized vehicles require special equipment and use more fuel across this lengthy cross-country distance.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods like Thanksgiving and Christmas create traffic delays along major highways between Florida and Washington. Avoiding these peak travel times helps reduce shipping costs and delivery delays significantly.
Carrier Availability
Peak winter season creates high demand for Florida-Washington routes, potentially causing 2-3 week delays. Off-season shipping typically finds available carriers within days, offering better rates and faster service.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport works well for the Florida-Washington route and costs significantly less. Enclosed transport protects luxury vehicles from weather across multiple climate zones but doubles the shipping expense.
Population Density
Major Florida cities and Seattle metro area offer competitive rates due to high carrier traffic. Rural Washington destinations may increase costs, so consider pickup from nearby urban centers when possible.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Save money by avoiding peak snowbird season when demand spikes. Shipping during off-peak months or even waiting a few weeks can significantly reduce your Florida to Washington car transport costs.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to unlock lower rates. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup in Florida and delivery in Washington gives you access to better pricing options.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways for the best rates. Highway-accessible cities in Florida and Washington offer more carrier options and competitive pricing than remote rural locations.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Choose open transport for regular cars, but consider enclosed trailers for luxury or high-value vehicles needing extra protection during shipping.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Florida to Washington Work?
Car shipping from Florida to Washington covers approximately 3,077 miles across the entire continental United States. This cross-country auto transport route connects the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest, making it one of the longest domestic shipping distances available. Florida to Washington car shipping typically takes 4-10 days, depending on pickup location, delivery destination, and carrier availability.
The car shipping process begins when you request a quote through Sherpa Auto Transport. Our team will gather details about your vehicle, pickup location in Florida, and delivery address in Washington. We then match your shipment with qualified carriers who regularly service this transcontinental route. You’ll receive confirmation with pickup windows and tracking information.
This Florida to Washington auto transport route presents unique considerations due to its length and geographic diversity. Carriers must navigate through multiple climate zones, from Florida’s humidity to potential mountain weather in northern states. The route typically follows major interstate highways like I-75, I-40, and I-84, ensuring reliable transportation corridors for your vehicle.
During pickup, our carrier will inspect your vehicle and document its condition. Your car travels on either an open or enclosed trailer, depending on your preference and budget. Pricing for Florida to Washington car shipping ranges from $1,250-$2,050, influenced by factors like vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand. Throughout transit, you can track your shipment’s progress and communicate directly with your assigned carrier until safe delivery in Washington state.
Florida to Washington Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Florida to Washington car shipping, understanding the registration differences between states is crucial. Florida requires vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency, while Washington gives new residents 30 days to register their vehicles. Washington requires emissions testing in certain counties, unlike Florida’s more relaxed standards. Your auto transport company can help coordinate timing to meet these deadlines.
Vehicle regulations vary significantly between these states. Washington allows window tinting up to 24% on front side windows, while Florida permits 28%. Both states have specific requirements for vehicle modifications and frame heights. Washington is stricter about studded tires, only allowing them from November 1st to March 31st. These differences won’t affect car shipping but are important for legal compliance after arrival.
Preparing your vehicle for Washington’s climate is essential after car shipping from Florida. Winter tires or all-season tires with good tread are recommended for the Pacific Northwest’s wet conditions. Consider installing block heaters for extremely cold areas and ensure your battery can handle temperature drops. Many Florida vehicles lack adequate defrosting systems for Washington’s foggy mornings, so inspect these systems before winter arrives.
Insurance considerations differ notably between states. Washington requires higher minimum liability coverage than Florida and uses a comparative negligence system versus Florida’s no-fault insurance laws. Contact your insurance provider before your Florida to Washington car shipping to understand coverage changes. Some insurers offer discounts for safety features more common in Washington vehicles. Additionally, comprehensive coverage becomes more valuable due to weather-related risks like hail and flooding in certain Washington regions.
Florida to Washington Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for shipping from Florida to Washington is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Clean and inspect your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. Take photos of any existing damage for your records.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and fragile items. Carriers are not responsible for personal property left in the vehicle.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank) and that the battery is charged. Fix any fluid leaks before pickup.
Secure loose parts: Remove or secure antennas, spoilers, and other exterior accessories that could be damaged during transport.
Have keys ready: Make sure you have a working key available for the driver at both pickup and delivery.
For complete preparation guidelines, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure your car arrives safely in Washington.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Florida to Washington with Sherpa Auto Transport.
Every carrier in our network must carry:
- $1,000,000 in liability insurance – covers damage to other vehicles or property
- $100,000 in cargo insurance – protects your specific vehicle during transport
Before we assign your Florida to Washington shipment, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to list Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for added protection.
Important: While our carriers provide comprehensive coverage, we recommend checking with your personal auto insurance to understand what additional protection you may have during the shipping process.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from Florida to Washington at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and preferred pickup dates.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle shipments
- More availability: Popular routes like Florida to Washington fill up quickly
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
If you’re moving during peak seasons (summer months or winter snowbird migration), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings are possible but may cost more and offer fewer scheduling options.
Pro tip: Book early, but don’t stress if you need faster service. Sherpa Auto Transport can often accommodate shorter notice shipments when needed.
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 uses open-air trailers that carry 8-10 cars at once. Your car is exposed to weather and road debris, but it’s safe and costs less. This is how 90% of cars get shipped.
Enclosed transport puts your car inside a covered trailer with only 2-6 other vehicles. It protects against weather, dust, and debris but costs 40-60% more than open transport.
For Florida to Washington shipping: Most people choose open transport since it’s reliable and affordable for the 3,000+ mile journey. Pick enclosed transport if you have a luxury car, classic vehicle, or custom paint job that needs extra protection. Weather exposure during this long cross-country trip is minimal with proper preparation.
Learn more in our detailed open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Florida to Washington. This means we’ll pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in Florida and deliver it directly to your preferred location in Washington.
Here’s how it works: When you book your Florida to Washington car shipment, simply provide us with your pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will come right to your door at both ends of the journey. This saves you time and hassle – no need to drive to a terminal or depot.
In some cases, large transport trucks can’t access certain areas due to low bridges, narrow streets, or HOA restrictions. If this happens, don’t worry. Our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station. We always prioritize safety and convenience for our customers shipping from Florida to Washington.
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!