Maryland to Washington
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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MARYLAND TO WASHINGTON
Shipping from Maryland to Washington
Planning to move your vehicle from the Old Line State to the Evergreen State? Maryland to Washington car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or moving cross-country, professional auto transport services make the 2,800-mile journey simple. This comprehensive guide covers everything about car shipping costs, timelines, and tips to ensure your vehicle arrives safely on the West Coast.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
MD
Maryland
WA
Washington
Popular Routes from Maryland to Washington
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Maryland to Washington
Car shipping from Maryland to Washington costs $1,275-$2,200 and takes 4-9 days to cover the 2,686-mile cross-country journey.
Our Maryland & Washington Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing, a Price Lock Promise, and 4.9-star ratings from over 8,000 satisfied customers.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Maryland to Washington shipping, as the 2,800-mile route requires more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your shipment 2-3 weeks in advance and choose flexible pickup dates to secure the best rates and avoid peak season price increases.
How Car Shipping Works
Vehicle preparation is the most important step – remove personal items, clean your car, document existing damage, and keep only essential fluids.
State Insights
Maryland residents have 60 days to register their vehicle in Washington after establishing residency, requiring inspection and emissions testing in certain counties.
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 Maryland to Washington
Factors that Affect Maryland to Washington Shipping Prices
Distance
The 2,800-mile journey from Maryland to Washington State significantly impacts shipping costs. This cross-country distance requires more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, making it one of the pricier interstate routes available.
Route
Shipping from Maryland to Washington follows major interstate highways like I-70 and I-84, keeping costs reasonable. These well-traveled routes have excellent carrier availability compared to remote rural areas with limited access.
Season
Summer months see higher shipping costs from Maryland to Washington due to increased demand from relocating families. Winter weather can cause delays but often offers lower rates for flexible customers.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars cost less to ship than large SUVs or trucks from Maryland to Washington. Heavier vehicles consume more fuel and require specialized equipment, increasing your overall shipping expense significantly.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during peak travel times like Thanksgiving week when highways between Maryland and Washington experience heavy congestion. Off-peak scheduling reduces delays and can lower your shipping costs substantially.
Carrier Availability
Summer relocation season creates high demand for Maryland-to-Washington carriers, potentially causing 2-3 week delays. Off-season shipping typically offers faster pickup within 3-7 days and better pricing options.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost significantly less for Maryland-to-Washington shipping and work well for standard vehicles. Luxury cars benefit from enclosed transport’s weather protection during this lengthy cross-country journey.
Population Density
Urban pickup in Baltimore or delivery to Seattle costs more than suburban locations. Consider meeting carriers in accessible suburbs to reduce fees associated with navigating crowded city streets and parking restrictions.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season and summer moving periods. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can reduce costs significantly.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to lower shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery gives them scheduling freedom, resulting in better rates for you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways in Maryland and Washington. Highway-accessible cities offer more carrier options and competitive rates compared to remote rural locations that require extra detours.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Save money by choosing open transport unless you’re shipping a luxury or classic car that needs enclosed protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Maryland to Washington Work?
Car shipping from Maryland to Washington involves transporting your vehicle across the entire continental United States, covering approximately 2,686 miles. This cross-country auto transport route connects the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest, requiring careful planning and coordination. Maryland to Washington car shipping typically takes 4-9 days, depending on weather conditions, carrier schedules, and pickup locations.
The car shipping process begins when you request a quote and book your transport. Our team will schedule pickup from your Maryland location and assign your vehicle to a qualified carrier. Since this route crosses multiple states and mountain ranges, including the Rocky Mountains, carriers must plan for potential weather delays and route adjustments. The distance and terrain make this a premium shipping route with prices ranging from $1,275 to $2,200.
Your auto transport journey starts with vehicle inspection and loading in Maryland. The carrier will document your car’s condition and secure it properly for the long haul. During transit, your vehicle travels through states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Colorado, and Idaho before reaching Washington. Professional drivers handle the cross-country journey, following DOT regulations for rest periods and safety checks.
Delivery in Washington completes the car shipping process. The carrier contacts you 24-48 hours before arrival to schedule delivery. Upon arrival, you’ll inspect your vehicle and sign the delivery receipt. This Maryland to Washington auto transport route requires experienced carriers familiar with mountain driving and varying weather conditions. Planning ahead and booking early ensures the best rates and scheduling flexibility for your cross-country car shipping needs.
Maryland to Washington Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Maryland to Washington car shipping, understanding the vehicle registration differences between states is crucial. Maryland residents have 60 days to register their vehicle in Washington after establishing residency. Washington requires a vehicle inspection, emissions test (in certain counties), and proof of insurance before registration. The process costs around $85-$150 depending on your vehicle’s weight and type, compared to Maryland’s typical $135-$185 registration fees.
Washington state has unique vehicle regulations that differ significantly from Maryland. Window tinting laws allow 24% VLT on front side windows versus Maryland’s 70% requirement. Washington also enforces stricter emissions testing in King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane counties for vehicles over 8,000 pounds. Additionally, Washington prohibits studded tires between April 1st and November 1st, unlike Maryland’s year-round allowance with restrictions.
Auto transport customers moving from Maryland should prepare their vehicles for Washington’s diverse climate. Western Washington experiences frequent rain and mild winters, making all-season tires essential. Eastern Washington sees harsh winters with snow and ice, requiring winter tire preparation. Consider weatherproofing treatments and checking your vehicle’s heating system before car shipping. Washington’s mountainous terrain also demands good brake condition and proper fluid levels for safe driving post-delivery.
Insurance considerations vary notably between states. Washington requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $10,000 property damage coverage. Maryland mandates $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 minimums respectively. Washington also requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which Maryland doesn’t mandate. Contact your insurance provider before your Maryland to Washington car shipping to ensure seamless coverage transition and avoid potential gaps that could affect your auto transport timeline and legal compliance.
Maryland to Washington Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for shipping from Maryland to Washington is simple when you follow these key steps:
Remove Personal Items: Take out all personal belongings, including electronics, documents, and loose items. Car carriers are not insured for personal property.
Clean Your Vehicle: Wash your car 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 brake fluid. Make sure your battery is charged and secure.
Remove Accessories: Take off custom parts, bike racks, spoilers, and toll passes like E-ZPass. These can be damaged or lost during transport.
Document Everything: Take photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup. Note any existing scratches or dents.
Prepare Keys: Have a spare key ready for the driver. Keep your main set with you.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures a smooth car shipping experience from Maryland to Washington.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Maryland to Washington. Every carrier in our network must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your car ships, we check that your 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 Maryland to Washington shipment.
Your vehicle is covered from pickup to delivery. If any damage occurs during transport, the carrier’s insurance will handle your claim.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from Maryland to Washington at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and flexible pickup dates.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan routes more efficiently when they have advance notice
- More pickup options: You’ll have flexibility to choose dates that work for your schedule
- Route optimization: Your vehicle can be bundled with other cars heading to Washington, reducing costs
During peak moving seasons (summer months and end/beginning of year), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead. For urgent shipments, we can often accommodate last-minute requests, though rates may be higher.
Pro tip: Book early but stay flexible with your pickup window for the best rates and service options.
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 travels on an open trailer with other vehicles, exposed to weather and road debris. This method costs less and offers faster pickup times since most carriers use open trailers.
Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road hazards. This premium service costs 40-60% more than open transport but provides maximum protection for your Maryland to Washington move.
Choose enclosed transport if you have:
- Classic or luxury cars
- Custom paint jobs or modifications
- High-value vehicles over $50,000
- Cars requiring extra protection
Most everyday vehicles ship safely using open transport. For detailed comparisons and pricing, check our complete open vs enclosed transport guide.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door auto transport service for shipments from Maryland to Washington. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle directly from your home, office, or any address you choose in Maryland and deliver it right to your door in Washington.
When you book your Maryland to Washington car shipping, simply provide us with your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule convenient times for both pickup and delivery.
In some cases, large transport trucks may not be able to access certain residential streets due to low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or parking restrictions. If this happens, don’t worry – our carrier will work with you to find a nearby safe meeting spot like a shopping center, gas station, or open parking lot that’s easy for you to reach.
This door-to-door service saves you time and eliminates the hassle of driving to a terminal, making your Maryland to Washington vehicle transport as 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!