Car shipping from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for the Los Angeles to Seattle route is straightforward but important. Start by giving your car a thorough cleaning—both inside and out. This helps you document the vehicle's condition with photos before shipping and makes the carrier's inspection easier.

Remove personal items and accessories. Take out toll passes, garage door openers, GPS devices, and any loose items from the interior. Carriers typically don't insure personal belongings, and items can shift during the 1,150-mile journey up the West Coast. Remove or secure external accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or custom antennas that could be damaged in transit.

Check fluids and battery. Make sure your gas tank is between 1/4 and 1/2 full—enough for loading and unloading, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. Verify that your battery is charged and there are no fluid leaks that could worsen during transport.

Disable alarms and provide keys. Turn off your car alarm to prevent it from going off during transit. You'll need to provide at least one set of keys to the carrier for loading, unloading, and any necessary repositioning.

Finally, document everything with photos from multiple angles, noting any existing damage. For more detailed guidance on the entire preparation process, check out our comprehensive guide on how to ship a car. If you're concerned about weather protection during the trip north, consider reading about enclosed trailer shipping options.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Los Angeles to Seattle. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all carriers to maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your shipment begins, we verify that the carrier's insurance policy is current, valid, and in good standing.

This coverage protects your vehicle against damage during loading, transit, and unloading. You'll receive a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate as part of your car shipping documents, which you should review and keep for your records. While damage during transport is rare, this insurance ensures you're protected throughout the 1,100-mile journey up the West Coast.

For added peace of mind, especially if you're shipping a luxury, classic, or high-value vehicle, consider enclosed trailer shipping. This option provides extra protection from road debris and weather conditions while still maintaining the same comprehensive insurance coverage.

We recommend scheduling your pickup service from Los Angeles at least 7-14 days in advance for the best results. The earlier you book, the more time carriers have to plan efficient routes and bundle shipments heading north along the I-5 corridor to Seattle.

If you're flexible with your dates, booking 2-3 weeks ahead typically gives you access to more carrier options and competitive pricing. However, if you need faster service, we also offer expedited car shipping services with pickups possible in as little as 24-48 hours, though this comes at a premium.

Pro tip: Avoid last-minute bookings during peak moving seasons (summer months and end-of-month periods) when carrier availability is limited. Planning ahead ensures smoother coordination and helps you secure the best rate for your Los Angeles to Seattle shipment.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our car shipping guide for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. 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.

When shipping your car from Los Angeles to Seattle, you'll choose between two main transport methods: open and enclosed carriers. Here's what sets them apart:

Open Auto Transport is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle rides on an open-air trailer alongside other cars, just like you see hauling vehicles on the highway. While your car is exposed to weather and road debris during the 1,100-mile journey up the I-5 corridor, this method is perfectly safe for most vehicles. About 90% of cars shipped in the U.S. use open car shipping, and it typically costs 40-60% less than enclosed transport.

Enclosed Auto Transport protects your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road debris. This premium service is ideal for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any car with custom paint work. The LA to Seattle route crosses diverse terrain and weather conditions, so if you're shipping a high-value vehicle that can't risk even minor exposure to the elements, enclosed trailer shipping offers peace of mind.

Cost Difference: Expect to pay 50-70% more for enclosed transport on this route. Open transport from LA to Seattle typically ranges from $700-$1,000, while enclosed service runs $1,200-$1,800.

Bottom Line: Choose open transport for everyday vehicles to save money. Opt for enclosed if you're shipping a collector car, luxury vehicle, or any car where the extra protection justifies the higher cost.

Yes! We absolutely offer door-to-door car shipping from Los Angeles to Seattle. This is our most popular service because it maximizes convenience—you don't have to drive to a terminal or arrange separate transportation to pick up your vehicle.

Here's how it works: When you book your shipment, we'll ask for your preferred pickup address in Los Angeles and delivery address in Seattle. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your home, office, or another location you specify to load your vehicle, then deliver it right to your door in Seattle.

Important note: While we strive to provide true door-to-door service, sometimes large car carriers can't navigate narrow residential streets, low-hanging trees, or tight turns. If your location isn't accessible for an 80-foot truck, the driver will work with you to arrange pickup or delivery at a nearby safe location—typically a large parking lot, shopping center, or gas station within a few blocks of your address.

The good news? The Los Angeles to Seattle route is well-traveled by car carriers, and most residential areas in both cities are accessible. Our team will discuss any potential access issues upfront so there are no surprises on pickup or delivery day.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

See our car shipping guide to learn more about car shipping!