Car shipping from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA

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.

Properly preparing your vehicle for the Seattle to Los Angeles route ensures a smooth transport experience and protects your car during the roughly 1,100-mile journey. Here's what you need to do:

Clean and Document: Wash your vehicle thoroughly, inside and out. This makes it easier to document any existing scratches, dents, or damage with photos before pickup. These photos serve as your baseline for the delivery inspection.

Remove Personal Items: Clear out all personal belongings, loose items, and aftermarket accessories. Carriers aren't insured for personal property, and extra weight can affect shipping costs. Don't forget to remove toll passes, garage door openers, and any fragile items from compartments.

Check Fluids and Battery: Ensure your gas tank is no more than a quarter full (reduces weight and safety risks), but verify your battery is fully charged and your vehicle runs properly. Carriers need to drive your car on and off the trailer.

Disable Alarms: Turn off or disconnect any car alarms to prevent them from draining your battery or causing issues during transport.

Secure Loose Parts: Retract or remove antennas, fold in side mirrors, and secure any convertible tops. Make sure your spare key is available for the driver.

For complete preparation details and a helpful checklist, see our How To Ship A Car guide. You'll also want to review the required Car Shipping Documents before your pickup date to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during transport from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all our 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 that may occur during loading, transport, and unloading. The carrier's insurance acts as your primary protection throughout the journey down the West Coast. While incidents are rare, having this coverage ensures peace of mind during your Seattle to Los Angeles shipment.

We recommend reviewing the carrier's insurance certificate before your vehicle is picked up—this document will be available as part of your car shipping documents. If you have a high-value or classic vehicle, you may also want to check with your personal auto insurance provider about any additional coverage options. For more information about the shipping process, visit our guide on how to ship a car.

We recommend scheduling your pickup service from Seattle at least 1-2 weeks in advance for the best results. This gives carriers enough time to plan efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading down the West Coast to California.

That said, the earlier you book, the better. Posting your shipment 2-3 weeks out increases your chances of securing a carrier quickly and often results in more competitive pricing. Early booking allows more carriers to see your listing and bid on your transport, which is exactly how we help break the monopoly of large brokers who control inventory.

If you need faster service, we offer expedited car shipping services that can arrange pickup within 24-72 hours, though this typically comes at a premium. For standard shipping timelines and what to expect during the process, check out our guide on how to ship a car.

Bottom line: Book 1-2 weeks ahead for standard service, but earlier is always better for price and availability.

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 Seattle to Los Angeles, you'll choose between two main transport methods: open and enclosed auto transport. Here's what sets them apart:

Open Auto Transport is the most popular and economical option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier (the same type you see hauling new cars on highways). While your car is exposed to weather and road debris during the 1,100-mile journey down the West Coast, this method is safe, reliable, and used for the vast majority of vehicle shipments. It's perfect for everyday cars and standard vehicles.

Enclosed Auto Transport ships your vehicle inside a covered trailer, providing complete protection from weather, dust, and road debris. This premium service typically costs 50-60% more than open transport, but it's worth considering for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle with custom paint or modifications. Learn more about enclosed car shipping options.

The Seattle to LA route is well-traveled by carriers, so both options are readily available. Your choice ultimately depends on your vehicle's value, your budget, and your peace of mind. Most standard vehicles ship safely via open transport, while high-value cars benefit from the added protection of enclosed trailers.

Yes! We absolutely offer door-to-door car shipping from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA. This is our most popular service because it offers maximum convenience—no need to drive to a terminal or arrange alternative transportation.

Here's how it works: when you book your shipment, we'll ask for your preferred pickup address in Seattle and delivery address in Los Angeles. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your home, office, or any location you specify to pick up your vehicle. Once your car arrives in Los Angeles, the driver will deliver it right to your door.

Important to know: In some cases, large car carriers may have difficulty accessing certain residential streets due to low-hanging trees, narrow roads, or tight turns. If your location presents any safety or access challenges, the driver will contact you to arrange a convenient nearby meeting spot—typically a large parking lot, shopping center, or gas station within a few blocks of your address.

The good news? The vast majority of pickups and deliveries on the Seattle to Los Angeles route happen without any issues. Our carriers are experienced with West Coast routes and will work with you to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish.

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!