Car shipping from Seattle, WA to New York City, NY

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 cross-country journey from Seattle to New York City is straightforward but important. Start by removing all personal belongings, toll passes (like Good To Go! or E-ZPass), and any fragile items from the interior. Carriers are not insured for personal items, and loose objects can shift during the 2,800+ mile trip.

Clean your vehicle inside and out before pickup—this makes it easier to document any existing scratches or dents during the inspection. Remove or secure exterior accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antenna toppers that could be damaged in transit. If you're using open transport (the most common and affordable option), be aware your car will be exposed to the elements.

Make sure your gas tank is only about a quarter full to reduce weight, check that your battery is fully charged, and ensure your tires are properly inflated. Have a set of keys ready for the driver at pickup. Finally, take photos of your vehicle from all angles before shipping—this creates a visual record of its condition.

For a complete checklist and additional tips, visit our guide on how to ship a car. You'll also want to review the necessary car shipping documents you'll need at pickup and delivery.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during transport from Seattle, WA to New York City, NY. 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 cross-country shipment begins, we verify that the carrier's insurance policy is active and in good standing.

This coverage protects your vehicle against damage that may occur during loading, transport, and unloading. The carrier's insurance is your primary protection throughout the journey from the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast. You can learn more about coverage requirements and what's included in our comprehensive guide to auto transport insurance.

We recommend reviewing the insurance certificate provided by your carrier and documenting your vehicle's condition with photos before pickup. This ensures you have a clear record if you need to file a claim. Our team is here to answer any questions about insurance coverage for your Seattle to New York City shipment.

We recommend scheduling your pickup service from Seattle at least 1-2 weeks in advance, though booking even earlier gives you the best chance of securing competitive rates and flexible pickup windows.

Here's why advance notice matters: carriers traveling the Seattle to New York route often bundle multiple vehicles heading in the same direction to maximize efficiency and keep costs down. When you book early, your shipment gets listed sooner, giving carriers more time to plan their routes and include your vehicle in an existing trip. This can result in faster pickup times and better pricing for you.

If you're working with a tight timeline, don't worry—we can often accommodate last-minute shipments, though you may have fewer carrier options and potentially higher rates. For the smoothest experience with door to door car shipping, aim to book as soon as you know your moving dates. This cross-country route is popular and well-serviced, but advance planning always works in your favor.

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 New York City, you'll choose between two main transport methods: open transport and enclosed transport. Here's what sets them apart:

Open Transport is the most popular and affordable 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 cross-country journey, this method is safe, reliable, and used for about 90% of all vehicle shipments. It's perfect for everyday cars and offers the best value.

Enclosed Transport ships your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, protecting it from weather, dust, and road debris. This premium service typically costs 40-60% more than open transport. It's the smart choice if you're shipping a luxury vehicle, classic car, exotic sports car, or any vehicle with custom paint or modifications where even minor road dust or debris could be costly.

For the 2,800+ mile trip from Seattle to NYC, most standard vehicles do perfectly fine with open transport. However, if your car's value exceeds $75,000 or has sentimental value that can't be replaced, the extra cost for enclosed transport provides valuable peace of mind. Both options include auto transport insurance coverage during transit.

Yes! We offer door to door car shipping from Seattle, WA to New York City, NY. This is our most popular service because it's designed for maximum convenience.

Here's how it works: when you book your shipment, we'll ask for your preferred pickup address in Seattle and your delivery address in New York City. Our assigned carrier will pick up your vehicle directly from your home, office, or any location you specify, and deliver it right to your destination across the country.

In most cases, we can accommodate exact door-to-door service. However, if your location has narrow streets, low-hanging trees, tight turns, or local restrictions that make it difficult for a large carrier truck to access, we'll work with you to find a convenient nearby alternative. This might be a nearby parking lot, shopping center, or gas station that's easy for both you and the carrier to reach.

The beauty of door-to-door service on the Seattle to New York City route is that you don't have to drive to a terminal or arrange additional transportation. We handle the logistics so you can focus on your move. Our carriers are experienced with this cross-country route and will communicate with you throughout the process to ensure smooth pickup and delivery.

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!