In this modern world where electric vehicles have become the top choice of students and people car shipping services are booming. Whether you are relocating for higher studies to or from Washington or have purchased a new electric vehicle for going to campus, you need the best car shipping companies.
We know that shipping a car is complicated and challenging, but you can make it easy and smooth by understanding the car shipping process and selecting the right auto transport company. There are many reasons you need an auto transport company. You must ship your car whether you have purchased a new vehicle or relocated.
When shipping your electric car to or from Washington, you need to choose the right and best car shipping companies and the right choice. Here, we have shared a few important points about each car transport service, and you can choose between them based on your time and money.
Open car transport
It is the most common car shipping method, and almost 90% of people choose open car transport because it is affordable and easily available.
It is a cost-effective car shipping option that is easily available in the market.
You can ship multiple vehicles and it can load up to seven to eight vehicles and is a fast transport type.
It offers less protection to your vehicle and in an open-air trailer, and your vehicle will come into contact with the external elements.
Enclosed car transport
It is a closed trailer that offers high security to your vehicle and is the best option for the transportation of luxury, classic cars. It is the best option for moving cars across the country.
Enclosed car transport offers high protection and security for your vehicles.
It protects your vehicle from hazardous conditions and it has a special feature with tracking facilities.
It is the most expensive car transport and it has limited availability in the market. You need to book in advance.
Door to Door shipping
When you will choose door to door car shipping your vehicle will be picked up from your doorstep and then delivered to the doorstep of your delivery address.
It is the most convenient and time-saving shipping process and It is a costly car shipping method.
Terminal to Terminal shipping
In terminal to terminal car shipping your car will be picked up from the designated shipping terminal, and then they will deliver it to nearby terminal yards.
It is a cost-effective car shipping option.
It offers flexibility in the date and time of shipping but you need to go to the terminal ports for the pickup and delivery of your electric car.
It is an inconvenient way of shipping and it takes time.
To help you understand the difference between open and enclosed car transport, we have provided a table below that will help you make the best choice for your car.
Open car transport |
Enclosed car transport |
Open trailer |
Enclosed or closed trailer |
The vehicles are exposed to external elements |
Vehicles are protected from external elements |
Cost-effective car transport |
Expensive car transport |
It is easily available and does not require prior booking |
Limited availability and need to book in advance |
Best trailer for the shipment of daily-use vehicles |
Best for the shipment of luxury vehicles and the perfect option for premium auto shipping |
The cost of shipping an electric vehicle depends on several factors, such as distance, trailer type, shipping time, etc. The average cost to ship an electric car ranges between $500 and $2000, and sometimes more. Let's discuss these factors to understand how they affect the cost of shipping a car.
Important Note- Car shipping companies offer discounts to college students and if you want to grab the discounts you have to ask for the discounts from car shipping companies and complete the documentation works.
Distance |
Estimated Time |
Estimated Open Transport Cost |
Estimated Enclosed Transport Cost |
0 - 500 miles |
1 - 3 days |
$500 - $800 |
$800 - $1200 |
500 - 1500 miles |
3 - 5 days |
$800 - $1300 |
$1300 - $1700 |
1500 - 2500 miles |
5 - 7 days |
$1300 - $1800 |
$1800 - $2500 |
2500 miles and above |
7 - 9 days |
$1800 - $2500 |
$2500 - $3000 |
This table is based on recent market prices. If you want to know the estimated and accurate cost to ship a car, visit the company's website and use the auto shipping calculator to know the estimated car shipping cost you have to pay.
Shipping distance (Miles)
The distance between the pickup and delivery location is calculated to determine the cost of car shipping. The larger the distance, the higher the cost.
Trailer type
The trailer or the car transport type you choose also affects the shipping cost. Open car transport is more cost-effective than enclosed car transport.
Pickup and delivery options
If you are shipping your car to urban areas, it will cost less, but if you are shipping to rural areas, the cost will be high.
Seasonal shipping
If you ship your vehicle during the peak season or during the summer, it will cost more because of the increase in the market's demand for shipping.
Fuel cost
If the cost of the fuel increases, then it will directly or indirectly affect shipping costs.
Route and location of shipping
The route and location of the shipping affect the car shipping cost because if you are shipping your vehicles to areas with narrow roads or restrictions, it will cost more.
Insurance cost, etc.
The higher the insurance coverage, the higher the shipping cost will be.
The time taken for the transit depends on several factors. The time taken for shipping takes between a few days to a few weeks, and the factors that affect the transit time are the following,
Total shipping distance
Route and location of the shipping
Route traffic and construction of the route
Weather conditions
Transport type- open transport is faster than the enclosed transport
Important Note- The transit time does not include the time taken for the pickup and delivery.
Below, we have shared steps to help you ship your EV to or from Washington. Follow the steps to get a car shipping quote.
Submit the details and choose the transport type.
Get the car transport quote and schedule the shipment.
Prepare and inspect your electric vehicle
The driver will pick up your vehicle.
Get your vehicle delivered to your address.
When you are planning for the shipment of your EV, the first and foremost important thing is to choose the best auto transport company with experience in Washington car shipping service whom you can trust for the shipment of your car.
You must research the car shipping company before you hire. You have to look for the registration number and DOT number etc. to ensure that they are legit.
Check for the company websites and its services. You must verify the contact details and the services they offer.
Read the client reviews and client testimonials, it will help you know more about their customer support and services.
Check whether the company is professional and experienced and you have to ensure that they have experience in auto shipping.
Read the terms and conditions of the auto transport company with the utmost attention and get a copy of the signed documents. Verify the payment options.
Below, we have shared quick tips and tricks to help you ship your EV safely to your address.
Choose a reliable and trusted auto transport company with expertise in EV shipping.
You must choose the right shipment of your EV, and it is best to choose enclosed car transport for your electric vehicles.
You should maintain professional communication with the driver and the car shipping company to find out your car's current location.
Prepare and inspect your vehicle before and after the shipment.
Check the bill of lading and complete the documentation of your vehicle.
When shipping your electric vehicles, you must exercise much more consideration and planning to ensure that your vehicle will be delivered to you in pristine condition. You should also conduct complete research to determine the legitimacy of the company and choose the best auto transport companies for the shipment of your electric vehicles.