Shipping a Car from Tampa, FL to Seattle, WA
The Tampa–Seattle run covers roughly 2,979 road miles heading northwest, across 12 states, from Florida to Washington. Transit after dispatch is about 5–8 days (60 hours of driving, plus stops). This lane sees steady, moderate demand.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Tampa. Tampa has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time. Carriers usually load around I-275 and I-4. The nearest major airport, Tampa International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver.
Delivery in Seattle. The nearest major airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver. Winter weather near Seattle is a real scheduling factor from December to March. Carriers typically arrive around I-5 and I-90.
Timing and Seasonality
Spring brings a rush of northbound cars from Tampa, so lock in dates early between March and May. From December to March, mountain weather is the biggest timing risk, and carriers may wait out a storm. Hurricane season (June to November) can pause or reroute trucks along the coast. Start getting quotes roughly four weeks ahead for a move of 2,979 miles. Across Florida expect afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season from June to November; across Washington, rain and snow on Snoqualmie Pass and the Cascades.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and Washington. Mississippi: I-55, I-20 and I-59 carry through freight. Montana: I-90, I-94 and I-15 cover very long distances between cities. In Oklahoma, I-35, I-40 and I-44 cross, and turnpikes are tolled. Little Rock (AR) and Wichita (KS) sit close to the corridor, which is why trucks often add or drop vehicles there. Pickup is on Eastern time and delivery on Pacific time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock. Toll roads in Florida, Oklahoma and Kansas are built into carrier pricing.
What Tampa to Seattle Costs
Expect open transport for a standard sedan at $1,190–$1,790, which is about $0.50 per mile over 2,979 miles. Fixed costs spread thinly over this many miles, which pulls the rate down. SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($1,335–$2,005); enclosed sedan transport is $1,725–$2,595, roughly 45% more than open. A comparable-length trip, San Jose, CA to Fort Lauderdale, FL (3,034 mi), is priced at $1,215–$1,820. If you can start from Orlando (86 mi away) the estimate is $1,200–$1,800, within a few dollars. Going the other way, Seattle, WA to Tampa, FL is estimated at $1,200–$1,805.
| Transport Type | Vehicle | Typical Price | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $1,190–$1,790 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $1,335–$2,005 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Open | Minivan | $1,335–$2,005 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,725–$2,595 | High-value or low cars |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Remove loose items. Personal belongings are usually not insured in transit; clear the cabin before pickup in Tampa.
- Pad winter dates. If you ship between December and March, build in slack for pass closures.
- Be flexible on the date. A three-day pickup window lets dispatchers slot your car into a load heading northwest.