Choosing Seattle Auto Shipping Group means hiring a brokerage with over two decades of industry experience and a high BBB rating. While shipping a car often feels like a gamble, this Camas-based company maintains an active USDOT status and a strong reputation for moving everything from daily drivers to classic cars.
Did you know that nearly 80% of transport issues stem from poor communication between brokers and carriers? Seattle Auto Shipping Group addresses this by assigning dedicated consultants to every move, ensuring you aren't left guessing where your vehicle is located.
Ready to move your vehicle safely? Get an accurate quote from Transportvibe’s verified providers and see how easy professional shipping can be.
Complete Overview Of Seattle Auto Shipping Group
Seattle Auto Shipping Group operates as a licensed brokerage under its parent company, Auto Shipping Group Inc., which has been active since 2003. Based in Camas, Washington, they focus on solving the fragmentation in the logistics market by connecting you with a massive network of vetted carriers.
Whether you are moving a sedan locally or need long-distance car shipping, they provide nationwide coverage with a particular expertise in Pacific Northwest lanes.
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Feature |
Details |
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Operational Role |
Independent Broker (USDOT #2239008) |
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Service Area |
All 50 U.S. States, including Alaska and Hawaii |
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Vetting Process |
Verification via FMCSA Company Data and insurance monitoring |
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Vehicle Types |
Cars, SUVs, Motorcycles, Classic Vehicles, and Fleet Loads |
They maintain compliance by checking a carrier’s DOT and MC number before assigning any load. This screening process ensures that the drivers hauling your vehicle meet federal safety and insurance standards.
You can rely on them for everything from standard open car shipping to specialized classic vehicle shipping. Their consultants handle the logistics, so you don't have to navigate the complex federal FMCSA regulations yourself.
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Pricing Structure, Quote Accuracy, And Cost Drivers
Understanding the financial side of your move is vital. Seattle Auto Shipping Group prices are not set in stone; they fluctuate based on the current market capacity and the specific requirements of your transport.

How Seattle Auto Shipping Group Builds Its Quotes
When you request an estimate, the Seattle Auto Shipping Group team looks at several variables beyond just the mileage. They calculate the total cost by analyzing your vehicle’s size, weight, and current operability.
Shipping a non-running car requires specialized equipment, which naturally increases the price. Seasonality also plays a massive role, as shipping a car to Florida during the "snowbird" season often costs more due to high demand.
The company uses a mix of agent-adjusted pricing rather than relying solely on a rigid algorithm. This is beneficial because a human agent can check the FMCSA Company Data to ensure the price is high enough to attract a reliable, high-rated carrier.
If you are looking for the cheapest way to ship a car, be aware that the lowest quote isn't always the most accurate. Seattle Auto Shipping Group aims for realistic pricing that ensures your car actually gets picked up on time.
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Vehicle Specs: Larger SUVs and lifted trucks take up more space on a trailer.
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Distance and Route: Major highway routes are cheaper than remote, rural deliveries.
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Carrier Availability: Fewer drivers on a route means higher bids for your spot.
Deposits, Payments, And Total Cost Transparency
Seattle Auto Shipping Group typically operates on a split-payment model. You often pay a deposit once a carrier is successfully dispatched, with the remaining balance due upon delivery.
It is important to understand that your deposit is the broker's fee for arranging the logistics. Always confirm the refund policy upfront, as many brokers only refund this fee if a carrier has not yet been assigned to your order.
You will usually pay the carrier’s portion of the bill directly to the driver at the destination. Most drivers prefer cash or certified funds, such as a cashier's check, to avoid the high processing fees associated with credit cards.
Price changes can happen, though they are frustrating. If you change your pickup date at the last minute or if the route faces sudden congestion, the car shipping cost in 2025 may be adjusted to keep the carrier committed.
Transparency is key to avoiding hidden car shipping fees. Always ask for a written breakdown of the total price so you know exactly what goes to the broker and what goes to the driver hauling your vehicle.
Compare these rates with other top 5 auto transport companies in the USA to ensure you are getting a fair market deal.
Shipping Options, Transit Times, And Operational Reliability
Seattle Auto Shipping Group provides flexibility through two primary trailer types to meet your budget and protection needs. You can choose open vs enclosed car shipping depending on the value of your vehicle.
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Open Transport: The standard choice for daily drivers. It is cost-effective and highly available, though your car remains exposed to weather and road grime.
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Enclosed Transport: Ideal for classic vehicle shipping or luxury models. It uses hard-sided or soft-sided trailers to shield your car from the elements.

Most customers prefer the convenience of door-to-door service. While the driver aims to reach your exact address, dense urban areas or narrow residential streets often have weight limits or low-hanging trees. In these cases, you may need to meet the carrier at a nearby terminal-to-terminal vs door-to-door car shipping point like a large parking lot.
Transit times are estimates based on total mileage. A coast-to-coast trip typically takes 7 to 10 days, while shorter regional hauls might finish in 2 to 3 days. Since Seattle Auto Shipping Group acts as a broker, they coordinate with drivers to provide a pickup window, usually spanning 1 to 5 business days.
Operational reliability depends on the carrier vetting process. They monitor driver performance and insurance to minimize delays. During transit, your primary point of contact is the assigned consultant, who provides updates since most standard open carriers do not offer real-time GPS tracking apps.
Ready to see how fast your vehicle can move? Get a free quote from Transportvibe’s top carriers and lock in your delivery window today.
Insurance Coverage, Claims Handling, And Accountability
When you ship a vehicle, you aren't just paying for the move; you are paying for the security that your asset is protected. Seattle Auto Shipping Group acts as your advocate in this process, but the actual cargo insurance is held by the carrier physically hauling your car.
Carrier Insurance Limits And Documentation
Every carrier in the Seattle Auto Shipping Group network must maintain a minimum level of cargo insurance, typically ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 per load. If you are using enclosed vehicle shipping for a high-value exotic, these limits are often higher to reflect the vehicle's market value.
Standard policies usually exclude "acts of God" like hail or flooding, and they do not cover personal items left inside the car. To be safe, you should always verify the carrier’s DOT and MC number and request a certificate of insurance (COI) before the driver arrives.
A professional broker will proactively share these documents with you. If they don't, you must ask. Understanding car shipping insurance in the USA is the only way to ensure you aren't left with a massive repair bill if an accident occurs on the highway.
Damage Claims And Dispute Resolution
The most important document you will ever sign is the Bill of Lading (BOL). This is your receipt and your primary evidence in a claim. You must perform a thorough pre-shipment inspection, taking clear, timestamped photos of every panel, wheel, and glass surface of your vehicle.
If you spot fresh damage at delivery, you must note it specifically on the BOL before the driver leaves. If you sign a "clean" BOL, proving the damage happened during transit becomes nearly impossible. Seattle Auto Shipping Group consultants can help guide you through the claims process, but they do not pay the claim themselves; the carrier’s insurance provider does.
Resolution timelines vary. A straightforward scratch might be settled in a few weeks, while major structural disputes can take months. Patterns in customer feedback suggest that those who follow a strict guide on how car shipping works and keep meticulous records have a much higher success rate in getting their repairs covered.
Don't leave your car's safety to chance. Work with Transportvibe's verified partners who prioritize full insurance transparency and rapid claims support.
Customer Feedback Analysis And Reputation Signals
Seattle Auto Shipping Group maintains a robust digital presence, characterized by high review volumes across major consumer protection platforms. You will find that they are widely represented on Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and transport-specific marketplaces like Transportvibe.
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Google Reviews: They consistently hold a rating around 4.7 stars, with thousands of customers documenting their shipping experiences.
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BBB Profile: The parent company, Auto Shipping Group Inc., is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating, which is the highest possible grade for complaint resolution and transparency.
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Transportli Survey: They earned an 8.9/10 score in independent consumer surveys, reflecting high trust among frequent shippers.
Recurring positive themes in their feedback focus on communication quality and the professionalism of their agents. Many users highlight that their dedicated consultants provide clear expectations and accurate online car shipping quotes, which helps reduce the stress of a move.

However, no large-scale broker is without issues. Recurring negative themes often involve car shipping time reasons such as carrier delays or coordination gaps at the pickup point. While the company aims for a hassle-free car shipping experience, some customers report frustrations when independent carriers fail to meet estimated windows.
The company's BBB record shows a strong commitment to accountability. They maintain a high response rate to any filed complaints, often working directly with the customer to resolve logistics disputes or insurance questions. This level of responsiveness is a key signal that they value their honest auto transport reviews.
Inside the Mind of a Shipper: Common Logistics Queries
Moving a vehicle involves more than just a truck and a trailer. These are the specific, detailed questions most people ask when they dig into the fine print of their transport contract.
Can I pack items in my car during transport?
You may leave up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk or below the window line. However, these items are not insured by the carrier and could cause hidden car shipping fees if they exceed weight limits.
Is it possible to ship a non-running vehicle with Seattle Auto Shipping Group?
Yes, but you must disclose this upfront. Inoperable vehicles require a winch or forklift for loading, which typically adds $100 to $200 to your car shipping cost in 2025 due to the extra labor involved.
What is the cancellation policy if I change my mind?
You can typically cancel your order without a penalty before a carrier has been assigned. Once a driver is dispatched, the deposit—which covers the broker vs carrier pricing fee—is usually non-refundable.
Does Seattle Auto Shipping Group offer international car shipping?
Through their parent network, they coordinate moves to Hawaii, Alaska, and select international ports. You will need to provide the VIN and value to navigate the importing a car into the USA or export process.
Are there special requirements for priority motorcycle shipping?
Motorcycles require specialized skids or soft-tie straps to prevent tipping. When booking priority motorcycle shipping, ensure your tank is under a quarter-full and all loose accessories or saddlebags are either secured or removed.
Who Seattle Auto Shipping Group Is Best Suited For
Seattle Auto Shipping Group is an ideal choice for first-time shippers who prioritize white-glove customer service and a hands-on approach. If you are a student moving to the Pacific Northwest or a military member undergoing a PCS move, their ability to navigate regional lanes with high precision makes them a top contender. They are specifically suited for those who value speaking with a dedicated consultant rather than navigating an automated portal.
While brokers like Sherpa Auto Transport offer a locked-in pricing model that protects against market spikes, Seattle Auto Shipping Group leverages over two decades of experience to find the best available carrier at competitive market rates. If you have a high-value asset, their classic vehicle shipping options provide the specialized care required for vintage models.
Ready to secure a spot with a top-rated transporter? Get a Quote from our vetted network of professionals and start your move with total peace of mind.



