Shipping a Car from Seattle, WA to Memphis, TN
Moving a car from Seattle to Memphis means about 2,217 miles eastbound, across nine states, from Washington to Tennessee. Allow 4–6 days after pickup, in line with roughly 44 hours of highway time. This lane sees steady, moderate demand.
The Route and Corridor
The direct line between the two cities crosses Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee. In Idaho, I-84 and I-15 are the main freight roads, with long gaps between cities. In Montana, I-90, I-94 and I-15 cover very long distances between cities. Missouri: I-70, I-44 and I-55 run through St. Louis and Kansas City, with hilly Ozark sections. Pickup is on Pacific time and delivery on Central time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock.
What Seattle to Memphis Costs
A sedan on an open trailer is priced at roughly $1,110–$1,550 on this route, or $0.60 for each of the 2,217 miles. Fixed costs spread thinly over this many miles, which pulls the rate down. For a larger vehicle plan on $1,245–$1,735, and for enclosed carriage of a sedan plan on $1,610–$2,250 (about 45% above open). For scale, Boston, MA to Boulder, CO is a similar 2,111-mile move at $1,055–$1,480. Ending in Little Rock instead (140 mi from Memphis) is estimated at $1,060–$1,485.
| Service | Car Type | Estimated Cost | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $1,110–$1,550 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $1,245–$1,735 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Open | Minivan | $1,245–$1,735 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,610–$2,250 | Luxury, classic and low-clearance cars |
Figures assume a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
Timing and Seasonality
From December to March, mountain weather is the biggest timing risk, and carriers may wait out a storm. For a 2,217-mile trip, request quotes about four weeks before pickup. Across Washington expect rain and snow on Snoqualmie Pass and the Cascades; across Tennessee, winter ice on the Cumberland Plateau.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Seattle. Cold-season storms around Seattle can push pickup dates back by a day or two. Carriers usually load around I-5 and I-90. Puget Sound port city on I-5/I-90; Cascade passes and rain affect winter timing.
Delivery in Memphis. The main approaches to Memphis are I-240, I-40 and I-55. Memphis is a freight crossroads, so there is usually a truck passing through. Mississippi River logistics giant at the I-40/I-55 crossing.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Expect a rolling arrival. Over 2,217 miles the truck makes several stops, so give a flexible delivery day in Memphis.
- Remove loose items. Personal belongings are usually not insured in transit; clear the cabin before pickup in Seattle.
- Compare nearby pickup points. Moving the handoff a short drive from Seattle can change the price on a 2,217-mile lane.