In-state
Lakewood ↔ Tacoma, WA
≈ 7 mi straight-line
Tacoma lies about 7 miles northeast. In-state moves like this usually ride along on a longer carrier route. Tacoma sits near the Pacific coast.
Shipping in Lakewood
What to know about moving a car in Lakewood.
Lakewood sits about 33 miles south of Seattle in the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue metro area. The city is in Pierce County. About 62,300 people live here, according to the Census Bureau's 2023 estimate.
Car carriers reach Lakewood on I-5. Being close to Joint Base Lewis-McChord means a steady flow of PCS moves in and out of town.
Lakewood is about 4 miles from the Pacific coast. Winters bring snow and salted roads, so winter shipping needs a little more planning.
Seattle, the largest city in Washington, is about 33 miles north in a straight line. Nearby places with their own guides include Tacoma (7 mi), Federal Way (14 mi), and Auburn (18 mi). The closest major out-of-state market is Portland, OR, about 113 miles away.
Routes
Common routes to and from Lakewood.
Straight-line distances are shown for comparison. Road miles and timing come with your quote, and every route works in both directions.
Regional
Lakewood ↔ Portland, OR
≈ 113 mi straight-line
A short in-region hop of about 113 miles south to a major neighboring metro. Portland gets real winters, so leave slack in December through February.
Snowbird
Lakewood ↔ Las Vegas, NV
≈ 842 mi straight-line
A winter destination about 842 miles southeast. Book early for October through December departures.
Military PCS
Lakewood ↔ Columbus, GA
≈ 2,211 mi straight-line
PCS orders often connect these two military towns, about 2,211 miles apart.
Military PCS
Lakewood ↔ Colorado Springs, CO
≈ 1,061 mi straight-line
A large military community about 1,061 miles southeast, and a common PCS pairing. Colorado Springs is at about 6,339 ft, so winter mountain passes can matter.
Cross-country
Lakewood ↔ New York, NY
≈ 2,420 mi straight-line
Across the country, about 2,420 miles east. Ask for a pickup window when you request the quote. New York sits near the Atlantic coast.
Pickup & delivery
Local considerations for Lakewood.
Base access
Civilian carriers usually can't drive onto Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Plan to meet off-base in Lakewood, and line up dates with your report or departure date if you're on PCS orders.
Neighborhood rules
HOA rules, cul-de-sacs and low trees are common in Lakewood's neighborhoods. A nearby shopping-center lot or main road is the usual backup.
Winter prep
Winter storms can delay pickups. Rinse off road salt before the inspection so the condition report is accurate, and make sure the battery is strong.
Highway handoff
If your street is hard to reach, a large lot near I-5 is often the quickest handoff point in Lakewood.
Nearby
More pages near Lakewood.
Shipping from a neighboring city or town? These pages cover their roads, routes and local details. You can also browse every city we cover in Washington.
Tacoma, WA7 mi
Federal Way, WA14 mi
Auburn, WA18 mi
Des Moines, WA18 mi
Kent, WA21 mi
Renton, WA27 mi
Bremerton, WA27 mi
Seattle, WA33 mi
Popular destinations
FAQ
Car shipping questions about Lakewood.
Do you offer door-to-door car shipping in Lakewood, WA?
Yes. Most addresses in Lakewood can be served door to door. If HOA rules or narrow streets get in the way, we'll set a nearby meeting point instead.
How far ahead should I book car shipping in Lakewood?
Booking a week or two ahead usually gives you the most options. In Lakewood, summer is peak PCS season around JB Lewis-McChord.
Can you ship a car from Lakewood to Tacoma, WA?
Yes. Lakewood to Tacoma is about 7 miles in a straight line, and the road distance is longer. We'll quote the route both ways and give you a timing window before you book.
Can a carrier pick up at Joint Base Lewis-McChord?
Usually not on the installation itself. Civilian carriers generally can't get on base, so pickup is set at an address or public lot off-base in Lakewood. Have your orders handy if your dates depend on a report date.
Can you ship a car out of Lakewood in winter?
Yes. Snow can push a pickup back by a day, but carriers run all winter. If the car is a classic or low-clearance model, enclosed transport keeps it away from salt and slush.
Should I choose open or enclosed transport in Lakewood?
Open transport works well for most everyday cars and is the more affordable option. Enclosed transport protects luxury, classic or freshly detailed vehicles from salt air near the coast along the way.
Which highways do carriers use to reach Lakewood?
Carriers usually reach Lakewood on I-5.
Shipping a car from Lakewood?
Share the route and we’ll come back with a quote and a recommended transport type.