$1,862 Car Shippers from Maine to California (2024 Guide)

Quick Answer: The average cost to ship a car the 3243 miles from Maine to California ranges from $1,862 to $2,821 and takes 7-15 days.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Maine car shipping guide.

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The average cost to ship a car from Maine to California

Because the distance between Maine to California is about 3243 miles, it’ll take from 7 to 15 days to complete your car shipment.

Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to California

  • Portland to Los Angeles: $1,824 to $2,969
  • Portland to San Diego: $1,824 to $2,969
  • Portland to San Jose: $1,956 to $3,029
  • Portland to San Francisco: $1,805 to $2,969
  • Portland to Fresno: $1,843 to $2,910

Cost to ship a car from Falmouth, ME to California

  • Falmouth to Los Angeles: $1,956 to $2,999
  • Falmouth to San Diego: $1,843 to $2,821
  • Falmouth to San Jose: $1,862 to $3,058
  • Falmouth to San Francisco: $1,899 to $2,999
  • Falmouth to Fresno: $1,787 to $2,821

Cost to ship a car from Orono, ME to California

  • Orono to Los Angeles: $1,862 to $2,851
  • Orono to San Diego: $1,899 to $3,058
  • Orono to San Jose: $1,956 to $2,969
  • Orono to San Francisco: $1,805 to $2,969
  • Orono to Fresno: $1,937 to $2,969

Cost to ship a car from Kennebunk, ME to California

  • Kennebunk to Los Angeles: $1,975 to $3,029
  • Kennebunk to San Diego: $1,899 to $2,880
  • Kennebunk to San Jose: $1,975 to $2,999
  • Kennebunk to San Francisco: $1,956 to $2,821
  • Kennebunk to Fresno: $1,956 to $3,029

Cost to ship a car from Wells, ME to California

  • Wells to Los Angeles: $1,956 to $3,058
  • Wells to San Diego: $1,805 to $2,969
  • Wells to San Jose: $1,805 to $2,969
  • Wells to San Francisco: $1,956 to $2,969
  • Wells to Fresno: $1,899 to $3,118

Shipping an SUV or Truck from Maine to California

Since vehicles such as SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?

If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Maine to California you should expect to pay between $2,328 and $3,526.

Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from Maine to California

  • Open Carrier or Enclosed Trailer – Most new cars from ports and factories are moved on open auto carriers, while race cars, vintage collector’s cars, and high-dollar luxury cars get enclosed transport. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs enclosed car shipping.
  • Time of the year – Due to demand, prices to ship your car from Maine to California tend to be a little higher in the summer.
  • Size, Weight, and Type of Vehicle – The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more shipping your car to California will cost.
  • Delivery Expectations – Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Maine to California should take between 7 and 15 days.
  • Pick up and Drop-Off Options – Instead of door-to-door service, consider taking your vehicle to the nearest company terminal in Maine and having it delivered to the one closest to your new home in California. It’s more work for you, but it could save you a bundle.

Resources for Shipping a Car from Maine to California

The following resources can help with you shipping your car from Maine to California:

Stick around for more details on costs, tips, and Maine car shippers you should use.

The best car shipping from Maine to California

A good car shipping company should cover the basics. These are the things to look out for in a quality transport company:

  • Insurance: Make sure the insurance covers both the company and the hauler the company contracts with to ship the car.
  • Experience: Look for a company that has multiple years of experience and a good track record.
  • Shipping options: Good car shipping companies will offer open and closed transport, expedited delivery, shipment tracking, and more.
  • Added Perks: Damage coverage, no initial deposits, rental car assistance, free car wash, and guaranteed pricing are some additional options great car shippers offer.
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Transparent pricing
  • Fully insured
Check prices (864) 492-1221

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
Check prices (888) 259-6046

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
Check prices (833) 775-1461

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.35 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable
Check prices (866) 563-0804

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.55 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
Check prices (224) 206-5633

% of users select this mover

How car shipping from Maine to California works

  • After you’ve received your quote, book your vehicle transport from Maine to California.
  • Once booked, you’ll schedule your vehicle to be picked up in Maine where it will be loaded onto the carrier.
  • Your vehicle will be safely unloaded from the carrier in California on your delivery date.

What else should you know about shipping a car from Maine to California?

  • Car Insurance requirements: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
  • Vehicle Inspection: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
  • Driver’s License: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Additional Taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.

Alternative ways to ship your car from Maine to California

Learn more with our car shipping checklist

Shipping Your Car from Maine to California FAQs

Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in Maine and when dropping off my car in California?

Most companies will require someone that is at least 18-years-old to be present when picking up your car in Maine and when dropping it off in California.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maine to California?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maine to California, it’s not required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, which you should verify before loading your car in Maine.

How long does it take to ship a car from Maine to California?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. With the trip from Maine to California being about 3243 miles, that’s as fast as about 7 days. But most car transporting companies will take 7-15 days to go from Maine to California.