California to North Dakota Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,717 miles from California to North Dakota ranges from $1,567 to $2,187 and takes 3–9 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our North Dakota to California car shipping guide.
California to North Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in California and North Dakota. The average travel distance is about 1,717 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 3 to 9 days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to North Dakota
| From California to North Dakota | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Fargo, ND | 1,778 miles | $1,432–$2,187 | 3–11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Bismarck, ND | 1,583 miles | $1,372–$1,980 | 3–9 days |
| San Jose, CA to Dickinson, ND | 1,486 miles | $1,277–$1,843 | 3–8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Grand Forks, ND | 1,834 miles | $1,538–$2,166 | 3–11 days |
| Fresno, CA to Jamestown, ND | 1,683 miles | $1,412–$2,012 | 3–9 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to North Dakota
| From California to North Dakota | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Fargo, ND | 1,839 miles | $1,477–$2,258 | 3–11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Bismarck, ND | 1,645 miles | $1,398–$2,116 | 3–9 days |
| San Jose, CA to Dickinson, ND | 1,548 miles | $1,316–$1,881 | 3–9 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Grand Forks, ND | 1,896 miles | $1,569–$2,395 | 3–11 days |
| Fresno, CA to Jamestown, ND | 1,745 miles | $1,552–$2,100 | 3–9 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to North Dakota
| From California to North Dakota | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Fargo, ND | 1,804 miles | $1,600–$2,280 | 3–11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Bismarck, ND | 1,610 miles | $1,412–$2,178 | 3–9 days |
| San Jose, CA to Dickinson, ND | 1,514 miles | $1,386–$1,940 | 3–9 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Grand Forks, ND | 1,861 miles | $1,584–$2,235 | 3–11 days |
| Fresno, CA to Jamestown, ND | 1,710 miles | $1,477–$2,078 | 3–9 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to North Dakota
| From California to North Dakota | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Fargo, ND | 1,772 miles | $1,537–$2,057 | 3–11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Bismarck, ND | 1,578 miles | $1,372–$2,019 | 3–9 days |
| San Jose, CA to Dickinson, ND | 1,482 miles | $1,277–$1,940 | 3–8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Grand Forks, ND | 1,829 miles | $1,507–$2,326 | 3–11 days |
| Fresno, CA to Jamestown, ND | 1,678 miles | $1,499–$2,054 | 3–9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to North Dakota
| From California to North Dakota | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Fargo, ND | 1,852 miles | $1,615–$2,326 | 3–11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Bismarck, ND | 1,658 miles | $1,427–$2,178 | 3–9 days |
| San Jose, CA to Dickinson, ND | 1,562 miles | $1,358–$2,079 | 3–9 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Grand Forks, ND | 1,909 miles | $1,623–$2,370 | 3–11 days |
| Fresno, CA to Jamestown, ND | 1,758 miles | $1,552–$2,165 | 3–11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to North Dakota
Since vehicles like 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 California to North Dakota you should expect to pay between $1,959 and $2,734.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from California to North Dakota
When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Peace Garden State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to North Dakota.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to North Dakota spans approximately 1,717 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of California, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between California and North Dakota and the varying gas prices across the country.
- 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 California to North Dakota should take between 3 and 9 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best California to North Dakota car shipping companies
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We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from California to North Dakota:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
Alternative ways to ship your car from California to North Dakota
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,717 miles on your car going from California to North Dakota. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs shipping it.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a moving company, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Hire a driver: Hire someone to drive the car from California to North Dakota for you. It’s an option, but will probably be a very costly one and involve trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
What else should you know about shipping a car from California to North Dakota?
- Car insurance requirements: North Dakota mandates that all vehicles carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, drivers must have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Basic personal injury protection is also required, providing $150 per week with a maximum of $30,000.
- Vehicle inspection: As a new resident in North Dakota, you have 90 days to have your vehicle inspected and registered in the state. There is no requirement for smog or emissions testing in North Dakota.
- Driver’s license: If you’ve just moved to North Dakota, visit a Driver's License and Testing office, make an appointment for road tests, bring proof of current name and date of birth, and pay applicable fees to get a new driver’s license.
- Additional taxes: Proof of taxes paid in the state of purchase is required to be exempt from North Dakota excise tax for out-of-state vehicle purchases. No tax reciprocity for foreign purchases, taxes due at 5% on purchase price (based on exchange rate).
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Transporting your vehicle from California
Over 39 million people call California home. Nicknamed the Golden State, California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
Transporting your vehicle to North Dakota
About 22 million people are living in the Peace Garden State of North Dakota. North Dakota has warm summers and cold winters. The temperature differences are significant because of its far inland position and being roughly equal distance from the North Pole and the Equator.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in California and when dropping off my car in North Dakota?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in California and when dropping it off in North Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to North Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to North Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to North Dakota, which you should verify before loading your car in California.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the 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.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. North Dakota mandates that all vehicles carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, drivers must have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Basic personal injury protection is also required, providing $150 per week with a maximum of $30,000.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to North Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to North Dakota is about 1717 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take 3-9 days to travel from California to North Dakota.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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.
As a new resident in North Dakota, you have 90 days to have your vehicle inspected and registered in the state. There is no requirement for smog or emissions testing in North Dakota.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in North Dakota?
If you’ve just moved to North Dakota, visit a Driver's License and Testing office, make an appointment for road tests, bring proof of current name and date of birth, and pay applicable fees to get a new driver’s license.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in North Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to North Dakota after purchasing it.
Proof of taxes paid in the state of purchase is required to be exempt from North Dakota excise tax for out-of-state vehicle purchases. No tax reciprocity for foreign purchases, taxes due at 5% on purchase price (based on exchange rate).
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and North Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
