10 Best Car Shipping Companies in California (2026 Cost Guide)
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Quick answer: Nexus Auto Transport tops our list for car shipping in California thanks to their competitive pricing, solid service options, and standout reviews. Our team gave them a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars. While prices can vary based on several factors, you'll generally spend between $669 and $1,278 to ship your car from California.
California Car Shipping Facts
- 92% of auto transport companies in California ship vehicles using open carriers, the most popular and budget-friendly method.
- While 85% of California shippers provide enclosed transport services.
- Across the U.S., just 28% of companies offer guaranteed delivery. If timing is critical, we suggest Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in California
Our team has dedicated more than 400 hours to researching and evaluating 613 car shipping companies nationwide — including 83 based in CA. This work allows us to provide unbiased, trustworthy recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
Whether you're shipping from Los Angeles or another city in California, explore our top picks for reliable auto shippers below:
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company's transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn't ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only 'Damage Free Guarantee'
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
King Of The Road Transport Inc
7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA, 91335
http://kingoftheroadtransport.com
King Of The Road Transport Inc (DOT: 2248724) is a versatile car shipping company that offers a wide range of services to meet diverse transportation needs. They specialize in interstate and international shipping, as well as handling inoperable cars, classic cars, and electric vehicles.
While the company provides numerous discount options, including senior, teacher, and military discounts, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some clients. King Of The Road Transport Inc has yet to establish a presence on Yelp and Google, but they hold an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Teacher Discount
- Senior Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Auto Express Inc.
501 W Broadway Ste. 800, San Diego, CA, 92101
https://autoexpressinc-car-shipping-san-diego.com
Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) offers a comprehensive range of car shipping services, notably excelling in Google ratings with an impressive score of 4.9, a strong Yelp rating of 4.2, and holding an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They provide transport for classic cars, cars that don't run, and electric vehicles, as well as motorcycle and RV shipping. Additionally, they offer terminal-to-terminal delivery and multiple transport options, including open and enclosed methods.
While the company does offer international shipping, some customers may find it a downside that Auto Express Inc. does not provide a damage-free guarantee or the option to pay by cash. Customers can take advantage of services like storage solutions and shipment tracking, ensuring a streamlined and efficient shipping experience.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
San Diego Auto Shipping Group
3312 1228 University Ave Suite 200-161, San Diego, CA, 92103
https://autoshippinggroup.com
San Diego Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a car shipping business known for offering a range of comprehensive services, including transport for inoperable cars, motorcycles, RVs, and even boats. Customers can take advantage of their expedited delivery option, while a damage-free guarantee provides peace of mind. Additionally, their car shipping services are fully insured, ensuring vehicles are protected during transit.
Despite having a strong service offering, it's worth noting that San Diego Auto Shipping Group does not provide heavy equipment or electric vehicle shipping, which may be a downside for some customers. The company is highly rated with a Google review rating of 4.5 and holds an A+ rating with the BBB; however, they have yet to establish a presence on Yelp. They also offer military discounts but do not currently provide discounts for seniors, students, or AAA members.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA, 94538
https://www.mccollisters.com
McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc. (DOT: 289344) is a reputable car shipping company known for its comprehensive range of services and high ratings. Customers can trust them for classic car shipping, interstate deliveries, and trailer shipping. McCollister's is fully insured, providing a damage-free guarantee, and they offer open and enclosed transport options to suit various needs.
While they excel with a Google rating of 4.2 and a BBB rating of A+, their Yelp rating stands at 3.2. A potential downside for some customers is their lack of service for inoperable cars, as well as the absence of international shipping and certain discounts like military or student discounts. Despite this, their commitment to quality is evident through features like shipment tracking and a deposit-free service, which many customers find appealing.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.
102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA, 92618
https://abcautoshipping.com
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. (DOT: 2340626) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of services including boat and motorcycle shipping, as well as specialized services like classic car transport. Customers can benefit from discounts such as those for seniors, teachers, students, and law enforcement personnel. ABC Auto Shipping distinguishes itself with an impressive Yelp rating of 4.7 and holds an A+ rating from the BBB, but has yet to establish ratings on Google.
However, it is worth noting that the company does not transport cars that don't run or accept payments by money order, which could be seen as drawbacks for some customers. Despite these limitations, ABC Auto Shipping provides a damage-free guarantee and offers both open and enclosed transport options to meet a variety of customer needs. Their service is complemented by features such as guaranteed delivery and shipment tracking, ensuring peace of mind for clients.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Teacher Discount
- Senior Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Law Enforcement Discount
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Average cost of transporting a car out of CA
The average cost to transport a car to another state if you live in California typically ranges from $669 to $1,278, though the exact amount could be more or less depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $522 and $857
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $859 and $1,198
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,143 and $1,320
To give you a better idea, here are some examples:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| California to Michigan | $1,566 | $2,667 |
| California to New York | $1,863 | $3,016 |
| California to Illinois | $1,599 | $2,499 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,664 | $2,730 |
| California to Ohio | $1,648 | $2,537 |
| Florida to California | $1,719 | $2,753 |
| Texas to California | $1,383 | $2,038 |
| Arizona to California | $925 | $1,343 |
| Pennsylvania to California | $1,754 | $2,725 |
| Georgia to California | $1,631 | $2,589 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from California:
- How far are you moving? Distance makes a big difference. Shipping a car within California or to neighboring states is usually much cheaper than sending it cross-country.
- Pickup and drop-off spots: Where your car starts and ends its journey plays a big role in pricing. If you're shipping from busy Los Angeles or heading to a small town in California, urban locations often have better rates, while rural areas might drive costs up.
- Your car's make, model, and year: What you drive affects your quote. Compact cars cost less to move, but transporting a classic or specialty vehicle, especially one that needs extra protection in California, usually means a higher price tag.
- Shipping options in the Golden State: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is more budget-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for California's unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
- Fuel prices: Gas prices in California change often and can impact your final shipping cost, especially on long-distance moves.
- Timeline: Need your car delivered by a specific date or in a hurry? Expedited options cost extra, so be ready for a higher price tag if you're on a tight deadline.
- Savings and discounts: Check if you qualify for special deals. Many California auto shippers offer military, student, or multi-car discounts. For ways to save, see our discount guide.
Want the most accurate estimate? Use our car shipping calculator. For more details, browse all the top car shipping routes in California.
How to ship a car from California
Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in California.
- Estimate your shipping cost — Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of California typically costs $669–$1,278, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
- Choose open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris — especially relevant given California's weather patterns.
- Verify MC/DOT licensing — Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes — Compare at least three of the 83 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in California. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
- Book an off-peak ship date — Book off-peak when your timeline allows. Summer, holidays, and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. In California, in-state shipments typically deliver in 1–3 days; cross-country routes often take 7–14 days depending on distance and weather.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car shipping company in California?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in California, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in California?
The cheapest company to ship your car in California will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on your specific needs is to use our car shipping calculator. Remember that the cheapest isn't always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also, most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top car shippers in California, AmeriFreight has the most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
Do California car shippers offer discounts?
In California, discounts for police and law enforcement are offered by a single provider. There are 30 car shippers with military discounts available to active service members and veterans in California. Those shipping a vehicle for school can access discounts from 9 providers. Car shippers in California do not provide discounts tied to AAA membership.
Does California require a 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.
Does weather in California impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of California. 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.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of California?
Delivery times for car shipping in California depend on the distance and specific route. For in-state shipments, it typically ranges from one to three days. For longer interstate routes, especially those crossing the country, expect approximately seven to 14 days.
Consider elements such as traffic, the weather in California, and the specific start and end points, as they all play a role in affecting these time frames. It's always wise to consult your shipping provider for a more tailored estimate based on your individual requirements.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in California?
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.
