10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Irvine, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: For top-notch car shipping in Irvine, CA, Nexus Auto Transport stands out. With a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, great prices, and a wide range of services, they're our top pick for moving your car. Although rates can differ, shipping your car from Irvine typically costs between $784 and $1,379.
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| Company | Contact | Our rating | Best for | Benefits |
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4.7 |
Best overall value |
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4.5 |
Most accurate pricing |
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4.4 |
Best for budget-conscious shippers |
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4.9 |
Best for Exact Pickup Dates |
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4.4 |
Best for Damage Protection |
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our California car shipping guide.
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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
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Top car shipping companies in Irvine, CA
For those planning to ship their car nearby or outside of California, these are the leading auto transport services in Irvine:
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
Nationwide Transport Services
2765 W. Cypress Creek Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33309
http://www.nationwidetransportservices.com
Nationwide Transport Services (DOT: 2245458) is a reputable car shipping company that excels in providing a variety of transport options, including classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, and the transport of inoperable cars. Their services are supported by a strong reputation, with a Google rating of 4.0, a Yelp rating of 3.5, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Customers can take advantage of their fully insured services and pay using various methods, including cryptocurrency, cash, and money orders. While they do not offer guaranteed delivery or damage-free guarantees, their international shipping capabilities and diverse vehicle transport options make them a versatile choice for many shipping needs.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Accepts Cryptocurrency
- 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
Nationwide United Auto Transport
2202 S Figueroa St #506, Los Angeles, CA, 90007
https://www.nationwideunitedautotransport.com
Nationwide United Auto Transport (DOT: 2423753) offers a wide range of shipping services, including interstate transport, classic car shipping, trailer shipping, RV and heavy equipment shipping, as well as electric vehicle and inoperable car transport. With an impressive 4.9 rating on both Yelp and Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the company is highly praised for its customer service.
Additionally, they provide options for both open and enclosed transport, detailed inspection reports, and shipment tracking to ensure a seamless transport experience. However, some customers might find it inconvenient that they do not offer a damage-free guarantee. Despite this, Nationwide United Auto Transport remains a reliable choice, with a variety of transport solutions to suit different needs.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Sonic Auto Transportation
3090 Bristol St Floor 4, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
https://sonic-auto.com
Sonic Auto Transportation (DOT: 3437626) specializes in providing a variety of shipping services, including interstate transport, enclosed transport, and classic car shipping. While they do not currently offer a damage-free guarantee or shipment tracking, they ensure that all shipments are fully insured, offering peace of mind to their customers.
Unfortunately, they do not transport inoperable cars or offer boating and motorcycle shipping services, which may be important for some clients. Sonic Auto Transportation has a strong presence on review platforms with a Yelp rating of 2.6, a Google rating of 4.4, and a BBB rating of B, reflecting a range of customer experiences.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Hilton Auto Transport
1611 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA, 90501
https://www.hiltonautotransport.com
Hilton Auto Transport (DOT: 2232328) specializes in a wide array of car shipping services, including interstate and international shipping. They pride themselves on offering options for classic cars, inoperable vehicles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, and multi-car transport. While customers can enjoy discounts for seniors, students, and military personnel, it should be noted that the company requires a deposit and does not accept cryptocurrency for payments.
Hilton Auto Transport provides both open and enclosed transport options, along with expedited delivery services, ensuring convenience and flexibility. Despite their beneficial service offerings, they do not provide a damage-free guarantee or ship RVs or heavy equipment, which might be limiting for some potential clients. Although highly rated with a 4.7 on Yelp and an A+ on the Better Business Bureau, the company has yet to establish ratings on Google.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Senior Discount
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Comparing Irvine, CA car auto transport companies
Initially, we investigated major auto transport brands, followed by an evaluation of 28 local car shipping businesses in Irvine, 77 across California, and upwards of 518 nationwide to determine service availability and help you make the ideal choice.
Compare by services
Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Irvine, across California, and nationwide:
- Guaranteed delivery: 9 in Irvine (29.03%), 26 in California (31.33%), 176 nationwide (28.71%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 6 in Irvine (19.35%), 23 in California (27.71%), 172 nationwide (28.06%)
- Expedited delivery: 22 in Irvine (70.97%), 51 in California (61.45%), 333 nationwide (54.32%)
- Insurance included: 25 in Irvine (80.65%), 65 in California (78.31%), 473 nationwide (77.16%)
- Open transport: 28 in Irvine (90.32%), 77 in California (92.77%), 518 nationwide (84.5%)
| Company | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Transport Services | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Nationwide United Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sonic Auto Transportation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hilton Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Irvine, across California, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 11 in Irvine (35.48%), 30 in California (36.14%), 159 nationwide (25.94%)
- Senior discount: 5 in Irvine (16.13%), 10 in California (12.05%), 39 nationwide (6.36%)
- Student discount: 4 in Irvine (12.9%), 9 in California (10.84%), 32 nationwide (5.22%)
- Teacher discount: 1 in Irvine (3.23%), 2 in California (2.41%), 6 nationwide (0.98%)
- Law enforcement discount: 1 in Irvine (3.23%), 1 in California (1.2%), 5 nationwide (0.82%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Transport Services | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Nationwide United Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Sonic Auto Transportation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Hilton Auto Transport | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Irvine, CA
Though not officially a major city, Irvine has a sizeable population of 307,670 and enough regional demand to attract auto transporters. That keeps car shipping rates from Irvine relatively stable and competitive.
The cost to ship a car out of California from Irvine typically costs between $784 and $1,379. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from Irvine will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Irvine, California, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Texas | $1,383 - $1,979 |
| California to Ohio | $1,648 - $2,537 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,664 - $2,730 |
| California to Michigan | $1,566 - $2,667 |
| California to New York | $1,863 - $3,016 |
| Illinois to California | $1,519 - $2,474 |
| Georgia to California | $1,631 - $2,589 |
| Pennsylvania to California | $1,754 - $2,725 |
| Florida to California | $1,719 - $2,753 |
| Arizona to California | $925 - $1,343 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Irvine, CA
The cost of living index in Irvine is 165, which is well above the national average. This can increase the price of car shipping due to higher labor and operational costs in the region.
- How far you're moving: Shipping your car locally within Irvine or nearby in California often costs less than sending it across state lines.
- Urban vs. suburban moves: Whether you're moving from the heart of downtown Irvine or out to the suburbs, your route can influence your shipping price depending on the ease of access and logistics.
- Vehicle make and condition: Smaller cars usually come with lower transport fees than big SUVs or trucks. Special vehicles like luxury and classic models from Irvine may need custom carriers for safe loading, which raises the cost.
- Shipping methods in Irvine: Choose between open-air transport for affordability or enclosed shipping for extra protection from weather and road hazards; the safer the option, the higher the price.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Irvine's fuel prices, especially if you're planning along haul.
- Delivery timing: If you need your car to arrive fast or by a specific date, express and guaranteed services from Irvine come with a higher price tag.
- Season and weather: Peak demand in summer and at month-end raises shipping prices and limits carrier availability. Spring and fall bookings generally offer better rates.
How to ship a car from Irvine, CA
Use this Irvine-specific checklist to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper.
- Confirm your route from Irvine — Confirm whether you are shipping within California or to another state. Local and regional routes from Irvine are priced differently than long cross-country hauls, and your pickup and delivery ZIP codes drive the final quote.
- Factor in Irvine market conditions — Carrier availability in Irvine depends on route density and local demand. The cost-of-living index is 165 (100 = national average).
- Compare national and local carriers — Compare national auto transport partners with the local Irvine shippers listed on this page. National carriers often cover long interstate routes, while local companies may offer faster pickup in the Irvine metro.
- Pick open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the budget option for standard vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for classic, luxury, or high-value cars that need extra protection during loading and transit.
- Verify MC/DOT registration — Ask for each carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
- Get 3+ quotes and schedule off-peak — Request written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator. Book off-peak when possible — summer and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in Irvine?
Many car shipping companies in Irvine, California offer real-time tracking. You can follow your vehicle's journey through the company's website or app, with updates on when it leaves Irvine, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Irvine?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of Irvine follow the major interstate corridors running through California. Carriers on high-traffic routes between large metros generally offer faster transit times and better pricing than those on less-traveled roads. Ask your carrier which interstates they use and whether your destination falls on a primary or secondary route.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company's license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) number and look it up on the USDOT's FMCSA website. This works for any provider based in Irvine or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Irvine?
Most carriers don't require an inspection to ship your car out of Irvine. If you're shipping a classic or high-value vehicle, you may be asked to show proof of insurance. Always check the inspection requirements for the delivery state, as regulations vary.
Take California regulations as an example. 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.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Irvine?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It's a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Irvine to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in Irvine?
Affordable auto transport companies serving Irvine with cost-effective open trailer shipping include Nationwide Transport Services, ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. (offers military, student, teacher, senior, law enforcement discounts), and Nationwide United Auto Transport.
Who ships classic cars out of Irvine?
Trusted classic car haulers serving Irvine with specialized enclosed shipping services include Nationwide Transport Services, ABC Auto Shipping, Inc., and Nationwide United Auto Transport.
