Best Car Shipping Companies in Irvine, CA (2026 Cost Guide)
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 and $1,411.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our California car shipping guide.
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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. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- 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
Nationwide Transport Services (DOT: 2245458) offers a wide variety of car shipping services including interstate transport, enclosed transport, and electric vehicle shipping. Their services are fully insured for peace of mind, and they accept various payment methods including cryptocurrency, cash, and money orders.
Customers have given Nationwide Transport Services a respectable Google rating of 4.0, a Yelp rating of 3.6, and an A+ BBB rating, indicating strong customer satisfaction. A notable downside for some customers is that they do not offer guaranteed delivery services. However, they do accommodate the transportation of inoperable vehicles, which can be a great advantage for customers needing to ship cars that don't run.
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.
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. (DOT: 2340626) is a versatile car shipping company known for its wide range of services. They offer specialized shipping for classic cars, expedited delivery, motorcycle shipping, and trailer shipping. Customers can also benefit from discounts tailored for seniors, teachers, students, and military personnel. Despite the company's high Yelp rating of 4.7 and an excellent BBB rating of A+, it has yet to establish ratings on Google.
One of the company's significant commitments is the damage-free guarantee, ensuring peace of mind during transport. However, they do not handle inoperable car transport, which might be a limitation for some customers. While fully insured services are not available, they compensate by offering shipment tracking and detailed inspection reports.
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
Nationwide United Auto Transport (DOT: 2423753) is a highly rated car shipping service with glowing reviews, boasting an impressive 4.9 rating on both Yelp and Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer a variety of services, including interstate transport, classic car shipping, and the ability to move inoperable vehicles. They accommodate a range of transport needs, such as boat, trailer, RV, and heavy equipment shipping, ensuring that many types of vehicles can be catered for. However, a potential downside for some customers is that they do not offer a damage-free guarantee.
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
Hilton Auto Transport
Hilton Auto Transport (DOT: 2232328) is a reputable car shipping company known for providing a range of services including interstate and international shipping, transportation for classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and electric vehicles. While they offer guaranteed delivery and enclosed transport for added security, they do not provide services like boat, RV, or heavy equipment shipping, which may be a downside for customers looking for these options.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, although it holds an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They offer several types of discounts, including senior, student, and military discounts, but do not accept cryptocurrency or provide damage-free guarantees. Hilton Auto Transport is noted for being fully insured and providing detailed inspection reports as part of their commitment to exceptional service.
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
Sonic Auto Transportation
Sonic Auto Transportation (DOT: 3437626) is a car shipping company known for its diverse service offerings including boat shipping, interstate car transport, and classic car shipping. The company prides itself on being fully insured and providing detailed inspection reports, ensuring customers' peace of mind. However, they do not offer inoperable car transport, which might be a limitation for some clients. While they hold a BBB rating of B, their Yelp rating is 2.2, and the company has yet to establish ratings on Google. Despite offering open and enclosed transport options, they do not currently provide international shipping or terminal-to-terminal delivery services.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Comparing Irvine car auto transport companies
Initially, we investigated major auto transport brands, followed by an evaluation of 28 local car shipping businesses in Irvine, 78 across California, and upwards of 519 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 (30.95%), 176 nationwide (28.66%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 6 in Irvine (19.35%), 23 in California (27.38%), 172 nationwide (28.01%)
- Expedited delivery: 22 in Irvine (70.97%), 51 in California (60.71%), 333 nationwide (54.23%)
- Insurance included: 25 in Irvine (80.65%), 66 in California (78.57%), 475 nationwide (77.36%)
- Open transport: 28 in Irvine (90.32%), 78 in California (92.86%), 519 nationwide (84.53%)
| Company | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Transport Services | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Nationwide United Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hilton Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sonic Auto Transportation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
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 (35.71%), 159 nationwide (25.9%)
- Senior discount: 5 in Irvine (16.13%), 10 in California (11.9%), 39 nationwide (6.35%)
- Student discount: 4 in Irvine (12.9%), 9 in California (10.71%), 32 nationwide (5.21%)
- Teacher discount: 1 in Irvine (3.23%), 2 in California (2.38%), 6 nationwide (0.98%)
- Law enforcement discount: 1 in Irvine (3.23%), 1 in California (1.19%), 5 nationwide (0.81%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Transport Services | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Nationwide United Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Hilton Auto Transport | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Sonic Auto Transportation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Irvine
Though not officially a major city, Irvine has a sizeable population of 307670 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 to $1,411. 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 North Carolina | $1,501 - $2,208 |
| California to Georgia | $1,319 - $2,201 |
| California to Arizona | $771 - $1,212 |
| California to Colorado | $871 - $1,406 |
| California to New York | $1,583 - $2,440 |
| Michigan to California | $1,387 - $2,070 |
| Ohio to California | $1,346 - $2,136 |
| Florida to California | $1,477 - $2,225 |
| Texas to California | $1,152 - $1,698 |
| Illinois to California | $1,386 - $1,978 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Irvine
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: Hot and dry summers in Irvine can reduce the risk of weather-related transport delays, helping to keep car shipping rates stable, while the mild winters mean shippers rarely face seasonal surcharges due to snow or ice.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Irvine?
Many car shipping companies in Irvine, California, provide real-time tracking. You can usually follow your vehicle's trip on the company’s website or app. See when your car leaves Irvine, the expected arrival time, and any possible delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Irvine?
I-5 runs north toward Los Angeles and south to San Diego. I-405 connects to coastal regions and Los Angeles. I-605 links to eastern Los Angeles County. I-15 heads inland toward Las Vegas and the Southwest. I-10 goes east to Arizona and west to the coast.
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 need to inspect your car before shipping it from Irvine. But if your car is classic or high-value, proof of insurance might be needed. Remember to check the delivery state's inspection laws, as rules differ.
Take California regulations as an example. In California, you must get your vehicle inspected every year to confirm it's safe and in good condition for public roads. You can have this inspection done at any service station approved by the California Department of Transportation.
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.
