10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Los Angeles, CA

Top car shipping companies in Los Angeles, CA

Whether you're shipping your car locally or out of California, these are the best auto transport companies serving Los Angeles. Some are based in Los Angeles itself and others operate in the surrounding region:

Compare Los Angeles, CA car shippers

Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of car shipping providers across California and more than 612 nationwide, to compare service options and help you pick the best fit for Los Angeles.

Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Los Angeles, across California, and nationwide:

Here's a closer look at the companies serving Los Angeles and which of these services they offer:

Compare by discounts

Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Los Angeles, across California, and nationwide:

• Military discount: 14 in Los Angeles (38.89%), 30 in California (36.14%), 159 nationwide (25.98%)
• Senior discount: 6 in Los Angeles (16.67%), 10 in California (12.05%), 38 nationwide (6.21%)
• Student discount: 6 in Los Angeles (16.67%), 9 in California (10.84%), 32 nationwide (5.23%)
• Teacher discount: 2 in Los Angeles (5.56%), 2 in California (2.41%), 6 nationwide (0.98%)
• Law enforcement discount: 1 in Los Angeles (2.78%), 1 in California (1.2%), 5 nationwide (0.82%)

Average cost to ship a car out of Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles is one of California's major cities, with a population of 3,820,914 and steady carrier traffic year-round. That typically makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Los Angeles compared to smaller towns nearby.

The average cost to move a car out of Los Angeles, California is $698 - $1,369, though it can run higher depending on your route. Your final price depends on factors like distance and gas prices.

Here are some sample price ranges for shipping your vehicle from Los Angeles, California to other states:

Check out all car shipping routes.

Factors influencing car shipping costs from Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles's size works in its favor here: more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability tend to keep costs competitive. According to Los Angeles's cost of living index, the California city is about 62% more expensive than the national average. This can push car shipping costs higher due to increased labor and operational expenses in the region.

• Distance: Shipping your car within Los Angeles or to a nearby city in California usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
• Location: Los Angeles's dense urban core means heavier traffic and tighter pickup logistics, which can push car shipping costs noticeably higher than in quieter suburban areas.
• The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Los Angeles might require special handling, increasing the price. 80% of the 36 Los Angeles shippers we have service data for handle classic cars, versus 75% across California, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
• Available shipping options in Los Angeles: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards. Among the 36 Los Angeles shippers we have service data for, 88% offer open transport , and 88% offer enclosed transport (nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport).
• Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Los Angeles can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average price in California is about $4.66 per gallon right now.
• Delivery speed and price: Open transport typically costs $0.60 - $1 per mile, while expedited delivery costs $1 - $1.50 per mile. Expect to pay $200 - $500 more, on average, for expedited or guaranteed delivery out of Los Angeles.
• Seasonal pricing: Summer and month-end dates are the busiest time for car shippers, which pushes rates up. Book in the off-season instead, typically fall or early winter, and you could pay 10% - 30% less.

How to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA

Use this checklist to compare auto transport companies serving Los Angeles and book the right shipper for your move:

1. Establish your route first. Know whether your move stays inside California or heads to another state. Shorter, regional routes cost less than long-distance ones, and the exact ZIP codes involved set your final quote.
2. Understand the local market. Los Angeles generally offers more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. Its cost of living lands 62% above the national average.
3. Balance national and local carriers. National partners are a solid pick for long hauls, while the local shippers on this page (5 tracked here) often win on speed for nearby pickups.
4. Pick your transport type: open vs. enclosed. Open transport is the more economical choice for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport better protects classic, luxury, or high-value cars in transit.
5. Double-check MC/DOT numbers. Ask for the carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and run them through the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
6. Request 3+ quotes and dodge peak pricing. Compare written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator, and aim to book outside summer and end-of-month windows when demand spikes.

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