Best Car Shipping Companies in Modesto, CA (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Nexus Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Modesto, CA, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. While your price will vary, you can expect to pay between to $1,483 to ship your car out of Modesto.
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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 Modesto, CA
If you need to transport your vehicle either within California or beyond its borders, here are the top car shipping providers in Modesto:
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 a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. 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
- Ships all vehicle types
- 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
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Car Shipping Carriers
Car Shipping Carriers (DOT: DOT# 2249744) is a top-rated car shipping company, boasting a Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the BBB. The company is renowned for its comprehensive services, including enclosed transport, electric vehicle shipping, and inoperable car transport, ensuring diverse vehicle shipping options.
While Car Shipping Carriers does not offer boat shipping, they do provide benefits like a damage-free guarantee and detailed inspection reports, enhancing customer confidence. Additionally, they offer military discounts but currently have not started accepting cryptocurrency payments, which may be an inconvenience for some.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp, but its existing accolades highlight its commitment to service excellence and reliability in the car shipping industry.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc. (DOT: 289344) provides a variety of specialized car shipping services, such as classic car shipping, enclosed transport, and heavy equipment shipping. They ensure peace of mind with their damage-free guarantee and offer fully insured services, while also supporting both interstate and international shipping needs.
Customers can expect reliable service with a Google rating of 4.2, despite a slightly lower Yelp rating of 3.2, and a commendable BBB rating of A+. However, the company does not offer transport for inoperable cars, which may be a limitation for some clients.
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
Ats Transportation Svc
Ats Transportation Svc (DOT: 2213996) is a reputable car shipping company known for its excellent service standards. Customers can rely on their damage-free guarantee and fully insured transport services, with the added convenience of multi-car and motorcycle shipping. Their positive reputation is reflected in a Yelp rating of 3.9, a Google rating of 4.6, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
The company also facilitates international and interstate shipping, accommodating a wide range of customer needs. However, Ats Transportation Svc does not provide inoperable car transport, which may be a consideration for certain clients. While they don’t offer expedited delivery, customers can take advantage of other discounts using specific discount codes provided by the company.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Big Bird Transportation
Big Bird Transportation (DOT: 3172896) is an active car shipping service that offers a variety of specialized transport solutions. They provide options for classic car shipping, motorcycle transport, and electric vehicle shipping, all backed by a damage-free guarantee and full insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. Unfortunately, they do not offer inoperable car transport, which could be a downside for customers with cars that don’t run. They also offer multi-car transport, making them a convenient choice for customers needing to ship multiple vehicles at once.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
United Road
United Road (DOT: 3600482) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of services, including interstate transport and electric vehicle shipping. They are fully insured, provide terminal-to-terminal delivery, and offer enclosed transport for customers seeking extra protection for their vehicles.
Although they do not offer inoperable car transport, their international shipping service is a significant plus for customers looking to ship vehicles abroad. United Road does not currently have ratings on Yelp or the BBB, but it boasts an impressive Google rating of 4.7. Unfortunately, for customers interested in expedited delivery, this service is not provided.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Comparing Modesto car auto transport companies
We started by examining the leading auto transport brands, and then reviewed 1 local car shipping firms in Modesto, 78 across California, and more than 518 nationwide to evaluate service offerings and direct you to the best fit for your needs.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Modesto, across California, and nationwide:
- Expedited delivery: 0 in Modesto (0.0%), 51 in California (60.71%), 333 nationwide (54.41%)
- Insurance included: 1 in Modesto (100.0%), 66 in California (78.57%), 474 nationwide (77.45%)
- Open transport: 1 in Modesto (100.0%), 78 in California (92.86%), 518 nationwide (84.64%)
- Enclosed transport: 1 in Modesto (100.0%), 71 in California (84.52%), 494 nationwide (80.72%)
- Inoperable car transport: 0 in Modesto (0.0%), 32 in California (38.1%), 242 nationwide (39.54%)
| Company | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Inoperable car transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car Shipping Carriers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ats Transportation Svc | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Big Bird Transportation | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| United Road | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
How we chose the best car shipping companies
By examining 2,400 car transport services across the US, we rated and reviewed them according to important criteria with our specialized methodology.
The criteria we used were as follows:
- Diverse service options: Our analysis covered the different services provided by each company. We looked into whether they offer open or enclosed transport, as well as both options. Also, we checked if they provide door-to-door shipping or only operate through terminal services, alongside the types of vehicles they can accommodate. Companies that extend services to specialty vehicles like RVs and motorcycles were favored over those that cater only to car shipments.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer feedback: We reviewed user comments on various well-known sites like Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to determine if a car shipping company provides timely service, effective communication, and accurate cost estimates. Additionally, we assessed the overall reputation of each company within the car shipping sector by verifying their U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and investigating their association and reputation with trade groups.
- Availability: Our scoring method considered the geographic reach of each company. Those extending their services to Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the continental U.S., earned higher scores compared to those present only in the Lower 48 or fewer areas.
- Scheduling and payment: Our evaluation focused on how effectively customers can book services and predict expenses via reliable quotes, competitive pricing, fixed rates, and extra benefits. Car shippers that deliver binding estimates or commit to pricing were rated higher than those that aren’t clear with their charges.
Average cost to ship a car out of Modesto
Though not officially a major city, Modesto has a sizeable population of 218464 and enough regional demand to attract auto transporters. That keeps car shipping rates from Modesto relatively stable and competitive.
Shipping a vehicle from Modesto, California typically begins at approximately , with potential costs reaching up to $1,483 or beyond. The ultimate charge will hinge on aspects such as mileage and fuel expenses.
Below are some example price brackets for transporting your car from Modesto, California to different states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Ohio | $1,360 – $1,973 |
| California to Illinois | $1,308 – $2,084 |
| California to New York | $1,479 – $2,395 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,321 – $2,020 |
| California to Texas | $1,056 – $1,571 |
| Georgia to California | $1,360 – $2,118 |
| Arizona to California | $727 – $1,100 |
| Michigan to California | $1,295 – $1,973 |
| Colorado to California | $839 – $1,421 |
| Florida to California | $1,449 – $2,121 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Modesto
The cost of living index in Modesto is 116, 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.
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Modesto or to another city in California can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- City vs. suburb pickups and drop-offs: Moving your vehicle from busy downtown Modesto to a quieter suburb may affect the price you pay.
- Type and condition of your car: Shipping a compact car will usually cost less than moving a large SUV. Shipping special vehicles like classics or luxury cars from Modesto may come with premium fees due to the need for added protection and careful handling.
- Shipping options in Modesto: Pick between standard open-air carriers, often the cheapest, or enclosed transport for added protection from weather and road debris.
- Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Modesto can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Modesto comes at a premium.
- Seasonal changes and weather: Hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters in Modesto can impact car shipping prices by increasing demand during comfortable weather and raising costs during extreme heat or storms when carriers face more challenging road conditions.
Tips for choosing the right Modesto car shipping company
- Get a clear quote: Always ask for a full breakdown of costs. In Modesto, the typical shipping price starts at around $1,100.
- Review insurance options: Choose carriers that clearly explain their coverage and make it easy to file a claim. Some offer perks like a damage-free guarantee to ensure peace of mind.
- Check out reviews: Reviews from real Modesto customers help highlight reliable companies and expose red flags.
- Confirm credentials: Use the FMCSA company snapshot tool to make sure your chosen shipper is licensed and insured.
- Balance service and price: Don’t just pick the lowest quote. Compare what services are included and beware of offers that seem too good to be true.
- Know the delivery schedule: Confirm the expected pickup and drop-off times with your Modesto shipper. Seasonal delays and the type of transport can affect the timeline.
- Tailor your experience: Look for add-ons like express shipping or door delivery in Modesto to simplify the process.
- Ask someone you trust: A recommendation from a Modesto local can save you hours of searching and second-guessing.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Modesto?
Many car shipping companies in Modesto, California, provide real-time tracking. Customers can often use the company’s website or app to follow their vehicle’s journey. You can check when your car departs Modesto, see the expected arrival time, and be notified of any travel delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Modesto?
Interstate 5 connects Modesto north to Sacramento and south to Los Angeles. Interstate 99 links Modesto to Central Valley cities. Interstate 580 provides access to the Bay Area. Interstate 80 enables routes toward Nevada and eastern states.
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 Modesto or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Modesto?
Most carriers don’t need an inspection to ship your car from Modesto. But if you’re shipping a classic or high-value car, you might need to show insurance proof. Always check the delivery state’s inspection laws, as they can differ.
Take California regulations as an example. California mandates a yearly safety check to make sure vehicles on public roads are in good shape and safe to drive. This inspection can be done at any service station approved by the California Department of Transportation.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Modesto?
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 Modesto to your next destination.
What’s the cheapest car shipping company in Modesto?
Budget-friendly carriers in Modesto that offer open transport (the most affordable car shipping method) include Car Shipping Carriers (offers military discounts), McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc., and Ats Transportation Svc.
Who ships classic cars out of Modesto?
Modesto companies specializing in vintage vehicle transport with enclosed trailers for maximum protection include Car Shipping Carriers, McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc., and Big Bird Transportation.
More California car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in California, these resources should help:
- Alum Rock
- Anaheim
- Antioch
- Apple Valley
- Avocado Heights
- Big Bear City
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Commerce
- Concord
- Dublin
- El Sobrante
- Emeryville
- Fairfield
- Fontana
- Fremont
- Fresno
- Grand Terrace
- Hemet
- Hesperia
- Home Gardens
- Irvine
- Kingsburg
- Lake Los Angeles
- Lakeland Village
- Lancaster
- Larkspur
- Livermore
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Marysville
- Mendota
- Moreno Valley
- Newman
- Oakland
- Ontario
- Oxnard
- Palmdale
- Palos Verdes Estates
- Pleasanton
- Riverside
- Roseville
- Sacramento
- Salinas
- San Anselmo
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- San Marino
- Santa Ana
- Santa Clarita
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Rosa
- Scotts Valley
- Solana Beach
- Stockton
- Sun Village
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Thousand Oaks
- Vallejo
- Victorville
- Visalia
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