Best Car Shipping Companies in San Jose, CA (2026 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: If you’re looking for an excellent car shipping company in San Jose, CA, Nexus Auto Transport stands out for its impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, affordable rates, and lineup of services. While prices vary, you can usually expect to pay between and $1,478 to ship your car from San Jose.
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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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Top car shipping companies in San Jose, CA
Considering moving your vehicle locally or out of California? Here’s a list of the premier car transport companies located in San Jose:
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
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.
McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc. (DOT: 289344) offers a variety of car shipping services with a focus on safety and reliability, backed by their damage-free guarantee. They are highly rated across multiple platforms, boasting a Google rating of 4.2 and an impressive BBB rating of A+, though their Yelp rating is a modest 3.2.
Customers can take advantage of fully insured shipping options that include classic car, trailer, and heavy equipment shipping, as well as expedited delivery services. Additionally, the company supports both international and interstate transport but does not provide services for inoperable cars or electric vehicles, which may be a drawback for some clients.
However, despite offering enclosed transport and storage solutions, McCollister's does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery or accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, which might be a consideration for certain customers seeking these conveniences. Furthermore, the absence of any specific discounts, such as those for seniors or students, means clients won't find price reductions based on personal circumstances.
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
Car Shipping Carriers
Car Shipping Carriers (DOT: DOT# 2249744) is a highly-rated car shipping service with a Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp. The company offers a range of services, including interstate and international shipping, as well as special transport for inoperable cars, classic cars, and electric vehicles. They provide both open and enclosed transport options, along with expedited delivery and a damage-free guarantee for added peace of mind. Additionally, Car Shipping Carriers offers military discounts and does not require a deposit.
While the company does not offer boat or RV shipping, which may be a consideration for some customers, they ensure a comprehensive service package with fully insured transit and detailed inspection reports. Unlike some competitors, they accept payment by credit card, facilitating a convenient transaction process.
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
Ats Transportation Svc
Ats Transportation Svc (DOT: 2213996) is a reputable car shipping company offering a range of services, including international and interstate transport. Customers can take advantage of their damage-free guarantee, and the company supports multi-car, motorcycle, trailer, open transport, and RV shipping options. While Ats Transportation Svc boasts high ratings, with a Google rating of 4.6 and a BBB rating of A+, the company does not provide some services, such as shipping for inoperable cars, which may be a downside for some potential clients.
The company’s reputation is further complemented by a decent Yelp rating of 3.9. Customers should note, however, that Ats Transportation Svc does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery or accept payment through cryptocurrency, but they do allow payments via credit card. Additionally, no discounts, such as those for students, seniors, or military personnel, are offered, though they do provide a discount through a special code.
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
Viper Transportation
Viper Transportation (DOT: 1509528) is a versatile car shipping company offering services such as boat shipping, classic car transport, motorcycle shipping, and RV shipping. They accommodate both open and enclosed transport, catering to a wide range of shipping needs including electric vehicles and heavy equipment.
While they do not offer services for inoperable cars, which could be a drawback for some, Viper Transportation ensures full insurance for all shipments, providing peace of mind to their customers. They have a reasonably strong reputation with a 4.0 rating on Yelp and a 3.6 on Google, though they are not currently rated by the BBB.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Global Auto Transportation
Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) provides a diverse range of services for various shipping needs, earning a solid reputation with a 4.5 rating on Google, a 3.0 on Yelp, and a B- rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer enclosed transport options as well as services for motorcycles, trailers, and even heavy equipment, making them a versatile choice for many types of shipments. However, they do not offer inoperable car transport, which could be a drawback for customers needing to ship vehicles that don't run. While Global Auto Transportation provides plenty of services, it's worth noting that they don't offer a damage-free guarantee or accept cryptocurrency as a payment method.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Comparing San Jose car auto transport companies
Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of 12 local car shipping providers in San Jose, 78 throughout California, and more than 518 across the country to compare service options and assist you in selecting the best solution.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in San Jose, across California, and nationwide:
- Expedited delivery: 7 in San Jose (50.0%), 51 in California (60.71%), 332 nationwide (54.16%)
- Insurance included: 10 in San Jose (71.43%), 66 in California (78.57%), 474 nationwide (77.2%)
- Open transport: 12 in San Jose (85.71%), 78 in California (92.86%), 518 nationwide (84.53%)
- Enclosed transport: 9 in San Jose (64.29%), 71 in California (84.52%), 495 nationwide (80.62%)
- Inoperable car transport: 3 in San Jose (21.43%), 32 in California (38.1%), 242 nationwide (39.41%)
| Company | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Inoperable car transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ats Transportation Svc | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Viper Transportation | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Global Auto Transportation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here’s how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in San Jose, across California, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 2 in San Jose (14.29%), 30 in California (35.71%), 159 nationwide (25.77%)
- Senior discount: 1 in San Jose (7.14%), 10 in California (11.9%), 39 nationwide (6.36%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc. | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ats Transportation Svc | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Viper Transportation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Global Auto Transportation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of San Jose
With a population of 971,233 and the status of a major California city, San Jose sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from San Jose compared to smaller towns nearby.
Shipping a car out of San Jose, California usually ranges from to $1,478. Your final price will depend on how far you’re going and current fuel costs.
Check out these estimated price ranges for moving a vehicle from San Jose, California to another state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to North Carolina | $1,698 - $2,545 |
| California to Arizona | $964 - $1,440 |
| California to Georgia | $1,615 - $2,719 |
| California to Ohio | $1,583 - $2,460 |
| California to New York | $1,899 - $2,783 |
| Colorado to California | $1,089 - $1,704 |
| Michigan to California | $1,583 - $2,693 |
| Florida to California | $1,824 - $2,671 |
| Illinois to California | $1,520 - $2,573 |
| Texas to California | $1,356 - $1,921 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from San Jose
As a major city, San Jose benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in San Jose is 231, 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.
- Distance matters: Moving your car locally within San Jose or to nearby areas in California is typically more affordable than shipping it across state lines.
- Location type: It’s often pricier to transport a car out of busy downtown San Jose compared to moves between quieter suburban neighborhoods.
- Vehicle type and condition: Smaller cars are typically cheaper to move, while classic, luxury, or specialty vehicles from San Jose often need extra care and can bump up the price. Learn more about classic car transport.
- Available shipping options in San Jose: 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.
- Fuel prices: What you’ll pay to ship can go up or down depending on current gas rates in San Jose, especially with long-distance trips.
- How fast you need it: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from San Jose comes at a higher price tag.
- Weather and season: Hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters in San Jose can influence car shipping costs by limiting availability during peak weather or requiring extra precautions during rainy months. Seasonal weather patterns may also cause higher demand for carriers at certain times of the year, impacting prices.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in San Jose?
Many car shipping companies in San Jose, California, provide real-time tracking. You can usually follow your vehicle's journey via their website or mobile app. Track when your vehicle leaves San Jose, check the estimated arrival time, and stay updated on any delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of San Jose?
Interstate 5 connects San Jose to Southern California and the Pacific Northwest. Interstate 80 reaches Northern California and the Midwest. Interstate 280 provides access to San Francisco and the Peninsula. US Route 101 links to the Central Coast and Los Angeles.
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 San Jose or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of San Jose?
Most carriers don't need to inspect your car to ship it from San Jose. But if you're shipping a classic or high-value car, you might need to prove you have insurance. Always check the inspection rules for the delivery state, as they can differ.
Take California regulations as an example. In California, vehicles must pass a yearly safety inspection to make sure they're in good working order and safe for public roads. You can get this inspection done at any service station approved by the California Department of Transportation.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from San Jose?
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 San Jose to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in San Jose?
San Jose car shippers offering economical open transport services at competitive rates include McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc., Car Shipping Carriers (offers military discounts), and Ats Transportation Svc.
Who ships classic cars out of San Jose?
Professional vintage car transport companies in San Jose offering secure enclosed delivery include McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc., Car Shipping Carriers, and Viper Transportation.
