10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Santa Ana, CA
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Quick answer: For top-notch car shipping in Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana typically costs between $660 and $1,482.
- Discounts Available
- Refundable Deposit
- GPS Tracking
- Price Lock Promise
- Ships inoperable vehicles
- Multiple discounts
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our California car shipping guide.
Top car shipping companies in Santa Ana, CA
For those planning to ship their car nearby or outside of California, these are the leading auto transport services serving Santa Ana, including carriers based in Santa Ana and others that run routes through the area:
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
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.
102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA, 92618
https://abcautoshipping.com
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. (DOT: 2340626) offers interstate and international vehicle transport with damage-free guarantees, guaranteed delivery, shipment tracking, and both open and enclosed transport options.
The company ships motorcycles, boats, trailers, classic cars, heavy equipment, and multiple vehicles, while offering expedited delivery and discounts for seniors, teachers, students, law enforcement officers, and military members.
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. has a 4.7 Yelp rating, a 4.8 Google rating, and an A+ BBB rating.
A potential downside is that it does not offer full-insurance coverage, storage solutions, or transportation for cars that do not run.
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 Transport Services
2765 W. Cypress Creek Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33309
http://www.nationwidetransportservices.com
Nationwide Transport Services (DOT: 2245458) offers interstate and international vehicle shipping with fully insured transportation.
Its services include open and enclosed transport, shipping for classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, boats, ATVs, trailers, electric vehicles, and heavy equipment, as well as cars that don’t run and multi-car shipments.
The company has a 3.5 Yelp rating, a 4.0 Google rating, and an A+ BBB rating.
However, it does not offer guaranteed delivery, shipment tracking, storage solutions, or listed customer discounts, which may be a downside for some customers.
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
Nationwide United Auto Transport
2202 S Figueroa St #506, Los Angeles, CA, 90007
https://www.nationwideunitedautotransport.com
Nationwide United Auto Transport (DOT: 2423753) offers insured open and enclosed transport, expedited and guaranteed delivery, shipment tracking, and transportation for classic cars, RVs, boats, trailers, electric vehicles, and heavy equipment.
The company holds a 4.9 rating on both Yelp and Google.
It has an A+ rating with the BBB.
However, it does not offer motorcycle or ATV shipping, which may be a drawback for some customers.
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
1611 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA, 90501
https://www.hiltonautotransport.com
Hilton Auto Transport (DOT: 2232328) provides fully insured interstate and international shipping, including open or enclosed transport, expedited delivery, and transportation for classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, electric vehicles, and cars that do not run.
The company offers shipment tracking, detailed inspection reports, guaranteed delivery, storage solutions, and discounts for seniors, students, and military personnel.
Hilton Auto Transport does not offer boat, RV, trailer, or heavy-equipment shipping and does not provide a damage-free guarantee, which may be a drawback for some customers; however, it holds a 4.7 Yelp rating, a 4.8 Google rating, and an A+ BBB rating.
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
3090 Bristol St Floor 4, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
https://sonic-auto.com
Sonic Auto Transportation (DOT: 3437626) offers open and enclosed transport for boats and classic cars, along with interstate shipping.
The company is fully insured, accepts credit cards, and provides detailed inspection reports.
It does not offer expedited delivery, shipment tracking, or transport for cars that do not run, which may be a downside for some customers.
Sonic Auto Transportation has a 2.6 Yelp rating, a 4.4 Google rating, and a B rating from the BBB.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Compare Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana.
Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Santa Ana, across California, and nationwide:
| Service | Santa Ana | CA | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage-free guarantee | 22.86% | 27.71% | 27.94% |
| Expedited delivery | 68.57% | 61.45% | 54.25% |
| Insurance included | 80.0% | 78.31% | 76.96% |
| Open transport | 91.43% | 92.77% | 84.48% |
| Enclosed transport | 88.57% | 85.54% | 80.88% |
Here's a closer look at the companies serving Santa Ana and which of these services they offer:
| Company | Damage-Free | Expedited | Insured | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nationwide Transport Services | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nationwide United Auto Transport | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hilton Auto Transport | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sonic Auto Transportation | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Santa Ana, across California, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 12 in Santa Ana (34.29%), 30 in California (36.14%), 159 nationwide (25.98%)
- Senior discount: 6 in Santa Ana (17.14%), 10 in California (12.05%), 38 nationwide (6.21%)
- Student discount: 5 in Santa Ana (14.29%), 9 in California (10.84%), 32 nationwide (5.23%)
- Teacher discount: 1 in Santa Ana (2.86%), 2 in California (2.41%), 6 nationwide (0.98%)
- Law enforcement discount: 1 in Santa Ana (2.86%), 1 in California (1.2%), 5 nationwide (0.82%)
| Company | Discounts offered |
|---|---|
| ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. | Military, Senior, Student, Teacher, Law enforcement |
| Nationwide Transport Services | None listed |
| Nationwide United Auto Transport | None listed |
| Hilton Auto Transport | Military, Senior, Student |
| Sonic Auto Transportation | None listed |
Average cost to ship a car out of Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana is one of California's major cities, with a population of 310,227 and steady carrier traffic year-round. That typically makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Santa Ana compared to smaller towns nearby.
The average cost to ship a car out of California from Santa Ana is typically $660 - $1,482. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from Santa Ana will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Santa Ana, California, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Georgia | $1,379 - $2,211 |
| California to Illinois | $1,394 - $2,134 |
| California to Michigan | $1,464 - $2,166 |
| California to Arizona | $857 - $1,183 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,435 - $2,425 |
| Florida to California | $1,483 - $2,494 |
| Ohio to California | $1,351 - $2,233 |
| New York to California | $1,560 - $2,551 |
| Colorado to California | $967 - $1,515 |
| Texas to California | $1,124 - $1,775 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana's size works in its favor here: more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability tend to keep costs competitive. According to Santa Ana's cost of living index, the California city is about 65% 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 Santa Ana or to a nearby city in California usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
- Location: Pickups from busier, higher-traffic parts of Santa Ana tend to cost more than pickups in quieter suburban neighborhoods nearby.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Santa Ana might require special handling, increasing the price. 77% of the 35 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana: 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 35 Santa Ana shippers we have service data for, 91% offer open transport , and 88% offer enclosed transport (nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport).
- Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Santa Ana 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.
- Speed comes at a price: Open transport usually costs $0.60 - $1 per mile, versus $1 - $1.50 per mile for expedited service. In Santa Ana, expect to pay $200 - $500 more, on average, for expedited or guaranteed delivery.
- Book off-peak to save: Summer and month-end dates cost more due to high demand. Off-season bookings, like fall or early winter, tend to run 10% - 30% cheaper.
How to ship a car from Santa Ana, CA
Follow this step-by-step checklist to compare car shippers serving Santa Ana and book with confidence:
- Map out your route. Determine if this is an in-state move within California or a shipment crossing state lines. Regional routes cost less than cross-country hauls, and your ZIP codes ultimately set the price.
- Check the local market. Carrier availability here comes down to more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. The cost of living sits 65% above the national average.
- Weigh national vs. local carriers. National providers handle long-distance hauls well, while local Santa Ana shippers, 5 of which we track, often move faster on nearby pickups.
- Decide: open vs. enclosed. Open-air shipping costs less and works fine for standard cars, but enclosed transport is worth it for classic or high-value vehicles that need shielding from the elements.
- Confirm carrier registration. Get the MC and USDOT numbers from any shipper you're considering and verify them through the FMCSA carrier lookup before you commit.
- Collect 3+ quotes and time it right. Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to get written quotes from at least three companies, and try to book outside summer and end-of-month rushes when rates climb.
FAQ
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Santa Ana?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of Santa Ana 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.
What percentage of car shippers in Santa Ana offer guaranteed delivery?
28% of the 35 Santa Ana car shippers we have service data for offer guaranteed delivery dates, compared with 28% of car shippers nationwide. If your move requires a set arrival date, ask upfront whether the carrier offers this.
Is it cheaper to ship a car from a big city like Santa Ana?
In many cases, yes. Santa Ana is a major city with more car shipping carriers, which usually means lower prices and faster pickup times due to high demand and route density.
Who ships classic cars out of Santa Ana?
Trusted classic car haulers serving Santa Ana with specialized enclosed shipping services include ABC Auto Shipping, Inc., Nationwide Transport Services, and Nationwide United Auto Transport.
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in Santa Ana?
Many car shipping companies in Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.