Best Car Shipping Companies in San Francisco, CA (2026 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: For top-notch car shipping in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco typically costs between and $1,397.
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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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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
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Top car shipping companies in San Francisco, CA
For those planning to ship their car nearby or outside of California, these are the leading auto transport services in San Francisco:
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
Direct Express Auto Transport
Direct Express Auto Transport (DOT: 2231879) is a dynamic car shipping company that offers a range of services, including interstate and international shipping. They have a strong reputation with a Google rating of 4.6 and a BBB rating of A+, although they have a lower Yelp rating of 2.0. Customers can enjoy various discounts like student and military discounts, and the company accommodates inoperable cars and classic car shipping.
A downside is that Direct Express Auto Transport does not offer damage-free guarantees, which may be a concern for some clients. Despite this, they provide valuable services such as enclosed transport and expedited delivery, ensuring that cars reach their destinations efficiently and safely.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
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
Pasha Hawaii ship your car
Pasha Hawaii ship your car (DOT: 2861558) offers a range of shipping services including boat, motorcycle, trailer, and international shipping. They provide enclosed transport, expedited delivery, and interstate services, catering to a variety of customer needs, and ensuring the vehicles are fully insured. Despite their diverse services, they do not transport inoperable cars, which might be a limitation for some customers.
While Pasha Hawaii offers reliable service options, they have a lower Yelp rating of 2.3 and a BBB rating of A-. The company has yet to establish ratings on Google, which means potential customers might seek more reviews before making a decision. Notably, Pasha Hawaii offers a military discount, though other discounts like those for AAA members, teachers, or students are not available.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
Comparing San Francisco car auto transport companies
Initially, we investigated major auto transport brands, followed by an evaluation of 14 local car shipping businesses in San Francisco, 78 across California, and upwards of 518 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 San Francisco, across California, and nationwide:
- Guaranteed delivery: 6 in San Francisco (40.0%), 26 in California (30.95%), 175 nationwide (28.55%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 5 in San Francisco (33.33%), 23 in California (27.38%), 171 nationwide (27.9%)
- Expedited delivery: 11 in San Francisco (73.33%), 51 in California (60.71%), 332 nationwide (54.16%)
- Insurance included: 11 in San Francisco (73.33%), 66 in California (78.57%), 474 nationwide (77.2%)
- Open transport: 14 in San Francisco (93.33%), 78 in California (92.86%), 518 nationwide (84.53%)
| Company | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc. | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Car Shipping Carriers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Direct Express Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Viper Transportation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Pasha Hawaii ship your car | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here’s how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in San Francisco, across California, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 7 in San Francisco (46.67%), 30 in California (35.71%), 159 nationwide (25.77%)
- Senior discount: 2 in San Francisco (13.33%), 10 in California (11.9%), 39 nationwide (6.36%)
- Student discount: 1 in San Francisco (6.67%), 9 in California (10.71%), 32 nationwide (5.22%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc. | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Direct Express Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Viper Transportation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Pasha Hawaii ship your car | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of San Francisco
Though not officially a major city, San Francisco has a sizeable population of 808,988 and enough regional demand to attract auto transporters. That keeps car shipping rates from San Francisco relatively stable and competitive.
The cost to ship a car out of California from San Francisco typically costs between to $1,397. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from San Francisco will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from San Francisco, California, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Michigan | $1,632 - $2,486 |
| California to Florida | $1,614 - $2,730 |
| California to Illinois | $1,504 - $2,524 |
| California to Arizona | $964 - $1,440 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,698 - $2,545 |
| Texas to California | $1,356 - $1,921 |
| Colorado to California | $1,089 - $1,704 |
| New York to California | $1,899 - $2,957 |
| Ohio to California | $1,632 - $2,615 |
| Georgia to California | $1,583 - $2,641 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from San Francisco
The cost of living index in San Francisco is 245, 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco may need custom carriers for safe loading, which raises the cost.
- Shipping methods in San Francisco: 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 San Francisco'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 San Francisco come with a higher price tag.
- Season and weather: Cool, moderate weather in San Francisco reduces the risk of weather-related delays or vehicle damage, helping keep car shipping prices stable throughout the year. Little seasonal temperature variation minimizes the likelihood of surcharges due to extreme heat or storms.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in San Francisco?
Many car shipping companies in San Francisco, California, provide real-time tracking services. Customers can usually track their vehicle's journey via the company's website or mobile app. You can check when your vehicle leaves San Francisco, its estimated arrival time, and any delays during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of San Francisco?
Interstate 80 runs east from San Francisco to the Midwest and East Coast. Interstate 5 runs north-south through California, connecting Los Angeles, Oregon, and Washington. US Highway 101 travels north-south along the California coast toward Los Angeles and Oregon. Interstate 280 provides an efficient route to Silicon Valley and connects with other major highways.
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 Francisco or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of San Francisco?
Most carriers don’t need an inspection to ship your car from San Francisco. But if you're shipping a classic or high-value car, you might need to provide proof of insurance. Always verify the inspection laws for the state where you're delivering, as rules 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 Francisco?
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 Francisco to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in San Francisco?
Affordable auto transport companies serving San Francisco with cost-effective open trailer shipping include McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc., Car Shipping Carriers (offers military discounts), and Direct Express Auto Transport (offers military, student discounts).
Who ships classic cars out of San Francisco?
Trusted classic car haulers serving San Francisco with specialized enclosed shipping services include McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc., Car Shipping Carriers, and Direct Express Auto Transport.
