10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Riverside, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: For reliable car shipping in Riverside, CA, Nexus Auto Transport is a standout with competitive prices, a broad selection of services, and a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars rating. Although rates fluctuate, you'll typically spend between $623 and $1,404 to ship your car from Riverside.
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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 Riverside, CA
Whether your car needs to be shipped around California or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms you can find in Riverside:
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
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
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.
102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA, 92618
https://abcautoshipping.com
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. (DOT: 2340626) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of services including boat and motorcycle shipping, as well as specialized services like classic car transport. Customers can benefit from discounts such as those for seniors, teachers, students, and law enforcement personnel. ABC Auto Shipping distinguishes itself with an impressive Yelp rating of 4.7 and holds an A+ rating from the BBB, but has yet to establish ratings on Google.
However, it is worth noting that the company does not transport cars that don't run or accept payments by money order, which could be seen as drawbacks for some customers. Despite these limitations, ABC Auto Shipping provides a damage-free guarantee and offers both open and enclosed transport options to meet a variety of customer needs. Their service is complemented by features such as guaranteed delivery and shipment tracking, ensuring peace of mind for clients.
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
Sonic Auto Transportation
3090 Bristol St Floor 4, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
https://sonic-auto.com
Sonic Auto Transportation (DOT: 3437626) specializes in providing a variety of shipping services, including interstate transport, enclosed transport, and classic car shipping. While they do not currently offer a damage-free guarantee or shipment tracking, they ensure that all shipments are fully insured, offering peace of mind to their customers.
Unfortunately, they do not transport inoperable cars or offer boating and motorcycle shipping services, which may be important for some clients. Sonic Auto Transportation has a strong presence on review platforms with a Yelp rating of 2.6, a Google rating of 4.4, and a BBB rating of B, reflecting a range of customer experiences.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
1 Flat-Rate Llc
1 Flat-Rate Llc (DOT: 2245873) is a car shipping company that provides services such as interstate and multi-car transport, along with options for electric vehicle and classic car shipping. Customers can benefit from their expedited and fully insured delivery services. They accept various forms of payment, including cash and credit card, and do not require a deposit.
Despite its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, 1 Flat-Rate Llc has received mixed customer feedback reflected in its Yelp and Google ratings of 2.2 and 2.6, respectively. A potential downside for some customers is that they do not offer shipping for inoperable cars, which limits options for those with non-running vehicles. Additionally, services such as boat or motorcycle shipping and certain discounts, like for seniors and students, are unavailable with this company.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Finest Carrier
23502 Commerce Center Dr. Ste B, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653
http://thefinestcarrier.com
Finest Carrier (DOT: 2510449) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of services, including classic car shipping, enclosed transport, and the transport of inoperable cars. Additionally, Finest Carrier provides a damage-free guarantee and is fully insured, giving customers peace of mind when entrusting their vehicles to them. While the company boasts a strong BBB rating of A+, customer feedback is mixed, with a Google rating of 3.5 and a lower Yelp rating of 1.7.
Despite these offerings, Finest Carrier does not provide international shipping, which may be a drawback for customers looking to transport vehicles overseas. Clients can pay by credit card, but the company does not offer discounts for seniors, teachers, or military personnel.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Professional Auto Transport
4513 Parkhurst St, Mira Loma, CA, 91752
http://www.proautotrans.com
Professional Auto Transport (DOT: 1130314) is a car shipping company that offers a range of services, including open and enclosed transport options, ensuring flexibility for customers with different needs. Although they do not provide services for inoperable cars or offer international shipping, they excel at interstate transport. Customers can take comfort in their strong reputation, highlighted by a Google rating of 4.0 and a BBB rating of A+, though their Yelp rating is a bit more moderate at 3.0.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Enclosed Transport
- Open Transport
- Shipment Tracking
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
Comparing Riverside, CA car auto transport companies
After analyzing the biggest brands in auto transport, we analyzed 17 local car shipping companies in Riverside, 77 across California, and 518+ nationwide to compare service availability and help you choose the best option for your needs.
Compare by services
Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Riverside, across California, and nationwide:
- Inoperable car transport: 6 in Riverside (33.33%), 32 in California (38.55%), 242 nationwide (39.48%)
- Multi-car shipping: 10 in Riverside (55.56%), 53 in California (63.86%), 415 nationwide (67.7%)
- Real-time tracking: 12 in Riverside (66.67%), 50 in California (60.24%), 338 nationwide (55.14%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 4 in Riverside (22.22%), 26 in California (31.33%), 176 nationwide (28.71%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 5 in Riverside (27.78%), 23 in California (27.71%), 172 nationwide (28.06%)
| Company | Inoperable car transport | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sonic Auto Transportation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 1 Flat-Rate Llc | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Finest Carrier | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Professional Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Riverside, across California, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 7 in Riverside (38.89%), 30 in California (36.14%), 159 nationwide (25.94%)
- Senior discount: 4 in Riverside (22.22%), 10 in California (12.05%), 39 nationwide (6.36%)
- Student discount: 2 in Riverside (11.11%), 9 in California (10.84%), 32 nationwide (5.22%)
- Teacher discount: 1 in Riverside (5.56%), 2 in California (2.41%), 6 nationwide (0.98%)
- Law enforcement discount: 1 in Riverside (5.56%), 1 in California (1.2%), 5 nationwide (0.82%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Sonic Auto Transportation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 1 Flat-Rate Llc | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Finest Carrier | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Professional Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Riverside, CA
Though not officially a major city, Riverside has a sizeable population of 317,261 and enough regional demand to attract auto transporters. That keeps car shipping rates from Riverside relatively stable and competitive.
Moving your car from Riverside, California will vary but usually falls between $623 and $1,404. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from Riverside, California to various states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to New York | $1,863 - $3,016 |
| California to Ohio | $1,648 - $2,537 |
| California to Illinois | $1,599 - $2,499 |
| California to Colorado | $1,045 - $1,721 |
| California to Florida | $1,715 - $2,543 |
| North Carolina to California | $1,784 - $2,650 |
| Texas to California | $1,383 - $2,038 |
| Arizona to California | $925 - $1,343 |
| Georgia to California | $1,631 - $2,589 |
| Michigan to California | $1,566 - $2,693 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Riverside, CA
The cost of living index in Riverside is 131, 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.
- Move distance: You'll save more when shipping your vehicle locally in Riverside or within California, while trips across state lines generally cost more.
- City vs. suburbs: Rates can vary if you're moving your vehicle from the lively streets of downtown Riverside vs. the suburbs.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Riverside might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Shipping method choices in Riverside: Pick between standard open-air carriers for budget-friendly transport or enclosed trailers for extra protection against the elements. Enclosed shipping costs more but shields your car from the unexpected.
- Gas prices: The going rate for fuel in Riverside can raise or lower your shipping bill, especially on long hauls.
- Delivery speed: If you need your car shipped ASAP from Riverside, rush or guaranteed delivery services are available, but expect extra fees.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: Demand-driven price swings are common in auto transport — summer and month-end dates cost more due to high volume. Booking early or in the off-season can help keep costs down.
How to ship a car from Riverside, CA
Use this Riverside-specific checklist to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper.
- Confirm your route from Riverside — Confirm whether you are shipping within California or to another state. Local and regional routes from Riverside are priced differently than long cross-country hauls, and your pickup and delivery ZIP codes drive the final quote.
- Factor in Riverside market conditions — Carrier availability in Riverside depends on route density and local demand. The cost-of-living index is 131 (100 = national average).
- Compare national and local carriers — Compare national auto transport partners with the local Riverside shippers listed on this page. National carriers often cover long interstate routes, while local companies may offer faster pickup in the Riverside metro.
- Pick open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the budget option for standard vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for classic, luxury, or high-value cars that need extra protection during loading and transit.
- Verify MC/DOT registration — Ask for each carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
- Get 3+ quotes and schedule off-peak — Request written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator. Book off-peak when possible — summer and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. Riverside's summer highs reach 94°F, which can slow loading and raise peak-season demand.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in Riverside?
Many car shipping companies in Riverside, 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 Riverside, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Riverside?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of Riverside 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.
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 Riverside or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Riverside?
Most carriers don't require an inspection to ship your car out of Riverside. If you're shipping a classic or high-value vehicle, you may be asked to show proof of insurance. Always check the inspection requirements for the delivery state, as regulations vary.
Take California regulations as an example. California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Riverside?
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 Riverside to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in Riverside?
Low-cost vehicle transport providers in Riverside specializing in open carrier delivery include ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. (offers military, student, teacher, senior, law enforcement discounts), Sonic Auto Transportation, and 1 Flat-Rate Llc (offers military discounts).
Who ships classic cars out of Riverside?
Riverside-area specialists in classic and collectible car shipping with enclosed transport options include ABC Auto Shipping, Inc., Sonic Auto Transportation, and 1 Flat-Rate Llc.
