Best Car Shipping Companies in Santa Cruz, CA (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Santa Cruz, CA, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. While your price will vary, you can expect to pay between $696 to $1,460 to ship your car out of Santa Cruz.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our California car shipping guide.
Our track record
Top car shipping companies in Santa Cruz, CA
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of California, these are the best auto transport companies available in Santa Cruz:
Sherpa Auto Transport
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
Nexus Auto Transport
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
Montway Auto Transport
montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
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
Navi Auto Transport
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
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.
McCollister’s Transportation Group, Inc. (DOT: 289344) offers a variety of car shipping services with a focus on reliability and customer satisfaction.
They provide damage-free guarantees, fully insured shipping, and specialized services for classic cars, heavy equipment, and expedited delivery. Customers will appreciate that they also offer international shipping and enclosed transport for added security. The company boasts impressive ratings with a Yelp rating of 3.2, a Google rating of 4.2, and an A+ rating from the BBB.
One potential downside is their lack of services for inoperable car transport, which might be a consideration for some customers. Additionally, they do not offer any specific discounts, such as senior or military discounts.
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 business with a perfect Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer an array of services including damage-free guarantees, interstate and international shipping, enclosed transport, and expedited delivery. Their expertise extends to transporting classic cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles, ATVs, and even cars that don’t run, ensuring a comprehensive shipping solution for nearly any vehicle.
While they provide many conveniences, such as terminal-to-terminal delivery and detailed inspection reports, they do not offer boat or RV shipping, which may be a limitation for some customers. Despite this, their commitment to customer satisfaction is further demonstrated by their military discount policy and fully insured services. They have yet to establish ratings on Yelp, but they are active in the market and continuously updating their services.
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 car shipping business offering a wide array of services including motorcycle, trailer, RV transport, and open transport options. The company boasts strong ratings, with a 3.9 on Yelp, a 4.6 on Google, and an A+ rating from the BBB. A notable advantage is their damage-free guarantee and the fact they are fully insured, ensuring peace of mind for their clients. However, it is important to note that they do not provide services for inoperable cars, which may be a downside for some customers. Additionally, international shipping is offered, and they accept credit card payments, making transactions convenient for clients.
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
Global Auto Transportation
Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) is an active car shipping company that offers a variety of specialized services, including boat shipping, classic car shipping, and motorcycle shipping. They also provide options for expedited delivery and enclosed transport for added security.
Customers can pay by cash or credit card, but the company does not accept cryptocurrency. Although they ensure full insurance coverage, they do not offer guaranteed delivery or storage solutions, which may be a downside for some customers.
The company boasts a commendable 4.5 rating on Google, a moderate 3.0 rating on Yelp, and is not currently rated by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
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
Speedy Car Shipping
Speedy Car Shipping (DOT: 2297446) is a car shipping company with a stellar Google rating of 5.0. They provide a variety of services, including interstate and international shipping, motorcycle shipping, expedited delivery, and enclosed transport. Customers looking to ship classic cars, boats, or electric vehicles will find this company well-suited to their needs.
Despite their extensive services, Speedy Car Shipping does not offer damage-free guarantees or terminal-to-terminal delivery options, which might be a downside for some customers. Overall, the company is known for being active and reliable, though it is worth noting that they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Services Offered
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Senior Discount
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Average cost to ship a car out of Santa Cruz
The cost to ship a car out of California from Santa Cruz typically costs between $696 to $1,460. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from Santa Cruz will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Santa Cruz, California, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Ohio | $1,550 – $2,641 |
| California to Michigan | $1,566 – $2,693 |
| California to Colorado | $1,110 – $1,755 |
| California to Florida | $1,789 – $2,863 |
| California to Arizona | $1,014 – $1,367 |
| Illinois to California | $1,599 – $2,599 |
| Georgia to California | $1,664 – $2,510 |
| Texas to California | $1,369 – $1,861 |
| North Carolina to California | $1,784 – $2,597 |
| New York to California | $1,826 – $2,811 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Santa Cruz
- Moving distance: Shipping your car within Santa Cruz or nearby cities in California usually costs less than transporting it across the country.
- City vs. suburbs: Rates can vary if you’re moving your vehicle from the lively streets of downtown Santa Cruz vs. the suburbs.
- Vehicle type and condition: Smaller cars are typically cheaper to move, while classic, luxury, or specialty vehicles from Santa Cruz often need extra care and can bump up the price. Learn more about classic car transport.
- Shipping methods in Santa Cruz: 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 prices: Local gas prices in Santa Cruz can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances.
- Delivery timing: If you need your car ASAP, expedited or guaranteed shipping from Santa Cruz will cost more.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: Santa Cruz, California, generally enjoys a mild climate, making it an appealing location for both residents and tourists. However, like any coastal city, it can experience unexpected weather changes. While Santa Cruz doesn’t typically face extreme temperatures, notable fluctuations or coastal storms may occur. These conditions can sometimes lead to higher shipping rates or delays. If you plan to move or ship items to Santa Cruz, it’s advisable to check the weather forecast and consult with your mover or shipping company for any potential impact on schedules and costs.
Tips for choosing the right Santa Cruz car shipping company
- Get clear quotes: Get a detailed estimate from Santa Cruz providers. In California, expect to pay about $1,100 on average.
- 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.
- Read verified reviews: Customer stories from Santa Cruz give you a behind-the-scenes look at how companies actually perform.
- Vet the companies: Before booking, check the FMCSA company snapshot for USDOT numbers and compliance status.
- Know what you’re paying for: Some quotes don’t include all services. Ask if things like door-to-door delivery or insurance are baked into the price.
- Get realistic delivery dates: Good shippers will give you honest timeframes based on location, weather, and demand.
- Tailor your experience: Look for add-ons like express shipping or door delivery in Santa Cruz to simplify the process.
- Tap into local referrals: Ask neighbors, coworkers, or family in Santa Cruz who they’ve used — and what their experience was like.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
FAQ
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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
- Modesto
- 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 Rosa
- Scotts Valley
- Solana Beach
- Stockton
- Sun Village
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Thousand Oaks
- Vallejo
- Victorville
- Visalia
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