Best Car Shipping Companies in California (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Sherpa Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in California, giving them 4.5 out of 5 stars. While there are several factors that will impact cost, the average range is between $743 to $1,275 to ship your car out of California.
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Key takeaways
- 102.3% of California auto transport companies offer open transport options, which is the most common (and cheapest) method of shipping your vehicle out of state.
- Only 22% of car shipping companies in California offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using Sherpa Auto Transport.
Our track record
Best car shipping companies in California
Our team has dedicated over 400 hours to gathering and analyzing unique car shipping data, including quotes. We regularly review this information to bring you up-to-date, honest recommendations for the best car shipping companies near you.
Need to ship a car from Los Angeles or anywhere else in California? Check out our top choices for auto transport in the area:
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
King Of The Road Transport Inc
King Of The Road Transport Inc (DOT: 2248724) offers a wide array of specialized car shipping services. They are fully insured and can handle such challenging tasks as interstate transportation, inoperable car transport, and shipping motorcycles, RVs, and electric vehicles. Additionally, this business provides services like open and enclosed transport, as well as expedited delivery options, and offers various discounts for seniors, teachers, students, and military personnel.
While they do not guarantee damage-free shipping, their commitment to detailed inspection reports and valid BBB rating of A+ help instill confidence in potential customers. The company has garnered a Yelp rating of 3.2, but has yet to establish ratings on Google. A downside for some might be the lack of terminal-to-terminal delivery service and an option to pay by money order or cash.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Teacher Discount
- Senior Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Auto Express Inc.
Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) is a highly regarded car shipping company with a Yelp rating of 4.6, a Google rating of 4.9, and a BBB rating of A+. They offer a variety of services including boat shipping, classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, and transport for cars that don’t run. Customers can also take advantage of services like terminal-to-terminal delivery and international shipping, and rest assured their vehicles are fully insured during transit.
While they do not provide a damage-free guarantee or guaranteed delivery dates, which might be a downside for some, their comprehensive array of shipping options and excellent customer ratings make Auto Express Inc. a dependable choice for vehicle transport.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
A To Z Auto Shipping
A To Z Auto Shipping (DOT: 675504) stands out in the car shipping industry with a suite of comprehensive services. The company is highly rated, boasting a 3.6 rating on Yelp, an impressive 4.6 rating on Google, and an A+ rating with the BBB.
They cater to a variety of needs including interstate, classic car, motorcycle, RV, electric vehicle, and inoperable car shipping, ensuring fully insured transport and the option for both open and enclosed transport. A noteworthy downside is that they do not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery, which may be inconvenient for some customers.
Despite a few limitations, such as the unavailability of expedited delivery and storage solutions, A To Z Auto Shipping provides solid military discounts and multiple other reliable shipping solutions for diverse customer requirements.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Jp Logistics & Motorsports
Jp Logistics & Motorsports (DOT: 1975227) is a highly-regarded car shipping company with a Yelp rating of 4.4, a Google rating of 4.6, and an A+ rating from the BBB. They offer a range of services, including international shipping, terminal-to-terminal delivery, enclosed transport, and electric vehicle shipping. Customers can also take advantage of storage solutions and trailer shipping.
However, a downside for some customers might be the lack of a damage-free guarantee and inoperable car transport services. Overall, Jp Logistics & Motorsports provides reliable, well-rated car shipping solutions for various needs.
Services Offered
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
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
Local car shippers in California cities
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
- 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 Cruz
- Santa Rosa
- Scotts Valley
- Solana Beach
- Stockton
- Sun Village
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Thousand Oaks
- Vallejo
- Victorville
- Visalia
How we chose the best car shipping companies
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
Average cost of transporting a car out of CA
On average, it’ll cost you around $872 to ship a car out of California. But keep in mind, prices can vary depending on how far you’re going and which transport method you use.
Check out these typical price ranges by distance:
- Short (under 500 miles): $380 to $879
- Mid-range (500–1,500 miles): $607 to $879
- Long-distance (1,500+ miles): $770 to $1,263
Here’s what it might cost to ship a car out of the Golden State:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| California to Florida | $1,772 | $2,808 |
| California to Michigan | $1,615 | $2,563 |
| California to Pennsylvania | $1,719 | $2,615 |
| California to New York | $1,863 | $3,045 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,630 | $2,650 |
| Illinois to California | $1,599 | $2,424 |
| Ohio to California | $1,697 | $2,720 |
| Arizona to California | $975 | $1,453 |
| Georgia to California | $1,615 | $2,589 |
| Texas to California | $1,329 | $2,018 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from California:
- Your move distance: How far your car needs to go plays a big part in the price. Shipping within California or nearby states is usually easier on your wallet than sending your vehicle across the country.
- Location: City versus country makes a difference. Moving your car from busy Los Angeles or major hubs tends to be less expensive, while pick-ups or drop-offs in remote parts of California can bump up your costs.
- Your car’s make, model, and year: What you drive affects your quote. Compact cars cost less to move, but transporting a classic or specialty vehicle, especially one that needs extra protection in California, usually means a higher price tag.
- Shipping options in the Golden State: From budget-friendly open transport to fully enclosed trailers, you’ve got choices. Open carriers save money, but enclosed options are great for keeping your ride safe from California’s unpredictable weather, though they cost a bit more.
- Gas prices: Don’t forget fuel costs. Gas prices in California can change quickly and might bump your car shipping price up, particularly if you’re moving long distance.
- Delivery time frame: Need your car by a specific date, or want it there ASAP? Expedited shipping or guaranteed dates will cost extra.
- Discounts: Many California auto shippers offer deals for military members, students, and customers moving more than one vehicle. Check out our discount guide for all the ways to save.
Want the most accurate estimate? Use our car shipping calculator. For more details, browse all the top car shipping routes in California.
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