Best Car Shipping Companies in California (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Nexus Auto Transport tops our list for car shipping in California thanks to their competitive pricing, solid service options, and standout reviews. Our team gave them a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars. While prices can vary based on several factors, you’ll generally spend between $700 and $1,300 to ship your car from California.
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California Car Shipping Facts
- 92% of auto transport companies in California ship vehicles using open carriers, the most popular and budget-friendly method.
- While 84% of California shippers provide enclosed transport services.
- Across the U.S., just 28% of companies offer guaranteed delivery. If timing is critical, we suggest Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in California
Our team has dedicated more than 400 hours to researching and evaluating 612 car shipping companies nationwide — including 84 based in CA. This work allows us to provide unbiased, trustworthy recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
Whether you’re shipping from Los Angeles or another city in California, explore our top picks for reliable auto shippers below:
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
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 18 years in business and over one million 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, military, USAA members and AARP members
- Ships classic cars and motorcycles
Cons
- Doesn’t ship ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
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
Auto Express Inc.
Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) is a highly rated car shipping business known for its extensive range of services including classic car shipping, enclosed transport, and international shipping. With a Yelp rating of 4.6, a Google rating of 4.9, and a BBB rating of A+, Auto Express Inc. has established a strong reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.
The company offers specialized transportation for vehicles that don’t run, motorcycles, RVs, and heavy equipment. While they provide convenient terminal-to-terminal delivery and storage solutions, a downside for some customers is the absence of a damage-free guarantee for their shipments.
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
King Of The Road Transport Inc
King Of The Road Transport Inc (DOT: DOT#2248724) offers a variety of specialized auto transport services including classic car, RV, and motorcycle shipping. They also provide solutions for transporting heavy equipment and electric vehicles, and they accommodate inoperable cars through their expansive service offerings. The company boasts an impressive BBB rating of A+ and maintains a moderate presence on Yelp with a rating of 3.2; however, they have yet to establish ratings on Google.
Customers can benefit from several discounts, including senior, teacher, student, and military discounts. While they provide many benefits, some customers may find the lack of a damage-free guarantee to be a downside. Despite this, their broad range of services and discounts make them an appealing choice for diverse transportation needs.
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
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. (DOT: 2340626) is a reputable car shipping company offering a wide range of services including both open and enclosed transport, classic car shipping, and expedited delivery. The company is praised for its high-quality service, reflected in a stellar 4.7 Yelp rating and an A+ BBB rating, though it has yet to establish ratings on Google.
With special discounts for seniors, teachers, students, and military personnel, ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. provides value to a diverse range of customers. While they offer international and interstate shipping, a notable downside is that they do not accommodate the transport of inoperable cars, which might be a limitation for some 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
San Diego Auto Shipping Group
San Diego Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) provides a range of car shipping services with a strong reputation, boasting a Google rating of 4.5 and a BBB rating of A+. Although the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp, their offerings include services such as interstate transport, motorcycle and RV shipping, as well as transporting inoperable cars and classic cars.
The company emphasizes customer assurance with detailed inspection reports and a damage-free guarantee. However, it does not currently offer storage solutions, which may be a downside for some customers. While payment by credit card is accepted, they have not yet embraced cryptocurrency payments at this time.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.
McCollister’s Transportation Group, Inc. (DOT: 289344) offers a robust lineup of car shipping services, highlighted by their fully insured and damage-free guarantee for peace of mind. They excel in transporting classic cars, heavy equipment, and providing international shipping, ensuring coverage across long distances. While the company provides a reliable option for expedited deliveries, it does not handle inoperable car transport, which could be a drawback for some customers seeking this service.
McCollister’s Transportation Group enjoys a mixed reputation with a 3.2 out of 5 rating on Yelp, a more favorable 4.2 on Google, and an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Their services include open and enclosed transport, but they notably do not offer boat or RV shipping. Additionally, they support a variety of payment methods but do not accept cryptocurrency or cash payments.
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
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Additional service options: We awarded extra points to companies offering unique optional services such as express delivery, assured pickup schedules, complimentary car detailing, and reimbursement for rental cars.
- Customer satisfaction: We scrutinized reviews from prominent review sites like Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to verify if a car shipping company offers services that are prompt, well-communicated, and cost-effective. Furthermore, we reviewed each company’s status within the car shipping sector by checking their USDOT licensure and examining their role and standing with industry associations.
- Availability: When evaluating companies, we considered the breadth of their service areas. Firms that operate in Alaska and Hawaii, beyond just the continental U.S., were rated higher than those with coverage limited to the Lower 48 states.
- Scheduling and payment: We considered how easily customers can book services and predict costs with accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate deals, and additional features. Car shippers that provide binding quotes or ensure price consistency were ranked higher than those whose pricing is not as clear.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Average cost of transporting a car out of CA
The average cost to transport a car to another state if you live in California is about $1,193 but the exact amount you pay could be more or less, depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $570 and $832
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $843 and $1,132
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,147 and $1,329
To give you a better idea, here are some examples:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| California to Georgia | $1,261 | $2,064 |
| California to Illinois | $1,327 | $2,135 |
| California to Ohio | $1,301 | $2,107 |
| California to Arizona | $816 | $1,161 |
| California to Pennsylvania | $1,428 | $2,285 |
| Florida to California | $1,442 | $2,173 |
| Michigan to California | $1,261 | $2,192 |
| Texas to California | $1,114 | $1,674 |
| North Carolina to California | $1,326 | $2,113 |
| New York to California | $1,516 | $2,359 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from California:
- How far are you moving? Distance makes a big difference. Shipping a car within California or to neighboring states is usually much cheaper than sending it cross-country.
- Pickup and drop-off spots: Where your car starts and ends its journey plays a big role in pricing. If you’re shipping from busy Los Angeles or heading to a small town in California, urban locations often have better rates, while rural areas might drive costs up.
- 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: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is more budget-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for California’s unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
- Fuel prices: Gas prices in California change often and can impact your final shipping cost, especially on long-distance moves.
- Timeline: Need your car delivered by a specific date or in a hurry? Expedited options cost extra, so be ready for a higher price tag if you’re on a tight deadline.
- Savings and discounts: Check if you qualify for special deals. Many California auto shippers offer military, student, or multi-car discounts. For ways to save, see our discount guide.
Want the most accurate estimate? Use our car shipping calculator. For more details, browse all the top car shipping routes in California.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car shipping company in California?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in California, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in California?
The cheapest company to ship your car in California will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on your specific needs is to use our car shipping calculator. Remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also, most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top car shippers in California, AmeriFreight has the most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in California?
If you move to California and live there, you must get a California driver’s license within 10 days.
Do California car shippers offer discounts?
In California, discounts for police and law enforcement are offered by a single provider. There are 30 car shippers with military discounts available to active service members and veterans in California. Those shipping a vehicle for school can access discounts from 9 providers. Car shippers in California do not provide discounts tied to AAA membership.
Does California require a vehicle inspection?
In California, vehicles must have a yearly safety check to confirm they are in good shape and safe to drive on public roads. You can get this inspection done at any service station approved by the California Department of Transportation.
Does weather in California impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of California. California generally enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate. In the Southeast, winters can be colder and summers hotter. Northern California is wetter than other areas. Before moving, check the weather for rain or extreme heat.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of California?
Delivery times for car shipping in California depend on the distance and specific route. For in-state shipments, it typically ranges from one to three days. For longer interstate routes, especially those crossing the country, expect approximately seven to 14 days.
Consider elements such as traffic, the weather in California, and the specific start and end points, as they all play a role in affecting these time frames. It’s always wise to consult your shipping provider for a more tailored estimate based on your individual requirements.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in California?
In California, you need at least $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in case of a car accident.
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