Best Car Shipping Companies in California (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Nexus Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in California, giving them 4.7 out of 5 stars. While there are several factors that will impact cost, the average range is between $784 to $1,306 to ship your car out of California.
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Key takeaways
- 78.3% 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 21% of car shipping companies in California offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using Nexus 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:
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
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
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
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
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
Auto Express Inc.
Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) is a highly-rated car shipping company with a Yelp rating of 4.6, a Google rating of 4.9, and an A+ rating from the BBB.
Auto Express Inc. offers a comprehensive range of services including boat, motorcycle, trailer, RV, heavy equipment, and electric vehicle shipping. They also provide terminal-to-terminal delivery and both enclosed and open transport options to suit a variety of customer needs. Additionally, they transport inoperable cars, making them an excellent choice for owners of vehicles that don’t run.
One potential downside is that they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some customers. However, they are fully insured and offer shipment tracking to provide peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
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) is a well-rounded car shipping company offering a variety of services. They provide transportation for inoperable cars, motorcycles, trailers, RVs, heavy equipment, and electric vehicles. Additionally, their services include fully insured shipments, detailed inspection reports, expedited delivery, and both open and enclosed transport options.
On the downside, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee or terminal-to-terminal delivery, which may be a concern for some customers. They offer several discounts, including those for seniors, teachers, students, and military personnel. King Of The Road Transport Inc has a Yelp rating of 3.2 and boasts an impressive BBB rating of A+. The company has yet to establish ratings on Google.
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
San Diego Auto Shipping Group
San Diego Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) offers a wide range of services for various transportation needs, including interstate, motorcycle, and even inoperable car transport. The company prides itself on being fully insured and providing detailed inspection reports to ensure a damage-free guarantee. With a Google rating of 4.5 and a BBB rating of A+, customers can expect reliable and trustworthy service.
They also offer expedited delivery for those in a hurry, but might not suit those looking for heavy equipment or electric vehicle shipping options. Unfortunately, they do not accept cryptocurrency payments, which could be seen as a limitation for some modern customers. San Diego Auto Shipping Group remains committed to providing excellent service through their active and comprehensive shipping solutions.
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
A To Z Auto Shipping
A To Z Auto Shipping (DOT: 675504) offers a variety of specialized car shipping services, including transport for classic cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, and even inoperable cars. They are fully insured, catering to both interstate and multi-car transport needs, and provide enclosed transport options for added protection.
Customers will appreciate their high Google rating of 4.6 and outstanding BBB rating of A+, although their Yelp rating is a more modest 3.6. One downside for potential clients is that A To Z Auto Shipping does not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some.
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
Nationwide United Auto Transport
Nationwide United Auto Transport (DOT: 2423753) is a reputable car shipping business known for offering a wide array of services. They specialize in shipping cars that don’t run, classic cars, boats, RVs, and heavy equipment, with high ratings on both Yelp and Google (4.9) and an A+ rating from the BBB.
Customers can enjoy fully insured, interstate, and international shipping services with guaranteed and expedited delivery options. While they provide shipment tracking and detailed inspection reports, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a drawback for some customers.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
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 $1,143 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 $999
- Long-distance (1,500+ miles): $804 to $1,318
Here’s what it might cost to ship a car out of the Golden State:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| California to Colorado | $1,098 | $1,825 |
| California to Arizona | $953 | $1,540 |
| California to Florida | $1,752 | $2,749 |
| California to New York | $1,880 | $3,014 |
| California to Georgia | $1,730 | $2,719 |
| Illinois to California | $1,646 | $2,701 |
| Michigan to California | $1,595 | $2,773 |
| Ohio to California | $1,595 | $2,746 |
| North Carolina to California | $1,748 | $2,893 |
| Texas to California | $1,410 | $1,977 |
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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