Best California Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, we rated SGT Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in California, giving them 4.9 out of 5 stars.
| Company | Quote | Rating | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Get A Quote |
SGT Auto Transport
|
(864) 492-1221 |
|
Get A Quote |
Easy Auto Ship
|
(888) 259-6046 |
|
Get A Quote |
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
(833) 775-1461 |
|
Get A Quote |
AmeriFreight
|
(770) 501-9057 |
|
Get A Quote |
Ship A Car Direct
|
(866) 563-0804 |
Key takeaways
- While there are several factors that influence the cost of transporting your vehicle, the average cost of shipping your car out of California ranges from $718 to $1,374.
- 80.8% 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 26% of car shipping companies in California offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using SGT Auto Transport.
Best car shipping companies in California
Here are the best interstate auto transport companies in California:
- SGT Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- AmeriFreight
- Ship A Car Direct
- King Of The Road Transport Inc
- Auto Express Inc.
- San Diego Auto Shipping Group
- ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.
- McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.
SGT Auto Transport
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.
Easy Auto Ship
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Sherpa Auto Transport
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.
AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Ship A Car Direct
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
King Of The Road Transport Inc
Auto Express Inc.
San Diego Auto Shipping Group
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.
Average cost of transporting a vehicle in California
The average cost to ship a car out of California is about $1,100 and there are several factors that influence the price.
Here are some sample prices when shipping your car out of the Golden State:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Ohio | $1,630 – $2,640 |
| California to Michigan | $1,697 – $2,693 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,679 – $2,866 |
| California to Florida | $1,714 – $2,729 |
| California to Illinois | $1,582 – $2,675 |
| Georgia to California | $1,647 – $2,800 |
| Texas to California | $1,369 – $1,958 |
| New York to California | $1,937 – $3,015 |
| Colorado to California | $1,077 – $1,651 |
| Arizona to California | $993 – $1,469 |
When shipping your car out of California, these factors can affect the price:
- Your move distance: Distance matters. Shipping your car within California or to nearby states is usually cheaper than cross-country transport.
- Location: Shipping from busy Los Angeles to a quieter California town or out of state can change the cost. Urban areas might have competitive rates, while remote California locations could be more expensive.
- Your car’s make, model, and year: The size and type of your vehicle are important. Compact cars generally cost less to ship. However, if you’re moving a classic car from California, expect a higher price because it needs extra care.
- Shipping options in the Golden State: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is wallet-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for California’s unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
- Gas prices: With fluctuating fuel costs, keep in mind this can impact your overall expenses. California’s current gas prices might influence your shipping costs, especially for long distances.
- Delivery time frame: If you need a guaranteed delivery date or fast service, you’ll end up paying more for car shipping.
- Discounts: Some California auto transport companies offer discounts like military, student, and multiple vehicle discounts. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all of the popular California car shipping routes.
FAQs for shipping cars in California
How long do I have to update my drivers license in California?
When you move to California and become a resident, you must get a California driver’s license within 10 days.
Does California require a vehicle inspection?
California mandates yearly safety checks to ensure vehicles on public roads are in good and safe condition. You can have the inspection done at any service station approved by the California Department of Transportation.
Does California’s weather impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of California. California enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate in most areas. In the Southeast, winters are colder, and summers are hotter. The northern region gets more rain than other parts. Before moving, check for rainy or very hot days.
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 1-3 days. For longer interstate routes, especially those crossing the country, expect approximately 7-14 days. Factors like traffic, weather conditions in California, and the exact starting and ending locations can influence these time frames. Always check with your shipping provider for a more precise estimate based on your particular needs.
| Miles | Timeframe |
| 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 for injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in an accident with another driver.
Other California car shipping resources
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
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