Best Car Shipping Companies in Salinas, CA (2026 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Need reliable car shipping in Salinas, CA? Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick. They’ve earned a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, offer a variety of services, and keep prices competitive. While prices can vary, you’ll usually pay between and $1,459 to ship your car from Salinas.
|
|
|
| Company | Contact | Our rating | Best for | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.7 |
Best overall value |
|
||
|
4.5 |
Most accurate pricing |
|
||
|
4.4 |
Best for budget-conscious shippers |
|
||
|
4.9 |
Best for Exact Pickup Dates |
|
||
|
4.4 |
Best for Damage Protection |
|
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our California car shipping guide.
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
Top car shipping companies in Salinas, CA
Whether you're shipping your car locally or out of California, these are the best auto transport companies available in Salinas:
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
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
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only 'Damage Free Guarantee'
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii 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 safety and reliability, backed by their damage-free guarantee. They are highly rated across multiple platforms, boasting a Google rating of 4.2 and an impressive BBB rating of A+, though their Yelp rating is a modest 3.2.
Customers can take advantage of fully insured shipping options that include classic car, trailer, and heavy equipment shipping, as well as expedited delivery services. Additionally, the company supports both international and interstate transport but does not provide services for inoperable cars or electric vehicles, which may be a drawback for some clients.
However, despite offering enclosed transport and storage solutions, McCollister's does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery or accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, which might be a consideration for certain customers seeking these conveniences. Furthermore, the absence of any specific discounts, such as those for seniors or students, means clients won't find price reductions based on personal circumstances.
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 service with a Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp. The company offers a range of services, including interstate and international shipping, as well as special transport for inoperable cars, classic cars, and electric vehicles. They provide both open and enclosed transport options, along with expedited delivery and a damage-free guarantee for added peace of mind. Additionally, Car Shipping Carriers offers military discounts and does not require a deposit.
While the company does not offer boat or RV shipping, which may be a consideration for some customers, they ensure a comprehensive service package with fully insured transit and detailed inspection reports. Unlike some competitors, they accept payment by credit card, facilitating a convenient transaction process.
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 reputable car shipping company offering a range of services, including international and interstate transport. Customers can take advantage of their damage-free guarantee, and the company supports multi-car, motorcycle, trailer, open transport, and RV shipping options. While Ats Transportation Svc boasts high ratings, with a Google rating of 4.6 and a BBB rating of A+, the company does not provide some services, such as shipping for inoperable cars, which may be a downside for some potential clients.
The company’s reputation is further complemented by a decent Yelp rating of 3.9. Customers should note, however, that Ats Transportation Svc does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery or accept payment through cryptocurrency, but they do allow payments via credit card. Additionally, no discounts, such as those for students, seniors, or military personnel, are offered, though they do provide a discount through a special code.
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) provides a diverse range of services for various shipping needs, earning a solid reputation with a 4.5 rating on Google, a 3.0 on Yelp, and a B- rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer enclosed transport options as well as services for motorcycles, trailers, and even heavy equipment, making them a versatile choice for many types of shipments. However, they do not offer inoperable car transport, which could be a drawback for customers needing to ship vehicles that don't run. While Global Auto Transportation provides plenty of services, it's worth noting that they don't offer a damage-free guarantee or accept cryptocurrency as a payment method.
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
Lucky Star Auto Transport
Lucky Star Auto Transport (DOT: 2353323) is a car shipping company known for excellent service, as reflected in its high Yelp rating of 4.9 and a superior A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, the company has yet to establish ratings on Google.
While they offer comprehensive auto transport options, including services for shipping inoperable vehicles, they do not provide classic car shipping. This might be a downside for some collectors or classic car enthusiasts.
```Services Offered
- This provider has no service list.
Comparing Salinas car auto transport companies
We've explored the top names in auto transport and studied 1 local car shipping services in Salinas, 78 within California, and over 518 nationwide to assess service availability and guide you to the right choice.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Salinas, across California, and nationwide:
- Multi-car shipping: 1 in Salinas (50.0%), 54 in California (64.29%), 415 nationwide (67.7%)
- Real-time tracking: 0 in Salinas (0.0%), 50 in California (59.52%), 337 nationwide (54.98%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 0 in Salinas (0.0%), 26 in California (30.95%), 175 nationwide (28.55%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 1 in Salinas (50.0%), 23 in California (27.38%), 171 nationwide (27.9%)
- Expedited delivery: 0 in Salinas (0.0%), 51 in California (60.71%), 332 nationwide (54.16%)
| Company | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc. | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Car Shipping Carriers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ats Transportation Svc | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Global Auto Transportation | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lucky Star Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Salinas
Though not officially a major city, Salinas has a sizeable population of 163,542 and enough regional demand to attract auto transporters. That keeps car shipping rates from Salinas relatively stable and competitive.
Moving a car out of Salinas, California typically starts around but can go up to as much as $1,459 or more. Your final price depends on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping your vehicle from Salinas, California to other states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Georgia | $1,615 - $2,719 |
| California to New York | $1,899 - $2,783 |
| California to Michigan | $1,632 - $2,486 |
| California to Ohio | $1,583 - $2,460 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,698 - $2,545 |
| Florida to California | $1,824 - $2,671 |
| Arizona to California | $945 - $1,343 |
| Illinois to California | $1,520 - $2,573 |
| Texas to California | $1,356 - $1,921 |
| Pennsylvania to California | $1,789 - $2,644 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Salinas
The cost of living index in Salinas is 152, which is well above the national average. This can increase the price of car shipping due to higher labor and operational costs in the region.
- Moving distance: Shipping your car within Salinas or nearby cities in California usually costs less than transporting it across the country.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you're moving the car from the bustling downtown of Salinas to a more suburban area.
- Your vehicle’s size and condition: Smaller cars are typically cheaper to ship, while classic or luxury vehicles from Salinas often need extra care, which can raise the price. Learn about classic car shipping.
- Transport method options: In Salinas, you can choose open-air shipping for budget-friendly transport or opt for enclosed carriers for greater protection, which is perfect if you’re concerned about weather or road debris.
- Fuel rates: Local fuel prices in Salinas matter. Higher gas prices mean a higher bill for car shipping, especially over long distances.
- Delivery timing: If you need your car ASAP, expedited or guaranteed shipping from Salinas will cost more.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Weather in Salinas is typically mild, which means fewer weather-related delays and generally stable car shipping prices. Occasional rain or fog might cause minor scheduling adjustments but rarely leads to significant cost increases.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Salinas?
Many car shipping companies in Salinas, California, provide real-time tracking. You can usually track your vehicle through their website or app. This lets you see when your car leaves Salinas, its expected arrival time, and any potential delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Salinas?
Interstate 101 connects Salinas to the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Interstate 5 provides a direct north-south route through California. Interstate 80 links California to the Midwest and East Coast. Interstate 880 serves as a connector to the East Bay region.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company’s license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) number and look it up on the USDOT’s FMCSA website. This works for any provider based in Salinas or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Salinas?
Most carriers don’t need an inspection to ship your car from Salinas. But if you're shipping a classic or high-value car, you might need to show proof of insurance. Always verify the inspection rules for the state you’re shipping to, as regulations can differ.
Take California regulations as an example. In California, vehicles must pass a yearly safety inspection to make sure they're in good working order and safe for public roads. You can get this inspection done at any service station approved by the California Department of Transportation.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Salinas?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It’s a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Salinas to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in Salinas?
Value-oriented car shipping companies in Salinas that provide budget-friendly open transport options include McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc., Car Shipping Carriers (offers military discounts), and Ats Transportation Svc.
Who ships classic cars out of Salinas?
Classic car shipping specialists in Salinas that provide secure enclosed transport for vintage and collectible vehicles include McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc., Car Shipping Carriers, and Global Auto Transportation.
