Best Car Shipping Companies in San Diego, CA (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Nexus Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in San Diego, CA, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. While your price will vary, you can expect to pay between $619 to $1,436 to ship your car out of San Diego.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our California car shipping guide.
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Top car shipping companies in San Diego, CA
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of California, these are the best auto transport companies available in San Diego:
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
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
Global Auto Transportation
Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) is a well-established car shipping company known for its extensive range of services. They offer guaranteed delivery, international shipping, and specialized options such as inoperable car transport and heavy equipment shipping. Customers can choose between open and enclosed transport methods, and the company also provides motorcycle and trailer shipping.
Global Auto Transportation has a mixed reputation, with a Yelp rating of 2.6 and a more favorable Google rating of 4.3. A downside for some might be the lack of terminal-to-terminal delivery, and they do not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method. However, their service remains a robust choice for those looking for a variety of car shipping solutions.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego
Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego (DOT: 2249744) offers a range of specialized car shipping services, including transport for classic cars, electric vehicles, and inoperable cars. They provide both open and enclosed transport options, as well as expedited delivery and guaranteed delivery services. The company holds a BBB rating of A+, though it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
However, prospective clients should note that the company does not offer storage solutions or a damage-free guarantee, which might be a concern for some customers.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
Ceva Logistics
Ceva Logistics is a car shipping company that excels in providing a variety of services including boat shipping, motorcycle shipping, trailer shipping, and heavy equipment shipping. They offer expedited delivery and terminal-to-terminal delivery for added convenience. Although they provide services for interstate and international shipping, they do not support the transportation of inoperable cars, which could be a drawback for some customers.
Ceva Logistics has mixed reviews with a Yelp rating of 2.3, a Google rating of 3.1, and a BBB rating of F. They are fully insured, and offer enclosed transport as well as storage solutions, making them a versatile choice for many shipping needs. However, they do not offer senior, teacher, student, or military discounts.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
Comparing San Diego car auto transport companies
After analyzing the biggest brands in auto transport, we analyzed 13 local car shipping companies in San Diego, 82 across California, and 560+ nationwide to compare service availability and help you choose the best option for your needs.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in San Diego, across California, and nationwide:
- Guaranteed delivery: 5 in San Diego (38.46%), 28 in California (30.43%), 188 nationwide (27.85%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 5 in San Diego (38.46%), 25 in California (27.17%), 185 nationwide (27.41%)
- Expedited delivery: 7 in San Diego (53.85%), 55 in California (59.78%), 363 nationwide (53.78%)
- Insurance included: 12 in San Diego (92.31%), 70 in California (76.09%), 512 nationwide (75.85%)
- Open transport: 13 in San Diego (100.0%), 82 in California (89.13%), 560 nationwide (82.96%)
| Company | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Express Inc. | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| San Diego Auto Shipping Group | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Global Auto Transportation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ceva Logistics | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here’s how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in San Diego, across California, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 5 in San Diego (38.46%), 32 in California (34.78%), 168 nationwide (24.89%)
- Student discount: 2 in San Diego (15.38%), 10 in California (10.87%), 35 nationwide (5.19%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Express Inc. | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| San Diego Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Global Auto Transportation | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ceva Logistics | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Average cost to ship a car out of San Diego
With a population of 1,386,932 and the status of a major California city, San Diego sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from San Diego compared to smaller towns nearby.
The cost to ship a car out of California from San Diego typically costs between $619 to $1,436. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from San Diego will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from San Diego, California, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Florida | $1,752 – $2,749 |
| California to Illinois | $1,696 – $2,701 |
| California to Colorado | $1,098 – $1,825 |
| California to Michigan | $1,747 – $2,611 |
| California to Georgia | $1,730 – $2,719 |
| Arizona to California | $1,003 – $1,510 |
| North Carolina to California | $1,748 – $2,893 |
| Ohio to California | $1,595 – $2,746 |
| New York to California | $1,786 – $3,165 |
| Texas to California | $1,410 – $1,977 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from San Diego
The cost of living index in San Diego is 155, 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 San Diego or nearby cities in California usually costs less than transporting it across the country.
- City vs. suburbs: Rates can vary if you’re moving your vehicle from the lively streets of downtown San Diego vs. the suburbs.
- Vehicle type and condition: Smaller cars are typically cheaper to move, while classic, luxury, or specialty vehicles from San Diego often need extra care and can bump up the price. Learn more about classic car transport.
- Shipping methods in San Diego: Choose between open-air transport for affordability or enclosed shipping for extra protection from weather and road hazards; the safer the option, the higher the price.
- Fuel prices: Local gas prices in San Diego can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances.
- Delivery timing: If you need your car ASAP, expedited or guaranteed shipping from San Diego will cost more.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: San Diego’s warm, dry climate and minimal rain or snow generally make car shipping easier and more predictable, often keeping pricing steady year-round. Rates may only rise during brief periods of heavy rainfall between December and March.
Tips for choosing the right San Diego car shipping company
- Get accurate quotes: Pick a San Diego company that shares total costs upfront. In California, a typical job starts near $1,100.
- Understand your coverage: Make sure your provider explains how they insure vehicles, what’s covered, and how claims are handled.
- Check out reviews: Reviews from real San Diego customers help highlight reliable companies and expose red flags.
- Verify credentials: The FMCSA’s company snapshot tool can verify if a shipper is properly licensed and safe.
- Compare value, not just price: Check which services are included. Sometimes, premium services are worth the added cost.
- Plan around delivery timing: Ask when your car will be picked up and delivered and whether delays are common for your route.
- Get flexible options: Many San Diego shippers offer extras like door-to-door transport or rush delivery if you need it.
- Ask someone you trust: A recommendation from a San Diego local can save you hours of searching and second-guessing.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
FAQ
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Who ships classic cars out of San Diego?
More California car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in California, these resources should help:
- 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 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
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