10 Best Car Shipping Companies in San Diego, CA
Quick answer: For reliable car shipping in San Diego, CA, Nexus Auto Transport is a standout with competitive prices, a broad selection of services, and a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars rating. Although rates fluctuate, you'll typically spend between $754 and $1,453 to ship your car from San Diego.
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| Company | Contact | Our rating | Best for | Benefits |
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| Best overall value |
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| Best for budget-conscious shippers |
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| Best for Exact Pickup Dates |
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| Best for Damage Protection |
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our California car shipping guide.
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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
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Top car shipping companies in San Diego, CA
Whether your car needs to be shipped around California or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms you can find in San Diego:
Comparing San Diego, CA car auto transport companies
After analyzing the biggest brands in auto transport, we analyzed 13 local car shipping companies in San Diego, 77 across California, and 518+ 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%), 26 in California (31.33%), 176 nationwide (28.71%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 5 in San Diego (38.46%), 23 in California (27.71%), 172 nationwide (28.06%)
- Expedited delivery: 7 in San Diego (53.85%), 51 in California (61.45%), 333 nationwide (54.32%)
- Insurance included: 12 in San Diego (92.31%), 65 in California (78.31%), 473 nationwide (77.16%)
- Open transport: 13 in San Diego (100.0%), 77 in California (92.77%), 518 nationwide (84.5%)
| Company | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport |
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| Auto Express Inc. | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| San Diego Auto Shipping Group | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Send It Car Shippers | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Global Auto Transportation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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%), 30 in California (36.14%), 159 nationwide (25.94%)
- Student discount: 2 in San Diego (15.38%), 9 in California (10.84%), 32 nationwide (5.22%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Express Inc. | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| San Diego Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Send It Car Shippers | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Global Auto Transportation | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of San Diego, CA
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.
Moving your car from San Diego, California will vary but usually falls between $754 and $1,453. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from San Diego, California to various states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Arizona | $954 - $1,455 |
| California to Illinois | $1,599 - $2,499 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,664 - $2,730 |
| California to New York | $1,863 - $3,016 |
| California to Michigan | $1,566 - $2,667 |
| Colorado to California | $1,078 - $1,670 |
| Texas to California | $1,383 - $2,038 |
| Ohio to California | $1,713 - $2,615 |
| Georgia to California | $1,631 - $2,589 |
| Florida to California | $1,719 - $2,753 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from San Diego, CA
As a major city, San Diego benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. 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.
- Move distance: You'll save more when shipping your vehicle locally in San Diego or within California, while trips across state lines generally cost more.
- City vs. suburbs: Rates can vary if you're moving your vehicle from the lively streets of downtown San Diego vs. the suburbs.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from San Diego might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Shipping method choices in San Diego: Pick between standard open-air carriers for budget-friendly transport or enclosed trailers for extra protection against the elements. Enclosed shipping costs more but shields your car from the unexpected.
- Gas prices: The going rate for fuel in San Diego can raise or lower your shipping bill, especially on long hauls.
- Delivery speed: If you need your car shipped ASAP from San Diego, rush or guaranteed delivery services are available, but expect extra fees.
- Seasonal and weather impacts: Demand-driven price swings are common in auto transport — summer and month-end dates cost more due to high volume. Booking early or in the off-season can help keep costs down.
How to ship a car from San Diego, CA
Use this San Diego-specific checklist to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper.
- Confirm your route from San Diego — Confirm whether you are shipping within California or to another state. Local and regional routes from San Diego are priced differently than long cross-country hauls, and your pickup and delivery ZIP codes drive the final quote.
- Factor in San Diego market conditions — San Diego is a major metro with more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. The cost-of-living index is 155 (100 = national average).
- Compare national and local carriers — Compare national auto transport partners with the local San Diego shippers listed on this page. National carriers often cover long interstate routes, while local companies may offer faster pickup in the San Diego metro.
- Pick open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the budget option for standard vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for classic, luxury, or high-value cars that need extra protection during loading and transit.
- Verify MC/DOT registration — Ask for each carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
- Get 3+ quotes and schedule off-peak — Request written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator. Book off-peak when possible — summer and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in San Diego?
Many car shipping companies in San Diego, California offer real-time tracking. You can follow your vehicle's journey through the company's website or app, with updates on when it leaves San Diego, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
Is it cheaper to ship a car from a big city like San Diego?
In many cases, yes. San Diego is a major city with more car shipping carriers, which usually means lower prices and faster pickup times due to high demand and route density.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of San Diego?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of San Diego follow the major interstate corridors running through California. Carriers on high-traffic routes between large metros generally offer faster transit times and better pricing than those on less-traveled roads. Ask your carrier which interstates they use and whether your destination falls on a primary or secondary route.
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 San Diego or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of San Diego?
Most carriers don't require an inspection to ship your car out of San Diego. If you're shipping a classic or high-value vehicle, you may be asked to show proof of insurance. Always check the inspection requirements for the delivery state, as regulations vary.
Take California regulations as an example. California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from San Diego?
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 San Diego to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in San Diego?
Low-cost vehicle transport providers in San Diego specializing in open carrier delivery include Auto Express Inc., San Diego Auto Shipping Group (offers military discounts), and Send It Car Shippers (offers military, student discounts).
Who ships classic cars out of San Diego?
San Diego-area specialists in classic and collectible car shipping with enclosed transport options include Auto Express Inc., San Diego Auto Shipping Group, and Send It Car Shippers.
501 W Broadway Ste. 800, San Diego, CA, 92101
3312 1228 University Ave Suite 200-161, San Diego, CA, 92103
4234 Market St, San Diego, CA, 92102