Learn more about our Advertising Disclosure

Advertising Disclosure moveBuddha

Best San Diego Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, SGT Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in San Diego, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Company Quote Rating Phone
https://www.movebuddha.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/logo-sgt-auto-transport.png Get A Quote
SGT Auto Transport
4.9 / 5.0
(864) 492-1221
https://www.movebuddha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/logo-easy-auto-ship.png Get A Quote
Easy Auto Ship
4.75 / 5.0
(888) 259-6046
https://www.movebuddha.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-sherpa-auto-transport.png Get A Quote
Sherpa Auto Transport
4.5 / 5.0
(833) 775-1461
https://www.movebuddha.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/logo-amerifreight.png Get A Quote
AmeriFreight
4.4 / 5.0
(770) 501-9057
https://www.movebuddha.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-ship-a-car-direct.png Get A Quote
Ship A Car Direct
4.35 / 5.0
(866) 563-0804

Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the California car shipping page.

Best car shipping companies in San Diego

Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of California, these are the best auto transporting companies available in San Diego.

SGT Auto Transport

220 N Main St, Suite 500, Greenville, SC, 29601
No hidden fees
Exact pickup dates
Insurance included

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

860 Boardman Canfield Rd., Youngstown, OH, 44512
Discount for cash payment
Quick shipping
Free car wash

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

5605 Carnegie Boulevard, Suite 250, Charlotte, NC, 28209
Price Lock Promise
Ships inoperable vehicles
Clean Car Guarantee

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

417 Dividend Drive, Suite D, Peachtree City, GA, 30269
Services all 50 states
Ships most vehicles

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

150 Murray St, Unit 224, Niwot, CO, 80544
Damage-Free Guarantee
Customer support chat
Competitive rates

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.

Auto Express Inc.

501 W Broadway Ste. 800, San Diego, CA, 92101

San Diego Auto Shipping Group

3312 1228 University Ave Suite 200-161, San Diego, CA, 92103

Global Auto Transportation

4234 Market St, San Diego, CA, 92102

Auto Driveaway

7419 El Cajon Blvd, La Mesa, CA, 91942

Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego

888 Prospect St # 200, La Jolla, CA, 92037

Average car shipping costs in San Diego

The average cost to ship a car from San Diego to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.

Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from San Diego, California, to a different state:

Route Cost
California to Michigan $1,697 – $2,693
California to New York $1,899 – $3,015
California to Georgia $1,680 – $2,693
California to Pennsylvania $1,789 – $2,723
California to Florida $1,714 – $2,729
North Carolina to California $1,749 – $2,593
Texas to California $1,369 – $1,958
Ohio to California $1,730 – $2,693
Arizona to California $993 – $1,469
Illinois to California $1,549 – $2,523

Factors influencing car shipping costs from San Diego

  • The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within San Diego or to another city in California can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
  • Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of San Diego to a more suburban area.
  • 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.
  • Available shipping options in San Diego: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against San Diego’s specific climate challenges.
  • Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on San Diego’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
  • Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from San Diego come at a premium.
  • Seasonal factors and weather conditions: The mild climate in San Diego, California, offers fewer weather-related delays for car shipments, ensuring consistent and reliable delivery times, which could help maintain lower shipping costs.

Tips for choosing the right San Diego, CA, car shipping company

  • Compare prices. In San Diego, compare costs with a critical eye. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected fees, ensuring that competitive rates do not undermine service quality. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in California.
  • Review insurance and safety in San Diego. Choose San Diego companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Confirm their dedication to protecting your vehicle throughout its journey.
  • Read customer reviews. Reading customer reviews in San Diego, California is critical for choosing the right car shipping company as they reveal past customer experiences, helping you gauge reliability and service quality. This ensures your vehicle is handled by a trustworthy company with a proven track record.
  • Research thoroughly. Thorough research in San Diego is critical to avoid scams by ensuring the car shipping company is reputable and reliable. It helps verify credentials, customer reviews, and pricing transparency, safeguarding from fraudulent practices.
  • Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In San Diego, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
  • Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in San Diego. Balance service quality against pricing, and be wary of unusually low rates that might indicate hidden costs or poor service.
  • Ask about insurance coverage. Inquire specifically about the insurance coverage provided by companies in San Diego. Understand the extent of coverage and the process for making claims in case of damage during transit.
  • Understand delivery timelines. Clarify expected pickup and delivery times. Companies in San Diego should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
  • Check for customization options. Consider companies in San Diego that offer customizable options, such as door-to-door delivery or specific handling requirements for your vehicle.
  • Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get personal referrals from friends or family in San Diego who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.

FAQ

Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in San Diego?

Yes, many car shipping companies in San Diego, California, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or a mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves San Diego, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.

What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of San Diego?

The most efficient interstates for shipping a car out of San Diego include I-5, I-15, and I-8. I-5 runs north-south along the West Coast, I-15 connects San Diego to Las Vegas and beyond, and I-8 heads east toward Arizona.

How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?

You can check the license status of any San Diego car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s website.

Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of San Diego?

If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance before taking your vehicle out of San Diego. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of California, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.

Take California regulations as an example. 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.

More car shipping resources

If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in California, these resources should help:

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All
triangle triangle