Best San Francisco Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Easy Auto Ship is the best car shipping company in San Francisco, with a rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the California car shipping page.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
Best car shipping companies in San Francisco
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of California, these are the best auto transporting companies available in San Francisco.
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Ship A Car Direct
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Car Shipping Carriers
- McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.
- Direct Express Auto Transport
- Pasha Hawaii ship your car
- Viper Transportation
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
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 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.
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
- Ships all vehicle types
- 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
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
SGT Auto Transport
https://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
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
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
- Insured shipping
- Open and enclosed transport
Car Shipping Carriers
Car Shipping Carriers (DOT: DOT# 2249744) is a comprehensive car shipping company that boasts a stellar Google rating of 5.0 and holds an A+ rating with the BBB.
The company offers a wide range of services, including inoperable car transport, electric vehicle shipping, as well as enclosed and open transport options. Customers can also benefit from expedited delivery, shipment tracking, military discounts, and a damage-free guarantee.
Despite these extensive offerings, it’s notable that Car Shipping Carriers does not provide RV shipping or trailer shipping, which could be a drawback for some customers.
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
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc. (DOT: 289344) is an active car shipping company that offers an impressive array of services, including enclosed transport, classic car shipping, and expedited delivery. Notably, the company provides a damage-free guarantee and is fully insured, ensuring peace of mind for their customers. They proudly maintain high ratings with a 4.2 on Google and an A+ with the Better Business Bureau, although their Yelp rating is a modest 3.2.
However, a few potential downsides for some customers include the lack of services for inoperable car transport and electric vehicle shipping. They also do not offer discounts for military personnel, students, or law enforcement officers, which might be a consideration for some potential clients.
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
Direct Express Auto Transport
Direct Express Auto Transport (DOT: 2231879) is a car shipping company that stands out for its wide range of services, including transport for inoperable cars, enclosed transport, and international shipping. The company offers several attractive benefits such as being fully insured, providing expedited delivery, and not requiring a deposit, which can be very convenient for customers. Unfortunately, they do not offer damage-free guarantees, which might be a downside for some potential clients.
Direct Express Auto Transport holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a respectable marker of reliability. However, the company has yet to establish notable ratings on Yelp and Google, which might suggest a need for more customer feedback on these platforms.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Pasha Hawaii ship your car
Pasha Hawaii ship your car (DOT: 2861558) is an active car shipping company offering a wide range of services, including ATV shipping, enclosed transport, and expedited delivery. They are fully insured and do not require a deposit for their services, which adds to their convenience.
Though they offer a military discount and options like open transport and shipment tracking, they do not provide electric vehicle shipping or support for cars that don’t run, which could be a drawback for some customers. The company has an A rating with the BBB and a Yelp rating of 2.3 but has yet to establish ratings on Google.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
Viper Transportation
Viper Transportation (DOT: 1509528) is a prominently rated car shipping business with a Yelp rating of 4.0 and a stellar BBB rating of A+, though the company has yet to establish ratings on Google.
The company offers a variety of specialized services including enclosed transport, international shipping, and classic car shipping. Additionally, Viper Transportation is fully insured and caters to electric vehicle owners as well.
However, potential customers should be aware that the company does not offer damage-free guarantees or transport services for inoperable cars.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
MoveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Average car shipping costs in San Francisco
The average cost to ship a car from San Francisco 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 Francisco, California, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Arizona | $898 – $1,342 |
| California to Florida | $1,699 – $2,564 |
| California to Michigan | $1,489 – $2,509 |
| California to Illinois | $1,504 – $2,421 |
| California to Texas | $1,189 – $1,770 |
| Pennsylvania to California | $1,618 – $2,487 |
| North Carolina to California | $1,630 – $2,493 |
| New York to California | $1,735 – $2,700 |
| Ohio to California | $1,489 – $2,338 |
| Georgia to California | $1,535 – $2,509 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from San Francisco
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in San Francisco: 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 Francisco’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on San Francisco’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from San Francisco come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: San Francisco’s mild year-round climate reduces weather-related delays, likely lowering car shipping costs. Extreme weather conditions are rare.
Tips for choosing the right San Francisco, CA, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In San Francisco, 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 Francisco. Choose San Francisco 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 Francisco, California is essential because it provides insights into the company’s reliability and service quality, helping ensure your vehicle’s safe and timely transport.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research ensures you choose a reputable San Francisco car shipping company, minimizing risk of scams and potential financial loss. Proper vetting helps verify licensing, insurance, and customer reviews.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In San Francisco, 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 Francisco. 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 Francisco. 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 Francisco should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco?
Yes, many car shipping companies in San Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco?
Interstate 80 runs east through Sacramento. Interstate 5 travels north to Oregon and south to Los Angeles. U.S. Route 101 heads south toward San Jose. Interstate 580 links the Bay Area to Interstate 5.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any San Francisco 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 Francisco?
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 Francisco. 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 inspections to confirm that vehicles on public roads are in good condition and safe to drive. These inspections can be done at any service station approved by the California Department of Transportation.
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
More car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in California, these resources should help:
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