Best San Francisco 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 Francisco, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
| Company | Quote | Rating | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Get A Quote |
SGT Auto Transport
|
(864) 492-1221 |
|
Get A Quote |
Easy Auto Ship
|
(888) 259-6046 |
|
Get A Quote |
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
(833) 775-1461 |
|
Get A Quote |
AmeriFreight
|
(770) 501-9057 |
|
Get A Quote |
Ship A Car Direct
|
(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 Francisco
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of California, these are the best auto transporting companies available in San Francisco.
SGT Auto Transport
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
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
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
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
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.
Car Shipping Carriers
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.
Direct Express Auto Transport
Viper Transportation
Voyager Transportation solutions inc
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 Texas | $1,356 – $2,078 |
| California to Michigan | $1,697 – $2,693 |
| California to New York | $1,899 – $3,015 |
| California to Florida | $1,714 – $2,729 |
| California to Illinois | $1,582 – $2,675 |
| North Carolina to California | $1,749 – $2,593 |
| Arizona to California | $993 – $1,469 |
| Pennsylvania to California | $1,807 – $2,751 |
| Ohio to California | $1,730 – $2,693 |
| Georgia to California | $1,647 – $2,800 |
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: Mild year-round climate in San Francisco means fewer weather-related delays, reducing potential shipping costs. Consistent seasonal temperatures facilitate easier logistics planning.
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 ensures you get first-hand information about service quality and reliability, helping you make an informed decision when choosing a San Francisco car shipping company.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research in San Francisco is critical because it ensures the credibility of the car shipping company and protects against fraud. It also highlights key factors like pricing, 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?
The most efficient interstates for shipping a car out of San Francisco include I-80, I-580, and I-5. I-80 connects to major eastbound routes. I-580 merges into I-5 for north-south travel. I-5 is a key route for destinations both north to Oregon and south to Southern California.
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 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:
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