Best Car Shipping Companies in San Jose, CA (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: If you’re looking for an excellent car shipping company in San Jose, CA, Nexus Auto Transport stands out for its impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, affordable rates, and lineup of services. While prices vary, you can usually expect to pay between and $1,351 to ship your car from San Jose.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our California car shipping guide.
Our track record
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
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Top car shipping companies in San Jose, CA
Considering moving your vehicle locally or out of California? Here’s a list of the premier car transport companies located in San Jose:
Comparing San Jose car auto transport companies
Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of 12 local car shipping providers in San Jose, 78 throughout California, and more than 532 across the country to compare service options and assist you in selecting the best solution.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in San Jose, across California, and nationwide:
- Expedited delivery: 7 in San Jose (50.0%), 51 in California (60.71%), 347 nationwide (55.43%)
- Insurance included: 10 in San Jose (71.43%), 66 in California (78.57%), 488 nationwide (77.96%)
- Open transport: 12 in San Jose (85.71%), 78 in California (92.86%), 532 nationwide (84.98%)
- Enclosed transport: 9 in San Jose (64.29%), 71 in California (84.52%), 500 nationwide (79.87%)
- Inoperable car transport: 3 in San Jose (21.43%), 32 in California (38.1%), 241 nationwide (38.5%)
| Company | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Inoperable car transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ats Transportation Svc | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Viper Transportation | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Global Auto Transportation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here’s how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in San Jose, across California, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 2 in San Jose (14.29%), 30 in California (35.71%), 158 nationwide (25.24%)
- Senior discount: 1 in San Jose (7.14%), 10 in California (11.9%), 39 nationwide (6.23%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc. | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ats Transportation Svc | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Viper Transportation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Global Auto 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:
- Comprehensive offerings: Our assessment focused on the range of services available from each provider. We considered if they provide open, enclosed, or both types of transport. Additionally, we evaluated whether the service includes door-to-door delivery or is limited to terminal pickup and drop-off, along with the variety of vehicles they can transport. Companies capable of moving specialty vehicles such as RVs and motorcycles received higher scores compared to those that only ship standard cars.
- Add-on services: Extra points were given to companies that feature unique optional perks, including fast shipping, confirmed pickup slots, car wash services, and compensation for rental vehicles.
- Review analysis: Our team assessed customer reviews from prominent sites like Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to determine if car shipping companies meet the expected service timelines, maintain good communication, and adhere to budget projections. We also investigated each company’s reputation within the industry, confirming their USDOT certificate and their relationship with relevant trade associations.
- Availability: Our evaluation took into account the locations each company operates in. Companies that include Alaska and Hawaii in their service areas, along with the continental U.S., received more points than those restricted to the Lower 48 or smaller territories.
- 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.
Average cost to ship a car out of San Jose
With a population of 971,233 and the status of a major California city, San Jose sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from San Jose compared to smaller towns nearby.
Shipping a car out of San Jose, California usually ranges from to $1,351. Your final price will depend on how far you’re going and current fuel costs.
Check out these estimated price ranges for moving a vehicle from San Jose, California to another state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Colorado | $896 – $1,460 |
| California to Florida | $1,427 – $2,205 |
| California to Georgia | $1,384 – $2,197 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,370 – $2,271 |
| California to Arizona | $778 – $1,106 |
| Michigan to California | $1,343 – $2,110 |
| New York to California | $1,444 – $2,291 |
| Ohio to California | $1,317 – $2,218 |
| Texas to California | $1,128 – $1,646 |
| Illinois to California | $1,370 – $1,996 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from San Jose
As a major city, San Jose benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in San Jose is 231, 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.
- Distance matters: Moving your car locally within San Jose or to nearby areas in California is typically more affordable than shipping it across state lines.
- Location type: It’s often pricier to transport a car out of busy downtown San Jose compared to moves between quieter suburban neighborhoods.
- Vehicle type and condition: Smaller cars are typically cheaper to move, while classic, luxury, or specialty vehicles from San Jose often need extra care and can bump up the price. Learn more about classic car transport.
- Available shipping options in San Jose: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards.
- Fuel prices: What you’ll pay to ship can go up or down depending on current gas rates in San Jose, especially with long-distance trips.
- How fast you need it: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from San Jose comes at a higher price tag.
- Weather and season: Hot, dry summers in San Jose can keep car shipping prices steady, while heavy winter rains may increase costs due to potential delays or safety concerns on the roads. Mild winters generally help avoid major seasonal price spikes.
Tips for choosing the right San Jose car shipping company
- Get accurate quotes: Pick a San Jose company that shares total costs upfront. In California, a typical job starts near $1,100.
- Review insurance coverage: Select shippers that offer detailed insurance info, flexible coverage levels, and a simple claims process.
- Read local reviews: Customer reviews from San Jose offer real insight into how reliable a company is. They can help you avoid scams and choose a shipper with solid satisfaction ratings.
- Check for licensing: Use the FMCSA lookup tool to confirm that the company is licensed, insured, and operating legally.
- Know what you’re paying for: Some quotes don’t include all services. Ask if things like door-to-door delivery or insurance are baked into the price.
- Plan around delivery timing: Ask when your car will be picked up and delivered and whether delays are common for your route.
- Look for custom options: Shippers in San Jose may offer services like door-to-door delivery or expedited shipping to fit your needs.
- Get a referral: Talk to friends or family in San Jose who’ve shipped cars before. Their recommendations can save you time and hassle.
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
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in San Jose?
Many car shipping companies in San Jose, California, provide real-time tracking. You can usually monitor your vehicle’s journey via the company’s website or app. This lets you track when it leaves San Jose, see the estimated arrival time, and be informed of any transit delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of San Jose?
Interstate 5 connects north-south through California, ideal for long-distance shipping. Interstate 880 serves local access between East Bay cities. Interstate 280 runs fast toward San Francisco. Interstate 101 links San Jose to southern and northern California. Interstate 680 offers a route east toward Central Valley and beyond.
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 Jose or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of San Jose?
Most carriers don’t need to inspect your car before shipping it from San Jose. But if you’re shipping a classic or high-value car, you might need to provide proof of insurance. Be sure to check the inspection rules for the delivery state, as they differ.
Take California regulations as an example. California mandates a yearly safety check to make sure vehicles on public roads are in good shape and safe to drive. You can have this inspection done at any service station approved by the California Department of Transportation.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from San Jose?
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 Jose to your next destination.
What’s the cheapest car shipping company in San Jose?
San Jose car shippers offering economical open transport services at competitive rates include McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc., Car Shipping Carriers (offers military discounts), and Ats Transportation Svc.
Who ships classic cars out of San Jose?
Professional vintage car transport companies in San Jose offering secure enclosed delivery include McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc., Car Shipping Carriers, and Viper Transportation.
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 Diego
- San Francisco
- 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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