Best Car Shipping Companies in Santa Ana, CA (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Nexus Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Santa Ana, CA, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. While your price will vary, you can expect to pay between to $1,350 to ship your car out of Santa Ana.
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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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- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Top car shipping companies in Santa Ana, CA
If you need to transport your vehicle either within California or beyond its borders, here are the top car shipping providers in Santa Ana:
Comparing Santa Ana car auto transport companies
We started by examining the leading auto transport brands, and then reviewed 32 local car shipping firms in Santa Ana, 78 across California, and more than 532 nationwide to evaluate service offerings and direct you to the best fit for your needs.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Santa Ana, across California, and nationwide:
- Damage-free guarantee: 8 in Santa Ana (22.86%), 23 in California (27.38%), 172 nationwide (27.48%)
- Expedited delivery: 24 in Santa Ana (68.57%), 51 in California (60.71%), 347 nationwide (55.43%)
- Insurance included: 28 in Santa Ana (80.0%), 66 in California (78.57%), 488 nationwide (77.96%)
- Open transport: 32 in Santa Ana (91.43%), 78 in California (92.86%), 532 nationwide (84.98%)
- Enclosed transport: 31 in Santa Ana (88.57%), 71 in California (84.52%), 500 nationwide (79.87%)
| Company | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Transport Services | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nationwide United Auto Transport | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Direct Connect Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hilton Auto Transport | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here’s how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Santa Ana, across California, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 12 in Santa Ana (34.29%), 30 in California (35.71%), 158 nationwide (25.24%)
- Senior discount: 6 in Santa Ana (17.14%), 10 in California (11.9%), 39 nationwide (6.23%)
- Student discount: 5 in Santa Ana (14.29%), 9 in California (10.71%), 32 nationwide (5.11%)
- Teacher discount: 1 in Santa Ana (2.86%), 2 in California (2.38%), 6 nationwide (0.96%)
- Law enforcement discount: 1 in Santa Ana (2.86%), 1 in California (1.19%), 5 nationwide (0.8%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Transport Services | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Nationwide United Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Direct Connect Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Hilton Auto Transport | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
How we chose the best car shipping companies
By examining 2,400 car transport services across the US, we rated and reviewed them according to important criteria with our specialized methodology.
The criteria we used were as follows:
- Diverse service options: Our analysis covered the different services provided by each company. We looked into whether they offer open or enclosed transport, as well as both options. Also, we checked if they provide door-to-door shipping or only operate through terminal services, alongside the types of vehicles they can accommodate. Companies that extend services to specialty vehicles like RVs and motorcycles were favored over those that cater only to car shipments.
- 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 feedback: We reviewed user comments on various well-known sites like Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to determine if a car shipping company provides timely service, effective communication, and accurate cost estimates. Additionally, we assessed the overall reputation of each company within the car shipping sector by verifying their U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and investigating their association and reputation with trade groups.
- Availability: Our scoring method considered the geographic reach of each company. Those extending their services to Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the continental U.S., earned higher scores compared to those present only in the Lower 48 or fewer areas.
- Scheduling and payment: Our evaluation focused on how effectively customers can book services and predict expenses via reliable quotes, competitive pricing, fixed rates, and extra benefits. Car shippers that deliver binding estimates or commit to pricing were rated higher than those that aren’t clear with their charges.
Average cost to ship a car out of Santa Ana
Though not officially a major city, Santa Ana has a sizeable population of 310227 and enough regional demand to attract auto transporters. That keeps car shipping rates from Santa Ana relatively stable and competitive.
Shipping a vehicle from Santa Ana, California typically begins at approximately , with potential costs reaching up to $1,350 or beyond. The ultimate charge will hinge on aspects such as mileage and fuel expenses.
Below are some example price brackets for transporting your car from Santa Ana, California to different states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Colorado | $896 – $1,460 |
| California to New York | $1,444 – $2,291 |
| California to Georgia | $1,384 – $2,197 |
| California to Texas | $1,106 – $1,678 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,370 – $2,271 |
| Michigan to California | $1,343 – $2,110 |
| Ohio to California | $1,317 – $2,218 |
| Arizona to California | $762 – $1,198 |
| Illinois to California | $1,370 – $1,996 |
| Florida to California | $1,488 – $2,244 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Santa Ana
The cost of living index in Santa Ana is 165, 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.
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Santa Ana or to another city in California can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- City vs. suburb pickups and drop-offs: Moving your vehicle from busy downtown Santa Ana to a quieter suburb may affect the price you pay.
- Type and condition of your car: Shipping a compact car will usually cost less than moving a large SUV. Shipping special vehicles like classics or luxury cars from Santa Ana may come with premium fees due to the need for added protection and careful handling.
- Shipping options in Santa Ana: Pick between standard open-air carriers, often the cheapest, or enclosed transport for added protection from weather and road debris.
- Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Santa Ana can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Santa Ana comes at a premium.
- Seasonal changes and weather: Hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters in Santa Ana can impact car shipping pricing by increasing costs during extreme heat waves or periods of moderate rainfall, as carriers may need to adjust schedules or routes for weather-related safety.
Tips for choosing the right Santa Ana car shipping company
- Get a clear quote: Always ask for a full breakdown of costs. In Santa Ana, the typical shipping price starts at around $1,100.
- Review insurance options: Choose carriers that clearly explain their coverage and make it easy to file a claim. Some offer perks like a damage-free guarantee to ensure peace of mind.
- Check out reviews: Reviews from real Santa Ana customers help highlight reliable companies and expose red flags.
- Confirm credentials: Use the FMCSA company snapshot tool to make sure your chosen shipper is licensed and insured.
- Balance service and price: Don’t just pick the lowest quote. Compare what services are included and beware of offers that seem too good to be true.
- Know the delivery schedule: Confirm the expected pickup and drop-off times with your Santa Ana shipper. Seasonal delays and the type of transport can affect the timeline.
- Tailor your experience: Look for add-ons like express shipping or door delivery in Santa Ana to simplify the process.
- Ask someone you trust: A recommendation from a Santa Ana local can save you hours of searching and second-guessing.
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 Santa Ana?
Many car shipping companies in Santa Ana, California, provide real-time tracking. Customers can usually monitor their vehicle’s trip on the company’s website or app. You can check when your vehicle departs Santa Ana, its estimated arrival time, and any possible delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Santa Ana?
Interstate 5 connects north to Los Angeles, south to San Diego. Interstate 405 offers a route around central Los Angeles. State Route 55 links Santa Ana to coastal highways. Interstate 10 provides access east toward Arizona.
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 Santa Ana or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Santa Ana?
Many carriers don’t need an inspection to transport your car from Santa Ana. But if you’re shipping a classic or expensive car, you might need to provide proof of insurance. Always verify inspection laws in the delivery state, as rules 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 Santa Ana?
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 Santa Ana to your next destination.
What’s the cheapest car shipping company in Santa Ana?
Budget-friendly carriers in Santa Ana that offer open transport (the most affordable car shipping method) include Nationwide Transport Services, ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. (offers military, student, teacher, senior, law enforcement discounts), and Nationwide United Auto Transport.
Who ships classic cars out of Santa Ana?
Santa Ana companies specializing in vintage vehicle transport with enclosed trailers for maximum protection include Nationwide Transport Services, ABC Auto Shipping, Inc., and Nationwide United Auto Transport.
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 Jose
- San Marino
- 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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