Best Car Shipping Companies in Santa Ana, CA (2026 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 $1,475 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:
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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:
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company’s transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Nationwide Transport Services
Nationwide Transport Services (DOT: 2245458) offers a wide variety of car shipping services including interstate transport, enclosed transport, and electric vehicle shipping. Their services are fully insured for peace of mind, and they accept various payment methods including cryptocurrency, cash, and money orders.
Customers have given Nationwide Transport Services a respectable Google rating of 4.0, a Yelp rating of 3.6, and an A+ BBB rating, indicating strong customer satisfaction. A notable downside for some customers is that they do not offer guaranteed delivery services. However, they do accommodate the transportation of inoperable vehicles, which can be a great advantage for customers needing to ship cars that don’t run.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Accepts Cryptocurrency
- Classic Car Shipping
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. (DOT: 2340626) is a versatile car shipping company known for its wide range of services. They offer specialized shipping for classic cars, expedited delivery, motorcycle shipping, and trailer shipping. Customers can also benefit from discounts tailored for seniors, teachers, students, and military personnel. Despite the company’s high Yelp rating of 4.7 and an excellent BBB rating of A+, it has yet to establish ratings on Google.
One of the company’s significant commitments is the damage-free guarantee, ensuring peace of mind during transport. However, they do not handle inoperable car transport, which might be a limitation for some customers. While fully insured services are not available, they compensate by offering shipment tracking and detailed inspection reports.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Teacher Discount
- Senior Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Law Enforcement Discount
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Nationwide United Auto Transport
Nationwide United Auto Transport (DOT: 2423753) is a highly rated car shipping service with glowing reviews, boasting an impressive 4.9 rating on both Yelp and Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer a variety of services, including interstate transport, classic car shipping, and the ability to move inoperable vehicles. They accommodate a range of transport needs, such as boat, trailer, RV, and heavy equipment shipping, ensuring that many types of vehicles can be catered for. However, a potential downside for some customers is that they do not offer a damage-free guarantee.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
ABC Car Shipping
ABC Car Shipping (DOT: 3730551) is recognized for its reliable car shipping services, boasting impressive ratings with a 4.7 on Yelp, a 4.8 on Google, and an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company specializes in transporting inoperable cars, classic cars, and provides heavy equipment shipping, making it versatile in handling challenging shipments.
In addition to regular interstate and international shipping, ABC Car Shipping offers a damage-free guarantee and expedited delivery options, ensuring customer satisfaction and peace of mind. However, for customers seeking insurance services, it’s notable that the company does not offer full insurance coverage, which might be a downside for some.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Direct Connect Auto Transport
Direct Connect Auto Transport (DOT: 2244227) is a car shipping company that provides a variety of transport services, including international and interstate shipping. They are fully insured and offer a damage-free guarantee, catering especially to those who need to transport electric vehicles, motorcycles, and even RVs. With a Google rating of 3.8 and a BBB rating of A+, they demonstrate reliability, although their Yelp rating is a modest 1.8, suggesting mixed customer experiences.
While they support a range of vehicle types, they do not offer trailer or ATV shipping, which may be a disadvantage for potential clients with these needs. Additionally, they provide options for paying by money order, cash, and credit card, although they do not accept cryptocurrency. Customers should note that discounts for seniors, students, and military personnel are not available.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
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 518 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 (28.1%)
- Expedited delivery: 24 in Santa Ana (68.57%), 51 in California (60.71%), 333 nationwide (54.41%)
- Insurance included: 28 in Santa Ana (80.0%), 66 in California (78.57%), 474 nationwide (77.45%)
- Open transport: 32 in Santa Ana (91.43%), 78 in California (92.86%), 518 nationwide (84.64%)
- Enclosed transport: 31 in Santa Ana (88.57%), 71 in California (84.52%), 494 nationwide (80.72%)
| Company | Damage-free guarantee | Expedited delivery | Insurance included | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Transport Services | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nationwide United Auto Transport | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ABC Car Shipping | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Direct Connect 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%), 159 nationwide (25.98%)
- Senior discount: 6 in Santa Ana (17.14%), 10 in California (11.9%), 39 nationwide (6.37%)
- Student discount: 5 in Santa Ana (14.29%), 9 in California (10.71%), 32 nationwide (5.23%)
- Teacher discount: 1 in Santa Ana (2.86%), 2 in California (2.38%), 6 nationwide (0.98%)
- Law enforcement discount: 1 in Santa Ana (2.86%), 1 in California (1.19%), 5 nationwide (0.82%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Transport Services | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Nationwide United Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| ABC Car Shipping | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Direct Connect 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 $1,475 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 New York | $1,479 – $2,395 |
| California to Illinois | $1,308 – $2,084 |
| California to Ohio | $1,360 – $1,973 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,321 – $2,020 |
| California to Georgia | $1,231 – $1,994 |
| Colorado to California | $839 – $1,421 |
| Texas to California | $1,003 – $1,571 |
| Michigan to California | $1,295 – $1,973 |
| Florida to California | $1,449 – $2,121 |
| Arizona to California | $727 – $1,100 |
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 winters in Santa Ana help keep car shipping costs stable, as minimal rain and no snow reduce weather-related delays or risks.
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 services. Customers can usually track their vehicle’s progress on the company’s website or mobile app. You can find out when your car leaves Santa Ana, its expected arrival time, and if there are any delays along the way.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Santa Ana?
Interstate 5 connects to major cities north and south. Interstate 405 provides access to the coastal region. Interstate 10 runs east toward the interior states. Interstate 15 links to Las Vegas 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 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 to inspect your car before shipping it from Santa Ana. But if you have a classic or expensive car, they might ask for proof of insurance. Always look up the inspection laws in the delivery state because they can 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. This inspection can be 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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