10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Santa Cruz, CA
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Quick answer: For reliable car shipping in Santa Cruz, CA, Nexus Auto Transport is a standout with competitive prices, a broad selection of services, and a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars rating. Although rates fluctuate, you'll typically spend between $712 and $1,383 to ship your car from Santa Cruz.
- Discounts Available
- Refundable Deposit
- GPS Tracking
- Price Lock Promise
- Ships inoperable vehicles
- Multiple discounts
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our California car shipping guide.
Top car shipping companies in Santa Cruz, CA
Whether your car needs to be shipped around California or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms serving Santa Cruz, whether they're based in the city or operate in the wider area:
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
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
- 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.
Pros & Cons
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- 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
- 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
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
- 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
- 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
- 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 cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
- Home of the industry’s only 'Damage Free Guarantee'
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- 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
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA, 94538
https://www.mccollisters.com
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc. (DOT: 289344) offers fully insured vehicle shipping with a damage-free guarantee, open and enclosed transport, expedited delivery, and shipment tracking.
The company also provides classic car, trailer, heavy equipment, international shipping, and storage solutions.
It does not transport inoperable cars, motorcycles, RVs, or boats, which may be a downside for some customers.
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc. has a 3.2 Yelp rating, a 4.2 Google rating, and an A+ BBB rating.
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
Car Shipping Carriers
39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA, 94560
https://carshippingcarriers.com
Car Shipping Carriers (DOT: DOT# 2249744) offers insured interstate and international vehicle transport, including open and enclosed shipping, expedited delivery, and guaranteed delivery.
The company ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, electric vehicles, and cars that do not run, while also providing storage, shipment tracking, and detailed inspection reports.
It does not offer boat, RV, trailer, or heavy-equipment shipping, which may be a drawback for some customers.
Car Shipping Carriers has a 1.0 Yelp rating, a 5.0 Google rating, and an A+ BBB rating.
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
Ats Transportation Svc
8195 Parish Way, #27 Gilroy, CA, 95020
http://atstransport.com
Ats Transportation Svc (DOT: 2213996) provides fully insured interstate and international vehicle shipping with open transport and a damage-free guarantee.
The company also ships motorcycles, trailers, RVs, and multiple vehicles, and accepts credit card payments.
Customers should note that it does not offer enclosed transport, expedited delivery, shipment tracking, or transportation for cars that do not run.
Ats Transportation Svc has a 3.9 Yelp rating, a 4.6 Google rating, and an A+ BBB rating, and customers may be able to save by using a discount code.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Global Auto Transportation
152 North 3rd Street, San Jose, CA, 95112
http://www.globalautotransportation.com
Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) offers open and enclosed transport, interstate shipping, expedited delivery, shipment tracking, and transportation for boats, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, classic cars, and heavy equipment.
The company is fully insured and holds a 4.5 rating on Google, a 3.0 rating on Yelp, and an A+ rating with the BBB.
However, it does not transport inoperable cars, which may be a drawback for customers whose vehicles do not run.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Lucky Star Auto Transport
5973 Shawcroft Dr, San Jose, CA, 95123
https://luckystarautotransport.com
Lucky Star Auto Transport (DOT: 2353323) is an active car shipping company, though no specific services or discounts are listed in the available information.
It has a 4.9 Yelp rating and an A+ BBB rating, while it has yet to establish a Google rating.
Customers should note that the company does not offer or list enclosed transport, expedited delivery, vehicle tracking, or guaranteed delivery, which may be a downside for some.
Services Offered
- This provider has no service list.
Compare Santa Cruz, CA car shippers
Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of car shipping providers across California and more than 612 nationwide, to compare service options and help you pick the best fit for Santa Cruz.
Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Santa Cruz, across California, and nationwide:
| Service | Santa Cruz | CA | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time tracking | 50.0% | 60.24% | 55.23% |
| Guaranteed delivery | 12.5% | 31.33% | 28.43% |
| Damage-free guarantee | 37.5% | 27.71% | 27.94% |
| Expedited delivery | 62.5% | 61.45% | 54.25% |
| Insurance included | 62.5% | 78.31% | 76.96% |
Here's a closer look at the companies serving Santa Cruz and which of these services they offer:
| Company | Real-Time Tracking | Guaranteed | Damage-Free | Expedited | Insured |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc. | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Car Shipping Carriers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ats Transportation Svc | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Global Auto Transportation | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lucky Star Auto Transport | No | No | No | No | No |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Santa Cruz, across California, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 2 in Santa Cruz (25.0%), 30 in California (36.14%), 159 nationwide (25.98%)
- Senior discount: 1 in Santa Cruz (12.5%), 10 in California (12.05%), 38 nationwide (6.21%)
| Company | Discounts offered |
|---|---|
| McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc. | None listed |
| Car Shipping Carriers | Military |
| Ats Transportation Svc | None listed |
| Global Auto Transportation | None listed |
| Lucky Star Auto Transport | None listed |
Average cost to ship a car out of Santa Cruz, CA
Though not officially a major city, Santa Cruz has a sizeable population of 64,075 and enough regional demand to attract auto transporters. That keeps car shipping rates from Santa Cruz relatively stable and competitive.
On average, moving your car from Santa Cruz, California costs $712 - $1,383. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from Santa Cruz, California to various states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Pennsylvania | $1,559 - $2,351 |
| California to Texas | $1,158 - $1,673 |
| California to Arizona | $857 - $1,183 |
| California to Ohio | $1,464 - $2,256 |
| California to North Carolina | $1,435 - $2,425 |
| Florida to California | $1,483 - $2,494 |
| Georgia to California | $1,464 - $2,166 |
| Illinois to California | $1,407 - $2,221 |
| Michigan to California | $1,422 - $2,369 |
| New York to California | $1,560 - $2,551 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Santa Cruz, CA
According to Santa Cruz's cost of living index, the California city is about 86% more expensive than the national average. This can push car shipping costs higher due to increased labor and operational expenses in the region.
- Distance: Shipping your car within Santa Cruz or to a nearby city in California usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
- Location: Santa Cruz's smaller-town layout usually makes for easier pickup logistics, which can help keep car shipping costs a bit lower than in busier metro areas.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Santa Cruz might require special handling, increasing the price. 75% of the 8 Santa Cruz shippers we have service data for handle classic cars, in line with the California average, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Available shipping options in Santa Cruz: 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. Among the 8 Santa Cruz shippers we have service data for, 87% offer open transport , and 75% offer enclosed transport (nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport).
- Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Santa Cruz can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average price in California is about $4.66 per gallon right now.
- Need it fast? Standard open transport in Santa Cruz costs about $0.60 - $1 per mile; expedited delivery runs $1 - $1.50 per mile. On average, expedited or guaranteed delivery adds $200 - $500 to the price.
- Off-season savings: Peak summer and month-end dates cost more to ship. Choose an off-peak window instead and expect to pay 10% - 30% less.
How to ship a car from Santa Cruz, CA
Work through this checklist to compare Santa Cruz car shippers and choose a reliable one:
- Pin down your shipping route. Check whether you're staying within California or shipping across state lines. In-state and regional routes typically cost less than cross-country ones, and your ZIP codes finalize the price.
- Weigh local market factors. This market has carrier availability that depends mostly on route density and local demand. Cost of living comes in 86% above the national average.
- Look at national and local options. National carriers typically handle interstate routes best, while local shippers (we track 5 in Santa Cruz) can offer faster turnaround close to home.
- Settle on open vs. enclosed. Open transport keeps costs down for everyday vehicles, while enclosed transport is the safer call for classic or high-value cars that need extra protection.
- Verify licensing before booking. Look up each carrier's MC and USDOT numbers on the FMCSA carrier lookup to confirm they're properly registered.
- Gather 3+ quotes and plan your timing. Run your details through the moveBuddha car shipping calculator for quotes from at least three companies, and book off-peak when you can since summer and end-of-month dates cost more.
FAQ
How many car shipping companies does moveBuddha track in Santa Cruz?
moveBuddha tracks 8 car shipping companies serving Santa Cruz. Comparing at least three quotes among them can help you find the best combination of price and service for your route.
Are car shippers in Santa Cruz fully insured?
62% of the 8 Santa Cruz shippers we have service data for are fully insured, and 37% offer a damage-free guarantee (nationally, about 76% of car shippers are fully insured). Always ask for proof of insurance before booking.
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in Santa Cruz?
Many car shipping companies in Santa Cruz, California offer real-time tracking. You can follow your vehicle's journey through the company's website or app, with updates on when it leaves Santa Cruz, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Santa Cruz?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of Santa Cruz follow the major interstate corridors running through California. Carriers on high-traffic routes between large metros generally offer faster transit times and better pricing than those on less-traveled roads. Ask your carrier which interstates they use and whether your destination falls on a primary or secondary route.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Santa Cruz?
Most carriers don't require an inspection to ship your car out of Santa Cruz. If you're shipping a classic or high-value vehicle, you may be asked to show proof of insurance. Always check the inspection requirements for the delivery state, as regulations vary.
Take California regulations as an example. California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.