($1,149) Cost to ship a car from Little Rock, AR to San Diego, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,149 to $1,688 to ship your car 1,676 miles from Little Rock, Arkansas, to San Diego, California. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Diego to Little Rock 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
The best Little Rock to San Diego car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Little Rock to San Diego:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Little Rock
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Little Rock, AR:
- Mt. Olive Auto & Freight Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Mt. Olive Auto & Freight Transport
605 E German Ln, Conway, AR 72032 US
mtoliveautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Mt. Olive Auto Transport is praised for exceptional customer service, reliable and timely deliveries, and competitive pricing, making it a preferred choice for many clients. However, there are significant complaints regarding unprofessional behavior, unexpected price increases, and poor communication that led to frustrating experiences for some customers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 89327
Alternative Business Names
- Brian Martin DBA Mt. Olive Auto Transport
Nationwide Auto Transport
1598 Imperial Dr #2000, West Plains, MO 65775 US
nationwidellc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2248682
Ceva Logistics
4800 Pleasant Hill Rd, Memphis, TN 38118 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
Global Auto Transportation
5500 Patterson Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209 US
globalautotransportation.com/little-rock-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
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:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- 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 satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- 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.
Car shipping alternatives from AR to CA
If you’re relocating from Little Rock to San Diego, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Little Rock to San Diego, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,676-mile journey from Little Rock to San Diego could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Arkansas to California. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Little Rock. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to San Diego.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to San Diego, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Little Rock to San Diego car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Little Rock to San Diego, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Little Rock to San Diego, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to San Diego, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Little Rock has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to San Diego will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,676 miles from Little Rock to San Diego will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Arkansas.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Little Rock and San Diego.
Little Rock has hot, humid summers and cool winters with usually little snow.
San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Little Rock to San Diego during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,676-mile trip from Little Rock to San Diego, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Little Rock to San Diego usually takes three–nine days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Little Rock and San Diego vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Little Rock: All meters have a time limit, generally two (2)hours, except around the Little Rock Convention Center where the meters are four (4) hours.
- San Diego: Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.
Car insurance requirements
- Little Rock: In Arkansas, all drivers must maintain liability insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements, which are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage caused by an auto accident.
- San Diego: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
Vehicle inspections
- Little Rock: Arkansas does not require mandatory safety or emissions inspections, but the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality encourages voluntary emissions testing for the benefit of the environment. This means that while getting your car tested for emissions is optional, it is strongly encouraged.
- San Diego: 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.
Driver’s license
- Little Rock: If you establish residency in Arkansas, you are required to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days.
- San Diego: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Little Rock to San Diego?
The cost to ship a car from Little Rock, AR to San Diego, CA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Little Rock to San Diego will range from $1,149 to $1,688.
How long will it take to ship my car from Little Rock to San Diego?
It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,676 miles from Little Rock to San Diego. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Little Rock to San Diego?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Little Rock to San Diego. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Little Rock to San Diego?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Little Rock to San Diego than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,676-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
