California to Delaware Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,846 miles from California to Delaware typically falls between $1,530 and $2,369. The process usually takes seven–fifteen days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Delaware to 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
The best California to Delaware car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from California to Delaware:
- 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 California
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in California who can get your vehicle to Delaware:
- Auto Express Inc.: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- A To Z Auto Shipping: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Golden Key Express: 3.72 out of 5 stars
Auto Express Inc.
501 W Broadway Ste. 800, San Diego, CA 92101 US
autoexpressinc-car-shipping-san-diego.com
3.88 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3428899
King Of The Road Transport Inc
7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US
kingoftheroadtransport.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
- Teacher
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: DOT#2248724
A To Z Auto Shipping
30101 Agoura Court, Suite 109, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 US
atozauto.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 675504
Alternative Business Names
- A to Z auto Shipping, Inc.
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US
mccollisters.com
3.78 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 289344
Alternative Business Names
- McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc
- McCollister's Transportation
Golden Key Express
7234 N Traverse Ave, Clovis, CA 93619 US
goldenkeyexpress.com/auto-transport
3.72 / 5.0
Golden Key Express provides highly reliable and professional service, frequently recommended by customers for their efficiency and support throughout the transport process. No major complaints have been evidenced.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- DOT #: 966726
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from California to Delaware
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from California to Delaware, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 2,846 miles to your vehicle on the route from California to Delaware. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from California to Delaware. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
California to Delaware auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in California and Delaware. The average travel distance is about 2,846 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from seven to fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Delaware
| From California to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Wilmington, DE | $1,442 – $2,150 | 2,702 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Dover, DE | $1,499 – $2,150 | 2,724 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Newark, DE | $1,382 – $2,091 | 2,685 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Middletown, DE | $1,485 – $2,307 | 2,726 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Bear, DE | $1,413 – $2,330 | 2,710 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Delaware
| From California to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Wilmington, DE | $1,340 – $2,178 | 2,685 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Dover, DE | $1,499 – $2,173 | 2,708 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Newark, DE | $1,354 – $2,091 | 2,668 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Middletown, DE | $1,399 – $2,240 | 2,709 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Bear, DE | $1,424 – $2,200 | 2,694 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Delaware
| From California to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Wilmington, DE | $1,487 – $2,254 | 2,898 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Dover, DE | $1,441 – $2,287 | 2,931 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Newark, DE | $1,501 – $2,300 | 2,885 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Middletown, DE | $1,560 – $2,406 | 2,931 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Bear, DE | $1,456 – $2,287 | 2,916 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Delaware
| From California to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Wilmington, DE | $1,499 – $2,285 | 2,718 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Dover, DE | $1,413 – $2,263 | 2,742 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Newark, DE | $1,370 – $2,240 | 2,701 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Middletown, DE | $1,470 – $2,173 | 2,742 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Bear, DE | $1,356 – $2,285 | 2,726 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Delaware
| From California to Delaware | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Wilmington, DE | $1,501 – $2,369 | 2,866 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Dover, DE | $1,414 – $2,208 | 2,898 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Newark, DE | $1,472 – $2,415 | 2,850 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Middletown, DE | $1,414 – $2,392 | 2,899 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Bear, DE | $1,385 – $2,392 | 2,884 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Delaware
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from California to Delaware, expect costs to range from $1,913 to $2,961.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Delaware
When arranging car transport from the Golden State to the First State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from California to Delaware.
- Distance and route: Traveling from California to Delaware involves roughly 2,846 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from California around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between California and Delaware and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from California to Delaware should take between seven and fifteen days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Delaware vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Delaware, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
- Driver’s license: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: Delaware residents who purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer will not receive a credit for taxes paid. While most states exempt out-of-state buyers from taxes, some states collect taxes on all vehicle sales. This means that residents may be subject to double taxation on vehicles purchased from certain states.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from California
More than 39.0 million people call California home. Nicknamed the Golden State. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
Transporting your vehicle to Delaware
About 1.0 million people are living in the First State. Almost all of Delaware is a part of the Atlantic coastal plain, the effects of the ocean moderate its climate. The southern portion of the state has a milder climate than the northern portion of the state.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Delaware?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in California and when dropping it off in Delaware.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Delaware?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Delaware, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Delaware, which you should verify before loading your car in California.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. 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.
Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Delaware?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Delaware is about 2,846 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from California to Delaware.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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.
In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Delaware?
Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Delaware after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Delaware after purchasing it.
Delaware residents who purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer will not receive a credit for taxes paid. While most states exempt out-of-state buyers from taxes, some states collect taxes on all vehicle sales. This means that residents may be subject to double taxation on vehicles purchased from certain states.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Delaware to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Delaware?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Delaware is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Delaware?
Shipping a car from California to Delaware costs $1,530 to $2,369.
