($1,196) Cost to ship a car from Chula Vista, CA to Lafayette, LA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,196 to $1,790 to ship your car 1,682 miles from Chula Vista, California, to Lafayette, Louisiana. 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 Lafayette to Chula Vista 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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The best Chula Vista to Lafayette car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Chula Vista to Lafayette:
- 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
- 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 Chula Vista
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Chula Vista, CA:
- Auto Express Inc.: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- San Diego Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Send It Car Shippers: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 CA to LA
When you’re moving from Chula Vista to Lafayette, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Chula Vista to Lafayette, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,682 miles from Chula Vista to Lafayette might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from California to Louisiana is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Chula Vista to Lafayette. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Lafayette—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Chula Vista to Lafayette car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Chula Vista to Lafayette, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Chula Vista to Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Chula Vista depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Lafayette will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 1,682 miles from Chula Vista to Lafayette will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in California.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Chula Vista and Lafayette often affect the cost of auto transport.
Like the rest of lowland San Diego County, Chula Vista has a semi-arid climate, with Mediterranean characteristics, though the winter rainfall is too low and erratic to qualify as an actual Mediterranean climate.
It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Chula Vista to Lafayette in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,682-mile trip from Chula Vista to Lafayette, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Chula Vista to Lafayette is three to nine days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Chula Vista and Lafayette vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Chula Vista: Park cards are available for the Downtown Parking District. Cards are available for purchase at the Chula Vista Finance Department. Park cards can be purchased in any denomination and can be used at any on-street meter or municipal parking lot.
- Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
Car insurance requirements
- Chula Vista: 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.
- Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
Vehicle inspections
- Chula Vista: 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.
- Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
Driver’s license
- Chula Vista: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Chula Vista to Lafayette?
The cost to ship a car from Chula Vista, CA to Lafayette, LA 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 Chula Vista to Lafayette will range from $1,196 to $1,790.
How long will it take to ship my car from Chula Vista to Lafayette?
It will take approximately three to nine days to ship your car the 1,682 miles from Chula Vista to Lafayette. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Chula Vista to Lafayette?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Chula Vista to Lafayette. 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 Chula Vista to Lafayette?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Chula Vista to Lafayette 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 1,682-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.
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