($1,469) Cost to ship a car from Lancaster, CA to Baltimore, MD
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 2,628 miles from Lancaster, California, to Baltimore, Maryland, will run you about $1,469 to $2,205. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Baltimore to Lancaster 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 Lancaster to Baltimore car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Lancaster to Baltimore:
- 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 Lancaster
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Lancaster, CA:
- Jp Logistics & Motorsports: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- A-Z Affordable Transport: 3.64 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 MD
If you’re planning a move from Lancaster to Baltimore, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Lancaster to Baltimore, 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
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,628-mile trip from Lancaster to Baltimore could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from California to Maryland. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Lancaster. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Baltimore.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Baltimore. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Lancaster to Baltimore car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Lancaster to Baltimore, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Lancaster to Baltimore, 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 Baltimore, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Lancaster is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Baltimore will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 2,628 miles from Lancaster to Baltimore will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within California.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Lancaster and Baltimore can impact car shipping prices.
If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
Baltimore has long hot summers, cool winters, and a summer peak to annual precipitation. Spring and autumn are warm, with spring being the wettest season in terms of the number of precipitation days.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Lancaster to Baltimore during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 2,628-mile trip from Lancaster to Baltimore, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Lancaster to Baltimore takes between seven and fifteen days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Lancaster and Baltimore vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Lancaster: Check with the City of Lancaster for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lancaster.
- Baltimore: A moving permit is required when relocating a building to a new lot or different section of the existing lot.
Car insurance requirements
- Lancaster: 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.
- Baltimore: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
Vehicle inspections
- Lancaster: 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.
- Baltimore: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
Driver’s license
- Lancaster: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Baltimore: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Lancaster to Baltimore?
The cost to ship a car from Lancaster, CA to Baltimore, MD 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 Lancaster to Baltimore will range from $1,469 to $2,205.
How long will it take to ship my car from Lancaster to Baltimore?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,628 miles from Lancaster to Baltimore. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lancaster to Baltimore?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lancaster to Baltimore. 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 Lancaster to Baltimore?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Lancaster to Baltimore 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 2,628-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.
11582 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352 US
7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US
4000 Goodwin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039 US