($1,394) Cost to ship a car from Oakland, CA to Baltimore, MD
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,813 miles from Oakland, California, to Baltimore, Maryland, generally falls between $1,394 and $2,222. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Baltimore to Oakland 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 Oakland to Baltimore car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Oakland to Baltimore:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Oakland
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Oakland, CA:
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Viper Transportation: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Direct Express Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Pasha Hawaii ship your car: 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 MD
Relocating from Oakland to Baltimore means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Oakland 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 2,813 miles from Oakland to Baltimore 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
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 Oakland. 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 Oakland to Baltimore car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Oakland to Baltimore can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Oakland to Baltimore, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Oakland are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Baltimore? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Oakland 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
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 2,813 miles from Oakland to Baltimore will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within California.
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
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Oakland and Baltimore can impact car shipping prices.
Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
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 Oakland to Baltimore during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,813-mile distance between Oakland and Baltimore and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Oakland to Baltimore takes between seven and fifteen days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Oakland and Baltimore vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Oakland: Visitor Permits (1-day and 2-week temporary permits for visitors) Residents may purchase temporary permits for visitors. Visitor permits are hanging permits valid for one day or two weeks. A resident may purchase up to five of both on any calendar day.
- Baltimore: A moving permit is required when relocating a building to a new lot or different section of the existing lot.
Car insurance requirements
- Oakland: 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
- Oakland: 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
- Oakland: 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 Oakland to Baltimore?
The cost to ship a car from Oakland, 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 Oakland to Baltimore will range from $1,394 to $2,222.
How long will it take to ship my car from Oakland to Baltimore?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,813 miles from Oakland to Baltimore. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Oakland to Baltimore?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Oakland 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 Oakland to Baltimore?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Oakland 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 2,813-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.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US
4600 Malat St, Oakland, CA 94601 US
39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA 94560 US