California to Maine Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 3,247 miles from California to Maine ranges from $1,490 to $2,234. Expect the trip to take around seven–fifteen days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Maine 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 Maine car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from California to Maine:
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in California
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in California can deliver your vehicle to Maine:
- Jp Logistics & Motorsports: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- 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
Jp Logistics & Motorsports
11582 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352 US
jplogistics.net
3.94 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise JP Logistics for their excellent communication and reliable service. While there are no significant complaints, some note that pricing is slightly higher, which is justified by the quality of service received.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1975227
Alternative Business Names
- JP Logistics
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
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 Maine
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from California to Maine, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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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 3,247 miles to your vehicle on the route from California to Maine. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from California to Maine for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
California to Maine auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in California and Maine. Average distances are close to 3,247 miles, with delivery usually taking seven–fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Maine
| From California to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Portland, ME | $1,415 – $2,281 | 3,080 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Lewiston, ME | $1,564 – $2,281 | 3,111 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Bangor, ME | $1,475 – $2,470 | 3,208 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to South Portland, ME | $1,564 – $2,423 | 3,081 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Auburn, ME | $1,430 – $2,281 | 3,109 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Maine
| From California to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Portland, ME | $1,519 – $2,376 | 3,098 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Lewiston, ME | $1,564 – $2,234 | 3,127 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Bangor, ME | $1,430 – $2,446 | 3,225 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to South Portland, ME | $1,564 – $2,234 | 3,098 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Auburn, ME | $1,534 – $2,376 | 3,127 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Maine
| From California to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Portland, ME | $1,475 – $2,423 | 3,230 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Lewiston, ME | $1,519 – $2,470 | 3,258 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Bangor, ME | $1,430 – $2,470 | 3,358 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to South Portland, ME | $1,475 – $2,328 | 3,229 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Auburn, ME | $1,415 – $2,446 | 3,258 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Maine
| From California to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Portland, ME | $1,460 – $2,352 | 3,096 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Lewiston, ME | $1,564 – $2,258 | 3,126 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Bangor, ME | $1,564 – $2,399 | 3,224 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to South Portland, ME | $1,549 – $2,305 | 3,097 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Auburn, ME | $1,519 – $2,352 | 3,125 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Maine
| From California to Maine | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Portland, ME | $1,534 – $2,470 | 3,198 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Lewiston, ME | $1,549 – $2,376 | 3,228 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Bangor, ME | $1,415 – $2,258 | 3,324 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to South Portland, ME | $1,445 – $2,234 | 3,197 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Auburn, ME | $1,475 – $2,399 | 3,227 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Maine
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from California to Maine, the price usually falls between $1,863 and $2,793.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Maine
When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Pine Tree State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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 Maine.
- Distance and route: The route from California to Maine is about 3,247 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- 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: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from California to Maine, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes seven–fifteen days, while expedited service costs more.
Maine vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Maine, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
- Vehicle inspection: The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
- Driver’s license: New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
- Additional taxes: Maine requires registered car owners to pay an annual excise tax for motor vehicles, trailers, mobile homes, and stock vehicles. This tax is calculated by multiplying the current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle by the mileage rate.
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 Maine
About 1.4 million people are living in the Pine Tree State. Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Maine?
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 Maine.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Maine?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Maine, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Maine, 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.
In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Maine?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Maine is about 3,247 miles, and that’s as fast as about 7 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from California to Maine.
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.
The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Maine?
New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Maine after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Maine after purchasing it.
Maine requires registered car owners to pay an annual excise tax for motor vehicles, trailers, mobile homes, and stock vehicles. This tax is calculated by multiplying the current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle by the mileage rate.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Maine to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Maine?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Maine 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 Maine?
Shipping a car from California to Maine costs $1,490 to $2,234.
