California to Missouri Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,844 miles from California to Missouri ranges from $1,318 to $1,954. Expect the trip to take around three–eleven 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 Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri:
- 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
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in California that can transport your vehicle to Missouri:
- 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 Missouri
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from California for a move to Missouri, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,844 miles on your car going from California to Missouri. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from California to Missouri, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
California to Missouri auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in California and Missouri. Average distances are close to 1,844 miles, with delivery usually taking three–eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Missouri
| From California to Missouri | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Kansas City, MO | $1,163 – $1,725 | 1,617 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to St. Louis, MO | $1,241 – $1,878 | 1,825 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Springfield, MO | $1,259 – $1,639 | 1,611 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Columbia, MO | $1,278 – $1,765 | 1,741 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Independence, MO | $1,247 – $1,794 | 1,629 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Missouri
| From California to Missouri | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Kansas City, MO | $1,095 – $1,729 | 1,560 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to St. Louis, MO | $1,330 – $1,878 | 1,808 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Springfield, MO | $1,129 – $1,696 | 1,595 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to Columbia, MO | $1,187 – $1,760 | 1,680 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to Independence, MO | $1,152 – $1,679 | 1,567 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Missouri
| From California to Missouri | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Kansas City, MO | $1,279 – $1,954 | 1,841 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to St. Louis, MO | $1,343 – $2,037 | 2,089 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Springfield, MO | $1,343 – $1,991 | 1,867 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Columbia, MO | $1,298 – $2,010 | 1,967 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Independence, MO | $1,254 – $1,802 | 1,852 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Missouri
| From California to Missouri | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Kansas City, MO | $1,235 – $1,656 | 1,633 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to St. Louis, MO | $1,330 – $1,935 | 1,841 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Springfield, MO | $1,235 – $1,812 | 1,627 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Columbia, MO | $1,290 – $1,873 | 1,757 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Independence, MO | $1,139 – $1,743 | 1,645 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Missouri
| From California to Missouri | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Kansas City, MO | $1,343 – $1,897 | 1,809 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to St. Louis, MO | $1,370 – $2,161 | 2,057 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Springfield, MO | $1,363 – $2,030 | 1,909 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Columbia, MO | $1,337 – $2,069 | 1,935 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Independence, MO | $1,343 – $1,859 | 1,820 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Missouri
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 Missouri, the price usually falls between $1,648 and $2,443.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Missouri
Transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Show-Me State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Missouri than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: Traveling from California to Missouri involves roughly 1,844 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of California in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between California and Missouri.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from California to Missouri takes three–eleven days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Missouri vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Missouri, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
- Vehicle inspection: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
- Driver’s license: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
- Additional taxes: If you purchased your vehicle outside of Missouri and have already paid taxes for it in that state, the amount paid will be considered towards the taxes owed in Missouri. If the tax paid in the previous state is lower than the taxes owed in Missouri, you will be required to pay the balance. If the vehicle was registered under your name in another state for more than 90 days, no sales tax will be imposed in Missouri.
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 Missouri
About 6.2 million people are living in the Show-Me State. Although temperature in Missouri doesn't get extreme, being in the heart of tornado alley means that storms in the area are common. Be sure to check the weather forecast before move day to prepare for any upcoming weather.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Missouri?
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 Missouri.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Missouri?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Missouri, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Missouri, 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 Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Missouri?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Missouri is about 1,844 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from California to Missouri.
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.
Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Missouri?
As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Missouri after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Missouri after purchasing it.
If you purchased your vehicle outside of Missouri and have already paid taxes for it in that state, the amount paid will be considered towards the taxes owed in Missouri. If the tax paid in the previous state is lower than the taxes owed in Missouri, you will be required to pay the balance. If the vehicle was registered under your name in another state for more than 90 days, no sales tax will be imposed in Missouri.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Missouri to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Missouri?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Missouri 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 Missouri?
Shipping a car from California to Missouri costs $1,318 to $1,954.
