California to North Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,716 miles from California to North Dakota typically falls between $1,208 and $1,702. The process usually takes three–nine days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota:
- 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
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in California that can relocate your vehicle to North Dakota:
- 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
- Golden Key Express: 3.72 out of 5 stars
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
Golden Key Express
7234 N Traverse Ave, Clovis, CA 93619 US
goldenkeyexpress.com/auto-transport
3.72 / 5.0
Golden Key Express provides highly reliable and professional service, frequently recommended by customers for their efficiency and support throughout the transport process. No major complaints have been evidenced.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- DOT #: 966726
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 North Dakota
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from California to North Dakota, 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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 rating
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 1,716 miles to your vehicle on the route from California to North Dakota. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from California to North Dakota is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
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 North Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in California and North Dakota. Average distances are close to 1,716 miles, with delivery usually taking three–nine days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to North Dakota
| From California to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Fargo, ND | $1,232 – $1,806 | 1,795 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Bismarck, ND | $1,156 – $1,647 | 1,603 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Grand Forks, ND | $1,197 – $1,792 | 1,855 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Minot, ND | $1,179 – $1,647 | 1,676 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to West Fargo, ND | $1,197 – $1,806 | 1,790 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to North Dakota
| From California to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Fargo, ND | $1,234 – $1,884 | 1,865 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Bismarck, ND | $1,167 – $1,631 | 1,671 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to Grand Forks, ND | $1,277 – $1,995 | 1,922 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Minot, ND | $1,137 – $1,806 | 1,746 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to West Fargo, ND | $1,172 – $1,902 | 1,858 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to North Dakota
| From California to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Fargo, ND | $1,234 – $1,811 | 1,804 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Bismarck, ND | $1,144 – $1,581 | 1,610 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Jose, CA to Grand Forks, ND | $1,295 – $1,737 | 1,861 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Minot, ND | $1,214 – $1,714 | 1,637 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Jose, CA to West Fargo, ND | $1,173 – $1,684 | 1,797 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to North Dakota
| From California to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Fargo, ND | $1,197 – $1,737 | 1,814 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Bismarck, ND | $1,133 – $1,597 | 1,620 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Grand Forks, ND | $1,246 – $1,756 | 1,871 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Minot, ND | $1,214 – $1,730 | 1,692 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to West Fargo, ND | $1,197 – $1,884 | 1,806 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to North Dakota
| From California to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Fargo, ND | $1,232 – $1,702 | 1,772 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Bismarck, ND | $1,078 – $1,667 | 1,578 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Grand Forks, ND | $1,184 – $1,902 | 1,829 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Minot, ND | $1,098 – $1,730 | 1,605 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Francisco, CA to West Fargo, ND | $1,220 – $1,702 | 1,765 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to North Dakota
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from California to North Dakota you should expect to pay between $1,510 and $2,128.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to North Dakota
If you’re shipping a car from the Golden State to the Peace Garden State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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 North Dakota.
- Distance and route: Traveling from California to North Dakota involves roughly 1,716 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from California in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between California and North Dakota and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within three–nine days, but expedited options cost more.
North Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to North Dakota, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: North Dakota mandates that all vehicles carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, drivers must have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Basic personal injury protection is also required, providing $150 per week with a maximum of $30,000.
- Vehicle inspection: As a new resident in North Dakota, you have 90 days to have your vehicle inspected and registered in the state. There is no requirement for smog or emissions testing in North Dakota.
- Driver’s license: If you’ve just moved to North Dakota, visit a Driver's License and Testing office, make an appointment for road tests, bring proof of current name and date of birth, and pay applicable fees to get a new driver’s license.
- Additional taxes: Proof of taxes paid in the state of purchase is required to be exempt from North Dakota excise tax for out-of-state vehicle purchases. No tax reciprocity for foreign purchases, taxes due at 5% on purchase price (based on exchange 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 North Dakota
About 783,926 people are living in the Peace Garden State. North Dakota has warm summers and cold winters. The temperature differences are significant because of its far inland position and being roughly equal distance from the North Pole and the Equator.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in North Dakota?
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 North Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to North Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to North Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to North Dakota, 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.
North Dakota mandates that all vehicles carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, drivers must have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Basic personal injury protection is also required, providing $150 per week with a maximum of $30,000.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to North Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to North Dakota is about 1,716 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from California to North Dakota.
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.
As a new resident in North Dakota, you have 90 days to have your vehicle inspected and registered in the state. There is no requirement for smog or emissions testing in North Dakota.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in North Dakota?
If you’ve just moved to North Dakota, visit a Driver's License and Testing office, make an appointment for road tests, bring proof of current name and date of birth, and pay applicable fees to get a new driver’s license.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in North Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to North Dakota after purchasing it.
Proof of taxes paid in the state of purchase is required to be exempt from North Dakota excise tax for out-of-state vehicle purchases. No tax reciprocity for foreign purchases, taxes due at 5% on purchase price (based on exchange rate).
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and North Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to North Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
Shipping a car from California to North Dakota costs $1,208 to $1,702.
