($1,844) Cost to ship a car from Modesto, CA to Jersey City, NJ
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,889 miles from Modesto, California, to Jersey City, New Jersey, ranges from $1,844 to $2,910. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Jersey City to Modesto car shipping guide.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
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The best Modesto to Jersey City car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Modesto to Jersey City:
- 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 Modesto
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Modesto, CA:
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Safe Auto Transport Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- United Road: 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 NJ
When you’re moving from Modesto to Jersey City, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Modesto to Jersey City, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 2,889-mile journey from Modesto to Jersey City could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from California to New Jersey is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Modesto to Jersey City. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Jersey City, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Modesto to Jersey City car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Modesto to Jersey City, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Modesto to Jersey City, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Jersey City, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Modesto 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 Jersey City will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 2,889 miles from Modesto to Jersey City will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in California.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Modesto and Jersey City.
Modesto has mild winters with moderate rainfall and long, hot, dry summers.
September, June and May are the best months in Jersey City, while January and February are the least comfortable months as these are the coldest. Plan your moves accordingly.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Modesto to Jersey City during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,889-mile distance between Modesto and Jersey City and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Modesto to Jersey City usually takes seven–fifteen days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Modesto and Jersey City vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Modesto: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved
- Jersey City: Resident parking permits are required for parking over 2 hours in many areas. Posted signs will indicate a need for a parking permit, parking restrictions for street cleaning, and other limitations for street parking. Parking meters are also placed in certain high traffic business districts.
Car insurance requirements
- Modesto: 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.
- Jersey City: In New Jersey, meet the minimum auto insurance requirements: $15,000 per person for bodily injury up to $30,000 per accident and $5,000 for property damage. Stay legally covered and financially secure on the road.
Vehicle inspections
- Modesto: 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.
- Jersey City: If you are planning to reside in New Jersey for a minimum of 6 months, it is mandatory to transfer the title of your vehicle, register it, and obtain a driver's license from the state. As a new resident, you have 60 days from the date of establishing your residency to register your vehicle. It is important to note that before registering your vehicle, you are required to have liability insurance coverage as per the New Jersey state laws.
Driver’s license
- Modesto: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Jersey City: As per the state laws of New Jersey, new residents are expected to transfer their driver's license and register their vehicles within 60 days of arriving in the state. However, during public health crises, this time frame may be extended to 120 days. It is important to note that there won't be any reminders for this, so it's recommended to keep a record of the date of your arrival in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Modesto to Jersey City?
The cost to ship a car from Modesto, CA to Jersey City, NJ 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 Modesto to Jersey City will range from $1,844 to $2,910.
How long will it take to ship my car from Modesto to Jersey City?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,889 miles from Modesto to Jersey City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Modesto to Jersey City?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Modesto to Jersey City. 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 Modesto to Jersey City?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Modesto to Jersey City 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 2,889-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.
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