($1,040) Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Portland, OR
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,081 miles from San Diego, California, to Portland, Oregon, will run you about $1,040 to $1,519. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland to San Diego 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 San Diego to Portland car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from San Diego to Portland:
- 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 San Diego
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in San Diego, CA:
- Auto Express Inc.: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- San Diego Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Send It Car Shippers: 3.5 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
San Diego Auto Shipping Group
3312 1228 University Ave Suite 200-161, San Diego, CA 92103 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-california/san-diego
3.64 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the excellent communication and service provided by Auto Shipping Group's representatives, alongside timely deliveries and good vehicle condition upon arrival. Some customers faced issues with a representative's communication and unexpected price increases due to bidding wars with drivers.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- 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
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego
888 Prospect St # 200, La Jolla, CA 92037 US carshippingcarriers.com3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2249744
Global Auto Transportation
4234 Market St, San Diego, CA 92102 US
globalautotransportation.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
Send It Car Shippers
845 15th St Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92101 US
senditcarshippers.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3517052
Alternative Business Names
- Send It Car Shippers Inc
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 OR
If you’re planning a move from San Diego to Portland, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from San Diego to Portland, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,081-mile drive from San Diego to Portland into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from California to Oregon is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from San Diego to Portland. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Portland, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting San Diego to Portland car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from San Diego to Portland, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from San Diego to Portland, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from San Diego tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Portland, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from San Diego depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Portland will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
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 1,081 miles from San Diego to Portland 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
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both San Diego and Portland can impact car shipping prices.
San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
Portland has cool and rainy winters and warm and dry summers. Portland also has overcast, wet, and changing weather conditions in fall, winter, and spring, Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rainy 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 San Diego to Portland during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,081-mile trip from San Diego to Portland, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from San Diego to Portland takes between two and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing San Diego and Portland vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- San Diego: Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.
- Portland: The Temporary Street Use Permitting team at the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) can help you reserve on-street parking for residential or commercial moves, loading and unloading, construction, tree trimming, and other uses. $28 per 20-foot parking space up to 7 consecutive days. Allows for reservation of up to 100 feet of parking.
Car insurance requirements
- San Diego: 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.
- Portland: Meeting legal obligations in Oregon, you must carry car insurance featuring a minimum 25/50/20 liability coverage, $15,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Vehicle inspections
- San Diego: 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.
- Portland: When moving to Oregon, all vehicles must pass an emissions test and safety inspection before they can be registered with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Emissions testing is required for vehicles that are less than 25 years old and are located in certain areas of the state, Safety inspections are required for all vehicles. Out of state inspection may be accepted by ODOT, but you should check with them directly.
Driver’s license
- San Diego: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Portland: To transfer your out-of-state driver's license to Oregon, you need to visit a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. You will need your current out-of-state license, proof of identity and residency, and payment for the license fee. You may also need to pass a vision test and a knowledge or driving test.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to Portland?
The cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Portland, OR 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 San Diego to Portland will range from $1,040 to $1,519.
How long will it take to ship my car from San Diego to Portland?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,081 miles from San Diego to Portland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Diego to Portland?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Diego to Portland. 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 San Diego to Portland?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from San Diego to Portland 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 1,081-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.
