($1,399) Cost to ship a car from Oakland, CA to Arlington, VA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,809 miles from Oakland, California, to Arlington, Virginia, generally falls between $1,399 and $2,346. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington to Oakland 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 Oakland to Arlington car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Oakland to Arlington:
- 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
- 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 Oakland
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Oakland, CA:
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Viper Transportation: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Direct Express Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Pasha Hawaii ship your car: 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 VA
Relocating from Oakland to Arlington means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Oakland to Arlington, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,809-mile trip from Oakland to Arlington could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from California to Virginia is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Oakland to Arlington. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Arlington—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Oakland to Arlington car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Oakland to Arlington, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Oakland to Arlington, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Oakland are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Arlington? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Oakland 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 Arlington 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 2,809 miles from Oakland to Arlington 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
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Oakland and Arlington can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Oakland to Arlington during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,809-mile distance between Oakland and Arlington and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Oakland to Arlington takes seven to fifteen days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Oakland and Arlington vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Oakland: Visitor Permits (1-day and 2-week temporary permits for visitors) Residents may purchase temporary permits for visitors. Visitor permits are hanging permits valid for one day or two weeks. A resident may purchase up to five of both on any calendar day.
- Arlington: Arlington county’s rate at long-term Meters is $1.25 per hour, and rate at Short-Term Meters: $1.50 per hour.
Car insurance requirements
- Oakland: 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.
- Arlington: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
Vehicle inspections
- Oakland: 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.
- Arlington: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
Driver’s license
- Oakland: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Arlington: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Oakland to Arlington?
The cost to ship a car from Oakland, CA to Arlington, VA 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 Oakland to Arlington will range from $1,399 to $2,346.
How long will it take to ship my car from Oakland to Arlington?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,809 miles from Oakland to Arlington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Oakland to Arlington?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Oakland to Arlington. 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 Oakland to Arlington?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Oakland to Arlington 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 2,809-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.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US
4600 Malat St, Oakland, CA 94601 US
39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA 94560 US