California to Wisconsin Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 2,165 miles from California to Wisconsin falls between $1,302 and $2,005. Delivery typically takes four–twelve days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from California to Wisconsin:
- 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
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in California can deliver your vehicle to Wisconsin:
- 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 Wisconsin
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from California to Wisconsin, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange 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 2,165 miles on your car going from California to Wisconsin. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from California to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in California and Wisconsin. The average travel distance is about 2,165 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from four to twelve days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Wisconsin
| From California to Wisconsin | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Milwaukee, WI | $1,262 – $2,074 | 2,059 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Madison, WI | $1,244 – $2,025 | 1,967 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Green Bay, WI | $1,355 – $2,005 | 2,108 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Kenosha, WI | $1,275 – $2,034 | 2,060 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Racine, WI | $1,236 – $2,034 | 2,053 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Wisconsin
| From California to Wisconsin | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Milwaukee, WI | $1,263 – $2,170 | 2,123 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Madison, WI | $1,353 – $2,034 | 2,034 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Green Bay, WI | $1,368 – $1,984 | 2,175 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Kenosha, WI | $1,289 – $2,067 | 2,126 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Racine, WI | $1,289 – $2,005 | 2,120 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Wisconsin
| From California to Wisconsin | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Milwaukee, WI | $1,258 – $2,198 | 2,207 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Madison, WI | $1,355 – $2,046 | 2,116 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Green Bay, WI | $1,337 – $2,177 | 2,265 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Kenosha, WI | $1,364 – $2,094 | 2,208 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Racine, WI | $1,324 – $2,157 | 2,201 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Wisconsin
| From California to Wisconsin | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI | $1,262 – $1,972 | 2,072 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Madison, WI | $1,334 – $2,045 | 1,984 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Green Bay, WI | $1,263 – $2,150 | 2,124 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Kenosha, WI | $1,249 – $2,013 | 2,075 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Racine, WI | $1,236 – $2,034 | 2,068 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Wisconsin
| From California to Wisconsin | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Milwaukee, WI | $1,328 – $2,170 | 2,172 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI | $1,301 – $2,013 | 2,085 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Green Bay, WI | $1,351 – $2,198 | 2,233 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Kenosha, WI | $1,328 – $2,170 | 2,177 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Racine, WI | $1,342 – $2,005 | 2,169 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin you should expect to pay between $1,628 and $2,506.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Wisconsin
If you’re shipping a car from the Golden State to the Badger State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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 costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Wisconsin.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Wisconsin spans approximately 2,165 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from California in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from California to Wisconsin, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes four–twelve days, while expedited service costs more.
Wisconsin vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Wisconsin, 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: Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to provide a minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for individual injury or death, and $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals.
- Vehicle inspection: Safety and emission inspections are not required in Wisconsin. However, you must take your vehicle for emissions inspection available at select privately owned businesses including vehicle repair facilities, service stations, and car dealerships.
- Driver’s license: After establishing residence, new residents must apply for a WI driver license at any Wisconsin DMV service center within 60 days for a regular license and within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
- Additional taxes: Wisconsin collects a 5% state sales tax rate on the purchase of all vehicles.
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 Wisconsin
About 5.9 million people are living in the Badger State. Wisconsin has warm-summers humid continental climate while the southern and southwestern portions are classified as hot-summer humid continental climate. Wisconsin also receives a large amount of regular snowfall averaging around 40 inches. Be sure to check your local weather station if you are planning your move for the summer.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Wisconsin?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Wisconsin, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Wisconsin, 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.
Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to provide a minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for individual injury or death, and $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Wisconsin?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Wisconsin is about 2,165 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take four to twelve days to travel from California to Wisconsin.
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.
Safety and emission inspections are not required in Wisconsin. However, you must take your vehicle for emissions inspection available at select privately owned businesses including vehicle repair facilities, service stations, and car dealerships.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Wisconsin?
After establishing residence, new residents must apply for a WI driver license at any Wisconsin DMV service center within 60 days for a regular license and within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Wisconsin after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Wisconsin after purchasing it.
Wisconsin collects a 5% state sales tax rate on the purchase of all vehicles.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Wisconsin to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Wisconsin?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
Shipping a car from California to Wisconsin costs $1,302 to $2,005.
