($1,229) Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Milwaukee, WI
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 2,059 miles from Los Angeles, California, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will run you about $1,229 to $1,940. 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 Milwaukee to Los Angeles 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
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The best Los Angeles to Milwaukee car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Los Angeles to Milwaukee:
- 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 Los Angeles
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Los Angeles, CA:
- Nationwide Transport Services: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide United Auto Transport: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- ABC Car Shipping: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.56 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 WI
If you’re planning a move from Los Angeles to Milwaukee, 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
On moves from Los Angeles to Milwaukee, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 2,059-mile drive from Los Angeles to Milwaukee 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
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from California to Wisconsin. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Los Angeles. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Milwaukee.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Milwaukee, 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 Los Angeles to Milwaukee car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Los Angeles to Milwaukee, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Los Angeles to Milwaukee, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Los Angeles 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 Milwaukee, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Los Angeles. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Milwaukee will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
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 2,059 miles from Los Angeles to Milwaukee 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 Los Angeles and Milwaukee.
The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
Milwaukee's location in the Great Lakes Region often has rapidly changing weather, producing a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters, and hot, humid summers. Thunderstorms in the region can be dangerous and damaging, bringing hail and high winds. In rare instances, they can bring a tornado. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Los Angeles to Milwaukee during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,059-mile distance between Los Angeles and Milwaukee 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 Los Angeles to Milwaukee takes four to twelve days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Los Angeles and Milwaukee vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Los Angeles: If the pick-up or drop-off location is in a place where it is difficult to find a parking spot, you have two options for getting a parking permit for the moving truck. 1. Get in touch with the city office or department and get a permit and sign from them – “Temporary No Parking”. Usually these cost $10-60. Every city has its own requirements and procedures for granting permits. 2. Contact the company, which provides a service for installing “Temporary No Parking”. Such a sign usually cost about $250. Oversize vehicle parking permits may be purchased either by mail or in person at one of four Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Public Service Centers. Permits are issued to Los Angeles residents for a fee of $10.00 per day and may be purchased for up to three days at a time.
- Milwaukee: For the convenience of the city’s night parking permit customers, there is no longer a requirement to display a physical permit. Now, when residents buy a night parking permit, they will complete the same application and receive a confirmation number to prove purchase of the permit, but will not receive a physical permit to place on the vehicle’s window. The license plate number will be used by parking enforcement to determine whether the owner has purchased a valid permit. All customer service problems arising from misplaced or stolen permits will be eliminated. A night parking permit currently costs $20 per 4-month trimester or $40 for the calendar year. Failure to purchase a permit will still be subject to a $20 citation. Permits may be purchased online. Visit www.milwaukee.gov/parking for more information and call 414-286-CITY (2489) with any questions.
Car insurance requirements
- Los Angeles: 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.
- Milwaukee: 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 inspections
- Los Angeles: 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.
- Milwaukee: 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
- Los Angeles: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Milwaukee: 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).
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Los Angeles to Milwaukee?
The cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Milwaukee, WI 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 Los Angeles to Milwaukee will range from $1,229 to $1,940.
How long will it take to ship my car from Los Angeles to Milwaukee?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,059 miles from Los Angeles to Milwaukee. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Los Angeles to Milwaukee?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Los Angeles to Milwaukee. 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 Los Angeles to Milwaukee?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Los Angeles to Milwaukee 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 2,059-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.
7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US
2202 S Figueroa St #506, Los Angeles, CA 90007 US
1925 Century Park E floor 17, Los Angeles, CA 90067 US
102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA 92618 US