($960) Cost to ship a car from Denver, CO to San Jose, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,272 miles from Denver, Colorado, to San Jose, California, generally falls between $960 and $1,454. 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 San Jose to Denver 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 Denver to San Jose car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Denver to San Jose:
- 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 Denver
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Denver, CO:
- UZ Auto Trans INC: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Driving America Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Accelerated Services Auto: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
UZ Auto Trans INC
6960 Smith Rd, Denver, CO 80207 US
uzautotransinc.com
3.64 / 5.0
UZ Auto Trans provides efficient vehicle transport services with many customers praising their excellent communication, professionalism, and timely delivery. However, there have been significant complaints regarding vehicle damage during transit and poor customer service, particularly in claims handling and response times.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1954980
Alternative Business Names
- UZ Trans, Inc.
Driving America Auto Transport
9524 Sherrelwood Ln, Littleton, CO 80126 US
drivingamericaautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Driving America Auto Transport receives diverse feedback. Many reviews highlight their friendly staff, timely communication, and reliability in delivering vehicles safely. Customers appreciated the professionalism displayed by various team members. Conversely, numerous reviews pointed out significant issues, including poor customer service, delayed pickups, challenging communication during the shipping process, and claims of overly aggressive sales tactics. Several customers reported being dissatisfied with unexpected cost increases and obstacles in securing refunds, leading to overall feelings of distrust.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3181276
Accelerated Services Auto
19201 E Lincoln Ave, Parker, CO 80138 US
autotrans.com
3.5 / 5.0
Accelerated Services is highly regarded for its excellent customer service, prompt communication, and commitment to safety. While most reviews praise the reliability and professionalism of the team, some concerns have been raised regarding the financial strain and debt incurred during equipment breakdowns.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 873632
Nationwide Auto Transport
1930 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219 US
nationwideautotransportation.com
3.5 / 5.0
Nationwide Auto Transportation garners positive feedback for its excellent driver professionalism, prompt communication, and overall reliable service. However, there are reports of significant delays, poor customer service experiences, and unprofessional behavior from some staff, leading to frustrations among customers. Many experiences highlighted issues surrounding pricing, communication mishaps, and vehicle condition upon delivery, leading to dissatisfaction for some clients. Popular acclaim often emphasizes timely and secure vehicle transport, while criticisms largely focus on service inconsistencies that affected their overall satisfaction.
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
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2248682
Ceva Logistics
18300 E 28th Ave, Aurora, CO 80011 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers report extremely negative experiences with CEVA Logistics, citing poor customer service, late deliveries, and damaged items. However, a few users noted a satisfactory experience with delivery scheduling and friendly staff.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
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 CO to CA
Relocating from Denver to San Jose 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 planning a move from Denver to San Jose, 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 1,272-mile drive from Denver to San Jose 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Colorado to California. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Denver to San Jose carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to San Jose, 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 Denver to San Jose car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Denver to San Jose, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Denver to San Jose, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Denver 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 San Jose, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Denver 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 San Jose will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 1,272 miles from Denver to San Jose is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Colorado.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Denver and San Jose play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Denver has four distinct seasons and receives most of its precipitation from April through August. Due to its inland location on the High Plains, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the region can be subject to sudden changes in weather.
San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Denver to San Jose in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,272-mile distance between Denver and San Jose and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Denver to San Jose typically takes between three and eight days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Denver and San Jose vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Denver: A Parking Permit (Residential or Area) exempts a resident's vehicle from the posted, on-street parking time limit restrictions ONLY for the area within which the permit is valid. Residential Parking Permits are valid only on the block which the resident resides. The Area Permit will exempt permit holders from certain parking restrictions within a prescribed area.
- San Jose: Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zones began to reactivate at the end of 2021. We are currently in the process of reactivating remaining RPP zones. If you live in one of these zones, please register for and purchase your virtual parking permit at sanjose.getapermit.net. Instructions on how to register for, purchase, and manage your residential permit were mailed to all eligible addresses within some of these zones on Monday, February 28, 2022.
Car insurance requirements
- Denver: To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
- San Jose: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Denver: To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
- San Jose: 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.
Driver’s license
- Denver: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
- San Jose: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Denver to San Jose?
The cost to ship a car from Denver, CO to San Jose, CA 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 Denver to San Jose will range from $960 to $1,454.
How long will it take to ship my car from Denver to San Jose?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,272 miles from Denver to San Jose. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Denver to San Jose?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Denver to San Jose. 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 Denver to San Jose?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Denver to San Jose 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 1,272-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.
