($792) Cost to ship a car from Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, CA
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,073 miles from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Irvine, California, ranges from $792 to $1,254. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Irvine to Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins to Irvine car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Fort Collins to Irvine:
- 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 Fort Collins
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Fort Collins, 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
- Secured Transport International, LLC.: 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 CO to CA
Getting your car from Fort Collins to Irvine can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Fort Collins to Irvine, 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 1,073-mile drive from Fort Collins to Irvine 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 Colorado to California. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Fort Collins. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Irvine.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Irvine is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Fort Collins to Irvine car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Fort Collins to Irvine, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Fort Collins to Irvine, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Fort Collins 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 Irvine, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Fort Collins has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Irvine will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 1,073 miles from Fort Collins to Irvine will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Colorado.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Fort Collins and Irvine can impact car shipping prices.
August, June and September are the best months to move in Fort Collins, while December and January are the least comfortable months. Summers in Fort Collins can be mild to hot. Winters can be relatively tolerable as well.
Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Fort Collins to Irvine during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 1,073 miles between Fort Collins and Irvine, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Fort Collins to Irvine takes between two and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Fort Collins and Irvine vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Fort Collins: The City of Fort Collins has 3 Parking Structures and 5 Surface lots that offer permits. All structures are gateless and have the newest technology available: digital signs that provide number of available spaces on each level, and indicator lights to help you navigate through the structure. Check with the City of Fort Collins for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Fort Collins.
- Irvine: The City of Irvine forbids parking in red zones or where signs prohibit same, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 6-3-573. The City of Irvine offers both annual and overnight parking permits
Car insurance requirements
- Fort Collins: 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.
- Irvine: 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
- Fort Collins: 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.
- Irvine: 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
- Fort Collins: 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.
- Irvine: 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 Fort Collins to Irvine?
The cost to ship a car from Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, 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 Fort Collins to Irvine will range from $792 to $1,254.
How long will it take to ship my car from Fort Collins to Irvine?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,073 miles from Fort Collins to Irvine. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Fort Collins to Irvine?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Fort Collins to Irvine. 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 Fort Collins to Irvine?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Fort Collins to Irvine 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 1,073-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.
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