($1,034) Cost to ship a car from Fort Collins, CO to Oakland, CA
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,178 miles from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Oakland, California, typically costs between $1,034 and $1,635. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland to Fort Collins car shipping guide.
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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 Fort Collins to Oakland car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Fort Collins to Oakland:
- 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 sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Fort Collins, CO:
- UZ Auto Trans INC: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Driving America Auto Transport: 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
- Ceva Logistics: 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
Relocating from Fort Collins to Oakland 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 Fort Collins to Oakland, 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,178 miles from Fort Collins to Oakland might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
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 Fort Collins to Oakland carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Oakland 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 Oakland car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Fort Collins to Oakland can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Fort Collins to Oakland, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Oakland, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Fort Collins 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 Oakland will cost significantly more to ship than a compact 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 1,178 miles from Fort Collins to Oakland 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
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Fort Collins and Oakland can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
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.
Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Fort Collins to Oakland during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 1,178 miles between Fort Collins and Oakland, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Fort Collins to Oakland usually takes two–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Fort Collins and Oakland 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
- Oakland: 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 Oakland?
The cost to ship a car from Fort Collins, CO to Oakland, 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 Oakland will range from $1,034 to $1,635.
How long will it take to ship my car from Fort Collins to Oakland?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,178 miles from Fort Collins to Oakland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Fort Collins to Oakland?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Fort Collins to Oakland. 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 Oakland?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Fort Collins to Oakland 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 1,178-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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