($951) Cost to ship a car from Boise, ID to Oakland, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay around $951 to $1,358 to ship your car 633 miles from Boise, Idaho, to Oakland, California. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland to Boise 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 Boise to Oakland car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Boise 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
- 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 Boise
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Boise, ID:
- Boise Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Bullseye Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Boise Auto Shipping Group
800 W Main St #1460, Boise, ID 83702 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-idaho/auto-shipping-boise
3.62 / 5.0
Auto Shipping Group is generally regarded for their exceptional customer service and communication, though some customers experienced issues with reliability and communication regarding delivery schedules. Overall, most reviews highlight satisfaction with the process, despite some negative experiences with follow-up interactions and delays in service.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- AAA
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Global Auto Transportation
303 N Kimball Pl, Boise, ID 83704 US
globalautotransportation.com/boise-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the thorough assistance of the Logistics Coordinator and the professionalism and honesty of the drivers. However, experiences were marred by unexpected fees and unprofessional handling of customer inquiries, particularly regarding vehicle conditions and charges.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
Bullseye Auto Transport
PO Box 1351, Nampa, ID 83653 US
bullseyeautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise Carla for her excellent communication, professionalism, and responsiveness throughout the vehicle transport process. She is highly regarded for her ability to meet tight deadlines and provide reliable service. However, some customers mentioned occasional issues found from other companies before encountering Carla, emphasizing the industry's inherent challenges but acknowledging that Carla and Bullseye manage these well.
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
Additional Information
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 ID to CA
Relocating from Boise 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 Boise 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
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 633-mile journey from Boise to Oakland could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Idaho to California. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Boise. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Oakland.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Oakland—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Boise to Oakland car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Boise to Oakland, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Boise to Oakland, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Boise 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 Oakland, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Boise will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Oakland 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 633 miles from Boise to Oakland is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Idaho.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Boise and Oakland.
Boise experiences hot and dry summers and winters are moderately cold.
Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Boise to Oakland during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 633 miles between Boise and Oakland, 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 Boise to Oakland takes between one and six days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Boise and Oakland vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Boise: Unless otherwise posted, parking regulations are enforced at all times. This includes time-restricted parking (like loading zones and 1 or 2-hour parking) Prepay on Friday evenings after enforcement hours for the following morning, or on Saturday mornings before enforcement hours begin. You can use a credit card, coins or the Parkmobile app.
- 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
- Boise: Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
- 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
- Boise: In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
- 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
- Boise: If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
- 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 Boise to Oakland?
The cost to ship a car from Boise, ID 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 Boise to Oakland will range from $951 to $1,358.
How long will it take to ship my car from Boise to Oakland?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 633 miles from Boise to Oakland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Boise to Oakland?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Boise 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 Boise to Oakland?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Boise 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 633-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.
