($1,293) Cost to ship a car from Fort Wayne, IN to Santa Clarita, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,158 miles from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Santa Clarita, California, typically costs between $1,293 and $2,011. 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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Clarita to Fort Wayne 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 Wayne to Santa Clarita car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita:
- 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 Fort Wayne
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Fort Wayne, IN:
- First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- First Choice Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Circle Logistics Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US
firstchoiceautotransport.com
3.8 / 5.0
Customers frequently praised the friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning responsive communication and professionalism. However, experiences were marred by complaints about poor communication regarding fees and serious issues with the handling of a vehicle accident involving uninsured drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 681284
First Choice Auto Transport
10888 US-12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US
firstchoiceautotransport.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers generally report exceptional service and communication from the staff at First Choice, who are described as friendly and accommodating. However, there are serious concerns regarding insurance coverage and lack of responsiveness in critical situations.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2336634
Jack Cooper Transport
13210 Fogwell Pkwy, Roanoke, IN 46783 US
jackcooper.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Global Auto Transportation
5818 Industrial Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 US
globalautotransportation.com/fort-wayne-car-transport
3.5 / 5.0
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
Circle Logistics Inc
1950 W Cook Rd # 102, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 US
circledelivers.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
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 IN to CA
Getting your car from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita 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
When relocating from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 2,158 miles from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita 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
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Indiana to California. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Fort Wayne. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Santa Clarita.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Santa Clarita—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 Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Santa Clarita, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Fort Wayne 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 Santa Clarita will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 2,158 miles from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita will cost more than a shorter move within Indiana.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Fort Wayne and Santa Clarita can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Fort Wayne summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months; the city experiences an average of 39 thunderstorm days and about 10 severe weather days annually.
Santa Clarita experiences hot, very dry summers and cool winters with moderate precipitation.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,158-mile distance between Fort Wayne and Santa Clarita and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita is four to twelve days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Fort Wayne and Santa Clarita vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Fort Wayne: 40Ft Moving Truck, One day. City Cost $20 our fee $130. Total: $150. Lead time: 5-7 Business days City cost breakdown: Metered areas are $10 per meter, per day. Non-metered is $35 for up to a week and will require an extra barricade fee in addition to the city fee and our fee.
- Santa Clarita: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved
Car insurance requirements
- Fort Wayne: Indiana's minimum auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$10,000, providing $25,000 per person and a maximum of $50,000 per incident for bodily injury, along with $10,000 for property damage in the event of a covered accident. Liability coverage in Indiana includes property damage, protecting your assets in case you're legally responsible for damages to another party's property, and bodily injury, covering expenses related to harm sustained by others in a covered accident.
- Santa Clarita: 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 Wayne: Indiana does not mandate safety inspections for vehicles. However, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a VIN inspection for vehicles not previously registered in the state.
- Santa Clarita: 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 Wayne: As a new resident of Indiana, you have 60 days to obtain an Indiana driver's license if you have a valid license from another state. You must also transfer the titles and registrations of your vehicles from your previous state to Indiana.
- Santa Clarita: 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 Wayne to Santa Clarita?
The cost to ship a car from Fort Wayne, IN to Santa Clarita, 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 Wayne to Santa Clarita will range from $1,293 to $2,011.
How long will it take to ship my car from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,158 miles from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita. 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 Wayne to Santa Clarita?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Fort Wayne to Santa Clarita 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 2,158-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.
