Massachusetts to California Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 3,095 miles from Massachusetts to California falls between $1,504 and $2,258. Delivery typically takes seven–fifteen days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts to California car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Massachusetts to California:
- 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 Massachusetts
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Massachusetts that can transport your vehicle to California:
- Fox Auto Transport: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Intercity Lines Inc: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Fisher Shipping Company: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Dreamline Logistics LLC: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Preowned Auto Logistics: 3.8 out of 5 stars
Fox Auto Transport
150 Pleasant St Suite 209, Easthampton, MA 01027 US
foxautotransport.com
3.86 / 5.0
Fox Auto Transport is praised for its excellent customer service, efficient transportation, and reliable communication throughout the process. Many customers have specifically highlighted Patrick and Paul for their professionalism and attention to detail. However, some users reported fluctuating prices and occasional scheduling issues, leading to frustration for a few customers.
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2237933
Intercity Lines Inc
552 Old West Brookfield Rd, Warren, MA 01083 US
intercitylines.com
3.84 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 223672
Fisher Shipping Company
27B Midstate Dr Suite 106, Auburn, MA 01501 US
fishershipping.com
3.8 / 5.0
Fisher Shipping has received overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional customer service, efficient transport, and professionalism throughout the shipping process. Customers appreciate the promptness and clear communication from their representatives, ensuring a smooth experience when transporting their vehicles. However, there are instances of dissatisfaction concerning claims and damage inspection. A few clients experienced issues with notable scratches on vehicles after transport, raising concerns about damage during shipping. Overall, most customers would highly recommend Fisher Shipping for vehicle transport.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2235479
Alternative Business Names
- Fisher Auto Transport
Dreamline Logistics LLC
2464 Massachusetts Ave #220, Cambridge, MA 02140 US
dreamline-logistics.com
3.8 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise Dreamline Logistics for their excellent service, fast communication, professionalism, and care in handling vehicles. However, some reviews highlight issues such as unexpected delays and concerns about damage accountability during transport.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3172148
Preowned Auto Logistics
222 Jubilee Dr., Peabody, MA 01960 US
preownedautologistics.com
3.8 / 5.0
Customers have praised Preowned Auto Logistics for their professionalism, timely service, and excellent communication. Many highlighted specific representatives like Mike and Chris for their attentive and responsive service. However, some reviews pointed to negative experiences regarding delayed deliveries, insufficient communication about transport status, and issues like theft of personal items left in vehicles.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1056402
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Massachusetts to California
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Massachusetts for a move to California, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 3,095 miles on your car to travel between Massachusetts and California. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Massachusetts to California. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Massachusetts to California auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Massachusetts and California. The typical distance is about 3,095 miles, with shipping times generally falling between seven and fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Boston, MA to California
| From Massachusetts to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,475 – $2,411 | 2,981 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Boston, MA to San Diego, CA | $1,418 – $2,273 | 2,999 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Boston, MA to San Jose, CA | $1,430 – $2,446 | 3,126 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Boston, MA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,432 – $2,365 | 2,997 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Boston, MA to San Francisco, CA | $1,534 – $2,399 | 3,095 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Worcester, MA to California
| From Massachusetts to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,447 – $2,296 | 2,945 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Worcester, MA to San Diego, CA | $1,475 – $2,388 | 2,962 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Worcester, MA to San Jose, CA | $1,445 – $2,258 | 3,089 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Worcester, MA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,461 – $2,365 | 2,960 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Worcester, MA to San Francisco, CA | $1,504 – $2,258 | 3,057 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Springfield, MA to California
| From Massachusetts to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield, MA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,475 – $2,217 | 2,899 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Springfield, MA to San Diego, CA | $1,404 – $2,204 | 2,954 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Springfield, MA to San Jose, CA | $1,549 – $2,399 | 3,043 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Springfield, MA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,447 – $2,182 | 2,914 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Springfield, MA to San Francisco, CA | $1,549 – $2,281 | 3,011 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cambridge, MA to California
| From Massachusetts to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge, MA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,490 – $2,204 | 2,978 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cambridge, MA to San Diego, CA | $1,361 – $2,342 | 2,996 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cambridge, MA to San Jose, CA | $1,460 – $2,423 | 3,123 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cambridge, MA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,404 – $2,319 | 2,994 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cambridge, MA to San Francisco, CA | $1,415 – $2,258 | 3,091 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lowell, MA to California
| From Massachusetts to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell, MA to Los Angeles, CA | $1,389 – $2,342 | 2,986 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Lowell, MA to San Diego, CA | $1,504 – $2,328 | 3,003 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Lowell, MA to San Jose, CA | $1,490 – $2,328 | 3,130 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Lowell, MA to Bakersfield, CA | $1,549 – $2,281 | 3,000 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Lowell, MA to San Francisco, CA | $1,519 – $2,399 | 3,097 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Massachusetts to California
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Massachusetts to California, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,880–$2,823.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Massachusetts to California
Transporting your vehicle from the Bay State to the Golden State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Massachusetts to California.
- Distance and route: The route from Massachusetts to California is about 3,095 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Massachusetts in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Massachusetts and California.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is seven–fifteen days, but you can pay for expedited service.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to California, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: 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 inspection: 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: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Additional taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Massachusetts
More than 7.0 million people call Massachusetts home. Nicknamed the Bay State. Most of Massachusetts has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Far southeast coastal areas are the broad transition zone to Humid Subtropical climates. The warm to hot summers render the oceanic climate rare in this transition, only applying to exposed coastal areas such as on the peninsula of Barnstable County. The climate of Boston is quite representative for the commonwealth, characterized by summer highs of around 81 °F (27 °C) and winter highs of 35 °F (2 °C), and is quite wet. Frosts are frequent all winter, even in coastal areas due to prevailing inland winds. Due to its location near the Atlantic, Massachusetts is vulnerable to nor'easters, hurricanes, and tropical storms.
Transporting your vehicle to California
About 39.0 million people are living in the Golden State. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Massachusetts and delivery in California?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Massachusetts and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Massachusetts to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Massachusetts to California, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, which you should verify before loading your car in Massachusetts.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Massachusetts mandates minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury liability, $5,000 for property damage, $20,000/$40,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and $8,000 for personal injury protection.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Massachusetts to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Massachusetts to California is about 3,095 miles, and that’s as fast as about 7 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from Massachusetts to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Every year, all vehicles in Massachusetts must undergo a safety inspection. New cars registered in the state must be inspected within 7 days of their registration date.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in Massachusetts, will I need one in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
If I bought a car in Massachusetts, will I be required to pay sales tax in California after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Massachusetts to California after purchasing it.
You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Massachusetts and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Massachusetts to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Massachusetts to California is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Massachusetts to California?
Shipping a car from Massachusetts to California costs $1,504 to $2,258.
