($1,549) Cost to ship a car from Boston, MA to Anaheim, CA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,549 to $2,363 to ship your car 2,975 miles from Boston, Massachusetts, to Anaheim, 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 Anaheim to Boston 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 Boston to Anaheim car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Boston to Anaheim:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Boston
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Boston, MA:
- Dreamline Logistics LLC: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Preowned Auto Logistics: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Chip's Transport Service: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- East West Auto Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers Boston: 3.58 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 MA to CA
Getting your car from Boston to Anaheim 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 Boston to Anaheim, 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 plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,975-mile trip from Boston to Anaheim could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Massachusetts to California, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Boston to Anaheim safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Anaheim—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 Boston to Anaheim car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Boston to Anaheim can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Boston to Anaheim, 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 Anaheim, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Boston. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Anaheim will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
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 2,975 miles from Boston to Anaheim will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Massachusetts.
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 Boston and Anaheim can impact car shipping prices.
Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
Anaheim has warm winters with erratic heavy rainfalls, and hot, essentially rainless summer
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Boston to Anaheim during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,975-mile distance between Boston and Anaheim and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Boston to Anaheim takes between seven and fifteen days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Boston and Anaheim vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Boston: A permit for your moving truck is not required by the City of Boston, but it guarantees you a parking spot to avoid parking tickets. A one-day permit for a moving truck that needs two metered spaces would be about $110.
- Anaheim: Within the updated Permit Parking Program guidelines, below are the major changes adopted by City Council on March 27, 2018: Reduction of the $500 petition fee, so it does not exceed $50 per household and addresses smaller petition areas. Example: for a street segment with six homes, the petition fee would be reduced to $300
Car insurance requirements
- Boston: 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.
- Anaheim: 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
- Boston: 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.
- Anaheim: 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
- Boston: As a new resident in Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state within 30 days of establishing residency. The vehicle can be titled and registered at the same time.
- Anaheim: 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 Boston to Anaheim?
The cost to ship a car from Boston, MA to Anaheim, 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 Boston to Anaheim will range from $1,549 to $2,363.
How long will it take to ship my car from Boston to Anaheim?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,975 miles from Boston to Anaheim. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Boston to Anaheim?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Boston to Anaheim. 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 Boston to Anaheim?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Boston to Anaheim 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 2,975-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.
2464 Massachusetts Ave #220, Cambridge, MA 02140 US
222 Jubilee Dr., Peabody, MA 01960 US
2 Summer St, Foxborough, MA 02035 US
303 Wyman St, Waltham, MA 02451 US
75 State St # 100, Boston, MA 2109 US