Mississippi to California Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 2,010 miles from Mississippi to California falls between $1,278 and $2,017. Delivery typically takes four–twelve 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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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Mississippi 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
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  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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The best Mississippi to California car shipping companies

Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Mississippi to California:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Mississippi

If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Mississippi that can transport your vehicle to California:

  1. Ultimate Auto Transport: 3.84 out of 5 stars
  2. Waddle Trucking Llc: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  3. MCH Transportation Co.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ultimate Auto Transport

W Kingston St, Laurel, MS 39440 US

starstarstarstarstar3.84 / 5.0

In total, 794 reviews were analyzed for Ultimate Auto Transport. Approximately 30% of the feedback was positive, while 70% was negative. Customers praised the company's quick vehicle transport and good communication during the process. However, they often faced issues such as broken promises on pick-up dates, poor customer service, and unexpected fees. Many consumers reported a frustrating experience when trying to cancel contracts, as the company frequently charged cancellation fees despite failing to deliver services as agreed. This indicates a lack of reliability compared to other transport companies in the market.

Get a Quote (888) 885-9123

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Waddle Trucking Llc

2448 McCullough Blvd., Belden, MS 38826 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0
Get a Quote (662) 680-9657

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

MCH Transportation Co.

3180 Utica Ave, Jackson, MS 39209 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (601) 353-9382

Services Offered

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • M C H Transportation, LLC
  • MCH World Enterprises, LLC

Xpress Auto Transport

4450 Old Canton Rd #340, Jackson, MS 39211 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (601) 873-6308

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Global Auto Transportation

155 E Porter St, Jackson, MS 39201 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 803-0501

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

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.

Alternative ways to ship your car from Mississippi to California

Ship it with your movers

If your move takes you from Mississippi to California, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.

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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 2,010 extra miles on your car to travel from Mississippi to California. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Mississippi to California. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.

Ship by train

This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.

Mississippi to California auto transport costs and transit times

The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Mississippi and California. The average travel distance is about 2,010 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from four to twelve days.

Cost to ship a car from Jackson, MS to California

From Mississippi to California Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Jackson, MS to Los Angeles, CA $1,279 – $1,991 1,839 miles 3 – 11 days
Jackson, MS to San Diego, CA $1,191 – $1,747 1,761 miles 3 – 11 days
Jackson, MS to San Jose, CA $1,330 – $2,099 2,093 miles 4 – 12 days
Jackson, MS to Bakersfield, CA $1,318 – $1,935 1,853 miles 3 – 11 days
Jackson, MS to San Francisco, CA $1,371 – $2,029 2,135 miles 4 – 12 days

Cost to ship a car from Gulfport, MS to California

From Mississippi to California Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Gulfport, MS to Los Angeles, CA $1,337 – $1,990 1,948 miles 3 – 11 days
Gulfport, MS to San Diego, CA $1,330 – $1,878 1,870 miles 3 – 11 days
Gulfport, MS to San Jose, CA $1,340 – $2,225 2,250 miles 5 – 13 days
Gulfport, MS to Bakersfield, CA $1,304 – $2,079 2,009 miles 4 – 12 days
Gulfport, MS to San Francisco, CA $1,380 – $2,034 2,292 miles 5 – 13 days

Cost to ship a car from Southaven, MS to California

From Mississippi to California Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Southaven, MS to Los Angeles, CA $1,343 – $1,973 1,804 miles 3 – 11 days
Southaven, MS to San Diego, CA $1,303 – $1,729 1,788 miles 3 – 11 days
Southaven, MS to San Jose, CA $1,330 – $2,140 2,059 miles 4 – 12 days
Southaven, MS to Bakersfield, CA $1,318 – $1,954 1,819 miles 3 – 11 days
Southaven, MS to San Francisco, CA $1,358 – $2,175 2,101 miles 4 – 12 days

Cost to ship a car from Biloxi, MS to California

From Mississippi to California Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Biloxi, MS to Los Angeles, CA $1,259 – $2,030 1,960 miles 3 – 11 days
Biloxi, MS to San Diego, CA $1,215 – $1,897 1,883 miles 3 – 11 days
Biloxi, MS to San Jose, CA $1,287 – $2,034 2,262 miles 5 – 13 days
Biloxi, MS to Bakersfield, CA $1,264 – $1,955 2,022 miles 4 – 12 days
Biloxi, MS to San Francisco, CA $1,317 – $2,054 2,304 miles 5 – 13 days

Cost to ship a car from Hattiesburg, MS to California

From Mississippi to California Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Hattiesburg, MS to Los Angeles, CA $1,246 – $1,931 1,926 miles 3 – 11 days
Hattiesburg, MS to San Diego, CA $1,330 – $1,840 1,848 miles 3 – 11 days
Hattiesburg, MS to San Jose, CA $1,384 – $2,196 2,180 miles 4 – 12 days
Hattiesburg, MS to Bakersfield, CA $1,285 – $1,912 1,940 miles 3 – 11 days
Hattiesburg, MS to San Francisco, CA $1,394 – $2,225 2,222 miles 4 – 12 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Mississippi 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 Mississippi to California, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,598–$2,521.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Mississippi to California

When arranging car transport from the Magnolia State to the Golden State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:

  • 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to California than smaller ones.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Mississippi to California spans about 2,010 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
  • Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Mississippi more expensive during these times.
  • Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Mississippi and California may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
  • Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within four–twelve days, but expedited options cost more.

California vehicle regulations you need to know

Once you arrive in California, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.

  • 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 Mississippi

More than 2.9 million people call Mississippi home. Nicknamed the Magnolia State. Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot, and humid summers, and short, mild winters. The temperature varies little statewide in the summer; however, in winter, the region near Mississippi Sound is significantly warmer than the inland portion of the state. The late summer and fall is the seasonal period of risk for hurricanes moving inland from the Gulf of Mexico, especially in the southern part of the state. As in the rest of the Deep South, thunderstorms are common in Mississippi, especially in the southern part of the state. On average, Mississippi has around 27 tornadoes annually; the northern part of the state has more tornadoes earlier in the year and the southern part has a higher frequency later in the year. If you are planning your move during the summertime be sure to check your local weather station.

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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi and when dropping it off in California.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Mississippi to California?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Mississippi 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 Mississippi.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Mississippi drivers must maintain a minimum car insurance liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, with an additional $25,000 for property damage. These requirements ensure financial responsibility in accidents, protecting both drivers and their assets. Compliance is crucial to avoid legal penalties and enhance road safety.

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 Mississippi to California?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Mississippi to California is about 2,010 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take four to twelve days to travel from Mississippi to California.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

Emissions testing and safety inspections are not required for most drivers in Mississippi. It is also good to know that if you have tinted windows, you have to undergo safety testing.

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 Mississippi, 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 Mississippi, 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi and California to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Mississippi to California?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Mississippi 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 Mississippi to California?

Shipping a car from Mississippi to California costs $1,278 to $2,017.

Helpful Mississippi resources