North Carolina to California Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 2,659 miles from North Carolina to California falls between $1,403 and $2,147. 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.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to North Carolina 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 North Carolina to California car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from North Carolina 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 North Carolina
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in North Carolina that can transport your vehicle to California:
- 48 States Auto Shipping: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Ship A Car ASAP: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Stewart Transport Solutions: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
48 States Auto Shipping
1154 Mimosa Ln, Greenville, NC 27834 US
48statesautoshipping.com
3.78 / 5.0
Customers report extremely poor service due to lack of communication and significant delays in vehicle pickup and delivery. The overall sentiment is frustration over unresponsive support and inconsistent scheduling.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2246104
Alternative Business Names
- Perfect Auto Transport Inc.
Ship A Car ASAP
4801 Glenwood Ave Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27612 US
shipacarasap.com
3.72 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise David’s exemplary service, highlighting his professionalism, excellent communication, and the efficiency of the car shipping process. However, some feedback indicates occasional delays in response times from representatives at the company.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1628739
Alternative Business Names
- JE Carriers, LLC
Charlotte Auto Shipping Group
15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-north-carolina/charlotte
3.58 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the company's exceptional service and professionalism, highlighting their friendly demeanor and timely delivery. However, there were no significant negative aspects mentioned.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Stewart Transport Solutions
341 Avery Rd, Erwin, NC 28339 US
stewarttrans.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 917297
Speedy Car Shipping
3600 N Duke St #1, Durham, NC 27704 US
speedycarshipping.com/car-shipping-service/auto-transport-durham-nc
3.5 / 5.0
Customers praised the clear and user-friendly website and the exceptional customer service. They reported a strong trust in the company's process and recommendations. However, no significant negative feedback was indicated.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2297446
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 North Carolina to California
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from North Carolina to California, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 2,659 miles to your vehicle on the route from North Carolina to California. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from North Carolina to California, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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.
North Carolina to California auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in North Carolina and California. The typical distance is about 2,659 miles, with shipping times generally falling between seven and fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to California
| From North Carolina to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC to Los Angeles, CA | $1,295 – $1,973 | 2,428 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Charlotte, NC to San Diego, CA | $1,244 – $2,146 | 2,385 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Charlotte, NC to San Jose, CA | $1,376 – $2,062 | 2,683 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Bakersfield, CA | $1,257 – $2,118 | 2,443 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Charlotte, NC to San Francisco, CA | $1,449 – $2,230 | 2,725 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to California
| From North Carolina to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC to Los Angeles, CA | $1,349 – $2,064 | 2,552 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Raleigh, NC to San Diego, CA | $1,336 – $2,146 | 2,546 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Raleigh, NC to San Jose, CA | $1,465 – $2,335 | 2,808 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Bakersfield, CA | $1,362 – $2,002 | 2,568 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Raleigh, NC to San Francisco, CA | $1,394 – $2,245 | 2,850 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Greensboro, NC to California
| From North Carolina to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro, NC to Los Angeles, CA | $1,283 – $1,994 | 2,477 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Greensboro, NC to San Diego, CA | $1,283 – $2,077 | 2,470 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Greensboro, NC to San Jose, CA | $1,421 – $2,121 | 2,733 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Bakersfield, CA | $1,308 – $2,118 | 2,493 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Greensboro, NC to San Francisco, CA | $1,421 – $2,274 | 2,775 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Durham, NC to California
| From North Carolina to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC to Los Angeles, CA | $1,336 – $2,023 | 2,518 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Durham, NC to San Diego, CA | $1,310 – $2,043 | 2,523 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Durham, NC to San Jose, CA | $1,435 – $2,164 | 2,784 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Durham, NC to Bakersfield, CA | $1,244 – $2,146 | 2,544 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Durham, NC to San Francisco, CA | $1,465 – $2,357 | 2,827 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Winston-Salem, NC to California
| From North Carolina to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem, NC to Los Angeles, CA | $1,295 – $1,973 | 2,439 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to San Diego, CA | $1,360 – $2,118 | 2,457 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to San Jose, CA | $1,335 – $2,062 | 2,694 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Bakersfield, CA | $1,308 – $2,056 | 2,454 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to San Francisco, CA | $1,407 – $2,121 | 2,736 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from North Carolina to California
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from North Carolina to California usually runs between $1,754 and $2,684.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from North Carolina to California
When arranging car transport from the Tar Heel 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 costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to California.
- Distance and route: The route from North Carolina to California is about 2,659 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from North Carolina around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between North Carolina and California.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within seven–fifteen 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 North Carolina
More than 10.8 million people call North Carolina home. Nicknamed the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Carolina to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state 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.
How long does it take to ship a car from North Carolina to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Carolina to California is about 2,659 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from North Carolina to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina 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 North Carolina to California?
Shipping a car from North Carolina to California costs $1,403 to $2,147.
