Nebraska to California Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,458 miles from Nebraska to California usually costs between $1,117 and $1,613. Transit time is about three–eight days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Nebraska 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 Nebraska to California car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Nebraska to California:
- 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in Nebraska
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Nebraska that can transport your vehicle to California:
- Mr. Car Shipper: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Auto Transport, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Mr. Car Shipper
1620 Wilshire Dr Suite 300, Bellevue, NE 68005 US mrcarshipper.com
3.56 / 5.0
Mr. Car Shipper offers efficient and reliable car transport services, with many customers praising their timely delivery and professional drivers. However, several reviews highlight concerns regarding poor communication and delays in scheduling, resulting in frustration and logistical issues for some clients.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2310535
Auto Driveaway
3506 Keystone Dr # 150, Omaha, NE 68134 US
autodriveaway.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers report significant safety concerns with the company's delivery drivers, as well as damage to vehicles during transport. Appeals for support have reportedly been dismissed, leading to dissatisfaction.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- Auto Driveaway Systems, LLC
- AD Acquisition, LLC
- Auto Driveaway Franchise Systems, LLC
Nationwide Auto Transport, Inc.
6400 Cornhusker Hwy #150, Lincoln, NE 68507 US
nwat.com
3.5 / 5.0
While many testimonials praised superb service and seamless transactions, dissatisfaction emerged in a notable negative encounter over communication missteps and delays.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 897465
Ceva Logistics
10704 S 149th St # A, Omaha, NE 68138 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
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 Nebraska to California
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Nebraska to California, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,458 extra miles on your car to travel from Nebraska to California. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Nebraska to California. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Nebraska to California auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Nebraska and California. The typical distance is about 1,458 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Omaha, NE to California
| From Nebraska to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE to Los Angeles, CA | $1,141 – $1,646 | 1,551 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Omaha, NE to San Diego, CA | $1,151 – $1,743 | 1,613 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Omaha, NE to San Jose, CA | $1,175 – $1,812 | 1,696 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Omaha, NE to Bakersfield, CA | $1,106 – $1,597 | 1,567 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Omaha, NE to San Francisco, CA | $1,259 – $1,691 | 1,664 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lincoln, NE to California
| From Nebraska to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, NE to Los Angeles, CA | $1,117 – $1,678 | 1,496 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Lincoln, NE to San Diego, CA | $1,118 – $1,679 | 1,558 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Lincoln, NE to San Jose, CA | $1,247 – $1,777 | 1,641 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Lincoln, NE to Bakersfield, CA | $1,106 – $1,630 | 1,511 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Lincoln, NE to San Francisco, CA | $1,151 – $1,760 | 1,609 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bellevue, NE to California
| From Nebraska to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue, NE to Los Angeles, CA | $1,141 – $1,712 | 1,554 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bellevue, NE to San Diego, CA | $1,211 – $1,656 | 1,616 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bellevue, NE to San Jose, CA | $1,235 – $1,691 | 1,699 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bellevue, NE to Bakersfield, CA | $1,141 – $1,646 | 1,570 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bellevue, NE to San Francisco, CA | $1,163 – $1,794 | 1,667 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Island, NE to California
| From Nebraska to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE to Los Angeles, CA | $1,073 – $1,581 | 1,417 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Grand Island, NE to San Diego, CA | $1,095 – $1,678 | 1,478 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Grand Island, NE to San Jose, CA | $1,095 – $1,663 | 1,561 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Grand Island, NE to Bakersfield, CA | $1,084 – $1,581 | 1,432 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Grand Island, NE to San Francisco, CA | $1,141 – $1,581 | 1,529 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Kearney, NE to California
| From Nebraska to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kearney, NE to Los Angeles, CA | $1,058 – $1,583 | 1,371 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Kearney, NE to San Diego, CA | $1,128 – $1,565 | 1,433 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Kearney, NE to San Jose, CA | $1,199 – $1,630 | 1,516 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Kearney, NE to Bakersfield, CA | $1,058 – $1,629 | 1,386 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Kearney, NE to San Francisco, CA | $1,073 – $1,533 | 1,483 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Nebraska to California
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Nebraska to California you should expect to pay between $1,396 and $2,016.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Nebraska to California
When arranging car transport from the Cornhusker State to the Golden State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to California.
- Distance and route: The trip from Nebraska to California covers roughly 1,458 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Nebraska around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Nebraska and California.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Nebraska to California takes three–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to California, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- 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 Nebraska
More than 2.0 million people call Nebraska home. Nicknamed the Cornhusker State. Nebraska experiences wide seasonal variations in both temperature and precipitation. Nebraska has hot summers and generally cold winters. Nebraska is located in Tornado Alley. Thunderstorms are common during both the spring and the summer.
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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Nebraska to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Nebraska 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 Nebraska.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Nebraska's car insurance mandates include bodily injury liability coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, property damage liability coverage at $25,000, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, ensuring drivers meet the state's minimum requirements for financial protection in the event of accidents.
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 Nebraska to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Nebraska to California is about 1,458 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Nebraska to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Emission tests are not required in Nebraska. However, the state requires VIN 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.
If I have a driver’s license in Nebraska, 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 Nebraska, 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Nebraska to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Nebraska 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 Nebraska to California?
Shipping a car from Nebraska to California costs $1,117 to $1,613.
