($1,516) Cost to ship a car from Manchester, NH to Lancaster, CA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,999 miles from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Lancaster, California, generally falls between $1,516 and $2,359. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lancaster to Manchester 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 Manchester to Lancaster car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Manchester to Lancaster:
- 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 Manchester
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Manchester, NH:
- 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
- Rust Auto Shippers: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Chip's Transport Service: 3.78 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 NH to CA
When you’re moving from Manchester to Lancaster, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Manchester to Lancaster, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,999-mile trip from Manchester to Lancaster 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
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from New Hampshire to California. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Manchester. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Lancaster.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Lancaster, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Manchester to Lancaster car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Manchester to Lancaster can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Manchester to Lancaster, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Manchester tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Lancaster, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Manchester will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Lancaster than a compact car.
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 2,999 miles from Manchester to Lancaster will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within New Hampshire.
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
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Manchester and Lancaster.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Manchester, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Manchester to Lancaster during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 2,999 miles between Manchester and Lancaster, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Manchester to Lancaster is seven to fifteen days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Manchester and Lancaster vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Manchester: The City of Manchester regulates some areas of the city for parking. Make sure you inquire the necessary requirements for the neighborhood you're moving into.
- Lancaster: Check with the City of Lancaster for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lancaster.
Car insurance requirements
- Manchester: While auto insurance isn't obligatory in New Hampshire, drivers must prove financial capability to cover at-fault accident damages, with failure potentially leading to driving privileges suspension. Stay financially prepared on the road in New Hampshire.
- Lancaster: 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
- Manchester: Vehicles in New Hampshire can be inspected and OBD tested at any state-licensed inspection station or authorized car dealership; these stations are required to display a notice of authorization. Inspection prices may vary and typically range from $20 to $50.
- Lancaster: 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
- Manchester: New Hampshire residents must obtain a NH driver license within 60 days of establishing residency. Out-of-state license holders over 18 can transfer their license by scheduling an appointment at a DMV office.
- Lancaster: 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 Manchester to Lancaster?
The cost to ship a car from Manchester, NH to Lancaster, 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 Manchester to Lancaster will range from $1,516 to $2,359.
How long will it take to ship my car from Manchester to Lancaster?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,999 miles from Manchester to Lancaster. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Manchester to Lancaster?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Manchester to Lancaster. 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 Manchester to Lancaster?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Manchester to Lancaster 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 2,999-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.
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