New Jersey to California Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 2,886 miles from New Jersey to California falls between $1,380 and $2,178. 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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to New Jersey 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 New Jersey to California car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from New Jersey 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 New Jersey
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in New Jersey ready to move your vehicle to California:
- Troy Car Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Blue Streak Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Dom Polski Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- United Force Auto Transport LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Troy Car Inc
1275 Bloomfield Ave. Unit 74, Fairfield, NJ 07004 US
troycarinc.com
3.56 / 5.0
Customers express high satisfaction with Troy Car Inc.'s reliable and professional car transport services. Positive feedback highlights timely delivery, excellent communication, and the careful handling of vehicles. While no major issues were reported, a few customers felt that more reviews were warranted to reflect their experiences.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2363631
Blue Streak Transport
121A William St, Middlesex, NJ 08846 US
bluestreaktransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the prompt and fair service provided by Blue Streak Transport, highlighting the professionalism and integrity of the staff. However, there was a concerning issue regarding rude customer service in one instance, where a caller felt disrespected during a conversation.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
Dom Polski Llc
111 North Broadway, South Amboy, NJ 08879 US
dompolski.us
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- International shipping
Additional Information
Ceva Logistics
266 Old New Brnswk Rd # 300, Piscataway, NJ 8854 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
The company has received mixed feedback regarding its delivery services. Some customers praised the timely delivery and ease of scheduling while others experienced repeated delays and poor communication. Several reviews highlighted positive interactions with staff during pickups, yet there are significant concerns regarding job transparency and contract fulfillment for employees.
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
United Force Auto Transport LLC
51 Ida St, Haledon, NJ 07508 US
uforceauto.us
3.5 / 5.0
Overall, United Force Auto Transport is noted for its exceptional customer service and reliable vehicle transport. Many customers praised their effective communication, professionalism, and timely delivery. However, some reviews mentioned issues with additional fees and unprofessional behavior from certain staff members, which detracted from the experience for some clients.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3578856
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 New Jersey to California
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from New Jersey 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.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 2,886 miles on your car to travel between New Jersey and California. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from New Jersey to California, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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.
New Jersey 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 New Jersey and California. The average travel distance is about 2,886 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from seven to fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Trenton, NJ to California
| From New Jersey to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton, NJ to Los Angeles, CA | $1,421 – $2,274 | 2,730 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Trenton, NJ to San Diego, CA | $1,393 – $2,077 | 2,714 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Trenton, NJ to San Jose, CA | $1,392 – $2,395 | 2,922 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Bakersfield, CA | $1,337 – $2,142 | 2,745 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Trenton, NJ to San Francisco, CA | $1,451 – $2,267 | 2,890 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Newark, NJ to California
| From New Jersey to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark, NJ to Los Angeles, CA | $1,449 – $2,121 | 2,765 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Newark, NJ to San Diego, CA | $1,463 – $2,230 | 2,749 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Newark, NJ to San Jose, CA | $1,392 – $2,395 | 2,924 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA | $1,463 – $2,142 | 2,780 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA | $1,422 – $2,312 | 2,893 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Jersey City, NJ to California
| From New Jersey to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey City, NJ to Los Angeles, CA | $1,379 – $2,274 | 2,772 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to San Diego, CA | $1,379 – $2,252 | 2,757 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to San Jose, CA | $1,392 – $2,279 | 2,932 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA | $1,435 – $2,252 | 2,788 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to San Francisco, CA | $1,422 – $2,200 | 2,899 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Paterson, NJ to California
| From New Jersey to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paterson, NJ to Los Angeles, CA | $1,365 – $2,252 | 2,777 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Paterson, NJ to San Diego, CA | $1,337 – $2,077 | 2,773 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Paterson, NJ to San Jose, CA | $1,494 – $2,302 | 2,921 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Bakersfield, CA | $1,449 – $2,077 | 2,792 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Paterson, NJ to San Francisco, CA | $1,422 – $2,222 | 2,889 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Elizabeth, NJ to California
| From New Jersey to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth, NJ to Los Angeles, CA | $1,435 – $2,142 | 2,779 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to San Diego, CA | $1,394 – $2,178 | 2,801 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to San Jose, CA | $1,479 – $2,209 | 2,930 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Bakersfield, CA | $1,421 – $2,252 | 2,794 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to San Francisco, CA | $1,450 – $2,255 | 2,901 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from New Jersey 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 New Jersey to California usually runs between $1,725 and $2,723.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from New Jersey to California
When moving your vehicle from the Garden State to the Golden State, several factors can affect the total shipping 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: Traveling from New Jersey to California involves roughly 2,886 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from New Jersey around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from New Jersey to California, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes seven–fifteen days, while expedited service costs 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 New Jersey
More than 9.3 million people call New Jersey home. Nicknamed the Garden State. New Jersey summers are typically hot and humid and winters are usually cold. During winter and early spring, New Jersey can experience "nor'easters", which are capable of causing blizzards or flooding throughout the northeastern United States.
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from New Jersey to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In New Jersey, meet the minimum auto insurance requirements: $15,000 per person for bodily injury up to $30,000 per accident and $5,000 for property damage. Stay legally covered and financially secure on the road.
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 New Jersey to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from New Jersey to California is about 2,886 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from New Jersey to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
If you are planning to reside in New Jersey for a minimum of 6 months, it is mandatory to transfer the title of your vehicle, register it, and obtain a driver's license from the state. As a new resident, you have 60 days from the date of establishing your residency to register your vehicle. It is important to note that before registering your vehicle, you are required to have liability insurance coverage as per the New Jersey state laws.
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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from New Jersey to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from New Jersey 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 New Jersey to California?
Shipping a car from New Jersey to California costs $1,380 to $2,178.
