($1,450) Cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to Stockton, CA

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,605 miles from Buffalo, New York, to Stockton, California, ranges from $1,450 to $2,379. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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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 Stockton to Buffalo car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Buffalo to Stockton car shipping companies

Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Buffalo to Stockton:

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
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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 cross-country shipper
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (224) 206-5633
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  • 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
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  • No hidden fees
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  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
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  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Buffalo

Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Buffalo, NY:

  1. Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport Inc.: 3.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Global Auto Transportation: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  4. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Vision Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport Inc.

140 Irwin Pl, Amherst, NY 14228 US

starstarstarstarstar3.86 / 5.0
Get a Quote (716) 836-7500

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Storage solutions

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Erin's Automotive & Transportation
  • Erin and Bill's Automotive & Transport

Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group

2305 Vestal Rd., Vestal, NY 13850 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0
Get a Quote (607) 727-7346

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking

Additional Information

Global Auto Transportation

78 College St, Buffalo, NY 14201 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0

Customers praised the excellent service, fast response times, and reliable communication from their representatives. However, some noted that their cars arrived dirty due to transportation conditions, and there were reports of delays with carrier assignments.

Get a Quote (888) 803-0501

Services Offered

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

Additional Information

Jack Cooper Transport

85 Ransier Dr, Buffalo, NY 14224 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (716) 675-3999

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Vision Transportation

7659 Bramalea Rd, Brampton, ON 645

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (905) 858-7333

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

How we chose the best car shipping companiestoggle

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 NY to CA

Relocating from Buffalo to Stockton means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.

Coordinate with your movers

On moves from Buffalo to Stockton, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.

Drive your car

There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 2,605-mile journey from Buffalo to Stockton could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.

Use a driving service

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from New York to California is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Buffalo to Stockton. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.

Ship your car via train

Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Stockton, 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 Buffalo to Stockton car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Buffalo to Stockton, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

If you’re moving a car from Buffalo to Stockton, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.

Open carriers from Buffalo 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 Stockton, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Buffalo is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Stockton will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.

Distance and route

Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 2,605 miles from Buffalo to Stockton will cost more than a shorter move within New York.

Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.

The time of the year

The time of year and weather conditions in Buffalo and Stockton play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

Best months to move to Buffalo are August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Buffalo, while January and December are the least comfortable months due to extreme winter weather.

Stockton is characterized by hot to sweltering, arid summers and pleasant to warm winters.

For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Buffalo to Stockton in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.

Fuel prices

Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 2,605 miles between Buffalo and Stockton, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.

Delivery expectations

Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Buffalo to Stockton takes seven to fifteen days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.

Comparing Buffalo and Stockton vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Buffalo:
  • Stockton: Parking at meters is enforced, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meters have limits ranging from 30 minutes to 10 hours, depending on the location; signs are posted to indicate limitations. Parkmobile sticker Effective September 1, 2015, use PayPal and credit cards to purchase time on parking meters using a cell phone mobile app. Meters are marked with stickers displaying the website address to download the app toll-free free number.

Car insurance requirements

  • Buffalo: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
  • Stockton: 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

  • Buffalo: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
  • Stockton: 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

  • Buffalo: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
  • Stockton: 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 Buffalo to Stockton?

The cost to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to Stockton, 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 Buffalo to Stockton will range from $1,450 to $2,379.

How long will it take to ship my car from Buffalo to Stockton?

It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,605 miles from Buffalo to Stockton. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Buffalo to Stockton?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Buffalo to Stockton. 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 Buffalo to Stockton?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Buffalo to Stockton 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 2,605-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.

Helpful Buffalo resources