($1,364) Cost to ship a car from Cleveland, OH to Fontana, CA
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 2,297 miles from Cleveland, Ohio, to Fontana, California, will run you about $1,364 to $2,052. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fontana to Cleveland 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
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The best Cleveland to Fontana car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Cleveland to Fontana:
- 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 Cleveland
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Cleveland, OH:
- Diesel Auto Express: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Pittsburgh Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.56 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 OH to CA
When you’re moving from Cleveland to Fontana, 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’re moving from Cleveland to Fontana, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 2,297 miles from Cleveland to Fontana might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Ohio to California. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Cleveland to Fontana carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Fontana, 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 Cleveland to Fontana car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Cleveland to Fontana, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Cleveland to Fontana, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Cleveland 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 Fontana, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Cleveland. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Fontana will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
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 2,297 miles from Cleveland to Fontana will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Ohio.
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
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Cleveland and Fontana often affect the cost of auto transport.
Cleveland has four very distinct seasons. This means that in the wintertime, you should prepare for snow and in the summer it's usually warm.
Fontana is frequently affected by the strong, hot and dry Santa Ana winds as they blow through the nearby Cajon Pass of the San Gabriel mountains, from the Mojave Desert. Fontana can also be extremely hot in summer, well over 100 °F
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Cleveland to Fontana in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,297-mile distance between Cleveland and Fontana and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Cleveland to Fontana typically takes between five and thirteen days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Cleveland and Fontana vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Cleveland: The City of Cleveland does not require a parking permit although you may double check to ensure you're abiding by all the rules. You should also check any neighborhood, building, or HOA rules to ensure a smooth move day.
- Fontana: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC 4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved:
Car insurance requirements
- Cleveland: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
- Fontana: 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
- Cleveland: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
- Fontana: 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
- Cleveland: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
- Fontana: 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 Cleveland to Fontana?
The cost to ship a car from Cleveland, OH to Fontana, 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 Cleveland to Fontana will range from $1,364 to $2,052.
How long will it take to ship my car from Cleveland to Fontana?
It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,297 miles from Cleveland to Fontana. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Cleveland to Fontana?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Cleveland to Fontana. 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 Cleveland to Fontana?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Cleveland to Fontana 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 2,297-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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4519 Industrial Pkwy, Cleveland, OH 44135 US