($1,288) Cost to ship a car from Dayton, OH to Fremont, CA

Quick answer: On average, moving a car 2,388 miles from Dayton, Ohio, to Fremont, California, will run you about $1,288 to $2,177. 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fremont to Dayton car shipping guide.

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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 Dayton to Fremont car shipping companies

Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Dayton to Fremont:

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
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
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
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Dayton

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Dayton, OH:

  1. Diesel Auto Express: 3.86 out of 5 stars
  2. American Auto Transport Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
  3. USTA Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  4. Tiger Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  5. Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Diesel Auto Express

1823 Kentucky Ave, Springfield, OH 45505 US

starstarstarstarstar3.86 / 5.0
Get a Quote (360) 539-8600

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

American Auto Transport Inc.

1443 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 US

starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5.0
Get a Quote (847) 553-4923

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

USTA Transport

606 Hillrose Ave, Dayton, OH 45404 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the friendly staff and exceptional service provided by the company. However, there are concerns regarding pricing and unexpected charges.

Get a Quote (603) 858-6280

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars

Additional Information

Tiger Auto Transport

1 W Corry St, Cincinnati, OH 45219 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0

Fail to get reviews.

Get a Quote (855) 720-5244

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Xpress Auto Transport

810 Sycamore St #205, Cincinnati, OH 45202 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (513) 689-3948

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

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

If you’re relocating from Dayton to Fremont, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.

Coordinate with your movers

On moves from Dayton to Fremont, 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

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 2,388 miles from Dayton to Fremont can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.

Use a driving service

Having a driver transport your car from Ohio to California is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Dayton to Fremont. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Fremont. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.

Factors affecting Dayton to Fremont car shipping costs

The price to ship your car from Dayton to Fremont can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:

Transport method

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

Open carriers from Dayton 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 Fremont, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from Dayton depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Fremont will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

Distance and route

To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 2,388 miles from Dayton to Fremont will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Ohio.

Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.

The time of the year

Both seasonal trends and local weather in Dayton and Fremont can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.

September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.

Fremont has a warm, dry summers and mild, damp winters. Like nearby San Jose, precipitation is fairly low

High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Dayton to Fremont during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,388-mile drive between Dayton and Fremont, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.

Delivery expectations

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

Comparing Dayton and Fremont vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Dayton: Make sure to check with the City of Dayton for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Dayton.
  • Fremont: 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

  • Dayton: 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.
  • Fremont: 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

  • Dayton: 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.
  • Fremont: 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

  • Dayton: 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.
  • Fremont: 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 Dayton to Fremont?

The cost to ship a car from Dayton, OH to Fremont, 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 Dayton to Fremont will range from $1,288 to $2,177.

How long will it take to ship my car from Dayton to Fremont?

It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,388 miles from Dayton to Fremont. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Dayton to Fremont?

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

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Dayton to Fremont 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 2,388-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 Dayton resources