($1,323) Cost to ship a car from Oklahoma City, OK to San Diego, CA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,323 to $1,959 to ship your car 1,311 miles from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to San Diego, California. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Diego to Oklahoma City 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
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The best Oklahoma City to San Diego car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Oklahoma City to San Diego:
- 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
- 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 Oklahoma City
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Oklahoma City, OK:
- Oklohoma City Auto Shipping Group: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Bold Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Dave Meeker Auto: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 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 OK to CA
Relocating from Oklahoma City to San Diego 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
If you’re planning a move from Oklahoma City to San Diego, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 1,311 miles from Oklahoma City to San Diego 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
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Oklahoma to California. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Oklahoma City. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to San Diego.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to San Diego—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Oklahoma City to San Diego car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Oklahoma City to San Diego, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Oklahoma City to San Diego, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Oklahoma City are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to San Diego? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Oklahoma City. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to San Diego will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 1,311 miles from Oklahoma City to San Diego is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Oklahoma.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Oklahoma City and San Diego can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Oklahoma City has very hot, humid summers, and cool winters with occasional snowfall. Prolonged and severe droughts (sometimes leading to wildfires in the vicinity), as well as very heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding and flooding, occur with some regularity. Oklahoma City is also located in tornado alley. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Oklahoma City to San Diego 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 1,311-mile drive between Oklahoma City and San Diego, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Oklahoma City to San Diego takes between three and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Oklahoma City and San Diego vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Oklahoma City: What is the purpose of a 72-hour Commercial Vehicle Registration Trip Permit? The 72-hour Commercial Vehicle Registration Trip Permit allows an unregistered commercial motor vehicle or a commercial trailer to be legally registered in Oklahoma on a short-term basis. A 72-hour Commercial Vehicle Registration Trip Permit may be made effective up to 72 hours from the time of purchase. The fee is $22.00. No refunds are allowed.
- San Diego: Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.
Car insurance requirements
- Oklahoma City: Ensure compliance with Oklahoma state law by obtaining car insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 for bodily injury/death and property damage, as mandated by legal requirements.
- San Diego: 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
- Oklahoma City: As a new Oklahoma resident, title your vehicle within 30 days of moving by presenting current out-of-state title, proof of passed VIN inspection, completed Form 701-6, proof of valid OK insurance, lien release (if applicable), and paying fees at your local tag agency.
- San Diego: 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
- Oklahoma City: A valid driver's license from a US territory can be transferred to Oklahoma without taking written or driving tests. However, if the license has expired, the applicant will need to take both tests. To transfer their license, the applicant must present primary and secondary forms of identification, proof of full legal name and birthdate, and proof of legal presence in the US to a Driver License Examiner.
- San Diego: 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 Oklahoma City to San Diego?
The cost to ship a car from Oklahoma City, OK to San Diego, 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 Oklahoma City to San Diego will range from $1,323 to $1,959.
How long will it take to ship my car from Oklahoma City to San Diego?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,311 miles from Oklahoma City to San Diego. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Oklahoma City to San Diego?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Oklahoma City to San Diego. 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 Oklahoma City to San Diego?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Oklahoma City to San Diego 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 1,311-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.
10601 S Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73170 US
2201 Main St #205, Dallas, TX 75201 US
325 North St. Paul Street Suite 3100, Dallas, TX 75201 US
24496 Eagle Rd, Purcell, OK 73080 US
6909 W Hefner Rd Suite B19, Oklahoma City, OK 73162