Pennsylvania to California Car Shipping (With 2023 Costs)
Quick Answer: The average cost to ship a car from Pennsylvania to California ranges from $1,634 to $2,564.
| Estimated Cost | Distance of Shipment | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|
| $1,634 - $2,564 | 2734 miles | 7 - 15 days |
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Shipping a Car from Pennsylvania to California
Use the following resources for more information on your auto transportation needs:
- The best car shipping companies: Don’t run the risk. Reliable auto transport companies will save you from many headaches. These are our picks for your route.
- Best Pennsylvania to California movers: Moving too? We’ve handpicked the best moving companies between Pennsylvania and California
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate of moving costs.
- Pennsylvania to California movers cost: Everything you should know about moving from Pennsylvania to California.
Stick around for more details on costs, tips, and Pennsylvania car shippers you should use.
The best Pennsylvania to California car shippers
A good car shipping company should cover the basics. These are the things to look out for in a quality transport company:
- Insurance: Make sure the insurance covers both the company and the hauler the company contracts with to ship the car.
- Experience: Look for a company that has multiple years of experience and a good track record.
- Shipping options: Good car shipping companies will offer open and closed transport, expedited delivery, shipment tracking, and more.
- Added Perks: Damage coverage, no initial deposits, rental car assistance, free car wash, and guaranteed pricing are some additional options great car shippers offer.
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The average cost to ship a car from Pennsylvania to California
| Estimated Cost | Distance of Shipment | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|
| $1,634 - $2,564 | 2734 miles | 7 - 15 days |
Because the distance between Pennsylvania to California is about 2734 miles, it’ll take from 7 to 15 days to complete your car shipment.
Cost to ship a car from Philadelphia, PA to California
- Philadelphia to Los Angeles: $1,634 to $2,564
- Philadelphia to San Diego: $1,598 to $2,493
- Philadelphia to San Jose: $1,701 to $2,727
- Philadelphia to San Francisco: $1,668 to $2,633
- Philadelphia to Fresno: $1,668 to $2,633
Cost to ship a car from Scranton, PA to California
- Scranton to Los Angeles: $1,634 to $2,564
- Scranton to San Diego: $1,634 to $2,564
- Scranton to San Jose: $1,668 to $2,633
- Scranton to San Francisco: $1,668 to $2,633
- Scranton to Fresno: $1,668 to $2,633
Cost to ship a car from Lancaster, PA to California
- Lancaster to Los Angeles: $1,598 to $2,493
- Lancaster to San Diego: $1,598 to $2,493
- Lancaster to San Jose: $1,668 to $2,633
- Lancaster to San Francisco: $1,668 to $2,633
- Lancaster to Fresno: $1,634 to $2,564
Cost to ship a car from Pittsburgh , PA to California
- Pittsburgh to Los Angeles: $1,519 to $2,435
- Pittsburgh to San Diego: $1,519 to $2,435
- Pittsburgh to San Jose: $1,598 to $2,493
- Pittsburgh to San Francisco: $1,536 to $2,421
- Pittsburgh to Fresno: $1,536 to $2,421
Cost to ship a car from Erie, PA to California
- Erie to Los Angeles: $1,519 to $2,435
- Erie to San Diego: $1,519 to $2,435
- Erie to San Jose: $1,536 to $2,421
- Erie to San Francisco: $1,536 to $2,421
- Erie to Fresno: $1,536 to $2,421
Shipping an SUV or Truck from Pennsylvania to California
Since vehicles such as SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Pennsylvania to California you should expect to pay between $2,043 and $3,205.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from Pennsylvania to California
- Open Carrier or Enclosed Trailer – Most new cars from ports and factories are moved on open auto carriers, while race cars, vintage collector’s cars, and high-dollar luxury cars get enclosed transport
- Time of the year – Due to demand, prices tend to be a little higher in the summer.
- Size, Weight, and Type of Vehicle – The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more shipping will cost.
- Delivery Expectations – Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, this delivery should take between 7 and 15 days.
- Pick up and Drop-Off Options – Instead of door-to-door service, consider taking your vehicle to the nearest company terminal at origin and having it delivered to the one closest to your new home. It’s more work for you, but it could save you a bundle.
How car shipping from Pennsylvania to California works
- After you’ve received your quote, book your vehicle transport from Pennsylvania to California.
- Once booked, you’ll schedule your vehicle to be picked up in Pennsylvania where it will be loaded onto the carrier.
- Your vehicle will be safely unloaded from the carrier in California on your delivery date.
What else should you know about shipping a car from Pennsylvania to California?
- Car Insurance requirements: California’s minimum car insurance requirement is $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the event 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.
Alternative ways to ship your car
- Drive it yourself: Straightforward but not always an option and it will put a lot of miles on your car.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a reputable mover, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Drivewaway: Hire someone to drive the car for you. It’s an option…
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Shipping Your Car from Pennsylvania to California FAQs
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in Pennsylvania and when dropping off my car in California?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18-years-old to be present when picking up your car in Pennsylvania and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Pennsylvania to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Pennsylvania to California, it’s not 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 Pennsylvania.
