($1,452) Cost to ship a car from Harrisburg, PA to Los Angeles, CA
Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,609 miles from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Los Angeles, California, typically costs between $1,452 and $2,178. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles to Harrisburg 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
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The best Harrisburg to Los Angeles car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Harrisburg to Los Angeles:
- 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 Harrisburg
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Harrisburg, PA:
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Right Way Auto Transport Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Moverjet Logistics LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- S J Trucking & Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- All State to State Auto Transport: 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 PA to CA
When you’re moving from Harrisburg to Los Angeles, 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 Harrisburg to Los Angeles, 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 2,609 miles from Harrisburg to Los Angeles 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
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Pennsylvania 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 Harrisburg to Los Angeles. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Los Angeles is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Harrisburg to Los Angeles car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Harrisburg to Los Angeles, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Harrisburg to Los Angeles, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Harrisburg 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 Los Angeles? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Harrisburg will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Los Angeles than a compact car.
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 2,609 miles from Harrisburg to Los Angeles will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Pennsylvania.
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 Harrisburg and Los Angeles often affect the cost of auto transport.
June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Harrisburg, while January and February are the least comfortable months. Consider these months in your plans in moving to Harrisburg.
The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Harrisburg to Los Angeles in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 2,609-mile trip from Harrisburg to Los Angeles, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Harrisburg to Los Angeles is seven to fifteen days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Harrisburg and Los Angeles vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Harrisburg: A parking permit is required in the City of Harrisburg. You obtain a parking permit from the Parking Enforcement office at the City Government Center. Please contact them at 717-255-3141 or visit 123 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
- Los Angeles: If the pick-up or drop-off location is in a place where it is difficult to find a parking spot, you have two options for getting a parking permit for the moving truck. 1. Get in touch with the city office or department and get a permit and sign from them – “Temporary No Parking”. Usually these cost $10-60. Every city has its own requirements and procedures for granting permits. 2. Contact the company, which provides a service for installing “Temporary No Parking”. Such a sign usually cost about $250. Oversize vehicle parking permits may be purchased either by mail or in person at one of four Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Public Service Centers. Permits are issued to Los Angeles residents for a fee of $10.00 per day and may be purchased for up to three days at a time.
Car insurance requirements
- Harrisburg: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
- Los Angeles: 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
- Harrisburg: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- Los Angeles: 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
- Harrisburg: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
- Los Angeles: 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 Harrisburg to Los Angeles?
The cost to ship a car from Harrisburg, PA to Los Angeles, 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 Harrisburg to Los Angeles will range from $1,452 to $2,178.
How long will it take to ship my car from Harrisburg to Los Angeles?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,609 miles from Harrisburg to Los Angeles. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Harrisburg to Los Angeles?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Harrisburg to Los Angeles. 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 Harrisburg to Los Angeles?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Harrisburg to Los Angeles 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 2,609-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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