($1,257) Cost to ship a car from Pittsburgh, PA to Riverside, CA
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,392 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Riverside, California, ranges from $1,257 to $2,146. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside to Pittsburgh 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
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Pittsburgh to Riverside car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Pittsburgh to Riverside:
- 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 Pittsburgh
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Pittsburgh, PA:
- Pittsburgh Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Pittsburgh Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 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
If you’re relocating from Pittsburgh to Riverside, 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
If you’re planning a move from Pittsburgh to Riverside, 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
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 2,392-mile journey from Pittsburgh to Riverside could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Pennsylvania 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 Pittsburgh to Riverside. 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 Riverside. 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 Pittsburgh to Riverside car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Pittsburgh to Riverside, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Pittsburgh to Riverside, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Riverside, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Pittsburgh. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Riverside 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 2,392 miles from Pittsburgh to Riverside is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Pennsylvania.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Pittsburgh and Riverside.
Pittsburgh summers are hot and winters are moderately cold with wide variations in temperature. Despite this, it has one of the most pleasant summer climates between medium and large cities in the U.S
Riverside has hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Pittsburgh to Riverside during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,392-mile distance between Pittsburgh and Riverside and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Pittsburgh to Riverside is five to thirteen days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Pittsburgh and Riverside vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Pittsburgh: Application Fee: $0.00 Permit Fee: For moving truck: $25.00 per truck for two (2) days maximum For moving container: $75.00 per week for two (2) week maximum
- Riverside:
Car insurance requirements
- Pittsburgh: 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.
- Riverside: 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
- Pittsburgh: 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.
- Riverside: 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
- Pittsburgh: 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.
- Riverside: 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 Pittsburgh to Riverside?
The cost to ship a car from Pittsburgh, PA to Riverside, 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 Pittsburgh to Riverside will range from $1,257 to $2,146.
How long will it take to ship my car from Pittsburgh to Riverside?
It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,392 miles from Pittsburgh to Riverside. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Pittsburgh to Riverside?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Pittsburgh to Riverside. 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 Pittsburgh to Riverside?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Pittsburgh to Riverside 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 2,392-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.
606 Liberty Ave 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 US
155 Crown Ct, Oakdale, PA 15071 US
1010 Freyburg St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 US
100 Rosslyn Rd, Carnegie, PA 15106 US
800 Streets Run Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 US