($763) Cost to ship a car from Salt Lake City, UT to Santa Ana, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay around $763 to $1,082 to ship your car 686 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Santa Ana, 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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Ana to Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to Santa Ana car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 Salt Lake City
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Salt Lake City, UT:
- Redman Van & Storage: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Freight Tec Management Group: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Auto Transport Group LLC: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Redman Van & Storage
2571 W 2590 S, West Valley City, UT 84119 US
redmanvan.com
3.84 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised Redman Van and Storage for their exceptional service, efficiency, and professionalism. Positive remarks highlighted the crew's care in handling items and timely communications. However, some customers expressed discontent with certain placement of items after delivery, indicating a need for improvement in final positioning during move-ins.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 877758
Freight Tec Management Group
190 N. Main St, Ste 225 Bountiful, UT 84010 US
freight-tec.com
3.78 / 5.0
Freight Tec receives significant negative feedback regarding unexpected charges and poor communication, while some customers praise their personalized and efficient service.
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 179548
Alternative Business Names
- Freight Tec Management Group Inc
- Freight Tec Express Transport
- Freight Tec
- AFL/Advantage Rail Program
Auto Transport Group LLC
1621 W 2550 N, Ogden, UT 84404 US
atglc.com
3.52 / 5.0
The overall sentiment for the company is predominantly negative due to several complaints about incompetency and disrespect in customer interactions, particularly related to transport and storage mishandlings.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
AMPM Auto Transport
165 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 US
ampmautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Needed to get a car shipped across the country in a rush. AMPM was able to get it done very easily! Geo needs a raise he was very helpful during the whole process, he is exactly who you want to speak with when handling something of this nature. 5 Stars for Geo! Getting my car shipped was a mission. After 2 companies flaked on me just because they gave me a ridiculously low quote, so they can bait and switch me, or cancel. Luckily I contacted these guys in Salt Lake City and they actually did their Job! John gave me ...ound AMPM Auto. We are really glad to trust them our vehicles. We will work again soon. Not recommended for car transport. We scheduled 3 weeks in advance. We were told that someone would pick up on a specific date. It had not been scheduled for that day...
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2247310
Alternative Business Names
- AMPM Auto Transport, Inc.
Speedy Car Shipping
572 W 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 US
speedycarshipping.com/auto-transport-salt-lake-city-ut
3.5 / 5.0
Customers commend Speedy Car Service for their excellent communication, efficient service, and competitive pricing. While the overall experience is positive, some reviews note the lack of Spanish-speaking support as a drawback.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2297446
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 UT to CA
Getting your car from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana, 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 686-mile journey from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana 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
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Utah to California, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Santa Ana. 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 Salt Lake City to Santa Ana car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Salt Lake 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 Santa Ana? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Salt Lake City is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Santa Ana will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
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 686 miles from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Utah.
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
The time of year and weather conditions in Salt Lake City and Santa Ana play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
June, September and May are the most pleasant months in Salt Lake City, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
Santa Ana has hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 686 miles between Salt Lake City and Santa Ana, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana takes between one and six days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Salt Lake City and Santa Ana vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Salt Lake City: Certain areas within the city, like hospitals, universities, etc. attract non-residents to seek parking in/near residential areas. This can sometimes place undue hardship on area residents and property owners by contributing to excess noise, air pollution, litter, traffic hazards, congestion and severe shortage of available on-street parking spaces. By preventing all day, (non-resident) vehicle parking in a qualifying area, it can address these problems. Make sure to secure a parking permit if needed in the area where you will move. You can apply online at Citizen Portal (Register for an account and Login before it will give you the option to apply.), or mail your application and supporting documentation to Transportation Division, 349 South 200 East, Ste. 150, SLC UT 84111. If you have any questions, please call our office at 801-535-6630 or e-mail [email protected].
- Santa Ana: Guest parking permits must be filled in ink by the resident and placed on the left-hand side of the dashboard. Each guest permit is valid until noon the following day. Each guest permit can only be used once and the date may NOT be changed. Not every district has guest permits. Only residents of single family homes are eligible for guest permits.
Car insurance requirements
- Salt Lake City: In Utah, it is mandatory for drivers to maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage, including $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage with identical limits is required.
- Santa Ana: 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
- Salt Lake City: Vehicles in the state of Utah are mandated to pass an annual safety inspection to ensure that key components such as brakes, lights and tires are in good working condition. Additionally, vehicles older than 6 years are also required to pass an emissions inspection to confirm that they are not emitting excessive levels of pollutants. If a vehicle fails either of these inspections, it must be repaired and retested before it can be legally driven on the road.
- Santa Ana: 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
- Salt Lake City: In order to get a driver's license in Utah, a person must pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a vision test, as well as provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the required fees. Those under 18 years of age must also complete driver education and have a learner's permit before being eligible for a full license.
- Santa Ana: 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 Salt Lake City to Santa Ana?
The cost to ship a car from Salt Lake City, UT to Santa Ana, 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 Salt Lake City to Santa Ana will range from $763 to $1,082.
How long will it take to ship my car from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 686 miles from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana. 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 Salt Lake City to Santa Ana?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Salt Lake City to Santa Ana 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 686-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.
