($1,546) Cost to ship a car from Burlington, VT to Modesto, CA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,546 to $2,406 to ship your car 2,996 miles from Burlington, Vermont, to Modesto, 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 Modesto to Burlington 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
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- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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The best Burlington to Modesto car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Burlington to Modesto:
- 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 Burlington
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Burlington, VT:
- Fox Auto Transport: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Rust Auto Shippers: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- A to Z Auto Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- 1st Choice Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Quickship LLC: 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 VT to CA
Relocating from Burlington to Modesto 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 are relocating from Burlington to Modesto, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 2,996-mile journey from Burlington to Modesto 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
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Vermont 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 Burlington to Modesto. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Modesto, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Burlington to Modesto car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Burlington to Modesto, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Burlington to Modesto, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Burlington 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 Modesto? 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 Burlington. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Modesto will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 2,996 miles from Burlington to Modesto will cost more than a shorter move within Vermont.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Burlington and Modesto.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Burlington, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
Modesto has mild winters with moderate rainfall and long, hot, dry summers.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Burlington to Modesto during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,996-mile drive between Burlington and Modesto, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Burlington to Modesto typically takes between seven and fifteen days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Burlington and Modesto vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Burlington: Residents may petition to have their streets designated for resident parking only. Only residents and their guests will then be allowed to park on the street. Residents will be issued bumper stickers and guest passes for identification. Resident parking is enforced by issuing parking tickets. Please secure a parking permit where possible before moving.
- Modesto: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved
Car insurance requirements
- Burlington: Drivers in Vermont must possess liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for individual injuries or fatalities, $50,000 for injuries or fatalities involving two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage in a single accident. Adhering to these essential insurance requirements ensures legal compliance and optimal protection on the road.
- Modesto: 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
- Burlington: Vehicle safety and emission inspections are required annually in Vermont, as well as a one-time VIN inspection for any out-of-state vehicle being registered for the first time.
- Modesto: 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
- Burlington: New Vermont residents who possess a valid out-of-state license or an out-of-state license that has been expired for less than three (3) years, must take an eye examination to obtain a new state driver’s license.
- Modesto: 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 Burlington to Modesto?
The cost to ship a car from Burlington, VT to Modesto, 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 Burlington to Modesto will range from $1,546 to $2,406.
How long will it take to ship my car from Burlington to Modesto?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,996 miles from Burlington to Modesto. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Burlington to Modesto?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Burlington to Modesto. 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 Burlington to Modesto?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Burlington to Modesto 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 2,996-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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