($1,337) Cost to ship a car from Madison, WI to Lancaster, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,949 miles from Madison, Wisconsin, to Lancaster, California, typically costs between $1,337 and $2,010. 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 Lancaster to Madison 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 Madison to Lancaster car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Madison to Lancaster:
- 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 Madison
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Madison, WI:
- Van 3 Auto Transport & Car: 3.92 out of 5 stars
- Karma Auto Transport: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- All Day Auto Transport: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL 60525 US
van3autotransport.com
3.92 / 5.0
Van3 Auto Transport receives praise for its excellent customer service, prompt vehicle delivery, and competitive pricing. However, several customers reported serious issues, including delayed pickups, vehicle damage during transport, and lack of communication from the company, leading to significant frustration.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2511788
Karma Auto Transport
901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US
karmaautotransport.com
3.78 / 5.0
Karma Auto Transport is known for its excellent service and reliability. Customers frequently commend their professionalism, quick communication, and affordable pricing. However, there are complaints regarding payment issues for transporters and some unexpected delivery hassles, which raised concerns about their overall accountability.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2882553
All Day Auto Transport
2500 W Bradley Pl #103 295 Londonderry Drive 86HJX825+33 Sarasota 34240, Chicago, IL 60618 US
alldayautotransport.com
3.76 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2245170
Alternative Business Names
- Car Delivery USA, Inc
Auto Driveaway
N14w24200 Tower Pl # 210b, Waukesha, WI 53188 US
autodriveaway.com
3.5 / 5.0
Fail to get reviews.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Xpress Auto Transport
250 E Wisconsin Ave #340, Milwaukee, WI 53202 US
xpressautoship.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
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 WI to CA
If you’re planning a move from Madison to Lancaster, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Madison to Lancaster, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 1,949-mile trip from Madison to Lancaster could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Wisconsin 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 Madison to Lancaster safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Lancaster 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 Madison to Lancaster car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Madison to Lancaster, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Madison to Lancaster, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Madison 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 Lancaster? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Madison 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 Lancaster than a compact car.
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 1,949 miles from Madison to Lancaster is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Wisconsin.
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 Madison and Lancaster.
August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.
If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Madison to Lancaster during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 1,949-mile drive between Madison and Lancaster, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Madison to Lancaster takes between three and eleven days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Madison and Lancaster vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Madison: The Residential Parking Permit allows residents to park in excess of the posted one- or two-hour time limits on designated streets in their area between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or in locations designated for resident parking only between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. This provides residents the opportunity for the limited storing of vehicles on public streets to the partial exclusion of commuter vehicles. A Residential Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place. It allows the right to park if space is available. It is recommended to apply online.
- Lancaster: Check with the City of Lancaster for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lancaster.
Car insurance requirements
- Madison: Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to provide a minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for individual injury or death, and $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals.
- Lancaster: 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
- Madison: Safety and emission inspections are not required in Wisconsin. However, you must take your vehicle for emissions inspection available at select privately owned businesses including vehicle repair facilities, service stations, and car dealerships.
- Lancaster: 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
- Madison: After establishing residence, new residents must apply for a WI driver license at any Wisconsin DMV service center within 60 days for a regular license and within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
- Lancaster: 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 Madison to Lancaster?
The cost to ship a car from Madison, WI to Lancaster, 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 Madison to Lancaster will range from $1,337 to $2,010.
How long will it take to ship my car from Madison to Lancaster?
It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,949 miles from Madison to Lancaster. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Madison to Lancaster?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Madison to Lancaster. 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 Madison to Lancaster?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Madison to Lancaster 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 1,949-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.
