($1,296) Cost to ship a car from Milwaukee, WI to Fresno, CA

Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,180 miles from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Fresno, California, typically costs between $1,296 and $1,977. 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fresno to Milwaukee car shipping guide.

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Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Milwaukee to Fresno car shipping companies

To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Milwaukee to Fresno:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Milwaukee

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Milwaukee, WI:

  1. Karma Auto Transport: 3.78 out of 5 stars
  2. All Day Auto Transport: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Karma Auto Transport

901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US

starstarstarstarstar3.78 / 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.

Get a Quote (312) 788-9315

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

All Day Auto Transport

2500 W Bradley Pl #103 295 Londonderry Drive 86HJX825+33 Sarasota 34240, Chicago, IL 60618 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 567-7396

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

Alternative Business Names

  • Car Delivery USA, Inc

Auto Driveaway

N14w24200 Tower Pl # 210b, Waukesha, WI 53188 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Fail to get reviews.

Get a Quote (800) 346-2277

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Xpress Auto Transport

250 E Wisconsin Ave #340, Milwaukee, WI 53202 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (866) 333-5509

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

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

Getting your car from Milwaukee to Fresno 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 Milwaukee to Fresno, 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 2,180-mile journey from Milwaukee to Fresno 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 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 Milwaukee to Fresno 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 Fresno 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 Milwaukee to Fresno car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Milwaukee to Fresno, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

When shipping your car from Milwaukee to Fresno, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from Milwaukee 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 Fresno? 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 Milwaukee. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Fresno will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.

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 2,180 miles from Milwaukee to Fresno will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Wisconsin.

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

Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Milwaukee and Fresno.

Milwaukee's location in the Great Lakes Region often has rapidly changing weather, producing a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters, and hot, humid summers. Thunderstorms in the region can be dangerous and damaging, bringing hail and high winds. In rare instances, they can bring a tornado. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.

Fresno has mild, wet winters and very 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 Milwaukee to Fresno during these times can be more expensive.

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,180-mile drive between Milwaukee and Fresno, 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 Milwaukee to Fresno takes between four and twelve days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.

Comparing Milwaukee and Fresno vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Milwaukee: For the convenience of the city’s night parking permit customers, there is no longer a requirement to display a physical permit. Now, when residents buy a night parking permit, they will complete the same application and receive a confirmation number to prove purchase of the permit, but will not receive a physical permit to place on the vehicle’s window. The license plate number will be used by parking enforcement to determine whether the owner has purchased a valid permit. All customer service problems arising from misplaced or stolen permits will be eliminated. A night parking permit currently costs $20 per 4-month trimester or $40 for the calendar year. Failure to purchase a permit will still be subject to a $20 citation. Permits may be purchased online. Visit www.milwaukee.gov/parking for more information and call 414-286-CITY (2489) with any questions.
  • Fresno: Some parking meters are enforced until 10 pm, seven days a week, when an event is taking place at the Stadium, Selland Arena, Saroyan Theatre, or Convention Center. Decals on the meter identify this event-specific requirement. Information on downtown event parking. There are approximately 2,000 parking meters in downtown Fresno in time increments from 30 minutes to 10 hours. Meters are $1.00 or $1.50 per hour depending on the location. Meters are not enforced on the City of Fresno observed holidays.

Car insurance requirements

  • Milwaukee: 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.
  • Fresno: 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

  • Milwaukee: 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.
  • Fresno: 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

  • Milwaukee: 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).
  • Fresno: 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 Milwaukee to Fresno?

The cost to ship a car from Milwaukee, WI to Fresno, 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 Milwaukee to Fresno will range from $1,296 to $1,977.

How long will it take to ship my car from Milwaukee to Fresno?

It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,180 miles from Milwaukee to Fresno. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Milwaukee to Fresno?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Milwaukee to Fresno. 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 Milwaukee to Fresno?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Milwaukee to Fresno 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 2,180-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.

Helpful Milwaukee resources