California to Delaware Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,848 miles from California to Delaware ranges from $1,738 to $2,855 and takes 7–15 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Delaware to California car shipping guide.
California to Delaware auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in California and Delaware. The average travel distance is about 2,848 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 7 to 15 days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Delaware
| From California to Delaware | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Wilmington, DE | 2,702 miles | $1,824–$2,590 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Hockessin, DE | 2,681 miles | $1,698–$2,651 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Smyrna, DE | 2,728 miles | $1,702–$2,726 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Pike Creek Valley, DE | 2,685 miles | $1,749–$2,757 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to Milford, DE | 2,730 miles | $1,702–$2,780 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Delaware
| From California to Delaware | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Wilmington, DE | 2,685 miles | $1,631–$2,624 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Hockessin, DE | 2,666 miles | $1,715–$2,677 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Smyrna, DE | 2,713 miles | $1,807–$2,671 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Pike Creek Valley, DE | 2,669 miles | $1,749–$2,783 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to Milford, DE | 2,714 miles | $1,702–$2,862 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Delaware
| From California to Delaware | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Wilmington, DE | 2,899 miles | $1,809–$2,883 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Hockessin, DE | 2,874 miles | $1,703–$2,911 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Smyrna, DE | 2,929 miles | $1,899–$2,870 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Pike Creek Valley, DE | 2,878 miles | $1,721–$2,883 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to Milford, DE | 2,930 miles | $1,772–$2,754 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Delaware
| From California to Delaware | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Wilmington, DE | 2,866 miles | $1,703–$2,827 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Hockessin, DE | 2,842 miles | $1,721–$2,743 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Smyrna, DE | 2,897 miles | $1,721–$2,855 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Pike Creek Valley, DE | 2,846 miles | $1,685–$2,855 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to Milford, DE | 2,899 miles | $1,827–$2,911 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to Delaware
| From California to Delaware | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Wilmington, DE | 2,827 miles | $1,756–$2,687 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Hockessin, DE | 2,806 miles | $1,721–$2,855 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Smyrna, DE | 2,853 miles | $1,738–$2,883 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Pike Creek Valley, DE | 2,810 miles | $1,809–$2,659 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to Milford, DE | 2,855 miles | $1,774–$2,715 | 7–15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Delaware
Since vehicles like SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from California to Delaware you should expect to pay between $2,173 and $3,569.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from California to Delaware
When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the First State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Delaware.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Delaware spans approximately 2,848 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of California, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between California and Delaware and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from California to Delaware should take between 7 and 15 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best California to Delaware car shipping companies
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We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from California to Delaware:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
Alternative ways to ship your car from California to Delaware
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 2,848 miles on your car going from California to Delaware. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs shipping it.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a moving company, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Hire a driver: Hire someone to drive the car from California to Delaware for you. It’s an option, but will probably be a very costly one and involve trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
What else should you know about shipping a car from California to Delaware?
- Car insurance requirements: Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
- Driver’s license: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: Delaware residents who purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer will not receive a credit for taxes paid. While most states exempt out-of-state buyers from taxes, some states collect taxes on all vehicle sales. This means that residents may be subject to double taxation on vehicles purchased from certain states.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Transporting your vehicle from California
Over 39 million people call California home. Nicknamed the Golden State, California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
Transporting your vehicle to Delaware
About 22 million people are living in the First State of Delaware. Almost all of Delaware is a part of the Atlantic coastal plain, the effects of the ocean moderate its climate. The southern portion of the state has a milder climate than the northern portion of the state.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in California and when dropping off my car in Delaware?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in California and when dropping it off in Delaware.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Delaware?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Delaware, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Delaware, which you should verify before loading your car in California.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. 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.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Delaware?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Delaware is about 2848 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take 7-15 days to travel from California to Delaware.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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.
In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Delaware?
Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Delaware after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Delaware after purchasing it.
Delaware residents who purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer will not receive a credit for taxes paid. While most states exempt out-of-state buyers from taxes, some states collect taxes on all vehicle sales. This means that residents may be subject to double taxation on vehicles purchased from certain states.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Delaware to avoid any hidden costs.
