California to Wisconsin Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,170 miles from California to Wisconsin ranges from $1,665 to $2,465 and takes 4–12 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 Wisconsin to California car shipping guide.
California to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. The average travel distance is about 2,170 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 4 to 12 days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Wisconsin
| From California to Wisconsin | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Milwaukee, WI | 2,055 miles | $1,615–$2,499 | 4–12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Madison, WI | 1,982 miles | $1,514–$2,464 | 3–11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Green Bay, WI | 2,116 miles | $1,601–$2,465 | 4–12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Appleton, WI | 2,085 miles | $1,600–$2,450 | 4–12 days |
| Fresno, CA to Plover, WI | 2,072 miles | $1,600–$2,450 | 4–12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Wisconsin
| From California to Wisconsin | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Milwaukee, WI | 2,123 miles | $1,520–$2,465 | 4–12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Madison, WI | 2,044 miles | $1,600–$2,475 | 4–12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Green Bay, WI | 2,182 miles | $1,536–$2,641 | 4–12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Appleton, WI | 2,150 miles | $1,585–$2,414 | 4–12 days |
| Fresno, CA to Plover, WI | 2,139 miles | $1,601–$2,490 | 4–12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Wisconsin
| From California to Wisconsin | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Milwaukee, WI | 2,205 miles | $1,531–$2,548 | 4–12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Madison, WI | 2,127 miles | $1,617–$2,440 | 4–12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Green Bay, WI | 2,264 miles | $1,531–$2,624 | 5–13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Appleton, WI | 2,233 miles | $1,531–$2,446 | 4–12 days |
| Fresno, CA to Plover, WI | 2,190 miles | $1,520–$2,540 | 4–12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Wisconsin
| From California to Wisconsin | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Milwaukee, WI | 2,173 miles | $1,681–$2,641 | 4–12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Madison, WI | 2,094 miles | $1,520–$2,425 | 4–12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Green Bay, WI | 2,233 miles | $1,547–$2,624 | 4–12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Appleton, WI | 2,200 miles | $1,676–$2,471 | 4–12 days |
| Fresno, CA to Plover, WI | 2,157 miles | $1,552–$2,490 | 4–12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to Wisconsin
| From California to Wisconsin | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Milwaukee, WI | 2,181 miles | $1,552–$2,465 | 4–12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Madison, WI | 2,102 miles | $1,617–$2,465 | 4–12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Green Bay, WI | 2,241 miles | $1,547–$2,624 | 4–12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Appleton, WI | 2,208 miles | $1,676–$2,497 | 4–12 days |
| Fresno, CA to Plover, WI | 2,197 miles | $1,617–$2,515 | 4–12 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin you should expect to pay between $2,081 and $3,081.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from California to Wisconsin
When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Badger 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 Wisconsin.
- Distance and route: The journey from California to Wisconsin spans approximately 2,170 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin should take between 4 and 12 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best California to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin:
- 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 Wisconsin
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 2,170 miles on your car going from California to Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
- Car insurance requirements: 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.
- Vehicle inspection: 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.
- Driver’s license: 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).
- Additional taxes: Wisconsin collects a 5% state sales tax rate on the purchase of all vehicles.
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 Wisconsin
About 22 million people are living in the Badger State of Wisconsin. Wisconsin has warm-summers humid continental climate while the southern and southwestern portions are classified as hot-summer humid continental climate. Wisconsin also receives a large amount of regular snowfall averaging around 40 inches. Be sure to check your local weather station if you are planning your move for the summer.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in California and when dropping off my car in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Wisconsin?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Wisconsin, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Wisconsin, 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. 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.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Wisconsin?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Wisconsin is about 2170 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take 4-12 days to travel from California to Wisconsin.
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.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Wisconsin?
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).
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Wisconsin after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Wisconsin after purchasing it.
Wisconsin collects a 5% state sales tax rate on the purchase of all vehicles.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Wisconsin to avoid any hidden costs.
