Best San Diego Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Easy Auto Ship is the best car shipping company in San Diego, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the California car shipping page.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
Best car shipping companies in San Diego
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of California, these are the best auto transporting companies available in San Diego.
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Ship A Car Direct
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Auto Express Inc.
- San Diego Auto Shipping Group
- Global Auto Transportation
- Auto Driveaway
- A A Auto Transport Inc
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Auto Express Inc.
Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) is a reputable car shipping company known for offering a wide range of services, including transport for inoperable cars, enclosed transport, and electric vehicle shipping. They boast impressive ratings with a Yelp rating of 4.7, a Google rating of 4.9, and a BBB rating of A+, highlighting their commitment to quality service.
Additionally, Auto Express Inc. provides services such as international and RV shipping, as well as heavy equipment shipping. However, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which might be a concern for some customers. Despite this, their full insurance coverage and no deposit requirement offer peace of mind to clients.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
San Diego Auto Shipping Group
San Diego Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) offers a comprehensive range of services, including shipping for inoperable cars, classic cars, RVs, motorcycles, boats, and ATVs. They are fully insured and provide a damage-free guarantee, ensuring peace of mind for their customers. The company boasts high ratings, with a Google rating of 4.5 and a BBB rating of A+, indicating strong customer satisfaction.
Customers can also avail themselves of international shipping, military discounts, and the convenience of payment by credit card. However, a potential downside is that they do not offer storage solutions, which might be a consideration for some. Notably, they are well-regarded for their detailed inspection reports and expedited delivery service.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Global Auto Transportation
Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of services to meet diverse customer needs. They provide enclosed transport, multi-car transport, and special services for inoperable cars, along with expedited delivery and guaranteed delivery options. Their services are backed by a damage-free guarantee and full insurance coverage.
Global Auto Transportation has a strong presence on Google with a rating of 4.3, although their Yelp rating is lower at 2.7. They do not currently have a BBB rating. A potential downside for some customers is that they do not offer storage solutions.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Auto Driveaway
Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) offers a range of car shipping services. Customers receive a damage-free guarantee, fully insured transport, and the convenience of multi-car and electric vehicle shipping. The company has achieved high ratings with a Google rating of 4.3 and a BBB rating of A+, although it is less favored on Yelp with a rating of 2.3.
One notable drawback is the absence of inoperable car transport, which may be essential for some customers. Despite this, Auto Driveaway provides additional benefits such as guaranteed delivery, storage solutions, and shipment tracking, and they accept payment by credit card. However, certain specific discounts such as military or senior discounts are not available.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Detailed Inspection Reports
A A Auto Transport Inc
A A Auto Transport Inc (DOT: 2110328) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of transport options for diverse customer needs. They are fully insured and provide services like enclosed transport, multi-car transport, electric vehicle shipping, and motorcycle shipping, catering to classic car owners as well. Despite its A+ rating from the BBB, the company faces challenges with lower ratings on Yelp (1.6) and Google (2.5), potentially indicating mixed customer satisfaction.
However, the company does not ship inoperable cars or offer international shipping options, which may be a drawback for some customers. In addition, they do not provide certain discounts, such as military, teacher, or senior discounts, and lack guaranteed or expedited delivery services.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
MoveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Average car shipping costs in San Diego
The average cost to ship a car from San Diego to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from San Diego, California, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Colorado | $902 – $1,397 |
| California to Florida | $1,589 – $2,280 |
| California to Illinois | $1,449 – $2,070 |
| California to New York | $1,544 – $2,450 |
| California to Georgia | $1,436 – $2,369 |
| Michigan to California | $1,436 – $2,211 |
| North Carolina to California | $1,480 – $2,263 |
| Texas to California | $1,147 – $1,724 |
| Arizona to California | $848 – $1,158 |
| Ohio to California | $1,450 – $2,369 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from San Diego
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within San Diego or to another city in California can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of San Diego to a more suburban area.
- Type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from San Diego might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in San Diego: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against San Diego’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on San Diego’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from San Diego come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: San Diego’s mild climate reduces weather-related delays, potentially lowering car shipping costs. Minimal precipitation minimizes risk of weather damage during transport.
Tips for choosing the right San Diego, CA, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In San Diego, compare costs with a critical eye. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected fees, ensuring that competitive rates do not undermine service quality. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in California.
- Review insurance and safety in San Diego. Choose San Diego companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Confirm their dedication to protecting your vehicle throughout its journey.
- Read customer reviews. Reading customer reviews in San Diego is critical because it reveals past experiences with car shipping companies and helps identify reliable options. Only firsthand feedback can provide true insights into service quality.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research in San Diego ensures you select a reputable car shipping company, protecting you from potential scams or poor service. Verify credentials and read reviews to secure reliable transportation.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In San Diego, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in San Diego. Balance service quality against pricing, and be wary of unusually low rates that might indicate hidden costs or poor service.
- Ask about insurance coverage. Inquire specifically about the insurance coverage provided by companies in San Diego. Understand the extent of coverage and the process for making claims in case of damage during transit.
- Understand delivery timelines. Clarify expected pickup and delivery times. Companies in San Diego should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in San Diego that offer customizable options, such as door-to-door delivery or specific handling requirements for your vehicle.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get personal referrals from friends or family in San Diego who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in San Diego?
Yes, many car shipping companies in San Diego, California, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or a mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves San Diego, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of San Diego?
Interstates 5, 8, and 15 are efficient options. Interstate 5 runs north-south. Interstate 8 connects to the east. Interstate 15 links with major cities inland.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any San Diego car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of San Diego?
If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance before taking your vehicle out of San Diego. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of California, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take California regulations as an example. California mandates a yearly safety inspection to make sure all vehicles on public roads are in good and safe condition. This inspection can be done at any service station approved by the California Department of Transportation.
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.
More car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in California, these resources should help:
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