Best California Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Easy Auto Ship as the best car shipping company in California, giving them 4.75 out of 5 stars.
|
|
|
Key takeaways
- While there are several factors that influence the cost of transporting your vehicle, the average cost of shipping your car out of California ranges from $631 to $1,097.
- 81.3% of California auto transport companies offer open transport options, which is the most common (and cheapest) method of shipping your vehicle out of state.
- Only 22% of car shipping companies in California offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using Easy Auto Ship.
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 California
Our data team has spent more than 400 hours collecting and analyzing information unique to vehicle transport, including pricing quotes. We routinely evaluate that data to give you relevant, accurate, and unbiased recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
If you need to ship a car out of Los Angeles, or another location, here are our top picks for car shippers in California:
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Ship A Car Direct
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- King Of The Road Transport Inc
- Auto Express Inc.
- San Diego Auto Shipping Group
- A To Z Auto Shipping
- Nationwide United Auto Transport
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
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
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
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
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
- Insured shipping
- Open and enclosed transport
SGT Auto Transport
https://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
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
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
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
King Of The Road Transport Inc
King Of The Road Transport Inc (DOT: DOT#2248724) is a reputable car shipping company that offers a variety of services to cater to different transportation needs. They provide shipping options for inoperable cars, ATVs, classic cars, and even electric vehicles, along with enclosed transport for added protection. Additionally, the company has a strong BBB rating of A+ and a Yelp rating of 3.6, although they have yet to establish ratings on Google.
King Of The Road Transport Inc also offers multiple discounts to various groups, including military personnel, teachers, seniors, and students. One downside for some customers is that the company does not guarantee damage-free delivery. However, their range of services and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a worthwhile option for vehicle shipping.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Teacher Discount
- Senior Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Auto Express Inc.
Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) is a reputable car shipping company known for its wide range of services, including transportation for inoperable cars, electric vehicles, and heavy equipment. They also offer specialized shipping for ATVs, RVs, boats, motorcycles, and classic cars. Despite not providing a damage-free guarantee, Auto Express Inc. ensures your vehicles are fully insured during transit.
With an impressive Yelp rating of 4.7, a Google rating of 4.9, and an A+ rating from the BBB, customers can trust the quality and reliability of their services. A potential downside for some customers may be the lack of military and senior discounts, as well as no expedited delivery options. Nonetheless, their commitment to service excellence is evident in their high customer satisfaction ratings.
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 robust array of car shipping services, including options for transporting inoperable cars, motorcycles, RVs, and boats, making them a versatile choice for various shipping needs.
They assure customers with a damage-free guarantee and provide fully insured services, reflecting their commitment to reliability and peace of mind. Additionally, San Diego Auto Shipping Group holds an impressive Google rating of 4.5 and an A+ rating from the BBB.
However, customers should note that they do not offer electric vehicle shipping, which may be a limitation for some.
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
A To Z Auto Shipping
The company supports military discounts, which can be beneficial for service members, and offers the convenience of paying by credit card. However, they do not provide guaranteed delivery or damage-free guarantees, which might be a drawback for some customers looking for these assurances.
Despite not offering storage solutions or expedited delivery, A To Z Auto Shipping remains a reliable option for various shipping needs, confirmed by their “active” status and consistent performance.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Nationwide United Auto Transport
Nationwide United Auto Transport (DOT: 2423753) is renowned for offering a wide array of car shipping services, earning stellar ratings on Yelp and Google at 4.9, and an A+ rating from the BBB. They provide special services such as enclosed transport for classic cars, transportation for electric vehicles, and shipping for inoperable cars.
Customers can also benefit from guaranteed delivery, expedited delivery, and the convenience of paying by credit card. However, the company does not offer discounts for military personnel, AAA members, or senior citizens, which might be a downside for some customers searching for savings.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Average cost of transporting a vehicle to or from California
The average cost to ship a car out of California is about $1,134 but the exact amount you pay could be more or less, depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. For example:
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $381 to $872
- Medium-distance shipments (500-1,500 miles): $670 to $983
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $791 to $1,278
Here are some sample prices when shipping your car out of the Golden State:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| California to Pennsylvania | $1,552 | $2,615 |
| California to Arizona | $880 | $1,355 |
| California to Michigan | $1,504 | $2,460 |
| California to Florida | $1,661 | $2,593 |
| California to Illinois | $1,534 | $2,444 |
| New York to California | $1,735 | $2,727 |
| North Carolina to California | $1,614 | $2,493 |
| Texas to California | $1,263 | $1,825 |
| Ohio to California | $1,489 | $2,484 |
| Georgia to California | $1,595 | $2,435 |
When shipping your car out of California, these factors can affect the price:
- Your move distance: Distance matters. Shipping your car within California or to nearby states usually costs less than shipping it across the country.
- Location: Shipping from Los Angeles to another California town or out of state? Location matters. Cities may have lower rates, but remote areas in California could cost more.
- Your car’s make, model, and year: The size and type of your vehicle are important. Compact cars generally cost less to ship. However, if you’re moving a classic car from California, expect a higher price because it needs extra care.
- Shipping options in the Golden State: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is wallet-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for California’s unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
- Gas prices: Rising fuel prices can increase your overall costs. California’s gas prices today may impact your shipping expenses, especially for long trips.
- Delivery time frame: You’ll end up paying extra for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or faster service.
- Discounts: Some California auto transport companies offer discounts like military, student, and multiple vehicle discounts. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all of the popular California car shipping routes.
| Company | Quote | Rating | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Get A Quote |
Easy Auto Ship
|
(888) 259-6046 |
|
|
Get A Quote |
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
(833) 775-1461 |
|
|
Get A Quote |
Ship A Car Direct
|
(866) 563-0804 |
|
|
Get A Quote |
AmeriFreight
|
(770) 501-9057 |
|
|
Get A Quote |
SGT Auto Transport
|
(864) 492-1221 |
FAQs for shipping cars in California
What is the most reliable car shipping company in California?
Easy Auto Ship is the most reliable car shipping company in California, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Easy Auto Ship a 4.75 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in California?
The cheapest copmany to ship your car in California will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on
your specific needs is to use our car shipping
calculator.
Remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also,
most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top
car shippers in California, AmeriFreight has the
most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in California?
When you move to California and become a resident, you must get a California driver’s license within 10 days.
Does California require a vehicle inspection?
California mandates yearly safety inspections to confirm that vehicles on public roads are in good condition and safe to drive. These inspections can be done at any service station approved by the California Department of Transportation.
Does California’s weather impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of California. California enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate in most areas. However, the Southeast sees colder winters and hotter summers. Northern California gets more rain compared to other regions. Before moving, make sure to check the weather for rain or extreme heat.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of California?
Delivery times for car shipping in California depend on the distance and specific route. For in-state shipments, it typically ranges from one to three days. For longer interstate routes, especially those crossing the country, expect approximately seven to 14 days. Factors like traffic, weather conditions in California, and the exact starting and ending locations can influence these time frames. Always check with your shipping provider for a more precise estimate based on your particular needs.
| Miles | Timeframe |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in California?
In California, you must have at least $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in your car insurance.
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.
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
Other California car shipping resources
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
