Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services,
Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping
company in Salinas, CA, with a rating of
4.5 out of 5 stars.
- Price Lock Promise
- Ships inoperable vehicles
- Clean Car Guarantee
|
- 13 yrs experience
- Ship boat, RV, ATV
- Easy online booking
|
- Services all 50 states
- Ships most vehicles
- Discounts available
|
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the
California car shipping
page.
Our track record
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
Top car shipping companies in Salinas, CA
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of California, these are the
best auto transport companies
available in Salinas:
Sherpa Auto Transport
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.
Get A Quote
(833) 775-1461
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
Montway Auto Transport
montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Get A Quote
(224) 206-5633
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
AmeriFreight
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.
Get A Quote
(770) 501-9057
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
SGT Auto Transport
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.
Get A Quote
(864) 492-1221
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
Easy Auto Ship
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.
Get A Quote
(888) 259-6046
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
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA, 94538
mccollisters.com
McCollister’s Transportation Group, Inc. (DOT: 289344)
McCollister’s Transportation Group, Inc. stands out with its impressive array of services including interstate and international shipping, expedited delivery, and open or enclosed transport options. They are fully insured and offer a damage-free guarantee, which ensures peace of mind for their customers. Rated 3.2 on Yelp and 4.2 on Google, they also boast an A+ rating from the BBB, reflecting their strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
However, it’s worth noting that they do not offer transport for inoperable cars, which might be a limitation for some customers. Although they do not provide certain discounts like for seniors or military personnel, they cater to a broad range of transport needs from classic car shipping to heavy equipment transport.
Get a Quote
(800) 257-9595
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Car Shipping Carriers
39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA, 94560
carshippingcarriers.com
Car Shipping Carriers (DOT: DOT# 2249744) is a highly reputable car shipping company, boasting a Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
This company offers a wide array of services including damage-free guarantee, interstate transport, classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, and electric vehicle shipping. They also provide expedited delivery and guaranteed delivery options for those who need their vehicles moved swiftly and reliably.
Potential customers might find it disappointing that the business does not accept cryptocurrency payments. Nevertheless, with their comprehensive range of services and stellar ratings, Car Shipping Carriers stands out as a top choice for vehicle transportation needs.
Get a Quote
(866) 744-2540
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Ats Transportation Svc
8195 Parish Way, #27 Gilroy, CA, 95020
atstransport.com
Ats Transportation Svc (DOT: 2213996) boasts a strong reputation with a Yelp rating of 4.1, a Google rating of 4.6, and an A+ rating from the BBB.
They offer a variety of services including interstate shipping, open transport, and international shipping, ensuring vehicles are moved with a damage-free guarantee. Customers can also transport motorcycles, trailers, and RVs.
However, a potential downside is that Ats Transportation Svc does not provide terminal-to-terminal delivery or services for cars that don’t run, which may be limiting for some customers. Additionally, they do not accept cryptocurrency or provide detailed inspection reports.
Get a Quote
(408) 842-5341
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Global Auto Transportation
152 North 3rd Street, San Jose, CA, 95112
globalautotransportation.com
Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) provides a wide array of car shipping services, including interstate transport, boat shipping, motorcycle shipping, and heavy equipment shipping. With high ratings on Google at 4.5, but a more modest Yelp rating of 3.3, the company has yet to be rated by the BBB. They also offer expedited delivery and enclosed transport options, ensuring vehicles are delivered safely and promptly.
One notable downside is that Global Auto Transportation does not offer international shipping, which could be a limitation for some customers seeking to transport their vehicles overseas. Despite this, their provision of comprehensive services like classic car shipping and RV shipping makes them a versatile and reliable option within the United States.
Get a Quote
(877) 645-2288
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Lucky Star Auto Transport
5973 Shawcroft Dr, San Jose, CA, 95123
luckystarautotransport.com
Lucky Star Auto Transport (DOT: 2353323) is a car shipping company with a stellar reputation, boasting a Yelp rating of 4.9 and an A+ rating from the BBB. Notably, they specialize in a variety of services tailored to different vehicle types, including cars that don’t run.
Although Lucky Star Auto Transport offers a range of handy services, they do not provide terminal-to-terminal delivery, which may be a limitation for some customers. The company has yet to establish ratings on Google.
Get a Quote
(408) 771-5623
Services Offered
- This provider has no service list.
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.
Average cost to ship a car out of Salinas
The cost to ship a car out of California from Salinas typically starts around
$1,200. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from Salinas will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Salinas,
California,
to a different state:
Route |
Cost |
California to Michigan |
$1,305 – $2,070 |
California to North Carolina |
$1,444 – $2,342 |
California to Arizona |
$796 – $1,187 |
California to Colorado |
$952 – $1,392 |
California to Illinois |
$1,373 – $2,166 |
Georgia to California |
$1,387 – $2,114 |
Texas to California |
$1,086 – $1,584 |
Florida to California |
$1,462 – $2,363 |
New York to California |
$1,446 – $2,489 |
Ohio to California |
$1,400 – $2,114 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Salinas
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Salinas 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 Salinas to a more suburban area.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger
vehicles.
Classic or luxury cars from
Salinas might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Salinas: You can choose from standard open-air transport
to
more secure enclosed car
shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against
potential damage
due to weather conditions and roadway hazards.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on
Salinas’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from
Salinas comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: The weather in Salinas, California is generally mild, reducing potential weather-related delays or damage during car shipping. Minimal drastic temperature changes contribute to stable transport conditions.
Tips for choosing the right Salinas car shipping company
- Compare prices. Look for companies in Salinas with
transparent pricing. This will help you avoid getting hooked in with a lowball estimate, then hit with
unexpected fees upon delivery. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in California.
- Review insurance coverage and claims policies. Choose Salinas companies with comprehensive
insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Be sure to ask about a company’s claims process, whether they offer
multiple insurance plans, and if they provide a damage-free promise or other safety-related guarantee.
- Read customer reviews.
Checking reviews from Salinas customers is crucial. They offer real experiences about the reliability and quality of car shipping services nearby. Using customer feedback in your decision-making helps you avoid scams and pick a highly-rated company.
- Research thoroughly.
Besides reading online reviews, make sure that a Salinas company is legitimate and reputable to avoid scams or poor service. You can do this by checking a car shipper’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration snapshot, which provides USDOT licensing info, current operating status, and safety reports.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in
Salinas. Make sure you are balancing service quality and pricing, rather than just opting for the cheapest
quote. You should be wary of unusually low rates, which could be a sign of a lowball estimate that results in hidden
costs or poor service.
- Understand shipping timelines. Review expected pickup and delivery times with Salinas car
shippers to ensure their timelines are realistic and fit your shipping needs. Transport time frames will vary based
on a number of factors, including the time of year and type of transport.
- Look for customized service. Salinas companies that offer add-on options like door-to-door
service or expedited delivery are better able to help you create a personalized car shipping plan that works for
your specific situation.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get referrals from friends or family in Salinas
who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Salinas?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Salinas, California, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Salinas, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Salinas?
The most efficient interstates for shipping a car out of Salinas include I-5, I-101, and I-80. These highways provide direct routes to major cities and transportation hubs.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Salinas car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s FMCSA website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Salinas?

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 Salinas. You probably won’t need an inspection before
shipping your car out of California, but you should check the requirements in the delivery location
since motor vehicle laws can vary from state to state.
Take California regulations as an example. California mandates a yearly safety check to confirm that all vehicles on public roads are in good condition and safe to drive. This inspection can be done at any service station approved by the California Department of Transportation.
More California car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in California, these resources should
help:
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