Best Car Shipping Companies in San Diego, CA (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in San Diego, CA, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the California car shipping page.
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Top car shipping companies in San Diego, CA
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of California, these are the best auto transport companies available in San Diego:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Auto Express Inc.
Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) is a reputable car shipping company that boasts impressive ratings, including a 4.7 on Yelp, a 4.9 on Google, and an A+ from the BBB.
They offer a wide range of services such as boat shipping, terminal-to-terminal delivery, classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, trailer and RV shipping, and even heavy equipment transport. They are also equipped to ship electric vehicles and cars that don’t run.
While they are fully insured and provide international shipping, a potential downside is that they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some customers.
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 shipping services including interstate, international, and inoperable car transport. Customers can also take advantage of specialized options such as classic car shipping and expedited delivery. Additionally, they provide detailed inspection reports, ensuring the safety and condition of vehicles during transit.
While the company boasts an impressive Google rating of 4.5 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp. A potential downside for some customers is the lack of storage solutions and the fact that they do not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.
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
They cater to a wide array of transport needs, including inoperable cars, making them a versatile choice for many vehicle owners. While Global Auto Transportation has a commendable Google rating of 4.3, their Yelp rating stands at 2.7, and the company has yet to establish a rating with the BBB. For payment, they accept cash and credit cards but do not accept cryptocurrency or money orders, and a deposit is required.
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
Ceva Logistics
Ceva Logistics (DOT: 187774) is a car shipping company offering an array of services including boat shipping, motorcycle shipping, and heavy equipment shipping. They are fully insured and provide terminal-to-terminal delivery, international shipping, and expedited delivery options. Despite offering these diverse services, Ceva Logistics does not provide transport for inoperable cars or electric vehicles, which could be a drawback for some customers.
On the review front, Ceva Logistics holds a 2.1 rating on Yelp, a 3.1 rating on Google, and an F rating from the BBB, indicating mixed to negative feedback from customers. Though they do offer other discounts connected to service issues or event invitations, they do not provide specific discounts for seniors, teachers, students, or military personnel.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
Auto Driveaway
Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) is a well-established car shipping company that offers a variety of services to meet the needs of its diverse customer base. They guarantee safe and damage-free transport, offer interstate and international shipping, and provide detailed inspection reports for every shipment. For electric vehicle owners, Auto Driveaway also offers specialized shipping services.
A notable downside for some customers might be that Auto Driveaway does not transport inoperable cars. Despite this, the company enjoys a strong reputation with a Google rating of 4.3 and an A+ rating from the BBB, though it appears they have room for improvement on Yelp with a 2.3 rating.
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
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Average cost to ship a car out of San Diego
The cost to ship a car out of California from San Diego typically starts around $1,200. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from San Diego will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from San Diego, California, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| California to Arizona | $796 – $1,199 |
| California to Pennsylvania | $1,447 – $2,363 |
| California to Michigan | $1,359 – $2,179 |
| California to Georgia | $1,319 – $2,266 |
| California to Texas | $1,130 – $1,584 |
| New York to California | $1,568 – $2,367 |
| Ohio to California | $1,305 – $2,201 |
| North Carolina to California | $1,429 – $2,320 |
| Florida to California | $1,520 – $2,202 |
| Illinois to California | $1,293 – $2,103 |
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.
- The 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 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 San Diego’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from San Diego comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: San Diego’s mild, dry climate year-round reduces the risk of weather-related delays or damages, potentially lowering car shipping costs. Extreme weather is rare, contributing to more predictable scheduling.
Tips for choosing the right San Diego car shipping company
- Compare prices. Look for companies in San Diego 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 San Diego 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. Reading reviews from San Diego customers is essential because they offer real-life experiences and insights into the reliability and quality of car shipping services in your area. Including consumer feedback in your selection process helps you avoid scams and choose a company with high customer satisfaction.
- Research thoroughly. Besides reading online reviews, ensure the San Diego company is legitimate and reputable to avoid scams or poor service. You can verify this by checking a car shipper’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) company snapshot, which provides USDOT licensing details, current operating status, and safety reports.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in San Diego. 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 San Diego 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. San Diego 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 San Diego 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
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More California car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in California, these resources should help:
- Alum Rock
- Anaheim
- Antioch
- Apple Valley
- Avocado Heights
- Big Bear City
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Commerce
- Concord
- Dublin
- El Sobrante
- Emeryville
- Fairfield
- Fontana
- Fremont
- Fresno
- Grand Terrace
- Hemet
- Hesperia
- Home Gardens
- Irvine
- Kingsburg
- Lake Los Angeles
- Lakeland Village
- Lancaster
- Larkspur
- Livermore
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Marysville
- Mendota
- Modesto
- Moreno Valley
- Newman
- Oakland
- Ontario
- Oxnard
- Palmdale
- Palos Verdes Estates
- Pleasanton
- Riverside
- Roseville
- Sacramento
- Salinas
- San Anselmo
- San Bernardino
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- San Marino
- Santa Ana
- Santa Clarita
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Rosa
- Scotts Valley
- Solana Beach
- Stockton
- Sun Village
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Thousand Oaks
- Vallejo
- Victorville
- Visalia
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