Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services,
Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping
company in San Francisco, 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![toggle](https://www.movebuddha.com/wp-content/themes/movebuddha-2018/img/icons/angle-down.svg)
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 San Francisco, CA
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of California, these are the
best auto transport companies
available in San Francisco:
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) offers a range of services including interstate transport, expedited delivery, and classic car shipping. They are fully insured and provide storage solutions, trailer shipping, and heavy equipment shipping. Although they do not facilitate the transport of inoperable cars, this company has earned a respectable reputation with a BBB rating of A+, a Google rating of 4.2, and a Yelp rating of 3.2.
Despite not offering some services like terminal-to-terminal delivery and motorcycle shipping, McCollister’s excels in providing damage-free guarantees and enclosed transport options. However, customers looking for discounts specifically for seniors, students, or military personnel may need to look elsewhere.
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
Viper Transportation
4600 Malat St, Oakland, CA, 94601
vipertransportation.com
Viper Transportation (DOT: 1509528) offers a range of comprehensive car shipping services and maintains a solid reputation with a Yelp rating of 4.0, a Google rating of 3.6, and an A+ rating from the BBB. They specialize in international shipping, transporting classic cars, and handling electric vehicles, ensuring a variety of options for their diverse clientele.
Although they offer open and enclosed transport as well as services for motorcycles, RVs, and heavy equipment, they do not provide guaranteed delivery, which may be a downside for some customers. Additionally, they do not accept cryptocurrency or offer tracking for shipments, which could be inconvenient for tech-savvy clients looking for more flexible payment options and real-time updates.
Get a Quote
(925) 798-8014
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle 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-rated car shipping company with a Google rating of 5.0 and a BBB rating of A+. They offer an array of services including damage-free guarantees, detailed inspection reports, and the transport of classic, electric, and inoperable cars. The company also provides international shipping and various methods of transport such as open and enclosed transport.
While Car Shipping Carriers does not offer senior, teacher, or student discounts, they do extend a military discount. Potential customers should be aware that the company does not accept cryptocurrency or money orders as payment. Overall, Car Shipping Carriers is committed to providing reliable and insured car shipping services with the convenience of shipment tracking.
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
Direct Express Auto Transport
321 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA, 94960
autotransportdirect.com
Direct Express Auto Transport (DOT: 2231879) offers a variety of services including interstate transport, classic car shipping, and inoperable car transport. Customers can also benefit from their expedited delivery and terminal-to-terminal service. The company has yet to establish ratings on Google, but it holds a 2.0 rating on Yelp and an A+ rating with the BBB.
Additionally, Direct Express Auto Transport is fully insured and provides detailed inspection reports, ensuring the safety and transparency of each shipment. While they offer several discounts, including a military discount and a student discount, they do not provide services for shipping boats or RVs, which may be a downside for some customers. They accept payments by credit card but not by cash or money order, which might be a consideration for prospective clients.
Get a Quote
(800) 600-3750
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Pasha Hawaii ship your car
1425 Maritime St, Oakland, CA, 94607
pashahawaii.com
Pasha Hawaii ship your car (DOT: 2861558) is an active car shipping business renowned for its diverse offerings.
It provides a wide array of services including interstate, motorcycle, and heavy equipment shipping, as well as expedited delivery and enclosed transport. The company is fully insured and supports international shipments, catering to a variety of shipping needs. Although they have an impressive BBB rating of A, their Yelp rating stands at 2.3, and they have yet to establish ratings on Google.
One notable downside is the lack of a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some customers. Nevertheless, Pasha Hawaii offers attractive options such as no deposit required and terminal-to-terminal delivery. Military personnel can also benefit from their military discount.
Get a Quote
(866) 363-7485
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
How we chose the best car shipping companies![toggle](https://www.movebuddha.com/wp-content/themes/movebuddha-2018/img/icons/angle-down.svg)
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 San Francisco
The cost to ship a car out of California from San Francisco typically starts around
$1,200. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from San Francisco will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from San Francisco,
California,
to a different state:
Route |
Cost |
California to Georgia |
$1,318 – $1,969 |
California to Ohio |
$1,318 – $2,112 |
California to Texas |
$1,064 – $1,506 |
California to Michigan |
$1,267 – $2,010 |
California to North Carolina |
$1,399 – $2,121 |
Illinois to California |
$1,292 – $1,921 |
Arizona to California |
$734 – $1,084 |
Colorado to California |
$896 – $1,377 |
New York to California |
$1,361 – $2,319 |
Florida to California |
$1,431 – $2,073 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from San Francisco
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in San Francisco: 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 Francisco’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from
San Francisco comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: San Francisco’s mild, stable weather minimizes extremes, reducing risks and potential additional costs for car shipping. The city’s minimal seasonal temperature variation ensures predictable transport conditions.
Tips for choosing the right San Francisco car shipping company
- Compare prices. Look for companies in San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco customers is crucial because they share real-life experiences and insights about the reliability and quality of car shipping services in your area. Using consumer feedback when choosing a company helps you avoid scams and pick one with high customer satisfaction.
- Research thoroughly.
Besides reading online reviews, verify that a San Francisco 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 (FMCSA) company snapshot, which includes USDOT licensing details, current operating status, and safety reports.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in
San Francisco. 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 Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco
who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews![toggle](https://www.movebuddha.com/wp-content/themes/movebuddha-2018/img/icons/angle-down.svg)
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 San Francisco?![toggle](https://www.movebuddha.com/wp-content/themes/movebuddha-2018/img/icons/angle-down.svg)
Yes, many car shipping companies in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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 Francisco?![toggle](https://www.movebuddha.com/wp-content/themes/movebuddha-2018/img/icons/angle-down.svg)
Interstate 80 connects San Francisco to major cities eastward. Interstate 5 runs north-south through California. Interstate 580 links to I-5 and I-80. Interstate 101 follows the coast to Los Angeles.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?![toggle](https://www.movebuddha.com/wp-content/themes/movebuddha-2018/img/icons/angle-down.svg)
You can check the license status of any San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
![toggle](https://www.movebuddha.com/wp-content/themes/movebuddha-2018/img/icons/angle-down.svg)
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 Francisco. 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 inspection to confirm that all vehicles on public roads are in good condition and safe to drive. You can get this inspection done at any approved service station 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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