Best Car Shipping Companies in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, CA, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the California car shipping page.
Our track record
Top car shipping companies in Santa Cruz, CA
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of California, these are the best auto transport companies available in Santa Cruz:
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Average cost to ship a car out of Santa Cruz
The cost to ship a car out of California from Santa Cruz typically starts around $1,200. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from Santa Cruz will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Santa Cruz, California, to a different state:
Route | Cost |
---|---|
California to North Carolina | $1,278 – $2,079 |
California to Texas | $991 – $1,521 |
California to Florida | $1,417 – $2,181 |
California to New York | $1,432 – $2,365 |
California to Pennsylvania | $1,307 – $2,094 |
Illinois to California | $1,217 – $2,058 |
Ohio to California | $1,331 – $1,989 |
Arizona to California | $749 – $1,162 |
Georgia to California | $1,318 – $2,071 |
Michigan to California | $1,331 – $2,133 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Santa Cruz
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Santa Cruz: 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 Santa Cruz’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Santa Cruz comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Seasonal weather variations in Santa Cruz, such as rain or mild temperatures, may slightly affect car shipping logistics or scheduling. Generally stable weather minimizes extreme cost fluctuations.
Tips for choosing the right Santa Cruz car shipping company
- Compare prices. Look for companies in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz customers is crucial because they share real experiences and insights about 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 a Santa Cruz company is legitimate and reputable to avoid scams or poor service. Verify this by checking a car shipper’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) company snapshot. This includes USDOT licensing information, current operating status, and safety reports.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz 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. Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Santa Cruz?
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Santa Cruz?

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 Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- San Marino
- Santa Ana
- Santa Clarita
- Santa Rosa
- Scotts Valley
- Solana Beach
- Stockton
- Sun Village
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Thousand Oaks
- Vallejo
- Victorville
- Visalia
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!