($1,258) Cost to ship a car from Modesto, CA to Indianapolis, IN
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,244 miles from Modesto, California, to Indianapolis, Indiana, ranges from $1,258 to $2,073. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
rating
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Indianapolis to Modesto car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Modesto to Indianapolis car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Modesto to Indianapolis:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best marketplace: uShip
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No upfront payment
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Competitive pricing
- Door-to-door shipping
- Competitive pricing
- Last-minute car shipments
- Guaranteed & expedited shipments
- Gap insurance coverage
- Multiple discounts
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- No upfront deposit
- Expedited shipping
- No hidden fees
- Ships motorcycles & RVs
- Discount for cash payments
- Instant pricing from multiple providers
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- Mobile app
- Shipper service history & verified reviews
- All vehicle types
Top local car shippers in Modesto
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Modesto, CA:
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US
mccollisters.com
4.34 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 289344
Alternative Business Names
- McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc
- McCollister's Transportation
Safe Auto Transport Inc.
6901 28th St, North Highlands, CA 95660 US
safeautotransportinc.com
4.04 / 5.0
Safe Auto Transport is highly praised for its excellent communication and timely deliveries. Customers express appreciation for professional drivers who handle vehicles with care and maintain contact throughout the process. However, feedback indicates some delays in updates and longer-than-expected transit times in specific instances.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2411467
Car Shipping Carriers
39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA 94560 US
carshippingcarriers.com/california-auto-transport-companies/san-jose
3.96 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise the company's exceptional communication, reliable service, and excellent pricing, contributing to their loyalty. However, no significant negatives were reported, indicating strong overall satisfaction with the service provided.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: DOT# 2249744
United Road
1444 El Pinal Dr, Stockton, CA 95205 US
unitedroad.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3600482
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.
Car shipping alternatives from CA to IN
- Coordinate with your movers. If you are relocating from Modesto to Indianapolis, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide, and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s pick for car shipper and their pricing.
- Drive your car. There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 2,244-mile drive from Modesto to Indianapolis into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
- Use a driving service. Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from California to Indiana is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Modesto to Indianapolis. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
- Ship your car via train. Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Indianapolis, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Modesto to Indianapolis car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Modesto to Indianapolis, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
There are different options for shipping your car from Modesto to Indianapolis, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you choose will depend on your specific needs.
When leaving Modesto, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Indianapolis, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Modesto will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Indianapolis than a compact car.
Distance and route
To put it simply — the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as adjacent costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 2,244 miles from City of Great Neighbors to Amateur Sports Capital of the World will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within California.
Where you’re shipping your car matters here, too. Rates are usually lower for routes that are along major highways and will be higher for areas that are more remote.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Modesto and Indianapolis can impact car shipping prices.
The season and weather in both Modesto and Indianapolis can impact car shipping prices.
Modesto has mild winters with moderate rainfall and long, hot, dry summers.
Indianapolis summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. The rainiest months occur in the spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Modesto to Indianapolis during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,244-mile distance between Modesto and Indianapolis and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Modesto to Indianapolis typically takes between four and twelve days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Modesto and Indianapolis vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Modesto: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved
- Indianapolis: All permit applicants are now required to use INDOT’s Electronic Permitting System (EPS) when seeking a permit and making an electronic payment.
Car insurance requirements
- Modesto: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
- Indianapolis: Indiana's minimum auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$10,000, providing $25,000 per person and a maximum of $50,000 per incident for bodily injury, along with $10,000 for property damage in the event of a covered accident. Liability coverage in Indiana includes property damage, protecting your assets in case you're legally responsible for damages to another party's property, and bodily injury, covering expenses related to harm sustained by others in a covered accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Modesto: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
- Indianapolis: Indiana does not mandate safety inspections for vehicles. However, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a VIN inspection for vehicles not previously registered in the state.
Driver’s license
- Modesto: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Indianapolis: As a new resident of Indiana, you have 60 days to obtain an Indiana driver's license if you have a valid license from another state. You must also transfer the titles and registrations of your vehicles from your previous state to Indiana.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Modesto to Indianapolis?
The cost to ship a car from Modesto, CA to Indianapolis, IN varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Modesto to Indianapolis will range from $1,258 to $2,073.
How long will it take to ship my car from Modesto to Indianapolis?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,244 miles from Modesto to Indianapolis. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Modesto to Indianapolis?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Modesto to Indianapolis. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Modesto to Indianapolis?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Modesto to Indianapolis than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 2,244-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
