Cost to ship a car from Santa Clarita to Portland

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 3,079 miles from Santa Clarita to Portland ranges from $1,734 to $2,737. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Portland, ME in 7–15 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland to Santa Clarita car shipping guide.

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Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.

Factors affecting Santa Clarita to Portland car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Santa Clarita to Portland, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Santa Clarita to Portland, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Santa Clarita, 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 Portland, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Santa Clarita. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Portland will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Santa Clarita to the Forest City — approximately 3,079 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.

Time of the year

The season and weather in both Santa Clarita and Portland can impact car shipping prices.

Santa Clarita experiences hot, very dry summers and cool winters with moderate precipitation.

August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Santa Clarita to Portland 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 3,079-mile distance between Santa Clarita and Portland 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 Santa Clarita to Portland typically takes between 7 and 15 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Santa Clarita to Portland car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Santa Clarita to Portland:

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Santa Clarita and Portland vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Santa Clarita: 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
  • Portland:

Car insurance requirements

  • Santa Clarita: 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.
  • Portland: In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.

Vehicle inspections

  • Santa Clarita: 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.
  • Portland: The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.

Driver’s license

  • Santa Clarita: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Portland: New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Santa Clarita to Portland?

The cost to ship a car from Santa Clarita, CA to Portland, ME varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Santa Clarita to Portland will range from $1,734 to $2,737.

How long will it take to ship my car from Santa Clarita to Portland?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 3,079 miles from Santa Clarita to Portland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Santa Clarita to Portland?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Santa Clarita to Portland. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Santa Clarita resources