Cost to ship a car from San Francisco to Cleveland
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,459 miles from San Francisco to Cleveland ranges from $1,411 to $2,067. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Cleveland, OH in 5–13 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 Cleveland to San Francisco car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting San Francisco to Cleveland car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from San Francisco to Cleveland, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from San Francisco to Cleveland, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving San Francisco, 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 Cleveland, 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 San Francisco. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Cleveland will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Golden Gate City to the America's North Coast — approximately 2,459 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 San Francisco and Cleveland can impact car shipping prices.
San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.
Cleveland has four very distinct seasons. This means that in the wintertime, you should prepare for snow and in the summer it's usually warm.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from San Francisco to Cleveland 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 2,459-mile distance between San Francisco and Cleveland 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 San Francisco to Cleveland typically takes between 5 and 13 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
San Francisco to Cleveland car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from San Francisco to Cleveland:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing San Francisco and Cleveland vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- San Francisco: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.
- Cleveland: The City of Cleveland does not require a parking permit although you may double check to ensure you're abiding by all the rules. You should also check any neighborhood, building, or HOA rules to ensure a smooth move day.
Car insurance requirements
- San Francisco: 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.
- Cleveland: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
Vehicle inspections
- San Francisco: 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.
- Cleveland: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
Driver’s license
- San Francisco: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Cleveland: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Francisco to Cleveland?
The cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Cleveland, OH 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 San Francisco to Cleveland will range from $1,411 to $2,067.
How long will it take to ship my car from San Francisco to Cleveland?
It will take approximately 5–13 days to ship your car the 2,459 miles from San Francisco to Cleveland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Francisco to Cleveland?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Francisco to Cleveland. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
