Cost to ship a car from San Diego to Pittsburgh

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,447 miles from San Diego to Pittsburgh ranges from $1,397 to $2,197. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Pittsburgh , PA 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 Pittsburgh to San Diego car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting San Diego to Pittsburgh car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from San Diego to Pittsburgh , such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving San Diego, 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 Pittsburgh , 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 Diego. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Pittsburgh will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the America's Finest City to the Birmingham of America — approximately 2,447 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 Diego and Pittsburgh can impact car shipping prices.

San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.

Pittsburgh summers are hot and winters are moderately cold with wide variations in temperature. Despite this, it has one of the most pleasant summer climates between medium and large cities in the U.S

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from San Diego to Pittsburgh 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 2,447-mile distance between San Diego and Pittsburgh 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 Diego to Pittsburgh 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 Diego to Pittsburgh car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from San Diego to Pittsburgh :

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing San Diego and Pittsburgh vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • San Diego: Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.
  • Pittsburgh : Application Fee: $0.00 Permit Fee: For moving truck: $25.00 per truck for two (2) days maximum For moving container: $75.00 per week for two (2) week maximum

Car insurance requirements

  • San Diego: 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.
  • Pittsburgh : When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.

Vehicle inspections

  • San Diego: 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.
  • Pittsburgh : If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

Driver’s license

  • San Diego: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Pittsburgh : When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from San Diego to Pittsburgh ?

The cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Pittsburgh , PA 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 Diego to Pittsburgh will range from $1,397 to $2,197.

How long will it take to ship my car from San Diego to Pittsburgh ?

It will take approximately 5–13 days to ship your car the 2,447 miles from San Diego to Pittsburgh . If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Diego to Pittsburgh ?

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

Helpful San Diego resources