Cost to ship a car from Miami to Oakland

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 3,027 miles from Miami to Oakland ranges from $1,751 to $2,821. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Oakland, CA 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 Oakland to Miami car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Miami to Oakland car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the 305 to the Town — approximately 3,027 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 Miami and Oakland can impact car shipping prices.

There are two basic seasons in Miami, a hot and wet season from May through October, and a warm and dry season from November through April. During the hot and wet season, daily thundershowers occur in the humid unstable air masses. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, although hurricanes can develop beyond those dates. Be sure to check your weather app, especially during June through November to avoid hurricanes.

Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Miami to Oakland 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 3,027-mile distance between Miami and Oakland 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 Miami to Oakland 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.

Miami to Oakland car shipping companies

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

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Miami and Oakland vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Miami: The temporary parking of a Category 2 or Category 3 vehicle in front of the building line, or on a right-of-way, is only permitted for the purpose of loading or unloading materials, or while actively engaged in providing commercial service at the premises.
  • Oakland: Visitor Permits (1-day and 2-week temporary permits for visitors) Residents may purchase temporary permits for visitors. Visitor permits are hanging permits valid for one day or two weeks. A resident may purchase up to five of both on any calendar day.

Car insurance requirements

  • Miami: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
  • Oakland: 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Miami: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
  • Oakland: 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.

Driver’s license

  • Miami: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
  • Oakland: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Miami to Oakland?

The cost to ship a car from Miami, FL to Oakland, CA 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 Miami to Oakland will range from $1,751 to $2,821.

How long will it take to ship my car from Miami to Oakland?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 3,027 miles from Miami to Oakland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Miami to Oakland?

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

Helpful Miami resources