Cost to ship a car from Boston to Fresno

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 3,107 miles from Boston to Fresno ranges from $1,517 to $2,593. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Fresno, 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 Fresno to Boston car shipping guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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

Factors affecting Boston to Fresno car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Athens of America to the Fresno — approximately 3,107 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 Boston and Fresno can impact car shipping prices.

Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.

Fresno has mild, wet winters and very long, hot, dry summers.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Boston to Fresno 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 3,107-mile distance between Boston and Fresno 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 Boston to Fresno 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.

Boston to Fresno car shipping companies

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

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

Comparing Boston and Fresno vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Boston: A permit for your moving truck is not required by the City of Boston, but it guarantees you a parking spot to avoid parking tickets. A one-day permit for a moving truck that needs two metered spaces would be about $110.
  • Fresno: Some parking meters are enforced until 10 pm, seven days a week, when an event is taking place at the Stadium, Selland Arena, Saroyan Theatre, or Convention Center. Decals on the meter identify this event-specific requirement. Information on downtown event parking. There are approximately 2,000 parking meters in downtown Fresno in time increments from 30 minutes to 10 hours. Meters are $1.00 or $1.50 per hour depending on the location. Meters are not enforced on the City of Fresno observed holidays.

Car insurance requirements

  • Boston: Massachusetts mandates minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury liability, $5,000 for property damage, $20,000/$40,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and $8,000 for personal injury protection.
  • Fresno: 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

  • Boston: Every year, all vehicles in Massachusetts must undergo a safety inspection. New cars registered in the state must be inspected within 7 days of their registration date.
  • Fresno: 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

  • Boston: As a new resident in Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state within 30 days of establishing residency. The vehicle can be titled and registered at the same time.
  • Fresno: 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 Boston to Fresno?

The cost to ship a car from Boston, MA to Fresno, 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 Boston to Fresno will range from $1,517 to $2,593.

How long will it take to ship my car from Boston to Fresno?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 3,107 miles from Boston to Fresno. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Boston to Fresno?

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

Helpful Boston resources