Cost to ship a car from Boston to Oakland
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 3,093 miles from Boston to Oakland ranges from $1,857 to $2,905. 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 Boston car shipping guide.
Why Trust Us
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
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 Boston to Oakland car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Boston to Oakland, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Boston to Oakland, 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 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 Boston. 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 Athens of America to the Town — approximately 3,093 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 Oakland 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.
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 Boston 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 3,093-mile distance between Boston 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 Boston 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.
Boston to Oakland car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Boston to Oakland:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
|
|
|
|
rating
Comparing Boston and Oakland 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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 Boston to Oakland?
The cost to ship a car from Boston, MA 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 Boston to Oakland will range from $1,857 to $2,905.
How long will it take to ship my car from Boston to Oakland?
It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 3,093 miles from Boston to Oakland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Boston to Oakland?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Boston to Oakland. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
