Cost to ship a car from Boston to Sacramento
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 3,012 miles from Boston to Sacramento ranges from $1,502 to $2,470. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento to Boston car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Boston to Sacramento car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Boston to Sacramento, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Boston to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento 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 Almond Capital of the World — approximately 3,012 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 Sacramento 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.
Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.
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 Sacramento 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 3,012-mile distance between Boston and Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Boston to Sacramento:
- 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 Boston and Sacramento 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.
- Sacramento: All Residential Parking Permits, including Online 24-Hour Temporary Parking Permits, are free of charge. Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged Vehicle permit (stickers) or Visitor permits (placards) is $25. Online Temporary Permits that are lost, stolen or damaged will not be replaced as the permit may be re-printed for that vehicle if the valid time is still in effect.
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.
- Sacramento: 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.
- Sacramento: 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.
- Sacramento: 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 Sacramento?
The cost to ship a car from Boston, MA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento will range from $1,502 to $2,470.
How long will it take to ship my car from Boston to Sacramento?
It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 3,012 miles from Boston to Sacramento. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Boston to Sacramento?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Boston to Sacramento. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
