Cost to ship a car from Washington DC to Stockton

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,775 miles from Washington DC to Stockton ranges from $1,601 to $2,461. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Stockton, 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 Stockton to Washington DC car shipping guide.

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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 Washington DC to Stockton car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the DC to the Asparagus Capital of the World — approximately 2,775 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 Washington DC and Stockton can impact car shipping prices.

Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.

Stockton is characterized by hot to sweltering, arid summers and pleasant to warm winters.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Washington DC to Stockton 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 2,775-mile distance between Washington DC and Stockton 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 Washington DC to Stockton 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.

Washington DC to Stockton car shipping companies

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

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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 Washington DC and Stockton vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Washington DC: The City charges $55 per permit for up to 88 feet of parking space (about 3-4 car lengths). If metered, it can be an additional $24-48 per meter per day.
  • Stockton: Parking at meters is enforced, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meters have limits ranging from 30 minutes to 10 hours, depending on the location; signs are posted to indicate limitations. Parkmobile sticker Effective September 1, 2015, use PayPal and credit cards to purchase time on parking meters using a cell phone mobile app. Meters are marked with stickers displaying the website address to download the app toll-free free number.

Car insurance requirements

  • Washington DC: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
  • Stockton: 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

  • Washington DC: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
  • Stockton: 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

  • Washington DC: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
  • Stockton: 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 Washington DC to Stockton?

The cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Stockton, 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 Washington DC to Stockton will range from $1,601 to $2,461.

How long will it take to ship my car from Washington DC to Stockton?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,775 miles from Washington DC to Stockton. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Washington DC to Stockton?

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

Helpful Washington DC resources