($1,226) Cost to ship a car from Kansas City, MO to Modesto, CA
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,796 miles from Kansas City, Missouri, to Modesto, California, ranges from $1,226 to $1,690. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto to Kansas City car shipping guide.
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The best Kansas City to Modesto car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Kansas City to Modesto:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best marketplace: uShip
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No upfront payment
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Competitive pricing
- Door-to-door shipping
- Competitive pricing
- Last-minute car shipments
- Guaranteed & expedited shipments
- Gap insurance coverage
- Multiple discounts
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- No upfront deposit
- Expedited shipping
- No hidden fees
- Ships motorcycles & RVs
- Discount for cash payments
- Instant pricing from multiple providers
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- Mobile app
- Shipper service history & verified reviews
- All vehicle types
Top local car shippers in Kansas City
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Kansas City, MO:
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Car shipping alternatives from MO to CA
- Coordinate with your movers. If you are relocating from Kansas City to Modesto, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide, and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s pick for car shipper and their pricing.
- Drive your car. There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,796-mile drive from Kansas City to Modesto into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
- Use a driving service. Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Missouri to California is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Kansas City to Modesto. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
- Ship your car via train. Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Modesto, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Kansas City to Modesto car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Kansas City to Modesto, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
There are different options for shipping your car from Kansas City to Modesto, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you choose will depend on your specific needs.
When leaving Kansas City, 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 Modesto, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Kansas City will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Modesto than a compact car.
Distance and route
To put it simply — the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as adjacent costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,796 miles from KC to City of Great Neighbors will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Missouri.
Where you’re shipping your car matters here, too. Rates are usually lower for routes that are along major highways and will be higher for areas that are more remote.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Kansas City and Modesto can impact car shipping prices.
The season and weather in both Kansas City and Modesto can impact car shipping prices.
Kansas City is in an area of the country with a lot of storms, very hot summers, and very cold winters. Therefore, there's chance that your move will be affected by the weather. Check the forecast ahead of time to plan accordingly. Remember, moves often require spending many hours outdoors.
Modesto has mild winters with moderate rainfall and long, hot, dry summers.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Kansas City to Modesto 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 1,796-mile distance between Kansas City and Modesto 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 Kansas City to Modesto typically takes between three and eleven days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Kansas City and Modesto vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Kansas City: Although there's no specific permit required to move in Kansas City, you may still need to apply for a loading permit or something similar if your move requires you to block public lanes, curbs, sidewalks, etc.
- Modesto: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved
Car insurance requirements
- Kansas City: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
- Modesto: 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
- Kansas City: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
- Modesto: 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
- Kansas City: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
- Modesto: 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 Kansas City to Modesto?
The cost to ship a car from Kansas City, MO to Modesto, CA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Kansas City to Modesto will range from $1,226 to $1,690.
How long will it take to ship my car from Kansas City to Modesto?
It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,796 miles from Kansas City to Modesto. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Kansas City to Modesto?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Kansas City to Modesto. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Kansas City to Modesto?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Kansas City to Modesto than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,796-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.