Cost to ship a car from Charlotte to Oakland

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,704 miles from Charlotte to Oakland ranges from $1,517 to $2,176. 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 Charlotte car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Charlotte to Oakland car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Charlotte to Oakland, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Charlotte, 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 Charlotte. 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 Queen City to the Town — approximately 2,704 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 Charlotte and Oakland can impact car shipping prices.

Charlotte has a moderate climate. Your move is unlikely to be affected by the weather although, the rare snow day in the wintertime could make the road conditions difficult to drive on.

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 Charlotte 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 2,704-mile distance between Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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.

Charlotte to Oakland car shipping companies

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

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

Comparing Charlotte and Oakland vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Charlotte: Charlotte's Park It program manages on-street parking throughout Uptown, South End, Elizabeth, NoDa and Commonwealth Avenue in Plaza Midwood.
  • 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

  • Charlotte: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
  • 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

  • Charlotte: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
  • 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

  • Charlotte: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
  • 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 Charlotte to Oakland?

The cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC 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 Charlotte to Oakland will range from $1,517 to $2,176.

How long will it take to ship my car from Charlotte to Oakland?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,704 miles from Charlotte to Oakland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Charlotte to Oakland?

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

Helpful Charlotte resources