Cost to ship a car from Cleveland to San Francisco
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,459 miles from Cleveland to San Francisco ranges from $1,393 to $2,346. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in San Francisco, CA in 5–13 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 San Francisco to Cleveland car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Factors affecting Cleveland to San Francisco car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Cleveland to San Francisco, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Cleveland to San Francisco, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Cleveland, 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 San Francisco, 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 Cleveland. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to San Francisco will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the America's North Coast to the Golden Gate City — approximately 2,459 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 Cleveland and San Francisco can impact car shipping prices.
Cleveland has four very distinct seasons. This means that in the wintertime, you should prepare for snow and in the summer it's usually warm.
San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Cleveland to San Francisco 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 2,459-mile distance between Cleveland and San Francisco 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 Cleveland to San Francisco typically takes between 5 and 13 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Cleveland to San Francisco car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Cleveland to San Francisco:
- 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 Car Marketplace
|
|
|
|
rating
Comparing Cleveland and San Francisco vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Cleveland: The City of Cleveland does not require a parking permit although you may double check to ensure you're abiding by all the rules. You should also check any neighborhood, building, or HOA rules to ensure a smooth move day.
- San Francisco: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.
Car insurance requirements
- Cleveland: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
- San Francisco: 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
- Cleveland: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
- San Francisco: 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
- Cleveland: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
- San Francisco: 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 Cleveland to San Francisco?
The cost to ship a car from Cleveland, OH to San Francisco, 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 Cleveland to San Francisco will range from $1,393 to $2,346.
How long will it take to ship my car from Cleveland to San Francisco?
It will take approximately 5–13 days to ship your car the 2,459 miles from Cleveland to San Francisco. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Cleveland to San Francisco?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Cleveland to San Francisco. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
