Cost to ship a car from Chesapeake to Lancaster

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,703 miles from Chesapeake to Lancaster ranges from $1,667 to $2,590. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lancaster, 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 Lancaster to Chesapeake car shipping guide.

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Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.

Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

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 Chesapeake to Lancaster car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Chesapeake to the Lancaster — approximately 2,703 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 Chesapeake and Lancaster can impact car shipping prices.

It is advisable tp plan your relocation to Chesapeake on May, October and September are the most pleasant months in Chesapeake, while July and January are the least comfortable months.

If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Chesapeake to Lancaster 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 2,703-mile distance between Chesapeake and Lancaster 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 Chesapeake to Lancaster 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.

Chesapeake to Lancaster car shipping companies

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

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Chesapeake and Lancaster vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Chesapeake:
  • Lancaster: Check with the City of Lancaster for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Lancaster.

Car insurance requirements

  • Chesapeake: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
  • Lancaster: 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

  • Chesapeake: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
  • Lancaster: 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

  • Chesapeake: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
  • Lancaster: 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 Chesapeake to Lancaster?

The cost to ship a car from Chesapeake, VA to Lancaster, 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 Chesapeake to Lancaster will range from $1,667 to $2,590.

How long will it take to ship my car from Chesapeake to Lancaster?

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 2,703 miles from Chesapeake to Lancaster. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Chesapeake to Lancaster?

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

Helpful Chesapeake resources