Cost to ship a car from Madison to Los Angeles
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,970 miles from Madison to Los Angeles ranges from $1,259 to $2,030. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Los Angeles, CA in 3–11 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 Los Angeles to Madison car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Madison to Los Angeles car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Madison to Los Angeles, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Madison to Los Angeles, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Madison, 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 Los Angeles, 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 Madison. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Los Angeles will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Mad City to the City of Angels — approximately 1,970 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 Madison and Los Angeles can impact car shipping prices.
August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.
The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Madison to Los Angeles 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 1,970-mile distance between Madison and Los Angeles 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 Madison to Los Angeles typically takes between 3 and 11 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Madison to Los Angeles car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Madison to Los Angeles:
- 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
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Comparing Madison and Los Angeles vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Madison: The Residential Parking Permit allows residents to park in excess of the posted one- or two-hour time limits on designated streets in their area between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or in locations designated for resident parking only between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. This provides residents the opportunity for the limited storing of vehicles on public streets to the partial exclusion of commuter vehicles. A Residential Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place. It allows the right to park if space is available. It is recommended to apply online.
- Los Angeles: If the pick-up or drop-off location is in a place where it is difficult to find a parking spot, you have two options for getting a parking permit for the moving truck. 1. Get in touch with the city office or department and get a permit and sign from them – “Temporary No Parking”. Usually these cost $10-60. Every city has its own requirements and procedures for granting permits. 2. Contact the company, which provides a service for installing “Temporary No Parking”. Such a sign usually cost about $250. Oversize vehicle parking permits may be purchased either by mail or in person at one of four Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Public Service Centers. Permits are issued to Los Angeles residents for a fee of $10.00 per day and may be purchased for up to three days at a time.
Car insurance requirements
- Madison: Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to provide a minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for individual injury or death, and $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals.
- Los Angeles: 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
- Madison: Safety and emission inspections are not required in Wisconsin. However, you must take your vehicle for emissions inspection available at select privately owned businesses including vehicle repair facilities, service stations, and car dealerships.
- Los Angeles: 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
- Madison: After establishing residence, new residents must apply for a WI driver license at any Wisconsin DMV service center within 60 days for a regular license and within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
- Los Angeles: 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 Madison to Los Angeles?
The cost to ship a car from Madison, WI to Los Angeles, 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 Madison to Los Angeles will range from $1,259 to $2,030.
How long will it take to ship my car from Madison to Los Angeles?
It will take approximately 3–11 days to ship your car the 1,970 miles from Madison to Los Angeles. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Madison to Los Angeles?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Madison to Los Angeles. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
