Cost to ship a car from Milwaukee to Santa Ana
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,054 miles from Milwaukee to Santa Ana ranges from $1,330 to $2,099. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Santa Ana, CA in 4–12 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 Santa Ana to Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Santa Ana car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Milwaukee to Santa Ana, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Milwaukee to Santa Ana, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Milwaukee, 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 Santa Ana, 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 Milwaukee. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Santa Ana will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Cream City to the Santa Ana — approximately 2,054 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 Milwaukee and Santa Ana can impact car shipping prices.
Milwaukee's location in the Great Lakes Region often has rapidly changing weather, producing a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters, and hot, humid summers. Thunderstorms in the region can be dangerous and damaging, bringing hail and high winds. In rare instances, they can bring a tornado. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
Santa Ana has hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Milwaukee to Santa Ana 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 2,054-mile distance between Milwaukee and Santa Ana 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 Milwaukee to Santa Ana typically takes between 4 and 12 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Milwaukee to Santa Ana car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Milwaukee to Santa Ana:
- 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
|
|
|
|
rating
Comparing Milwaukee and Santa Ana vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Milwaukee: For the convenience of the city’s night parking permit customers, there is no longer a requirement to display a physical permit. Now, when residents buy a night parking permit, they will complete the same application and receive a confirmation number to prove purchase of the permit, but will not receive a physical permit to place on the vehicle’s window. The license plate number will be used by parking enforcement to determine whether the owner has purchased a valid permit. All customer service problems arising from misplaced or stolen permits will be eliminated. A night parking permit currently costs $20 per 4-month trimester or $40 for the calendar year. Failure to purchase a permit will still be subject to a $20 citation. Permits may be purchased online. Visit www.milwaukee.gov/parking for more information and call 414-286-CITY (2489) with any questions.
- Santa Ana: Guest parking permits must be filled in ink by the resident and placed on the left-hand side of the dashboard. Each guest permit is valid until noon the following day. Each guest permit can only be used once and the date may NOT be changed. Not every district has guest permits. Only residents of single family homes are eligible for guest permits.
Car insurance requirements
- Milwaukee: 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.
- Santa Ana: 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
- Milwaukee: 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.
- Santa Ana: 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
- Milwaukee: 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).
- Santa Ana: 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 Milwaukee to Santa Ana?
The cost to ship a car from Milwaukee, WI to Santa Ana, 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 Milwaukee to Santa Ana will range from $1,330 to $2,099.
How long will it take to ship my car from Milwaukee to Santa Ana?
It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,054 miles from Milwaukee to Santa Ana. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Milwaukee to Santa Ana?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Milwaukee to Santa Ana. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
