Best Car Shipping Companies in California (June 2026)
Nexus Auto Transport consistently ranks as the best car shipping company in California because they blend fair pricing, reliable carrier networks, and helpful customer support. In most cases, shipping a vehicle in California costs around $834–$1124.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
We do the deep digging so you don’t have to. At FreightWaves Checkpoint, our mission is to make the car shipping process clearer, smarter, and easier to navigate.
We’ve rated 2,400 companies using a detailed methodology that considers pricing, customer experience, service offerings, and availability. Then we cross-reference that with real reviews to understand what actually happens when customers book.
All our findings go through a thorough editorial review to ensure every detail we share is correct, current, and helpful to you.
The Best Car Shipping Companies in California
With a wider reach and stronger infrastructure, national car shipping companies often stand out for value and reliability. These are the trusted choices we recommend for California.
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport started after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car. Unlike most of the auto transport industry, the company is deeply customer focused and prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise, personalized support, and multiple discounts are just a few reasons the company is raising the customer service bar when it comes to auto shipping.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company’s transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a highly-rated car shipping broker that works with more than 25,000 carriers to transport vehicles. They offer long-distance car shipping to 49 states. With the exception of Hawaii, all services are door-to-door and you can choose from open or enclosed shipping options. Get free quotes online in minutes and book an exact pick-up date for a seamless vehicle move.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Local Auto Transport Options in California
While we’ve vetted and rated these local auto transport companies in California, they may have limited availability or service offerings compared to our top picks listed above.
Auto Express Inc.
Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) offers a comprehensive range of car shipping services, notably excelling in Google ratings with an impressive score of 4.9, a strong Yelp rating of 4.2, and holding an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They provide transport for classic cars, cars that don’t run, and electric vehicles, as well as motorcycle and RV shipping. Additionally, they offer terminal-to-terminal delivery and multiple transport options, including open and enclosed methods.
While the company does offer international shipping, some customers may find it a downside that Auto Express Inc. does not provide a damage-free guarantee or the option to pay by cash. Customers can take advantage of services like storage solutions and shipment tracking, ensuring a streamlined and efficient shipping experience.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
King Of The Road Transport Inc
King Of The Road Transport Inc (DOT: 2248724) is a versatile car shipping company that offers a wide range of services to meet diverse transportation needs. They specialize in interstate and international shipping, as well as handling inoperable cars, classic cars, and electric vehicles.
While the company provides numerous discount options, including senior, teacher, and military discounts, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some clients. King Of The Road Transport Inc has yet to establish a presence on Yelp and Google, but they hold an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Teacher Discount
- Senior Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. (DOT: 2340626) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of services including boat and motorcycle shipping, as well as specialized services like classic car transport. Customers can benefit from discounts such as those for seniors, teachers, students, and law enforcement personnel. ABC Auto Shipping distinguishes itself with an impressive Yelp rating of 4.7 and holds an A+ rating from the BBB, but has yet to establish ratings on Google.
However, it is worth noting that the company does not transport cars that don’t run or accept payments by money order, which could be seen as drawbacks for some customers. Despite these limitations, ABC Auto Shipping provides a damage-free guarantee and offers both open and enclosed transport options to meet a variety of customer needs. Their service is complemented by features such as guaranteed delivery and shipment tracking, ensuring peace of mind for clients.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Teacher Discount
- Senior Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Law Enforcement Discount
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Golden Key Express
Golden Key Express (DOT: 966726) is a highly rated car shipping company, with a Yelp rating of 4.9, a Google rating of 5.0, and an A+ rating from the BBB. They offer a range of services including interstate car shipping, classic car transportation, and enclosed transport, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely with their damage-free guarantee.
A notable downside is the lack of inoperable car transport options, which might be important for those needing to ship non-running vehicles. While Golden Key Express does not offer international or terminal-to-terminal delivery services, they do provide storage solutions and shipment tracking, adding convenience and peace of mind for their customers.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
San Diego Auto Shipping Group
San Diego Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a car shipping business known for offering a range of comprehensive services, including transport for inoperable cars, motorcycles, RVs, and even boats. Customers can take advantage of their expedited delivery option, while a damage-free guarantee provides peace of mind. Additionally, their car shipping services are fully insured, ensuring vehicles are protected during transit.
Despite having a strong service offering, it’s worth noting that San Diego Auto Shipping Group does not provide heavy equipment or electric vehicle shipping, which may be a downside for some customers. The company is highly rated with a Google review rating of 4.5 and holds an A+ rating with the BBB; however, they have yet to establish a presence on Yelp. They also offer military discounts but do not currently provide discounts for seniors, students, or AAA members.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Local Car Shippers In California
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
- Alum Rock
- Anaheim
- Antioch
- Apple Valley
- Avocado Heights
- Big Bear City
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Commerce
- Concord
- Dublin
- El Sobrante
- Emeryville
- Fairfield
- Fontana
- Fremont
- Fresno
- Grand Terrace
- Hemet
- Hesperia
- Home Gardens
- Irvine
- Kingsburg
- Lake Los Angeles
- Lakeland Village
- Lancaster
- Larkspur
- Livermore
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Marysville
- Mendota
- Modesto
- Moreno Valley
- Newman
- Oakland
- Ontario
- Orange
- Oxnard
- Palmdale
- Palos Verdes Estates
- Pleasanton
- Riverside
- Roseville
- Sacramento
- Salinas
- San Anselmo
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- San Marino
- Santa Ana
- Santa Clarita
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Rosa
- Scotts Valley
- Simi Valley
- Solana Beach
- Stockton
- Sun Village
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Thousand Oaks
- Vallejo
- Victorville
- Visalia
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Find the Best Car Shipping Option for You
Popular Car Shipping Routes from California
- California to Alabama
- California to Arkansas
- California to Arizona
- California to Colorado
- California to Connecticut
- California to Delaware
- California to Florida
- California to Georgia
- California to Iowa
- California to Idaho
- California to Illinois
- California to Indiana
- California to Kansas
- California to Kentucky
- California to Louisiana
- California to Massachusetts
- California to Maryland
- California to Maine
- California to Michigan
- California to Minnesota
- California to Missouri
- California to Mississippi
- California to Montana
- California to North Carolina
- California to North Dakota
- California to Nebraska
- California to New Hampshire
- California to New Jersey
- California to New Mexico
- California to Nevada
- California to New York
- California to Ohio
- California to Oklahoma
- California to Oregon
- California to Pennsylvania
- California to Rhode Island
- California to South Carolina
- California to South Dakota
- California to Tennessee
- California to Texas
- California to Utah
- California to Virginia
- California to Vermont
- California to Washington
- California to Wisconsin
- California to West Virginia
- California to Wyoming
Understanding Car Shipping Costs in California
Here are some sample prices when shipping a car in or out of California:
| Shipping Route | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| From California to Florida | 2210 | 2873 |
| From California to New York | 2372 | 3084 |
| From California to Ohio | 2151 | 2796 |
| From California to Michigan | 2192 | 2850 |
| From California to North Carolina | 2184 | 2839 |
| From Georgia to California | 2192 | 2850 |
| From Texas to California | 1638 | 2129 |
| From Illinois to California | 2107 | 2739 |
| From Pennsylvania to California | 2223 | 2890 |
| From Arizona to California | 1176 | 1529 |
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
These are factors have the biggest impact on the cost of shipping a car out of California:
- Distance and location: Distance increases shipping cost, with longer distances raising expenses. Location impacts cost when remote or highly congested areas are involved.
- Vehicle type and condition: Shipping costs from California can rise for oversized vehicles, classic cars, or any that need special care. Non-running cars may also be more expensive due to the equipment needed to move them.
- Transport type: Shipping your car on an open trailer is more affordable, but it leaves your vehicle exposed to California’s weather and road conditions. Enclosed shipping offers protection in a covered trailer and costs roughly 30% more, making it ideal for luxury or classic cars. Due to cost savings, around 90% of people opt for open transport.
- Seasonality: California's pleasant Mediterranean climate minimizes weather-related delays; however, demand spikes during peak tourism months may increase car shipping costs.
- Additional services Additional services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping make car shipping more expensive. They require more resources and planning from shipping companies. More convenience generally leads to higher costs.
The cost to ship your vehicle from California depends on several key details. To find the right match for your needs and budget, use the form below to get quotes from car shipping companies in California and compare what each one offers.
What To Know Before You Book
To ensure your experience is a relatively seamless one, there are some key things you should understand about car shipping companies in California:
- Final costs may be higher than your initial quote. Some car shipping companies provide fixed rates, ensuring your price stays the same on delivery day. However, not all companies offer this. Unforeseen events or last-minute route changes can affect your final cost.
- Delivery dates aren't guaranteed. Many car shipping companies provide a guaranteed delivery option and will do their best to meet that date. Without paying for this guarantee, the delivery timeline is just an estimate, not a certainty. It's crucial to note that factors like bad weather and heavy traffic can cause unexpected delays, even with "guaranteed" deliveries, which are beyond the car shipper's control.
- It's important to review insurance coverage. Make sure you know what a car shipping company's insurance plan covers—and just as importantly, what it doesn't—in case your car is damaged during transport. Compare this with your current auto insurance policy, as it might cover your car while it's being shipped.
- Don't just sign off on your car delivery. Make sure to carefully read the bill of lading when you receive your car. Although it may look like a simple receipt, it actually details the services provided and confirms the condition of your car upon arrival. Don't just sign it—verify that everything matches what you paid for and that any damage to the vehicle is noted. If it's not documented, you won't be able to support your case if you need to file a damage claim.
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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How We Chose the Best California Auto Transport Companies
We rank the top car shippers in California by analyzing five important factors: licensing status, customer feedback, range of services, pricing transparency, and online reputation.
- Licensing ensures companies meet California and federal regulations, offering peace of mind.
- Customer satisfaction is gauged through reviews and feedback, highlighting reliability and service quality.
- The variety of services offered caters to different shipping needs, from classic cars to heavy equipment.
- Factoring in pricing ensures the company offers competitive and transparent pricing tailored to the unique demands of shipping a car through California.
- Lastly, a strong online reputation, through platforms like BBB and social media, reflects a company's commitment to excellence and transparency.
Car Shipping Company Reviews
Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:
FAQ
How do I confirm that a car shipping company in California is trustworthy?
Every legit auto transporter is registered with the FMCSA. Search their USDOT or MC number in the SAFER database to check for proper licensing, insurance coverage, and service history.
How do carriers keep you updated during a shipment in California?
Tracking varies by company. Some provide a live tracking link, but many rely on scheduled phone or text updates. You should always get alerts before pickup and prior to delivery.
What happens when your car is picked up in California?
The carrier checks the condition of your car, notes details on the bill of lading, and loads it securely. If your street is difficult for large trucks, pickup might happen in a nearby parking area.
Does timing affect car shipping prices in California?
Absolutely. Prices rise during high-demand months like June through September. Late winter tends to be the most affordable.
How does insurance work for car shipping in California?
Carriers carry required cargo insurance that protects your vehicle during loading, transit, and unloading. Review the policy details so you know what’s included.
Are personal items allowed in your vehicle during auto transport in California?
Some car shippers in California will let you keep belongings inside the car during transport. When allowed, the standard cap is 100 pounds. Based on available data, at least 8 carriers offer this.
