After looking into all the options, we found that Sherpa Auto Transport stands out as the top car shipping company in California. With an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars, they excel in affordability, service, and overall satisfaction. Shipping your car from California typically costs between $764 - $1262, but keep in mind that your price can vary based on distance, timing, and type of vehicle. We included Sherpa Auto Transport because of their reliable track record, transparent pricing, and wide range of shipping options to fit your needs.
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Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
Our mission at FreightWaves is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
Our in-house team of experts fully fact-checks all content to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to what you want and need to know.
The Best Car Shipping Companies in California
Car shipping companies with a nationwide footprint often offer better pricing, more services, and greater availability. We've reviewed the most dependable options currently serving California.
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 and free car wash at delivery 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
- Free car wash at delivery
- 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
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
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- 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
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
Local Auto Transport Options in California
We've evaluated these local car shipping companies in California, but keep in mind they might not match the broader services or reach of the top picks we listed earlier.
King Of The Road Transport Inc
King Of The Road Transport Inc (DOT: 2248724) offers a wide array of specialized car shipping services. They are fully insured and can handle such challenging tasks as interstate transportation, inoperable car transport, and shipping motorcycles, RVs, and electric vehicles. Additionally, this business provides services like open and enclosed transport, as well as expedited delivery options, and offers various discounts for seniors, teachers, students, and military personnel.
While they do not guarantee damage-free shipping, their commitment to detailed inspection reports and valid BBB rating of A+ help instill confidence in potential customers. The company has garnered a Yelp rating of 3.2, but has yet to establish ratings on Google. A downside for some might be the lack of terminal-to-terminal delivery service and an option to pay by money order or cash.
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
Auto Express Inc.
Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) is a highly regarded car shipping company with a Yelp rating of 4.6, a Google rating of 4.9, and a BBB rating of A+. They offer a variety of services including boat shipping, classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, and transport for cars that don't run. Customers can also take advantage of services like terminal-to-terminal delivery and international shipping, and rest assured their vehicles are fully insured during transit.
While they do not provide a damage-free guarantee or guaranteed delivery dates, which might be a downside for some, their comprehensive array of shipping options and excellent customer ratings make Auto Express Inc. a dependable choice for vehicle transport.
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
A To Z Auto Shipping
A To Z Auto Shipping (DOT: 675504) stands out in the car shipping industry with a suite of comprehensive services. The company is highly rated, boasting a 3.6 rating on Yelp, an impressive 4.6 rating on Google, and an A+ rating with the BBB.
They cater to a variety of needs including interstate, classic car, motorcycle, RV, electric vehicle, and inoperable car shipping, ensuring fully insured transport and the option for both open and enclosed transport. A noteworthy downside is that they do not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery, which may be inconvenient for some customers.
Despite a few limitations, such as the unavailability of expedited delivery and storage solutions, A To Z Auto Shipping provides solid military discounts and multiple other reliable shipping solutions for diverse customer requirements.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Jp Logistics & Motorsports
Jp Logistics & Motorsports (DOT: 1975227) is a highly-regarded car shipping company with a Yelp rating of 4.4, a Google rating of 4.6, and an A+ rating from the BBB. They offer a range of services, including international shipping, terminal-to-terminal delivery, enclosed transport, and electric vehicle shipping. Customers can also take advantage of storage solutions and trailer shipping.
However, a downside for some customers might be the lack of a damage-free guarantee and inoperable car transport services. Overall, Jp Logistics & Motorsports provides reliable, well-rated car shipping solutions for various needs.
Services Offered
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.
McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc. (DOT: 289344) offers a variety of car shipping services with a focus on reliability and customer satisfaction.
They provide damage-free guarantees, fully insured shipping, and specialized services for classic cars, heavy equipment, and expedited delivery. Customers will appreciate that they also offer international shipping and enclosed transport for added security. The company boasts impressive ratings with a Yelp rating of 3.2, a Google rating of 4.2, and an A+ rating from the BBB.
One potential downside is their lack of services for inoperable car transport, which might be a consideration for some customers. Additionally, they do not offer any specific discounts, such as senior or military discounts.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
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 Colorado | 1432 | 1862 |
| From California to Florida | 2326 | 3024 |
| From California to New York | 2413 | 3137 |
| From California to Texas | 1608 | 2090 |
| From California to Michigan | 2129 | 2768 |
| From Ohio to California | 2079 | 2703 |
| From Illinois to California | 2099 | 2729 |
| From Georgia to California | 2087 | 2713 |
| From Arizona to California | 1203 | 1564 |
| From North Carolina to California | 2190 | 2847 |
Find your exact route to ship your car from California.
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
These are the factors that have the biggest impact on the cost of shipping a car out of California:
- Distance and Location: Longer distances and remote locations increase the cost of shipping your car out of California. Heavy traffic and natural obstacles further contribute to higher expenses.
- Vehicle Type and Condition: Vehicles that are oversized, inoperable, or require specialized care — such as antiques or custom builds — often incur higher shipping costs when departing from California due to additional handling requirements.
- Transport Type: Open car shipping is more affordable and uses an open trailer, exposing your car to California’s weather and road conditions. Enclosed car shipping is about 30% more expensive but keeps your car inside a covered trailer, offering better protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Due to the cost savings, around 90% of people opt for open transport.
- Seasonality: Californias diverse climate can increase car shipping costs during very hot days or heavy rain in northern areas. The coastal regions with mild weather may result in lower costs due to less seasonal impact.
- Additional Services Extra services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping make car shipping more expensive. These services speed up the process and offer more convenience, leading to higher costs.
Shipping a vehicle from California? All of these factors can impact the price. Use the form below to get quotes from different California car shippers so you can compare services, check payment terms, and choose the one that works best for your situation.
How to Cut Car Shipping Costs
Car shipping can get pricey, particularly if you need to transport your vehicle long-distance or cross-country. However, there are a few things you can do to save money on your car shipping costs in California:
- Shop around. Don't choose the first car shipping company you find. Many offer instant online estimates, making it simple to get quotes from different companies. Compare both prices and services to ensure a fair comparison. Some companies might seem cheaper but offer fewer services than others.
- Ask about discounts. Car shipping companies often offer discounts for military personnel, students, senior citizens, and new or returning customers. When choosing a car shipper, look for deals or promotions that can help lower your costs.
- Check for hidden fees. Car shipping companies often won't disclose extra fees until after you accept their quote. Be sure to ask about additional costs, such as gas, tolls, and terminal handling fees, ahead of time. Confirm all fees in writing before signing any agreement to avoid surprises on your final bill.
- Book in advance. Booking car shipping closer to your pickup date will cost you more, especially if you need it fast. Once you choose a shipping company, book early to get the best price.
- Ship during the off season. Shipping your car during peak seasons like spring, early summer, and major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas costs more due to higher demand and lower availability. To get a better price and more scheduling options, choose a time outside these busy periods if possible.
- Opt for open transport. Opting for open shipping instead of enclosed can reduce your auto transport costs by up to 50%. Enclosed carriers offer extra protection but are significantly more expensive. While open carriers expose your vehicle to weather and road risks, they are usually safe and certainly more affordable.
- Pick terminal-to-terminal shipping over door-to-door service. Having someone pick up your car and deliver it to your new home is convenient but usually more expensive than terminal-to-terminal shipping. If you can drive to the terminals, choosing this option will save you money.
What You Need To Know Before Booking
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 shippers provide locked-in rates, ensuring your quote stays the same until delivery day. However, this isn't true for all companies. Unexpected events or last-minute route changes can affect your final bill.
- Delivery dates aren't guaranteed. Many car shipping companies offer a guaranteed delivery date and will try their best to meet it. If you don't choose this option, the timeline they provide is just an estimate. Remember that 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 covers and, importantly, what it doesn't. Compare this with your current auto insurance policy, which might already cover your car during transport.
- Don't just sign off on your car delivery. Be sure to read your bill of lading when it's given to you for signing at delivery. It may look like a regular receipt, but it's much more important. This document details the services you received and confirms your car's condition upon arrival. Check it carefully to ensure everything you paid for is listed and any vehicle damage is noted. If these details aren't included, you won't have grounds to file a claim later.
How We Chose the Best California Auto Transport Companies
To find the best car shipping companies in California, we look closely at five key areas: proper licensing, customer reviews, service options, pricing, and overall online reputation.
- Licensing guarantees that companies meet regulatory standards at both the California and federal levels.
- We analyze customer reviews to understand satisfaction levels and overall reliability.
- A wide range of services shows flexibility — from enclosed shipping to transporting non-operational vehicles.
- Transparent, reasonable pricing is key, especially given the regional considerations of moving a car through California.
- Online reputation, reflected through platforms like the BBB and consumer forums, helps confirm a company’s reliability.
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
- 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
- Solana Beach
- Stockton
- Sun Village
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Thousand Oaks
- Vallejo
- Victorville
- Visalia
Car Shipping Company Reviews
Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:
- Amerifreight Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship A Car Direct Review
FAQs About California Car Shipping
Should I drive my car or use a California car shipping company?
Car shipping is a convenient alternative to driving long distances through California's vast road system and changing weather. It saves time and effort, making it ideal for the state's varied auto market.
How can I ensure the best car shipping experience?
Research is essential to avoid scams, especially by looking for companies with experience in California's logistics. Checking if the insurance meets local standards and following vehicle preparation tips are also important steps.
How do I choose the right car shipping method in California?
Think about your vehicle type, budget, and urgency. Enclosed shipping provides better protection from California's weather, while open shipping costs less.
What should I know about insurance coverage?
Make sure the car shipping company has solid insurance that covers the full value of your vehicle if anything goes wrong. Check if the company limits coverage to a small amount per pound, which might not be enough for expensive cars.
How can I prepare my car for a cross-country shipment out of California?
To prepare a car for cross-country transport, clean it thoroughly inside and out. Document its current condition by taking clear photos of any existing damage. Remove all personal items and make sure the car is in good working order. In California, ensure your car meets the state's annual safety inspection before transport.
What are the signs of a reputable car shipping company in California?
Seek out positive reviews, valid licensing, and clear pricing. A company experienced with California's logistics and weather conditions is best.
