Best Car Shipping Companies in California (April 2026)
Our top recommendation for car shipping in California is Nexus Auto Transport a company known for widespread availability, transparent pricing, and a wide range of transport services. The average cost to ship a vehicle out of California is $920-$1,232.
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?
Our goal at FreightWaves Checkpoint is to give you real, unbiased information about car shipping — so you can choose with confidence.
We’ve evaluated 2,400+ companies nationwide using a thorough rating process that scores each provider on cost, service options, availability, and customer reviews. We also go beyond the numbers to understand what people are really saying in their reviews.
Everything we publish is carefully vetted by our experts to make sure it’s accurate, timely, and truly helpful for your car shipping journey.
The Best Car Shipping Companies in California
Car shipping companies that have a national presence have more availability, more services, and are usually more affordable. Here are our reviews of the most trusted car shipping companies serving 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 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
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
These local auto transport companies in California have been carefully reviewed, but they may not offer the same range of services or availability as the top national providers above.
King Of The Road Transport Inc
King Of The Road Transport Inc (DOT: DOT#2248724) offers a variety of car shipping services, including interstate and international shipping, classic car transportation, and services for motorcycles, RVs, trailers, and heavy equipment. They also provide options for both open and enclosed transport, as well as the ability to handle inoperable cars, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of needs.
The company extends several discounts, including those for seniors, teachers, and military personnel, which may attract budget-conscious customers. They are fully insured and provide detailed inspection reports to ensure customer peace of mind. However, potential clients should be aware that they do not offer a damage-free guarantee.
King Of The Road Transport Inc boasts an impressive BBB rating of A+, although they have a moderate Yelp rating of 3.2. The company has yet to establish ratings on Google, which potential customers might consider when evaluating their service quality.
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 car shipping company renowned for its excellent service, boasting a 4.6 Yelp rating and an impressive 4.9 Google rating, alongside an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau. They specialize in transporting a diverse array of vehicles, including classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, and even inoperable cars, while also offering international shipping solutions.
Customers can enjoy terminal-to-terminal delivery, open and enclosed transport options, and the convenience of paying by credit card. However, one potential drawback is that Auto Express Inc. does not offer a damage-free guarantee for shipments, which some customers may find concerning. Despite this, their wide range of services and strong ratings make them a popular choice for vehicle transportation.
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
San Diego Auto Shipping Group
San Diego Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) offers a wide range of services to accommodate various shipping needs, including interstate and international shipping, expedited delivery, and options for open and enclosed transport. They also cater to specific needs such as classic car shipping and cars that don’t run. While the company is fully insured and offers a damage-free guarantee, they do not provide storage solutions, which might be a downside for some customers.
The company accepts payment by credit card and is noted for providing detailed inspection reports and shipment tracking to ensure transparency and reliability. While San Diego Auto Shipping Group offers competitive services, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp but is rated highly on Google with a score of 4.5 and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
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
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. (DOT: 2340626) is a reputable car shipping business renowned for its exceptional service offerings and strong customer satisfaction. The company provides a range of specialized services, including classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, and heavy equipment transport, while also accommodating expedited and international deliveries. Customers appreciate the company’s commitment to quality service, which is reflected in a stellar Yelp rating of 4.7 and a superior BBB rating of A+; however, it is noted that the company has yet to establish ratings on Google.
Moreover, the company extends various discounts, supporting seniors, teachers, students, and members of law enforcement. While ABC Auto Shipping offers terminal-to-terminal and open transport services, a potential drawback for some customers is the lack of options for inoperable car transport and electric vehicle shipping. Nonetheless, their damage-free guarantee and detailed inspection reports further underscore a dedication to reliable and secure vehicle shipping.
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
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.
McCollister’s Transportation Group, Inc. (DOT: 289344) offers a variety of car shipping services with a focus on safety and reliability, backed by their damage-free guarantee. They are highly rated across multiple platforms, boasting a Google rating of 4.2 and an impressive BBB rating of A+, though their Yelp rating is a modest 3.2.
Customers can take advantage of fully insured shipping options that include classic car, trailer, and heavy equipment shipping, as well as expedited delivery services. Additionally, the company supports both international and interstate transport but does not provide services for inoperable cars or electric vehicles, which may be a drawback for some clients.
However, despite offering enclosed transport and storage solutions, McCollister’s does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery or accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, which might be a consideration for certain customers seeking these conveniences. Furthermore, the absence of any specific discounts, such as those for seniors or students, means clients won’t find price reductions based on personal circumstances.
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
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 New York | 2238 | 2909 |
| From California to Michigan | 2038 | 2649 |
| From California to Pennsylvania | 2104 | 2735 |
| From California to Illinois | 1931 | 2510 |
| From California to North Carolina | 2012 | 2616 |
| From Arizona to California | 1094 | 1422 |
| From Texas to California | 1562 | 2031 |
| From Florida to California | 2060 | 2678 |
| From Ohio to California | 1988 | 2584 |
| From Georgia to California | 1953 | 2539 |
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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: Shipping costs increase with longer distances; remote locations also raise costs due to limited carrier availability.
- Vehicle type and condition: Expect higher shipping rates out of California if you’re transporting a large vehicle, a collectible, or anything that isn’t drivable. Special handling and lift equipment can add to the overall cost.
- Transport type: Open car shipping is less expensive and uses an open trailer, so your car is exposed to California's weather and road conditions. Enclosed shipping is about 30% more expensive but keeps your car in a covered trailer, making it ideal for high-end or classic cars. Due to the lower cost, roughly 90% of people opt for open transport.
- Seasonality: California's mild climate reduces the risk of weather-related delays or damage, leading to more stable car shipping costs. Seasonal fluctuations, such as winter rain or summer heat, may marginally impact pricing or scheduling.
- Additional services Extra services like door-to-door delivery and faster shipping hike up car shipping costs because they offer more convenience and speed. With door-to-door delivery, the transport comes right to your driveway, and expedited shipping ensures your car arrives quicker, both of which require more resources and planning.
Each of the elements mentioned above can significantly affect the total price of transporting your vehicle out of California. We suggest filling out the form below to receive quotes from multiple auto transport providers in California, allowing you to evaluate their offerings and payment structures to find the best fit.
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 guarantee their rates, so your quoted price stays the same on delivery day. However, not all companies offer this. Unforeseen events or sudden route changes can affect the final cost.
- Delivery dates aren't guaranteed. Many car shipping companies provide an option for guaranteed delivery, doing their best to meet the specified date. Without paying for this, the delivery time is an estimate, not a certainty. It's crucial to realize that factors like bad weather and heavy traffic can cause unexpected delays that are beyond the shipper's control, even with "guaranteed" deliveries.
- It's important to review insurance coverage. Make sure you know what a car shipping company's insurance covers and what it doesn't, in case your car gets damaged during transport. Compare this to your current auto insurance policy, as it might also cover your car while it's being shipped.
- Don't just sign off on your car delivery. Be sure to read your bill of lading when it’s handed to you for signing at delivery. It might seem like a basic receipt, but it’s a key document. It outlines the services you received and confirms your car arrived in its original condition. Before signing, check that everything you paid for is listed and any damage to your vehicle is noted. If not, you'll have no basis for a claim later on.
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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
Our methodology for selecting the top car shipping companies in California is centered around a comprehensive analysis of five critical factors: licensing, customer satisfaction, service range, pricing, and online reputation.
- Licensing proves that a company complies with both California and federal laws — giving you added peace of mind.
- We assess customer satisfaction by digging into ratings and reviews that reveal real-world service experiences.
- Service variety matters. From standard vehicles to specialty shipments like classic cars or oversized equipment.
- Competitive, upfront pricing is a must, especially for the unique conditions of shipping a vehicle in California.
- We also check online reputation across review sites and social media to gauge transparency and overall trustworthiness.
Car Shipping Company Reviews
Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:
FAQ
What’s the best way to check if a California car shipper is properly licensed?
Reliable shippers are listed in the FMCSA database. Enter the company’s USDOT or MC number at the SAFER lookup tool to confirm their credentials, safety record, and insurance.
Do auto transport companies in California offer shipment tracking?
Not every truck has live GPS, but most companies communicate frequently during transport. Expect updates at key points like pickup confirmation and delivery scheduling.
How should I prepare for pickup day in California?
Clean out personal items, have your keys ready, and be available for a quick inspection. Drivers need enough space to maneuver, so be flexible if they suggest a nearby meetup point.
What’s the best season to ship a car in California?
Off-peak seasons typically offer the best pricing. Many carriers discount winter shipments due to lighter demand.
What kind of insurance comes with auto transport in California?
Coverage varies by carrier, but all must meet FMCSA insurance standards. Ask for written proof of coverage before you sign anything.
Will car shippers in California let you load items inside your vehicle?
Certain transport companies in California make exceptions for personal items stored inside your vehicle. Typically, the maximum allowed is 100 pounds, and it must be safely secured. At least 8 carriers allow this practice.
