Best Car Shipping Companies in San Diego, CA (March 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick for car shipping in San Diego, thanks to its great service, fair pricing, and satisfied customers. Depending on factors like how far you’re shipping and the type of carrier you choose, the typical cost from San Diego ranges from $763 – $1,107.

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

The Best Car Shipping Companies in San Diego

Companies with a national footprint typically deliver more flexible services, faster scheduling, and lower costs. Here’s our roundup of the most trusted names in car shipping for San Diego.

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (224) 310-1412

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

4.8 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (833) 775-1461

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

4.4 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (501) 248-0223

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

4.8 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (864) 492-1221

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

4.4 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (855) 952-1031

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

Other Auto Transport Options in San Diego

While these San Diego auto transport companies meet our standards, they may not provide the same breadth of services or availability as the top choices featured earlier.

Auto Express Inc.

501 W Broadway Ste. 800, San Diego, CA, 92101
4.46 / 5.0

Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) is a car shipping company that has cultivated a strong reputation, evident in its high Yelp rating of 4.6, Google rating of 4.9, and an A+ rating from the BBB. They offer a wide range of transport services, including enclosed transport for classic cars and the ability to ship motorcycles, trailers, and even heavy equipment. Customers can also benefit from their international shipping services and terminal-to-terminal delivery options.

While they provide many valuable services, customers looking for guaranteed delivery or expedited delivery options may be disappointed, as these are not available. However, Auto Express Inc. maintains activity with a status of “active,” ensuring continuous operation. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is further demonstrated by their fully insured services, although they don’t currently offer a damage-free guarantee.

Get a Quote (877) 428-8697

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

3312 1228 University Ave Suite 200-161, San Diego, CA, 92103
4.22 / 5.0

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).

Get a Quote (619) 452-1333

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

Auto Driveaway

7419 El Cajon Blvd, La Mesa, CA, 91942
3.94 / 5.0

Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) stands out in the car shipping industry with its commitment to providing a damage-free guarantee and fully insured services. They offer both interstate and international shipping, ensuring detailed inspection reports that reassure customers about the quality and care taken during transport.

One notable advantage is their capability to ship electric vehicles, which not all transport companies offer. However, they do not provide services for inoperable cars, which could be a downside for some customers. On the ratings front, Auto Driveaway boasts a strong Google rating of 4.3 and an impressive A+ rating from the BBB, despite having a modest Yelp rating of 2.0.

Get a Quote (800) 346-2277

Services Offered

  • Damage Free Guarantee
  • Fully Insured
  • Multi Car Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • International Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Guaranteed Delivery
  • Storage Solutions
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate
  • Detailed Inspection Reports

Global Auto Transportation

4234 Market St, San Diego, CA, 92102
3.98 / 5.0

Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) provides a variety of car shipping services, including expedited delivery, motorcycle shipping, and the transport of inoperable cars. The company boasts a strong damage-free guarantee and operates fully insured, catering to customers with unique needs such as boat and heavy equipment shipping.

While Global Auto Transportation has a positive Google rating of 4.3, its Yelp rating is a modest 2.6. The company has not yet established ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). An area some customers might find lacking is the absence of terminal-to-terminal delivery, which might be a downside for those seeking this specific service.

Get a Quote (888) 803-0501

Services Offered

  • Damage Free Guarantee
  • Fully Insured
  • Inoperable Car Transport
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Multi Car Transport
  • Military Discount
  • International Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Guaranteed Delivery
  • Deposit Required
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Pay by Cash
  • Interstate
  • Heavy Equipment Shipping
  • Boat Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping

Send It Car Shippers

845 15th St Ste 103, San Diego, CA, 92101
3.98 / 5.0

Send It Car Shippers (DOT: 3517052) offers a range of specialized shipping services including boat, motorcycle, RV, and heavy equipment shipping. They are fully insured and provide both expedited delivery and classic car shipping options. Despite their comprehensive service offerings, Send It Car Shippers does not currently support the transportation of inoperable cars, which could be a consideration for some customers.

The company boasts a stellar reputation with a BBB rating of A+, but it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. Customers interested in discounts will find that Send It Car Shippers offers military and student discounts, adding value for these specific groups. While they do not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment, they do allow payment by credit card and require a deposit for their services.

Get a Quote (888) 414-5207

Services Offered

  • ATV Shipping
  • Fully Insured
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Military Discount
  • Open Transport
  • Storage Solutions
  • Deposit Required
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Student Discount
  • Interstate
  • RV Shipping
  • Heavy Equipment Shipping
  • Boat Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Classic Car Shipping
  • Detailed Inspection Reports

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

San Diego Car Shipping Costs

Here are some sample prices when shipping a car in or out of California:

Shipping Route Open Trailer Enclosed Trailer
From California to Ohio 1673 2175
From California to Michigan 1717 2232
From California to North Carolina 1704 2215
From California to Arizona 906 1178
From California to Pennsylvania 1785 2321
From Texas to California 1279 1663
From Georgia to California 1621 2107
From Florida to California 1789 2326
From Illinois to California 1629 2118
From New York to California 1851 2406

Popular Car Shipping Routes from San Diego

Cost Factors

Several factors influence the cost of shipping a car from San Diego, including distance, vehicle specifications, transport type, seasonality, and additional services.

Before you decide, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from car shipping companies in San Diego to compare your options.

Distance and Location

Shipping costs from San Diego are heavily influenced by travel distance and the ease of access at both the pickup and delivery points. Remote destinations may result in additional charges.

Vehicle Type and Condition

If your vehicle is large or can’t be driven, expect to pay more for transport from San Diego — size and condition both affect the price.

Transport Type

If you’re transporting a car from San Diego, California, you’ll usually choose between open transport and enclosed transport — the two primary shipping methods available.

  • Open transport is the most common method of shipping your car out of San Diego. In this case, your vehicle is loaded onto a multi-car carrier along with other cars. This method is typically less expensive because costs are shared among multiple San Diego customers, and it’s efficient for the transporter as well. However, the cars are exposed to California’s outdoor elements, such as weather conditions and potential road debris.
  • Enclosed transport offers added protection by placing your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from California’s weather, road debris, and unwanted attention. Your car stays protected from the moment it leaves San Diego until it arrives. This method is ideal for luxury, vintage, or collectible vehicles. Due to the limited capacity and extra care involved, enclosed shipping usually comes at a higher price.

Seasonality

San Diego’s mild weather year-round typically means fewer delays in car shipping compared to snowy or stormy regions. Consistent temperatures also help avoid sudden weather-related cost increases.

Additional Services

Adding services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping makes car shipping from San Diego cost more. These services require additional resources and quicker handling.

How We Chose the Best San Diego Auto Transport Companies

Our evaluation of the best car shipping providers in San Diego is based on a comprehensive review of five essential criteria: licensing, customer feedback, service offerings, pricing, and digital reputation.

  • Licensing ensures full compliance with regulatory standards across San Diego, California, and federal jurisdictions, instilling trust and accountability.
  • Customer satisfaction is gauged through aggregated reviews and ratings from those who have used these services in San Diego.
  • A wide service range — including open and enclosed transport options — supports diverse shipping requirements, from standard autos to specialized vehicles.
  • Pricing is reviewed for competitiveness, clarity, and alignment with market expectations in San Diego.
  • A strong online reputation, as reflected on trusted platforms like BBB and social media, signals credibility and a history of quality service.

FAQs About San Diego, CA Car Shipping

How long does it take to ship a car from San Diego?

Time frames vary widely depending on how far your car is going and the shipping method used. Within California, delivery might take a day, but nationwide transport can stretch to two weeks.

What’s the average cost to ship a car from San Diego?

Costs depend on the transport type, vehicle size, and distance away from San Diego. Expect variations, and it’s best to get quotes from multiple companies for accurate pricing.

Do San Diego auto transport companies insure my car during transport?

Yes, most reliable companies include insurance during transport, but coverage terms differ. Always check with your carrier for exact details before shipping from San Diego.

Can I ship a non-operational vehicle from San Diego?

Yes, many companies in San Diego do ship non-running vehicles — just keep in mind it usually costs more because of the special equipment required.

Which car shipping companies are the best for cross-country transport out of San Diego?

If you’re shipping your car from San Diego and to a state other than California, we recommend using SGT Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, Montway, Sherpa Auto Transport, or AmeriFrieght.

How do I prepare my car for shipping out of San Diego?

Getting ready to ship from San Diego? Empty your car, keep the fuel tank at 1/4 full, and snap a few photos to record its condition.

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.