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

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

Nexus Auto Transport takes the top spot in San Diego because they deliver a level of reliability that makes the experience feel straightforward and predictable. Pricing tends to stay consistent, and most deliveries arrive within expected windows. Most car shipments in the region fall around $830-$1,246.

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
4.48 / 5.0

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.

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
4.3 / 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

Send It Car Shippers

845 15th St Ste 103, San Diego, CA, 92101
4.04 / 5.0

Send It Car Shippers (DOT: 3517052) is a car shipping business known for its impressive BBB rating of A+, though it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google. They offer a wide range of services including boat shipping, interstate transport, and classic car shipping, as well as specialty services such as motorcycle, RV, and heavy equipment shipping. Customers can also benefit from their expedited delivery options and robust storage solutions.

While they are fully insured and provide detailed inspection reports to ensure peace of mind, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may concern some customers. Notably, the company provides discounts for students and military personnel, making their services more accessible to these groups. Despite accepting credit card payments, Send It Car Shippers does not offer international shipping or accommodate inoperable car transport, which may limit options for certain customers.

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

Global Auto Transportation

4234 Market St, San Diego, CA, 92102
3.96 / 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

Ceva Logistics

7411 Goen Pl # C, San Diego, CA, 92120
3.94 / 5.0

Ceva Logistics (DOT: 187774) is a car shipping company offering a range of transportation services, including boat, motorcycle, and heavy equipment shipping. They also provide international and expedited delivery options, with the added benefit of fully insured shipments.

Despite their comprehensive suite of services, Ceva Logistics has a low Yelp rating of 2.3, a Google rating of 3.1, and a BBB rating of F. Customers might find it disappointing that they do not handle cars that don’t run, and there is a requirement for a deposit.

Get a Quote (619) 661-4000

Services Offered

  • Fully Insured
  • Enclosed Transport
  • International Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Guaranteed Delivery
  • Storage Solutions
  • Deposit Required
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Interstate
  • Heavy Equipment Shipping
  • Boat Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Terminal to Terminal Delivery

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 San Diego in California to Georgia 1938 2519
From San Diego in California to New York 2238 2909
From San Diego in California to Pennsylvania 2104 2735
From San Diego in California to North Carolina 2012 2616
From San Diego in California to Ohio 1953 2539
From San Diego in Arizona to California 1094 1422
From San Diego in Florida to California 2060 2678
From San Diego in Texas to California 1562 2031
From San Diego in Illinois to California 1828 2376
From San Diego in Michigan to California 1916 2491

Popular Car Shipping Routes From San Diego

Cost Factors

A few different things can shape the cost of shipping a car from San Diego — like how far it’s going, the type of vehicle, the transport style you choose, the time of year, and any extras you add on.

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

Distance & Location

Distance is one of the biggest factors in shipping costs from San Diego, and so is access. If the driver has to navigate tight streets or remote areas, expect the price to reflect that.

Vehicle Type & Condition

If your car is on the larger side or can’t be driven, expect the price to reflect that. Both factors add extra work for carriers picking up in San Diego.

Transport Type

If you’re sending a car from San Diego, California, you’ll likely decide whether open transport or enclosed transport fits your needs better.

  • 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.

FAQ

How do I confirm that a car shipping company in California is trustworthy?

Every legitimate auto transporter is registered with the FMCSA, so their USDOT or MC number should appear in the SAFER database. You can review their insurance, licensing, and service history in one place, which makes it easier to spot red flags. If a company hesitates to provide its registration number, consider that a warning sign.

How do carriers keep you updated during a shipment in California?

Tracking varies, since some companies offer a live link and others rely on scheduled updates. Either way, you should receive alerts before pickup, during the trip, and as delivery approaches. Staying informed helps you coordinate your availability on delivery day.

What happens when your car is picked up in California?

The carrier will inspect your vehicle, document its condition on the bill of lading, and load it securely for transport. If your street is not suitable for a large truck, pickup may happen at a nearby parking lot. Once everything is signed, the carrier gets on the road quickly.

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.