Best Car Shipping Companies in San Diego, CA (August 2026)
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 $800-$1,260.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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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
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
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.
Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) is a highly rated car shipping company with a Yelp rating of 4.2, a Google rating of 4.7, and a BBB rating of A-. Their services include international shipping and classic car transportation, catering to a variety of specialized vehicle needs.
Additionally, Auto Express Inc. offers enclosed transport options and can handle vehicles that don’t run, along with offering storage solutions if needed. However, they do not provide a damage-free guarantee, which could be a downside for some customers seeking added assurance for their shipments.
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) provides a comprehensive array of services, including damage-free guarantees, boat shipping, interstate transport, and options for both classic and inoperable cars. They are known for their reliable service with a remarkable Google rating of 4.5 and an impressive BBB rating of A+. However, they do not accept cryptocurrency, which may be a drawback for some tech-savvy customers.
The company also offers specialized options like expedited delivery, motorcycle shipping, and trailer shipping. Though they provide military discounts, other discounts such as senior, teacher, and student discounts are not available at this time. Additionally, their service is enhanced by international shipping capabilities and shipment tracking, ensuring a smooth experience for their clients.
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
Send It Car Shippers (DOT: 3517052) provides a range of specialized services for those looking to move vehicles, including boat, motorcycle, RV, and heavy equipment shipping. The company boasts a flawless 5.0 rating on Yelp and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, they have yet to establish ratings on Google.
While they offer discounts for students and military personnel, they do not provide services for inoperable car transport, which could be a drawback for some customers. Despite this, their offerings such as classic car shipping, expedited delivery, and the assurance of being fully insured make them a reliable choice for many car shipping needs. Additionally, their service includes storage solutions and detailed inspection reports to ensure customer satisfaction.
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
Auto Driveaway
Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) is a car shipping business offering a variety of services, including damage-free guarantees, full insurance coverage, and international shipping. They are particularly well-regarded on Google with a rating of 4.3, though customer opinions on Yelp are more mixed, granting the company a 2.0 rating, while their BBB rating is a strong A+.
They cater to customers needing storage solutions and promise guaranteed delivery for peace of mind. However, a potential downside for some is that they do not offer transportation for inoperable cars, which may limit options for vehicles that don’t run. With a range of payment options including credit card acceptance, Auto Driveaway helps ensure convenience and security for their clients.
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
Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego
Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego (DOT: 2249744) is a reputable car shipping business with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Although the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, they are known for offering a wide range of services, including interstate and international shipping, as well as specialized services for electric vehicle and motorcycle transport.
Customers can benefit from their military discount and enjoy peace of mind with shipment tracking. While they provide both open and enclosed transport options, a potential downside is the lack of a damage-free guarantee. Despite this, the company remains a strong choice for shipping cars that don’t run, RVs, and classic cars.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
See the top car shippers serving California.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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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 Florida | 2319 | 3015 |
| From San Diego in California to Texas | 1662 | 2161 |
| From San Diego in California to Michigan | 2157 | 2804 |
| From San Diego in California to Arizona | 1198 | 1557 |
| From San Diego in California to North Carolina | 2187 | 2843 |
| From San Diego in Ohio to California | 2142 | 2785 |
| From San Diego in Georgia to California | 2165 | 2815 |
| From San Diego in Colorado to California | 1427 | 1855 |
| From San Diego in New York to California | 2488 | 3234 |
| From San Diego in Illinois to California | 2160 | 2808 |
Popular Car Shipping Routes From San Diego
- San Diego, CA to Ann Arbor, MI
- San Diego, CA to Atlanta, GA
- San Diego, CA to Austin, TX
- San Diego, CA to Birmingham, AL
- San Diego, CA to Boston, MA
- San Diego, CA to Buffalo, NY
- San Diego, CA to Chapel Hill, NC
- San Diego, CA to Charleston, SC
- San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
- San Diego, CA to Cincinnati, OH
- San Diego, CA to Colorado Springs, CO
- San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX
- San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI
- San Diego, CA to Durham, NC
- San Diego, CA to Fort Wayne, IN
- San Diego, CA to Fort Worth, TX
- San Diego, CA to Houston, TX
- San Diego, CA to Indianapolis, IN
- San Diego, CA to Jacksonville, FL
- San Diego, CA to Kansas City, MO
- San Diego, CA to Lansing, MI
- San Diego, CA to Las Vegas, NV
- San Diego, CA to Lincoln, NE
- San Diego, CA to Louisville, KY
- San Diego, CA to Miami, FL
- San Diego, CA to Milwaukee, WI
- San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN
- San Diego, CA to Nashville, TN
- San Diego, CA to New York City, NY
- San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ
- San Diego, CA to Orlando, FL
- San Diego, CA to Overland Park, KS
- San Diego, CA to Phoenix, AZ
- San Diego, CA to Pittsburgh, PA
- San Diego, CA to Port Charlotte, FL
- San Diego, CA to Portland, ME
- San Diego, CA to Portland, OR
- San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC
- San Diego, CA to Richmond, VA
- San Diego, CA to San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA to Seattle, WA
- San Diego, CA to St. Louis, MO
- San Diego, CA to Tampa, FL
- San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ
- San Diego, CA to Vero Beach, FL
- San Diego, CA to Virginia Beach, VA
- San Diego, CA to Washington DC, MD
- San Diego, CA to West Carrollton, OH
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 year-round climate means less weather-related delays for car shipping, often resulting in lower costs compared to areas with harsh weather conditions. Warm, dry summers and mild winters help maintain consistent shipping schedules.
Additional Services
Additional services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping make car shipping more expensive out of San Diego because they require personalized handling and faster services. These conveniences add extra costs to the overall shipping price.
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.