Best Car Shipping Companies in San Diego, CA (2025 Guide)

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 $764 - $1,230.

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit
4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash
4.5 / 5
  • 13 yrs experience
  • Ship boat, RV, ATV

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

Montway Auto Transport

4.5 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (313) 989-9162

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

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

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
4.36 / 5.0

Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) is a well-regarded car shipping company with stellar reviews, boasting a Yelp rating of 4.6, a Google rating of 4.9, and a BBB rating of A+. They offer a wide range of services, including boat, trailer, RV, and electric vehicle shipping, as well as enclosed transport for classic cars. Despite their extensive service offerings, they do not provide a damage-free guarantee, which could be a drawback for some customers.

Additionally, Auto Express Inc. offers terminal-to-terminal deliveries and international shipping, ensuring flexibility for various transport needs. While they do not accept cryptocurrency or offer certain discounts such as military or senior discounts, they are fully insured and do not require a deposit, providing peace of mind and convenience to their customers.

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
4.2 / 5.0

San Diego Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a reputable car shipping company that boasts a Google rating of 4.5 and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. While they have yet to establish a presence on Yelp, the company stands out by offering a wide range of services including both open and enclosed transport, motorcycle and RV shipping, and international shipping options.

Customers can take advantage of their expedited delivery and detailed inspection reports, ensuring a secure and efficient shipping experience. Additionally, San Diego Auto Shipping Group caters to specialized needs with services like classic car shipping and transport for inoperable vehicles. However, they do not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment, which might be a limitation for some tech-savvy clients seeking modern billing methods.

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

Global Auto Transportation

4234 Market St, San Diego, CA, 92102
4.02 / 5.0

Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) offers a wide range of car shipping services, including expedited delivery, inoperable car transport, and interstate shipping. They ensure peace of mind to their customers with their fully insured service and a damage-free guarantee.

The company receives mixed reviews, with a Google rating of 4.3 but a lower Yelp rating of 2.6, indicating varying customer experiences. A downside to some customers might be the lack of terminal-to-terminal delivery and classic car shipping options.

While they do not accept cryptocurrencies or offer certain popular discounts such as senior or student discounts, they do provide a military discount and allow payment via cash or credit card. Additionally, they support services like motorcycle and heavy equipment shipping but do not cater to electric vehicle shipping.

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

Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego

888 Prospect St # 200, La Jolla, CA, 92037
4.04 / 5.0

Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego (DOT: 2249744) is a car shipping company that stands out for offering a comprehensive array of services, including interstate transport, transporting inoperable cars, and enclosed transport options. They also provide guaranteed delivery, expedited services, and they are fully insured. Despite their robust service offerings, the company does not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a drawback for some customers.

The company distinguishes itself by offering a military discount, although it does not provide other common discounts such as those for seniors or students. Furthermore, while Car Shipping Carriers Sn Diego does not yet have ratings on Yelp or Google, it holds an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Get a Quote (866) 744-2540

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

Auto Driveaway

7419 El Cajon Blvd, La Mesa, CA, 91942
3.96 / 5.0

Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) offers reliable car shipping services backed by a damage-free guarantee and fully insured transports. They cater to a variety of needs with services like interstate shipping, international shipping, and electric vehicle transport, all while providing guaranteed delivery. While their Google rating is a strong 4.3 and they hold an A+ rating from the BBB, customers might consider their Yelp rating of 2.0 a drawback. A potential downside for some customers is that they do not offer services for cars that don't run (inoperable car transport).

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
4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit
4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash
4.5 / 5
  • 13 yrs experience
  • Ship boat, RV, ATV

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 Florida 1790 2327
From California to Arizona 971 1262
From California to North Carolina 1849 2404
From California to Michigan 1732 2252
From California to Georgia 1718 2233
From Colorado to California 1156 1503
From Ohio to California 1689 2196
From Illinois to California 1714 2228
From Texas to California 1321 1717
From New York to California 1959 2547

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 has a mild climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters, which means fewer weather disruptions. This helps keep car shipping costs stable year-round, without hikes due to harsh conditions.

Additional Services

Additional services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping make shipping a car from San Diego more expensive because they require extra resources and faster logistics. These services provide convenience and speed, resulting in higher fees.

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 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
With over seven years at FreightWaves, a leading supply chain media and news organization, Mike has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s reach by launching its dedicated affiliate website. His work has helped shape FreightWaves’ position as a go-to resource for logistics, freight, and supply chain professionals. Before joining FreightWaves, Mike built a strong foundation in the financial media sector. There, he developed and implemented affiliate strategies tailored for brokerages and trading platforms, driving growth and revenue through innovative marketing partnerships. Mike’s unique blend of experience across media, finance, and affiliate marketing enables him to provide sharp insights into market trends, performance strategies, and the evolving landscape of digital media partnerships. His writing is trusted by industry professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve.