Best Car Shipping Companies in Santa Cruz, CA (April 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

We rank Nexus Auto Transport as the best option in Santa Cruz because their communication is consistent from start to finish, and customers rarely report issues during transit. On average, shipping a vehicle to or from Santa Cruz costs about $764-$1,136.

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 Santa Cruz

National car shipping companies often provide more services, wider availability, and better rates. Check out our top-reviewed picks serving Santa Cruz.

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 Santa Cruz

These local auto transport providers in Santa Cruz have been vetted by our team, though their offerings may be more limited than the national companies we ranked higher.

McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.

45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA, 94538
4.14 / 5.0

McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc. (DOT: 289344) provides a variety of specialized car shipping services, such as classic car shipping, enclosed transport, and heavy equipment shipping. They ensure peace of mind with their damage-free guarantee and offer fully insured services, while also supporting both interstate and international shipping needs.

Customers can expect reliable service with a Google rating of 4.2, despite a slightly lower Yelp rating of 3.2, and a commendable BBB rating of A+. However, the company does not offer transport for inoperable cars, which may be a limitation for some clients.

Get a Quote (800) 257-9595

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

Car Shipping Carriers

39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA, 94560
4.12 / 5.0

Car Shipping Carriers (DOT: DOT# 2249744) is a highly-rated car shipping company, boasting a Google rating of 5.0 and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The company specializes in a wide range of services, including enclosed transport, multi-car transport, and interstate and international shipping. They offer full insurance coverage and detailed inspection reports for added peace of mind.

Unique offerings like inoperable car transport and expedited delivery set them apart in the industry, along with special services for electric vehicles and motorcycles. While they provide various shipping solutions, a potential downside is the absence of discounts for seniors or students, which may limit savings opportunities for some customers. Additionally, Car Shipping Carriers does not ship boats, trailers, RVs, or heavy equipment, which some clients might find limiting.

Get a Quote (866) 744-2540

Services Offered

  • ATV Shipping
  • Damage Free Guarantee
  • Fully Insured
  • Inoperable Car Transport
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Multi Car Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • Military Discount
  • International Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Guaranteed Delivery
  • Storage Solutions
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Terminal to Terminal Delivery
  • Classic Car Shipping
  • Detailed Inspection Reports

Ats Transportation Svc

8195 Parish Way, #27 Gilroy, CA, 95020
4.1 / 5.0

Ats Transportation Svc (DOT: 2213996) is a reputable car shipping company known for its excellent service standards. Customers can rely on their damage-free guarantee and fully insured transport services, with the added convenience of multi-car and motorcycle shipping. Their positive reputation is reflected in a Yelp rating of 3.9, a Google rating of 4.6, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

The company also facilitates international and interstate shipping, accommodating a wide range of customer needs. However, Ats Transportation Svc does not provide inoperable car transport, which may be a consideration for certain clients. While they don’t offer expedited delivery, customers can take advantage of other discounts using specific discount codes provided by the company.

Get a Quote (408) 842-5341

Services Offered

  • Damage Free Guarantee
  • Fully Insured
  • Multi Car Transport
  • International Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Interstate
  • RV Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping

Global Auto Transportation

152 North 3rd Street, San Jose, CA, 95112
3.96 / 5.0

Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) is a car shipping service that offers a range of specialized transportation options, including boat and trailer shipping, as well as services for classic cars and electric vehicles. Their commitment to providing comprehensive services is supported by a strong Google rating of 4.5, while they maintain a BBB rating of B- and a Yelp rating of 3.0.

Customers can benefit from expedited delivery and options like enclosed transport, ensuring that their vehicles are shipped with care. Although Global Auto Transportation covers a wide range of transport needs, they do not offer international shipping, which may be a downside for those looking to ship vehicles overseas.

Get a Quote (877) 645-2288

Services Offered

  • ATV Shipping
  • Fully Insured
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Multi Car Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Deposit Required
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Pay by Cash
  • Interstate
  • RV Shipping
  • Heavy Equipment Shipping
  • Boat Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Classic Car Shipping

Lucky Star Auto Transport

5973 Shawcroft Dr, San Jose, CA, 95123
3.62 / 5.0

Lucky Star Auto Transport (DOT: 2353323) is a car shipping company that has not yet established ratings on popular platforms such as Yelp and Google, but holds an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. This suggests that the company is committed to customer satisfaction and maintaining high ethical standards.

They offer a variety of services, including transport for inoperable cars, which can be a crucial offering for those dealing with vehicles that do not run. However, potential customers should note that the company does not provide a damage-free guarantee, which could be a consideration for those looking for maximum assurance of vehicle safety during shipping.

Get a Quote (408) 771-5623

Services Offered

  • This provider has no service list.

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

Santa Cruz Car Shipping Costs

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

Shipping Route Open Trailer Enclosed Trailer
From Santa Cruz in California to Florida 2062 2681
From Santa Cruz in California to New York 2251 2926
From Santa Cruz in California to Arizona 1102 1433
From Santa Cruz in California to Pennsylvania 2149 2794
From Santa Cruz in California to Illinois 1959 2547
From Santa Cruz in Ohio to California 2037 2648
From Santa Cruz in Georgia to California 2029 2638
From Santa Cruz in Michigan to California 1939 2521
From Santa Cruz in Texas to California 1546 2010
From Santa Cruz in North Carolina to California 2013 2617

Popular Car Shipping Routes From Santa Cruz

Cost Factors

The cost of car shipping from Santa Cruz comes down to a handful of things: distance, vehicle details, transport type, seasonal trends, and any optional services.

We recommend getting multiple quotes from Santa Cruz car shipping companies before making a final decision.

Distance & Location

A big chunk of your shipping cost comes down to distance — the farther your car is going from Santa Cruz, the more you’ll pay. Spots that are tricky to reach can bump the price up too.

Vehicle Type & Condition

Shipping from Santa Cruz can get pricier if your car is oversized or not drivable. Those situations require additional equipment and time, which bumps the cost up.

Transport Type

Shipping your vehicle from Santa Cruz, California usually comes down to choosing between an open carrier or an enclosed one, depending on what level of protection you want.

  • Open transport is the most affordable and popular way to ship your vehicle from Santa Cruz. It uses a multi-car carrier that transports several vehicles at once, lowering the cost for each Santa Cruz customer. The trade-off? Your car isn’t shielded from California’s weather or debris during the journey.
  • Enclosed transport, on the other hand, provides more protection for your vehicle. The car is placed inside a covered truck, protecting it from California’s weather conditions, potential road debris, and prying eyes. It remains protected from Santa Cruz until it arrive at its final destination. This added protection makes it an ideal option for high-end, classic, or antique cars. However, because of the additional care and decreased space (fewer cars can be transported at once), this method is typically more expensive.

Seasonality

Santa Cruz’s mild Mediterranean climate means no extreme weather conditions for much of the year, making car shipping relatively straightforward and often cheaper since there’s less risk of weather-related delays or damage. However, costs may slightly increase during seasons with increased demand.

Additional Services

Additional services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping increase car shipping costs out of Santa Cruz due to higher convenience and speed. These options often involve more logistics and faster delivery timelines, which lead to higher prices.

How We Chose the Best Santa Cruz Auto Transport Companies

To identify the top car shipping companies in Santa Cruz, we carefully analyze five key factors: proper licensing, customer satisfaction, range of services, pricing, and online reputation.

  • Licensing shows a company follows all rules and regulations in Santa Cruz, California, and beyond — a must for peace of mind.
  • We look at what customers in Santa Cruz have to say to understand how companies really perform.
  • From shipping everyday vehicles to classic cars or heavy-duty equipment, a broad service range is a big plus.
  • We make sure pricing is competitive and transparent for anyone shipping from Santa Cruz.
  • Online reviews on sites like BBB and social platforms help confirm which companies deliver on their promises.

FAQ

How can I verify that a car shipper in California is actually licensed?

Ask for the company’s USDOT or MC number, then run it through the FMCSA SAFER system. The lookup will show their federal registration, insurance levels, and any recorded safety concerns, which helps you feel confident before booking. Most reputable companies are happy to share this information once you ask.

Is real-time tracking available for car shipments in California?

Some carriers use GPS equipped trucks while others provide updates through phone calls or text messages. You can expect notices at major checkpoints, which makes the process feel much more predictable. If tracking is important to you, ask the company about their communication style before booking.

How does vehicle pickup usually work in California?

You can expect a fast inspection, documentation, and a walkthrough of the loading steps before your car goes onto the truck. Make sure your car rolls, steers, and has about a quarter tank of fuel to keep things running smoothly. Being ready when the driver arrives helps avoid delays.

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.