New Jersey to California Car Shipping (2026)
Shipping your vehicle from a coast-to-coast route like New Jersey to California often costs between $1,702 and $2,659. Delivery typically takes around 7-15 days.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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At FreightWaves, our goal is simple: provide accurate, unbiased information and honest reviews about car shipping companies so you can make confident decisions.
Using our proprietary rating methodology, we’ve evaluated more than 2,400 auto transport providers across the United States. We look closely at pricing transparency, service offerings, coverage areas, and overall customer satisfaction. We also analyze verified customer feedback to surface recurring strengths and common complaints.
Our editorial team carefully reviews and updates every piece of content to ensure it stays current, factual, and genuinely helpful for readers researching car shipping.
Cost of Shipping a Car From NJ to CA
The cost to ship a car from New Jersey to California typically falls between $1,702 and $2,659 for a cross-country move. Final pricing depends on fuel costs, seasonal demand, trailer type, and how flexible your pickup and delivery windows are.
Pro tip: Book your car shipment 6-8 weeks in advance for the best rates. That gives carriers time to plan efficient routes and avoid rush pricing. Use our free cost calculator tool below to see what your move might cost.
Best New Jersey to California Car Shippers
Here are the top car shipping companies:
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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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
Top Local NJ-CA Car Shippers
These are the best local car shipping companies in New Jersey:
Troy Car Inc
Troy Car Inc (DOT: 2363631) is a car shipping company known for its comprehensive array of services, complemented by a solid Google rating of 4.3. They provide classic car shipping and enclosed transport options, ensuring vehicles are delivered safely while also offering detailed inspection reports and full insurance for added peace of mind.
While Troy Car Inc excels in transporting electric vehicles and motorcycles, a notable drawback is the absence of international shipping services. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB, leaving potential customers without some common benchmarks for service quality assessment.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Ceva Logistics
Ceva Logistics (DOT: 187774) offers a variety of shipping services, including interstate and international car transport, as well as expedited and enclosed transport. They are fully insured and provide shipment tracking, ensuring that customers can follow their vehicles from pickup to delivery.
Customers looking to transport motorcycles, trailers, or heavy equipment will find these services available. However, it is important to note that Ceva Logistics does not offer specific discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel, which might be a downside for some.
While they facilitate terminal-to-terminal delivery, they do not currently handle the transport of inoperable vehicles. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, which means potential customers might want to look for reviews elsewhere when considering their services.
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
United Force Auto Transport LLC
United Force Auto Transport LLC (DOT: 3578856) is a car shipping service with a strong Google rating of 4.5, although its Yelp rating is considerably lower at 2.0. The company specializes in a variety of services, including the transportation of classic cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles, and even cars that don’t run. Customers can enjoy the flexibility of choosing between open and enclosed transport options.
However, potential clients should be aware that United Force Auto Transport LLC does not provide a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for those transporting valuable vehicles. Additionally, the company does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery or cryptocurrency payment options. Despite these limitations, their active status and range of services suggest they can meet diverse car shipping needs.
Services Offered
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Blue Streak Transport
Blue Streak Transport (DOT: 2193162) is a versatile car shipping company offering a diverse range of transport services. Customers can rely on them for specialized shipping needs, including the transport of classic cars, motorcycles, trailers, RVs, heavy equipment, and even inoperable cars. The company achieves a strong reputation with a Google rating of 4.4, although it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
A notable downside for potential customers is the lack of a damage-free guarantee, which might be a consideration for those concerned about vehicle safety during transport. Despite this, their ability to handle a wide variety of shipping needs makes them a valuable option in the car transport industry.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Trailer Shipping
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Xpress Auto Transport
Xpress Auto Transport (DOT: MC-4311) provides a wide array of shipping services, catering to a variety of needs including interstate and international car transport. Their offerings include specialized shipping for motorcycles, trailers, RVs, and even electric vehicles, all with the convenience of both open and enclosed transport options. Despite their efficient services, potential customers should note that Xpress Auto Transport does not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a consideration for some.
While the company boasts a stellar Yelp rating of 4.9, it has yet to establish ratings on Google and BBB. Customers can pay conveniently by credit card, although they should be aware that a deposit is required.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Review our full guide to top car shippers servicing New Jersey residents, or discover the strongest choices for car shipping from New Jersey to California.
Car Shipping Methods
Most drivers moving a car from New Jersey to California choose between open and enclosed transport. Open carriers are the popular, more affordable choice, whereas enclosed trailers come at a higher price and provide extra protection for luxury and antique cars.
Open Transport
Open carriers handle the majority of car shipments and offer the most competitive pricing. For a move from New Jersey to California, transit time is often about 7 days. Costs may rise during peak moving seasons or for oversized or specialty vehicles.
Enclosed Transport
For maximum protection, enclosed transport keeps your vehicle inside a covered trailer throughout the trip. From New Jersey to California, delivery often takes roughly 15 days. Expect to pay more due to the added security and specialized handling.
Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company
The company you choose matters more than you think. For a successful New Jersey to California shipment, look at factors like:
- Prior route experience: Prioritize shippers that know the New Jersey to California route well and operate it often.
- Customer reviews and service: Check reviews to see how past customers rated their experience, especially when it comes to communication, problem resolution, and overall support.
- Pricing and transparency: Get multiple estimates and make sure fees, deposits, and delivery windows are clearly explained. Extremely low offers can sometimes signal the need to think about avoiding car shipping scams.
- Licensing and insurance: Before booking, verify licensing details and insurance coverage using the FMCSA license lookup database.
- Pickup and delivery flexibility: Understanding scheduling flexibility can help you avoid delays and unexpected fees.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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FAQ
How long does it take to ship a car from New Jersey to California?
Cross-country deliveries from New Jersey to California can span 7 to 15 days. Top auto shippers will provide a window and notify you if it changes.
How much should I budget to ship a vehicle from New Jersey to California?
Most drivers pay between $1,702-$2,659 to ship a vehicle from New Jersey to California. Costs can increase for larger vehicles, expedited shipping, or enclosed trailers.
Where can I get an accurate car shipping quote from New Jersey to California?
For a quick and reliable estimate, use our car shipping calculator tool. After entering your route and vehicle information, you’ll receive an estimate based on current market data for shipments between New Jersey and California.
Is my car insured during a shipment from New Jersey to California?
Your car is insured through the carrier, but for longer routes or classic vehicles, additional protection might be a good idea. Check with your insurer about options.
How do I prepare my car for shipping?
For long-distance routes like New Jersey to California, remove toll tags, disable alarms, and document your car’s condition. Some states may have inspection or emissions requirements, so review rules for both New Jersey and California before pickup.
How will I pick up my car in California?
Confirm your car’s condition matches the paperwork after delivery. If something seems off, record it immediately. A post-transport checkup can be a smart move after a lengthy haul.
Why Ship a Car From New Jersey to California?
At 2,886 miles, the drive from New Jersey to California can be exhausting. Car shipping offers a safer, more cost-effective alternative — no hotel bills or fuel stops needed.
New Jersey Relocation Resources
- Car Shipping Calculator
- Best Car Shipping Companies in New Jersey
- Cheapest Car Shipping Companies
- Military Car Shipping Companies
- Best New Jersey Moving Companies
Shipping the reverse route? Check out our California to New Jersey car shipping guide