New York to California Car Shipping (2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

Shipping your vehicle from a coast-to-coast route like New York to California often costs between $1,736 and $2,899. Delivery typically takes around 7-15 days.

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

Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?

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 NY to CA

The cost to ship a car from New York to California typically falls between $1,736 and $2,899 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 York to California Car Shippers

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

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

Top Local NY-CA Car Shippers

New York City Auto Shipping Group

44 Wall St F12, New York, NY, 10005
4.48 / 5.0

New York City Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a reputable car shipping company that excels in transporting a wide array of vehicles, including inoperable cars, boats, RVs, and heavy equipment. They provide comprehensive services such as interstate and international shipping, enclosed transport, and guaranteed delivery, ensuring a damage-free experience for their customers.

Customers can trust in their service quality as evidenced by their Yelp rating of 4.8, Google rating of 4.9, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, for those seeking payment flexibility with cryptocurrency or money orders, the company only accepts credit cards, which might be a limitation for some clients.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

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
  • Deposit Required
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Interstate
  • RV Shipping
  • Heavy Equipment Shipping
  • Boat Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Terminal to Terminal Delivery
  • Classic Car Shipping
  • Detailed Inspection Reports

Plycon Transportation Group

280 Indian Head Rd, Kings Park, NY, 11754
4.36 / 5.0

Plycon Transportation Group (DOT: 331582) is a reputable car shipping business offering a broad range of services such as interstate and international shipping, inoperable car transport, and classic car shipping. They are known for their guaranteed and expedited delivery services, along with the availability of enclosed transport for added protection. Although customers can enjoy several discounts, including AAA and military discounts, the company does not offer a senior discount, which may be a drawback for some potential clients.

Despite their robust service offerings, Plycon Transportation Group does not provide boat or RV shipping. They are well-rated with a Google rating of 4.3 and a BBB rating of A+, although their Yelp rating stands at 2.7, indicating some mixed customer experiences. The company ensures peace of mind with a damage-free guarantee and comprehensive insurance coverage for all shipments.

Get a Quote (631) 269-7000

Services Offered

  • Damage Free Guarantee
  • Fully Insured
  • Inoperable Car Transport
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Multi Car Transport
  • Military Discount
  • International Shipping
  • Guaranteed Delivery
  • Storage Solutions
  • Deposit Required
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • AAA Discount
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Pay by Cash
  • Interstate
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Terminal to Terminal Delivery
  • Classic Car Shipping

Roadrunner Auto

15 Grumman Rd W # 1500, Bethpage, NY, 11714
4.4 / 5.0

Roadrunner Auto (DOT: 3124544) is a car shipping company known for offering a range of comprehensive services such as damage-free guarantees, interstate and international shipping, and the ability to transport inoperable cars. They also cater to various vehicle types including motorcycles, RVs, and classic cars. Moreover, Roadrunner Auto provides numerous transport options including open and enclosed transport, expedited delivery, and multi-car shipping.

The company offers specific discounts like military discounts, but lacks other incentives such as discounts for students or teachers. One potential downside for some customers is the requirement of a deposit. On the ratings front, Roadrunner Auto has a modest presence, with a Yelp rating of 1.5 and a BBB rating of C+, while it has yet to establish a Google rating. This suggests that while it excels in service breadth, there may be room for improvement in customer satisfaction.

Get a Quote (888) 777-2123

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
  • Senior Discount
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Pay by Cash
  • Interstate
  • RV Shipping
  • Heavy Equipment Shipping
  • Boat Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Terminal to Terminal Delivery
  • Classic Car Shipping

Broadway Auto Transport

1 Maiden Ln FL 5, New York, NY, 10038
4.24 / 5.0

Broadway Auto Transport (DOT: 3990000) is an active car shipping company that provides a range of services, including boat, RV, and electric vehicle shipping, as well as options for transporting cars that are inoperable. They also offer both open and enclosed transport to cater to different customer needs. Additionally, they provide expedited delivery for those who need their vehicles shipped quickly and efficiently.

Despite their service offerings, it is notable that Broadway Auto Transport does not offer international shipping, which could be a limitation for customers looking for overseas vehicle transport. Rated 1.9 on Yelp and receiving an F from the Better Business Bureau, their ratings suggest that there may be areas for improvement in customer satisfaction. The company has yet to establish ratings on Google, which makes it difficult to assess the overall customer experience from that platform. Customers can pay using a credit card, but they do not accept cryptocurrency or cash as payment methods.

Get a Quote (917) 594-5566

Services Offered

  • ATV Shipping
  • Fully Insured
  • Inoperable Car Transport
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Multi Car Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate
  • RV Shipping
  • Heavy Equipment Shipping
  • Boat Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Classic Car Shipping

Rcc Auto Trasport

291 Avenue S # 2, Brooklyn, NY, 11223
4.14 / 5.0

Rcc Auto Transport (DOT: 2247043) is a versatile car shipping company that provides a range of services tailored to meet various customer needs. They offer interstate, classic car, motorcycle, RV, and inoperable car transport, ensuring vehicles that don’t run can still reach their destination. The company is acclaimed for its excellence with a Yelp rating of 4.0 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau; however, they have yet to establish ratings on Google.

Rcc Auto Transport also extends special discounts to students and military personnel, making it an attractive option for those groups. Despite these advantageous offerings, a potential downside is the lack of a damage-free guarantee, which some customers might find concerning.

Get a Quote (877) 873-5512

Services Offered

  • ATV Shipping
  • Fully Insured
  • Inoperable Car Transport
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Multi Car Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • Military Discount
  • International Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Deposit Required
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Student Discount
  • Interstate
  • RV Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Classic Car Shipping

Review our full guide to top car shippers servicing New York residents, or discover the strongest choices for car shipping from New York to California.

Car Shipping Methods

Most drivers moving a car from New York 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 York 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 York 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 York to California shipment, look at factors like:

  • Prior route experience: Prioritize shippers that know the New York 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

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

FAQ

How long does it take to ship a car from New York to California?

Cross-country deliveries from New York 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 York to California?

Most drivers pay between $1,736-$2,899 to ship a vehicle from New York to California. Costs can increase for larger vehicles, expedited shipping, or enclosed trailers.

Where can I get an accurate car shipping quote from New York 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 York and California.

Is my car insured during a shipment from New York 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 York 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 York 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 York to California?

At 2,914 miles, the drive from New York to California can be exhausting. Car shipping offers a safer, more cost-effective alternative — no hotel bills or fuel stops needed.

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.