Cost to Ship a Car from Ohio to California (2025)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

On long-haul routes like Ohio to California, car shipping typically ranges from $1,283 to $2,035 and delivery times can run 5-13 days.

Cost of Shipping a Car from Ohio to California

The cost to ship a car from Ohio to California on a long-distance route usually lands between $1,283 and $2,035. Your total depends on distance, time of year, and transport options. See our full pricing breakdown.

To get the best price, try to book in advance and compare multiple quotes.

Top Ohio 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

Montway Auto Transport

4.5 / 5
  • 13 yrs experience
  • Ship boat, RV, ATV

Here are the top car shipping companies:

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 18 years in business and over one million 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 (224) 206-5633

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, military, USAA, and AARP members
  • Ships classic cars and motorcycles

Cons

  • Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Long-distance 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

Top Local Car Shippers

These are the best local car shipping companies in Ohio:

Diesel Auto Express

1823 Kentucky Ave, Springfield, OH, 45505
4.24 / 5.0

Diesel Auto Express (DOT: 1885300) stands out as a highly rated car shipping company with impressive ratings of 4.1 on Yelp, 4.7 on Google, and an A rating from the BBB. They offer a wide range of services including inoperable car transport, enclosed and open transport, expedited delivery, and international shipping, catering to both everyday needs and specialty vehicles such as electric cars and classic cars.

Although Diesel Auto Express does not offer a damage-free guarantee, their fully insured services and shipment tracking provide customers with peace of mind. A potential downside for some customers is the company's requirement for a deposit and the lack of discounts for seniors or AAA members, although military personnel do benefit from available discounts.

Get a Quote (360) 539-8600

Services Offered

  • 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
  • Interstate
  • RV Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Terminal to Terminal Delivery
  • Classic Car Shipping

Jack Cooper Transport

5211 Oster Rd, Sheffield Vlg, OH, 44054
3.96 / 5.0

Jack Cooper Transport (DOT: 64161) is a reputable car shipping company noted for its wide range of services, including motorcycle and RV shipping, as well as offering a damage-free guarantee. The company ensures peace of mind with its fully insured transport and provides the convenience of expedited delivery services. However, some customers might find the lack of terminal-to-terminal delivery a downside.

Jack Cooper Transport boasts a solid online reputation with a Google rating of 4.1 and holds an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau. While the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp, it remains a reliable choice for various shipping needs despite not offering international shipping or transport for inoperable cars.

Get a Quote (440) 949-2044

Services Offered

  • Damage Free Guarantee
  • Fully Insured
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Multi Car Transport
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate
  • RV Shipping
  • Boat Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping

Ceva Logistics

4519 Industrial Pkwy, Cleveland, OH, 44135
3.9 / 5.0

Ceva Logistics (DOT: 187774) is an active car shipping business renowned for a variety of services, including boat shipping, interstate transport, and comprehensive insurance on all shipments. Their offerings also include terminal-to-terminal delivery, open and enclosed transport, and expedited delivery, making them a versatile choice for logistics needs.

They boast a mixed reputation with a Google rating of 3.0 and a Yelp rating of 1.0, though they hold an impressive A+ with the Better Business Bureau. Some potential customers might find the lack of services for inoperable car transport and electric vehicle shipping a downside.

While Ceva Logistics provides storage solutions and promotional discounts tied to specific circumstances, they do not offer senior, military, teacher, or student discounts, nor do they accept cryptocurrency or pay-by-cash options for payment. However, they facilitate payments by credit card and emphasize shipment tracking as part of their services.

Get a Quote (216) 898-6765

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

Tiger Auto Transport

1 W Corry St, Cincinnati, OH, 45219
4.02 / 5.0

Tiger Auto Transport (DOT: 3417452) offers a range of car shipping services, including interstate transport, classic car shipping, and transport for inoperable vehicles. The company stands out with a Google rating of 5.0, although it's worth noting that they have a lower Yelp rating of 1.8 and a BBB rating of A.

Despite providing comprehensive services like terminal-to-terminal delivery and storage solutions, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which could be a drawback for some customers. Customers can benefit from their flexible payment options, which include money orders, cash, and credit cards, but they do not accept cryptocurrency.

Get a Quote (855) 720-5244

Services Offered

  • Fully Insured
  • Inoperable Car Transport
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Open Transport
  • Storage Solutions
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Pay by Money Order
  • Pay by Cash
  • Interstate
  • Boat Shipping
  • Terminal to Terminal Delivery
  • Classic Car Shipping
  • Detailed Inspection Reports

USTA Transport

606 Hillrose Ave, Dayton, OH, 45404
3.8 / 5.0

USTA Transport (DOT: 2435465) is a car shipping business known for its reliable services, boasting a high Google rating of 4.7 and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. While the company does not yet have an established Yelp rating, its commitment to quality reflects through other metrics.

USTA Transport offers a variety of services, including interstate shipping, classic car transportation, and both open and enclosed transport options. They also cater to expedited delivery requests, ensuring timely arrivals for urgent shipments. However, potential customers should note that the company does not handle inoperable cars, which may be a drawback for some clients.

Get a Quote (603) 858-6280

Services Offered

  • Fully Insured
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Open Transport
  • Storage Solutions
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Interstate
  • Classic Car Shipping

Shipping Options

When shipping your car from Ohio to California, you can choose between open and enclosed transport:

Open transport

The most common and cost-effective option, suitable for most vehicles. Open transport from Ohio to California typically takes 5 days for delivery.

Enclosed transport

Ideal for luxury or classic vehicles, enclosed transport from Ohio to California offers extra protection and typically takes up to 13 days for delivery.

Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company

A reliable car shipping provider can make your Ohio to California transport faster, safer, and less stressful. Be sure to weigh things like:

Prior route experience

Go with a provider that specializes in vehicle transport from Ohio to California.

Customer reviews

Reviews from previous customers can help you spot red flags or confirm a good choice.

Pricing

Compare quotes, but be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Montway Auto Transport

4.5 / 5
  • 13 yrs experience
  • Ship boat, RV, ATV

How Long It Takes to Ship a Car from Ohio to California

Shipments covering longer distances — such as Ohio to California — typically take 5-13 days. Reliable carriers offer clear timelines and status updates.

Is My Car Insured During Shipping?

Yes — carrier insurance will cover your vehicle during transport. For long-distance or high-value cars, it's smart to explore extra coverage through your own provider.

How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Before a long-haul shipment from Ohio to California, take photos, clear out toll tags, and silence alarms. Some states have specific emissions or inspection rules — check both ends in advance.

Receiving Your Car in California

After a long-distance delivery, compare your vehicle to the delivery record and look for any signs of wear or damage. If needed, take photos and schedule a basic inspection.

Why Ship a Car from Ohio to California?

With 2,404 miles between Ohio and California, car transport is the safer, more efficient alternative to a multi-day drive. Skip the hotel stops and fuel costs by hiring a trusted car shipping company.

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.