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Looking to ship a car to or from California? You're not alone. With over 38 million people calling California home, it's one of the busiest states for vehicle transport in the country. Whether you're moving to a new city, buying a car from another state, or heading to college, understanding how California auto shipping works will save you time and money.
This guide covers everything you need to know about transporting your vehicle in 2026, including shipping cost averages, delivery times, transport options, and what to expect every step of the way.
What You'll Learn
How much it costs to ship a car to or from California (including cost average tables for major routes)
The complete step-by-step process for California auto transport
The difference between open and enclosed car shipping options
Key Takeaways
California auto shipping connects the state's 38 million residents to nationwide vehicle transport services through major routes like I-5, I-10, and I-15. Most shipments cost between $600 and $1,800, depending on distance, and delivery typically takes one to 10 days.
Are you moving to California or leaving the Golden State? Shipping your vehicle is often easier and more practical than driving it yourself, especially for long distances. California is one of the busiest auto transport hubs in the United States, thanks to its large population and excellent highway infrastructure.
AmeriFreight Auto Transport specializes in getting your car, truck, or SUV to or from California safely and on time. We work with licensed, insured carriers who know California's routes and follow all Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
California Auto Shipping Costs
The cost to ship a car to or from California depends on several factors. Distance is the biggest factor, but vehicle size, transport type, and season also matter.
Average California Shipping Costs by Distance
These ranges come from current industry data and represent typical costs for standard vehicles. Your actual price may be higher or lower based on your specific situation.
Popular California Routes and Costs
These estimates reflect open transport pricing from reliable industry sources. Enclosed transport typically costs 40 to 60 percent more than these figures.
What Factors Affect California Shipping Costs?
Beyond distance, several other factors influence how much you'll pay to ship your vehicle:
Vehicle Size and Type: Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs cost $50-$200 more than standard sedans because they take up more space on the carrier.
Transport Type: Enclosed transport costs 30-50% more than open transport but provides complete protection from weather and road debris.
Time of Year: Summer months (June-August) see higher demand as families move and college students relocate, which can increase prices by 15-30%.
Pickup Flexibility: Being flexible with your pickup date can lower costs because carriers can fit your vehicle into their existing routes more easily.
Vehicle Condition: Vehicles that don't run may require special equipment for loading and unloading, adding $100-$300 to the total cost.
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport in California: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between open and enclosed transport depends on your vehicle type, budget, and how much protection you want.
Open transport (7–10 cars on open racks)
Best for: Standard sedans/SUVs/trucks, vehicles under $50k, budget-minded shippers
Pros: Typically 30–60% cheaper, more carrier availability/faster pickup, professional handling
Consider: Exposure to weather and road dust; rare pebble nicks; carrier insurance included
Enclosed transport (2–6 cars in covered trailers)
Best for: Luxury ($50k+), classic/vintage, exotics, show or collectible vehicles
Pros: Full protection from elements and debris; lower risk of minor cosmetic damage; often white‑glove service
Consider: 30–50% higher cost, fewer trucks (possible longer wait), limited rural access.
Bottom line: Most customers pick open transport for the best value, while others choose enclosed for maximum protection of high‑value or specialty cars. See this quick comparison of carrier types for details.
Major California Auto Shipping Routes
California's extensive highway system makes vehicle shipping efficient and straightforward. Three main interstate highways handle most auto transport traffic.
Interstate 5 (I-5)
I-5 runs north-south through the entire state. This route connects San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and cities all the way to Washington state. It's the primary corridor for California to the Pacific Northwest shipments.
Carriers use I-5 for routes to Oregon, Washington, and for connections to I-80 (heading toward Nevada and beyond).
Interstate 10 (I-10)
I-10 stretches from Santa Monica through Los Angeles, then east through San Bernardino, Palm Springs, and into Arizona. This transcontinental highway continues all the way to Florida.
This is the main route for shipments between California and the southern United States, including Texas, Louisiana, and Florida[136]. Most California to Texas and California to Florida shipments follow I-10 for at least part of the journey.
Interstate 15 (I-15)
I-15 connects Southern California to Las Vegas and continues north through Utah and into Montana. This route handles shipments to Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and the mountain states.
Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Inland Empire connect to Las Vegas in just four to five hours via I-15.
Key California Shipping Cities
Los Angeles: The largest auto transport hub on the West Coast. Carriers serve Los Angeles daily with connections to every major U.S. city. The Port of Los Angeles and extensive highway access make this the primary pickup and delivery point in California.
San Diego: Located near the Mexican border, San Diego offers easy access to I-5 and I-8. Shipments to Arizona and the Southwest frequently route through San Diego.
San Francisco/Bay Area: The Bay Area serves Northern California with access to I-80, I-580, and I-680. This region handles shipments to the Pacific Northwest and across the northern United States.
Sacramento: California's capital sits at the intersection of I-5 and I-80. This central location makes Sacramento an important hub for regional shipments.
Fresno: Located in the Central Valley along Highway 99, Fresno serves the agricultural regions of central California.
California Auto Shipping Regulations You Should Know
California has specific transportation regulations that affect how vehicles are shipped:
DOT Requirements for Carriers
The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires these documents for out-of-state vehicle registration:
USDOT Number: Required for commercial vehicles crossing state lines.
CA Number: Out-of-state carriers must display their CA Number on both sides of their vehicles when operating in California.
Proper Insurance: Carriers must maintain required insurance coverage levels.
Regular Inspections: Commercial vehicles in California must be inspected at least every 90 days.
Smog certification: Most vehicles must pass a California emissions test. This applies even if your car is new. Check the DMV smog requirements for specific exemptions.
Vehicle Weight and Size Regulations
California enforces strict limits on vehicle dimensions to prevent road damage:
Height Limit: 14 feet maximum.
Width Limit: 102 inches maximum,
Length Limits: Single vehicles limited to 40 feet, combinations to 65 feet on non-interstate highways.
These regulations don't typically affect standard vehicle shipping, but they're important for carriers hauling multiple vehicles.
Cargo Securement Rules
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require specific tie-down methods:
Vehicles under 10,000 lbs: Minimum of two tie-downs (one front, one rear).
Vehicles over 10,000 lbs: Minimum of four tie-downs (one at each corner).
These rules help ensure your vehicle stays secure throughout transport.
Final Thoughts
Shipping your car to or from California is straightforward when you know what to expect. Understanding the California auto shipping process helps you prepare properly and avoid surprises. From the moment you request a quote to the day your vehicle arrives at its destination, each step has been designed to make your move easier.
Whether you're relocating, purchasing a vehicle from another state, or moving your car for any other reason, having a trusted shipping partner makes all the difference.
Ship Your Car With AmeriFreight Auto Transport
AmeriFreight Auto Transport connects you to a nationwide network of professional carriers and helps make the transportation of your car to and from California stress-free.
What We Offer
Nationwide shipping across the continental U.S.
Open and enclosed carrier options for standard and luxury vehicles
Multi-vehicle transport for dealers and wholesale buyers
Flexible pickup scheduling coordinated with auction dates
Licensed and bonded auto transport broker (DOT MC-597401, USDOT-2238770)
Whether you're moving across the country, buying a car from another state, or relocating for work, we make car shipping simple.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to ship a car within California?
Typically $300–$900 for open transport. For example, from LA to San Diego is ~$300–$40, while from LA to San Francisco is ~$600–$900.
What is the best company to transport cars?
The best auto transport companies are licensed, insured, and have strong customer reviews. AmeriFreight Auto Transport meets all DOT and FMCSA standards and works with verified, insured carriers to provide dependable service nationwide.
How long does it take to ship a car to California?
Transit times vary by distance: nearby states like Nevada or Arizona take 1–3 days, mid-range routes like Texas or Colorado take 4–7 days, and coast-to-coast shipments from the East Coast usually arrive in 7–10 days. Allow 1–5 days for pickup scheduling.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship your car to California?
For trips over 1,000 miles, shipping often costs about the same or less when you include gas, food, hotels, and vehicle wear. Driving from New York to California costs roughly $600–$800 in gas and $400–$600 in hotels, while open transport is about $1,200–$1,500. You also save time and avoid putting 2,800 miles on your car.
How much does it cost to deliver a car 1,000 miles?
Expect $800–$1,200 for open transport or $1,400–$1,700 for enclosed. Costs vary with vehicle type, season, and flexibility on pickup dates.
Can I put my belongings in my car during transport?
Federal DOT rules don’t allow personal items in vehicles, but some carriers may allow up to 100 pounds in the trunk for a small fee. Always confirm this before shipping, as items aren’t covered by carrier insurance.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
Yes. You or an authorized adult (18+) must be available to inspect the vehicle with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading during both pickup and delivery.
Can I ship a vehicle that doesn't run?
Yes. Non-running vehicles require extra equipment like a winch, adding $150–$300 to the cost. Notify AmeriFreight in advance so we can assign the right carrier.
What happens if my car is damaged during transport?
Inspect the vehicle upon delivery and note any issues on the receipt before signing. Take photos and contact AmeriFreight within 24 hours. Our team will help you file a claim through the carrier’s insurance, which is usually resolved within 30 days.
Are electric vehicles shipped differently?
Electric and hybrid vehicles use the same open or enclosed transport options. Just make sure the battery is charged to at least 20% for loading and unloading.
Disclaimer: This post is for general information only and does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice. Always consult with a licensed professional before making decisions related to vehicle sales or financing.
