California Car Shipping Services
We offer a full range of California car shipping options to match your vehicle, timeline, and budget — open and enclosed transport, door-to-door and terminal service, expedited shipping, and specialized handling for electric vehicles, classic cars, and non-running vehicles. Every carrier in our network is verified through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and carries current cargo insurance before they handle any customer’s vehicle. Whether you’re moving a daily driver across the country or shipping a collector car to a new home, the right service level and carrier are available on your route.
Open Auto Transport
The most popular and affordable option. Your vehicle is loaded onto a standard multi-car open carrier — the same method used to deliver new cars from factories to dealerships. Best for everyday vehicles: sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans in good condition.
Open carriers are available on virtually every California route and offer the fastest pickup windows. Learn more about open transport.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Full weather and debris protection inside a covered trailer. The right choice for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, and any vehicle where paint or body condition is a priority.
Enclosed transport typically costs 30–40% more than open on the same route, but provides maximum protection and higher cargo insurance limits. Compare open vs. enclosed transport.
Door-to-Door Service
The carrier picks up and delivers as close to your specified addresses as safely accessible for a large transport vehicle. No need to drop off or retrieve your car from a lot — the most convenient option for most California customers.
Terminal-to-Terminal Service
Drop off your vehicle at a nearby transport hub and pick it up at a terminal near your destination. Typically $50–$150 less than door-to-door. A good option if a terminal is within easy reach and cost savings are the priority.
How California Car Shipping Works
Getting your vehicle shipped from California is a straightforward five-step process, and most customers complete it from first quote to final delivery without a single complication. Understanding what happens at each stage — and what you’re responsible for at pickup and delivery — is the best protection against surprises. Here’s exactly what to expect from the moment you request a quote to the moment you sign the Bill of Lading at delivery.
Get Free Quotes
Call 1-800-590-6492 or complete the form on this page. We collect your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, preferred dates, and service type, then match you with up to 10 licensed carriers competing for your route. Compare prices and transit times side by side with zero obligation.
Choose Your Carrier
Review your quotes and select the carrier that best fits your budget and timeline. We recommend verifying any carrier’s MC number at FMCSA SAFER before booking. All carriers in our network are pre-verified, but it takes under two minutes and is always worth doing. See our guide on questions to ask before booking.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Remove personal belongings (most carriers prohibit items beyond 100 lbs in the trunk), document any existing exterior damage with photos, ensure your gas tank is no more than ¼ full, and confirm the vehicle is running properly. Read the full vehicle preparation checklist.
Pickup & Transport
The carrier will contact you 12–24 hours before pickup to confirm the window. At pickup, you and the driver complete a Bill of Lading documenting the vehicle’s condition. This is your primary protection document — review it carefully and keep your copy.
Delivery & Inspection
At delivery, inspect your vehicle thoroughly against the Bill of Lading before signing. Note any damage on the delivery report before the driver leaves — this is required to file an insurance claim if needed. Most California shipments are delivered within 1–10 days depending on the destination.
California Car Shipping Routes
We offer California car shipping to all 48 contiguous states plus Alaska and Hawaii, with regular dispatches from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno. High-demand corridors like California to Texas, Florida, New York, and the Southeast run multiple times per week, while less-traveled routes dispatch weekly or on request. Browse routes by region below — select your destination state for route-specific rates, transit times, and carrier information.
- California to Texas
- California to Florida
- California to Georgia
- California to North Carolina
- California to Virginia
- California to South Carolina
- California to Tennessee
- California to Alabama
- California to Louisiana
- California to Kentucky
- California to Mississippi
- California to Arkansas
- California to Oklahoma
- California to West Virginia
Select any destination state above to view route-specific rates and transit times. For any state not shown, call 1-800-590-6492 or view all California car shipping locations.
California Auto Shipping — Cities We Serve
We provide California auto shipping pickup and delivery throughout the state every week. Select your region to find your city:
- Los Angeles
- Long Beach
- Anaheim
- Santa Ana
- Irvine
- Glendale
- Huntington Beach
- Santa Clarita
- Oxnard
- San Diego
- Chula Vista
- El Cajon
- Escondido
- Carlsbad
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
- Fontana
- Moreno Valley
- Corona
- Rialto
- Jurupa Valley
- Chino
- Chino Hills
- Upland
- Redlands
- Menifee
- Hesperia
- Hemet
- Apple Valley
- Temecula
- Murrieta
- Burbank
- Norwalk
- Santa Monica
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- Costa Mesa
- Mission Viejo
- Westminster
- Newport Beach
- Santa Barbara
- Whittier
- Hawthorne
- Alhambra
- Bellflower
- Buena Park
- Lakewood
- Downey
- El Monte
- Inglewood
- Compton
- South Gate
- Lynwood
- Carson
- Pico Rivera
- Camarillo
- Indio
- Tustin
- Laguna Niguel
- Lake Forest
- San Clemente
- Yorba Linda
- Redondo Beach
- Santa Maria
- Baldwin Park
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Sacramento
- Oakland
- Fremont
- Santa Rosa
- Elk Grove
- Hayward
- Concord
- Santa Clara
- Vallejo
- Antioch
- Richmond
- Daly City
- Fairfield
- Berkeley
- Redding
- San Leandro
- Chico
- Citrus Heights
- Tracy
- Livermore
- Napa
- Redwood City
- Folsom
- Palo Alto
- Walnut Creek
- Pittsburg
- Rancho Cordova
- Yuba City
- Alameda
- Mountain View
- Milpitas
- San Mateo
- Vacaville
Don’t see your city? Call 1-800-590-6492 — we serve virtually every California pickup location. View all California auto shipping locations →
California Car Shipping Resources & Guides
Our California car shipping resource library covers every stage of the process — from choosing between open and enclosed transport to understanding your Bill of Lading and knowing exactly what to do if your vehicle arrives with damage. These guides are written for real customers, not industry insiders, and focus on the practical information that actually makes a difference in your experience. The four highlighted guides below are the most frequently referenced; visit the full resources page for all 17 guides.
Shipping Personal Items in Your Vehicle
Many customers want to pack their car to save on moving costs, but strict industry rules apply. This guide covers the “100-pound rule,” why personal goods are not covered by carrier insurance, and how to pack safely to avoid weigh station fines and voided coverage.
Understanding the Auto Transport Process
New to auto shipping? Our step-by-step walkthrough covers the entire process from requesting quotes to vehicle delivery — what to expect at each stage, what documentation you need, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Why Comparing Quotes Is Essential
Rates between carriers on the same route can differ by $200 or more. Getting multiple quotes is the single most effective way to ensure you’re not overpaying and that you’re working with a reliable carrier.
Questions to Ask Your Auto Transport Company
Before you book, know what to ask: guaranteed vs. estimated delivery windows, what’s included in the quoted price, insurance coverage details, pickup lead times, and what happens if there’s a delay.
Verify Your California Car Shipping Carrier
Before signing with any California car shipping company, take two minutes to verify their federal registration and insurance coverage using these free public databases. An active MC number and current cargo insurance certificate are the minimum requirements for any legitimate carrier or broker — and the absence of either is a serious red flag that should end the conversation immediately. These are the same tools industry professionals use, available to anyone at no cost.
FMCSA SAFER System
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database lets you look up any carrier or broker by DOT or MC number. Confirm their registration is active, check their safety rating, and verify insurance filings. This is the most important check you can make.
Better Business Bureau
Search a company’s BBB profile to review complaint history, how complaints were resolved, and overall accreditation status. How a company handles disputes tells you more than their marketing.
California Traffic Conditions
Current highway traffic and road condition information for California. Useful for understanding potential delays affecting pickup or delivery scheduling on your route.
California Weather Conditions
Weather can impact transport scheduling, especially for routes through mountain passes or during winter months. Check current and forecast conditions for your pickup and delivery areas.
California Car Shipping — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does California car shipping cost?
California auto transport rates depend on distance, vehicle type, transport method, and current carrier availability. Short in-state routes typically run $300–$600. Cross-country shipments from California range from $800–$1,600 for a standard sedan on an open carrier. Enclosed transport adds 30–40% to the rate. See the California Auto Transport Rates page for a full breakdown by distance, or get free quotes for your specific route.
How long does California car shipping take?
In-state California transport typically takes 1–3 days. Routes to nearby states (Nevada, Arizona, Oregon) usually run 2–5 days. Cross-country shipments to the East Coast range from 7–10 days. All transit estimates are provided at booking and depend on the specific route and current carrier dispatch schedules.
Is my vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. All FMCSA-licensed carriers are required to carry cargo insurance, which is included in your quoted rate. Open carriers typically carry $100,000–$250,000 per load; enclosed carriers commonly carry $500,000 or more. Your personal auto insurance generally does not cover the vehicle during transport, so the carrier’s cargo insurance is your primary protection. Learn more about what auto transport insurance covers.
What is the difference between open and enclosed auto transport?
Open transport is the standard option — your vehicle rides on a multi-car open carrier, exposed to weather and road debris. It’s the most affordable choice and right for most vehicles. Enclosed transport loads your vehicle into a covered trailer, providing full protection from weather, dirt, and road debris. It costs more but is the right call for luxury, classic, and high-value vehicles. Compare both options in detail.
Can I put personal items in my car during transport?
Most carriers limit personal items to 100 lbs or less, stored in the trunk or cargo area — not on seats or in the passenger cabin. Personal belongings are not covered by carrier cargo insurance if damaged or stolen. Some carriers prohibit them entirely. Always confirm the carrier’s policy when booking. Read the full guide on shipping personal items in your vehicle.
How far in advance should I book California auto transport?
Booking 7–14 days before your desired pickup date gives you the best combination of carrier availability and competitive pricing. Last-minute bookings (under 48 hours) typically cost more and limit your carrier options. During peak season (May–September) and peak PCS season, book at least 2 weeks ahead. Military customers with PCS orders should book as early as possible.
Do you offer military car shipping discounts?
Yes. Active duty military, veterans, and military families qualify for a 10–15% discount off standard auto shipping rates. Mention your military status when you call 1-800-590-6492 or note it in the quote form, and the discount is applied to all quotes you receive. Student discounts and multi-vehicle discounts are also available.
What should I do before my vehicle is picked up?
Remove personal belongings beyond what the carrier allows, photograph all existing exterior damage thoroughly, ensure your gas tank is no more than ¼ full, disable any toll transponders, and confirm the vehicle is in running condition. At pickup, review and sign the Bill of Lading carefully — it’s your primary document for any insurance claim at delivery. Full preparation details: Understanding the Auto Transport Process.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle from California?
One form gets you up to 10 free quotes from licensed, insured carriers running your route today. Compare rates and transit times — then book only when you’re ready.