California Auto Shipping Services
California Auto Transport has been arranging vehicle shipments for over 20 years. We work with a vetted network of licensed and insured carriers — every driver and transport company in our network is verified with the U.S. Department of Transportation for safety record and insurance coverage. We never move your car with an unverified carrier.
We offer four core auto shipping services, available to and from any city in California and any of the 48 contiguous states. Whether you're shipping a daily driver or a collector car, there's a service level that fits your vehicle, your timeline, and your budget.
Open Auto Shipping
The most popular and affordable way to ship a car from California. Your vehicle rides on a licensed open multi-car carrier — the same type used by dealerships to move new inventory nationwide. Multiple carriers run open routes from California daily on high-demand lanes.
Enclosed Auto Shipping
Full protection from weather, road debris, and road grime. Enclosed carriers are the right choice for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, and any vehicle you can't afford to expose to the elements. Higher cargo insurance coverage is standard.
Door-to-Door Auto Shipping
The carrier picks up your vehicle at your address in California and delivers it to the destination address. No terminal drop-off, no extra drives. The most convenient option — and the most popular. Available at most California addresses and destinations nationwide.
Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
Drop your vehicle at a designated terminal near you and pick it up at a terminal near the destination. A lower-cost alternative for those with flexible schedules. Terminals are available in most major California cities and most major destination cities nationwide.
Who We Ship For
California Auto Transport serves individuals, businesses, and government customers shipping vehicles of all types. Here's who regularly uses our auto shipping network:
Private Vehicle Owners
Relocating to another state, purchasing a vehicle out of state, or sending a car to a family member. We handle personal vehicle shipments every day, with no minimum order requirements.
Military Personnel
PCS orders move fast. We work with active duty, veterans, and military families shipping vehicles as part of a permanent change of station. Military discounts available — ask when you call.
College Students
Shipping a car to or from school at the start or end of a semester. Student discounts available. We handle high volumes of student shipments each August and May on popular California university routes.
Auto Dealers & Brokers
High-volume vehicle shipping for dealerships, auction houses, and auto brokers. We move inventory from California to buyers and dealers across the country on a regular dispatch schedule.
Corporate Relocations
Employee relocation programs often include vehicle transport. We work with HR departments and relocation companies to coordinate car shipping as part of a complete employee move package.
Leasing Companies
Moving leased vehicles at the end of a term or returning inventory to fleet managers. We handle lease returns and fleet relocations on predictable schedules with transparent pricing.
California Service Area & Dispatch Schedule
We pick up vehicles from every city and ZIP code in California. Our carrier network makes weekly dispatches from the following California origins:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Sacramento
- Oakland
- Fresno
- Long Beach
- Bakersfield
- Anaheim
- Riverside
- Stockton
Not on the list? We also serve Modesto, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Chico, Redding, and every other California city. Call 1-800-590-6492 to confirm pickup availability at your location.
How Often We Dispatch to Your Destination
Dispatch frequency reflects how often carriers run a given California-to-state lane. Higher frequency means faster dispatch from booking to pickup.
Three Times a Week
- California to Texas
- California to North Carolina
- California to Georgia
- California to New York
- California to Florida
- California to Virginia
- California to Colorado
- California to New Jersey
- California to Ohio
- California to Illinois
- California to Pennsylvania
- California to Washington
- California to Arizona
One to Two Times a Week
- California to Michigan
- California to Indiana
- California to Tennessee
- California to Missouri
- California to Maryland
- California to Louisiana
- California to Wisconsin
- California to Minnesota
- California to Massachusetts
- California to Alabama
- California to South Carolina
- California to Kentucky
- California to Connecticut
Once a Week
- California to Oregon
- California to Nevada
- California to Utah
- California to New Mexico
- California to Mississippi
- California to Arkansas
- California to Oklahoma
- California to Kansas
- California to South Dakota
- California to North Dakota
- California to West Virginia
- California to Delaware
- California to Maine
For Alaska, Hawaii, and any state not listed above, call 1-800-590-6492 to check availability and current schedule.
How California Auto Shipping Works
Shipping your car from California to another state involves four straightforward steps. Here's what to expect from booking to delivery.
Get Free Quotes from Licensed Carriers
Fill out the form on this page or call 1-800-590-6492 to receive up to 10 free quotes from carriers actively running your route. Each quote includes the carrier's estimated price, estimated transit time, and available pickup window. Getting multiple auto shipping quotes is the single best way to make sure you're paying a fair price.
Choose Your Carrier and Book
Compare the quotes you receive and select the carrier that best fits your timeline and budget. Before booking, verify the carrier's MC number at FMCSA SAFER and confirm their cargo insurance is current. Our guide on choosing an auto shipping company walks through exactly what to check.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Pickup
Remove all personal belongings, leave a quarter tank of fuel, take date-stamped photos of the exterior, disable toll transponders, and deactivate the alarm. At pickup, you or a proxy signs a Bill of Lading documenting the vehicle's condition. Our full vehicle prep guide covers every step.
Track Your Shipment and Complete Delivery
Most carriers provide phone or text updates at key checkpoints during transit. At delivery, inspect the vehicle carefully before signing the Bill of Lading. If you notice any new damage, note it on the document before the carrier leaves — this is essential for filing a claim. Read our guide on filing a damage claim so you know your rights.
How to Verify a California Auto Shipping Carrier
Every licensed auto shipping carrier operating in the United States is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and carries federally required cargo insurance. Before you hand over your keys, take two minutes to verify:
FMCSA Registration (MC Number)
Every licensed carrier or broker must hold an active MC (Motor Carrier) number issued by the FMCSA. Look up any company at FMCSA SAFER using their company name or MC number. If the number is inactive or doesn't exist, do not use that company.
Know the difference between a broker and a carrier — both need active FMCSA registration, and your quote should specify which type of company you're working with.
Cargo Insurance Coverage
FMCSA requires all licensed auto shipping carriers to carry cargo insurance. Open carriers typically carry $100,000 to $250,000 per load; enclosed carriers commonly carry $500,000 or more. Ask for a current certificate of insurance before you book.
Learn exactly what auto transport insurance covers and what it doesn't — your personal auto insurance policy generally does not cover your vehicle during transport.
All-In Pricing and No Hidden Fees
Your quote should be a complete, final number. Some carriers charge extra for fuel surcharges, liftgate service, or remote delivery areas. Confirm what's included before you book. Review our list of top questions to ask any auto shipping company before committing.
Reviews and BBB Rating
Check Google reviews and the Better Business Bureau. More important than the star average is how a company responds to complaints and damage claims. A company with a few one-star reviews that they resolved professionally is more trustworthy than one with no reviews at all.
California Auto Shipping — Frequently Asked Questions
What auto shipping services does California Auto Transport offer?
We offer open and enclosed auto shipping, door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service, and expedited shipping options. We move standard vehicles, luxury and classic cars, EVs, non-running vehicles, and oversized trucks. Our carrier network covers all 48 contiguous states from every California origin city. Learn more about open vs. enclosed shipping and door-to-door service.
How much does California auto shipping cost?
California auto shipping rates depend on the destination state, the type of vehicle, open vs. enclosed transport, and the time of year. Short routes (California to Nevada or Arizona) typically run $300–$700. Long-haul routes (California to New York or Florida) typically run $1,100–$1,600 for a standard sedan on an open carrier. The most reliable way to find your actual price is to compare quotes from multiple carriers. Use the form on this page to get up to 10 real quotes in minutes.
How long does it take to ship a car from California?
Transit times depend on the destination and your pickup location within California. Short-haul routes (California to Arizona, Nevada, Oregon) take 1–4 days. Mid-range routes (California to Texas, Colorado, Illinois) take 3–6 days. Long-haul routes (California to Florida, New York, Virginia) take 6–10 days. Northern California origins typically add 1–2 days compared to Southern California. If you need faster delivery, expedited shipping is available on most lanes.
Is my vehicle insured during California auto shipping?
Yes. All licensed auto transport carriers are required by the FMCSA to carry cargo insurance. Open carriers typically carry $100,000–$250,000 per load; enclosed carriers commonly carry $500,000 or more. Before pickup, ask the carrier for their current certificate of insurance. At delivery, inspect your vehicle thoroughly before signing the Bill of Lading. Learn more about auto transport insurance coverage and how to file a damage claim.
Should I choose open or enclosed auto shipping?
Open shipping is the right choice for most standard vehicles — sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans. It's more affordable and carriers are more widely available. Enclosed shipping is the better choice for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotics, and any car where exposure to road grime and weather is a concern. Enclosed carriers also carry higher insurance coverage per load. Our open vs. enclosed comparison covers this in detail.
Can you ship a non-running or inoperable vehicle from California?
Yes. Non-running and inoperable vehicles can be shipped, but they require a carrier with a winch or forklift for loading and unloading, which limits the number of available carriers and adds cost. Always disclose non-running status when requesting a quote. Read our guide on shipping inoperable vehicles from California for what to expect.
Do you offer military or student discounts on California auto shipping?
Yes. Military discounts are available for active duty personnel, veterans, and military families shipping vehicles as part of a PCS move or personal relocation. Student discounts are also available. Mention your eligibility when you call 1-800-590-6492 or note it in the quote form, and we'll apply the applicable discount to your quotes.
Can I put personal items in my car when it is being shipped?
Most carriers allow a small amount of personal belongings in the trunk (typically up to 100 lbs), but those items are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance. Some carriers prohibit personal items entirely. Valuables should never travel in a shipped vehicle. Read the full policy on shipping personal items in your vehicle and confirm the specific carrier's rules before loading anything.
Ready to Ship Your Car from California?
One form gets you up to 10 free quotes from licensed, insured carriers. Compare costs and transit times and book the best deal for your schedule.