Long Beach to Colorado Springs Car Shipping Route
The Long Beach to Colorado Springs route covers approximately 1,089 miles. Carriers exit Long Beach via I-710 North or I-405, connecting to SR-91 East toward Riverside, then picking up I-15 North through Barstow and into Las Vegas. From Las Vegas they continue on I-15 to I-70 East at Cove Fort, Utah, crossing into Colorado through the Rockies before descending to Colorado Springs via I-25 South. Elevation changes from sea level to over 10,000 feet through Vail Pass require carrier attention to braking and weather conditions. Driving this route yourself involves two full days, fuel, lodging, and wear on your vehicle — factors worth comparing against transport costs at https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/benefits-of-auto-transport-service-vs-driving-yourself.html.
Colorado Springs destination demand is driven by several large, stable institutions. Fort Carson houses roughly 30,000 soldiers and generates frequent PCS orders that move vehicles from Southern California bases and metro areas. Peterson Space Force Base and Schriever Space Force Base add military and contractor relocations. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs enrolls over 12,000 students, spiking demand in late summer and January. Major civilian employers include USAA's regional campus, Lockheed Martin Space, Northrop Grumman, and Amazon fulfillment operations. Seasonally, I-70 through the Rockies can face closures November through March, adding transit variability. Before booking, review https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/auto-transport-mistakes-to-avoid.html to avoid common scheduling and paperwork errors.
Long Beach to Colorado Springs Car Shipping Rates
Rates on this corridor are shaped by distance, fuel costs, and mountain routing premiums. At roughly 1,089 miles, this falls into the mid-long-haul tier where per-mile rates typically run lower than short corridors but carrier costs rise due to Rocky Mountain fuel consumption and I-70 elevation grades. Winter months add a weather surcharge on some loads. Fuel price swings on the I-15 and I-70 stretch directly affect carrier bids — see how that works at https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/how-gas-prices-impact-california-auto-transport-fees.html.
What affects the cost of Long Beach to Colorado Springs car shipping:
- Vehicle type and size — larger vehicles take more carrier space; aftermarket additions like lift kits, oversized mirrors, or roof accessories can add fees
- Open vs. enclosed transport — open is lower cost with stronger carrier availability; enclosed protects against weather, debris, and road conditions
- Standard vs. expedited pickup — expedited prioritizes your vehicle for the next available dispatch, typically at a $100–$300 premium
- Time of year — peak demand seasons drive rates higher; off-peak windows offer the most competitive pricing
- Fuel costs — diesel prices affect carrier rates; longer routes are more sensitive to fuel price swings
- Vehicle condition — non-running vehicles require special loading equipment and cost more to ship
| Vehicle Type | Open Car Shipping (Est.) | Enclosed Car Shipping (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $750 – $1,000 | $1,350 – $1,750 |
| SUV / Crossover | $900 – $1,150 | $1,550 – $2,000 |
| Pickup Truck | $900 – $1,200 | $1,550 – $2,100 |
| Minivan | $900 – $1,150 | $1,550 – $2,000 |
| Luxury / Classic Car | $1,050 – $1,400 | $1,850 – $2,350 |
| Non-Running Vehicle | Add $150–300 | Add $150–300 |
* Estimated ranges based on recent Long Beach to Colorado Springs shipments. Actual rate depends on vehicle, locations, booking date, and current fuel costs. Use the form on this page to compare real quotes from licensed carriers.
Open vs. Enclosed on the Long Beach to Colorado Springs Run
Open transport works for most standard vehicles on this route. The I-15 and I-70 corridor is well-traveled and carriers know it well. The main exception is winter: I-70 through the Rockies exposes vehicles to road salt, sand, and debris during snow events. If you're shipping a luxury vehicle, a classic, or anything low-clearance during November through March, enclosed makes sense. Summer runs on open carriers are generally low-risk. If your vehicle is a daily driver in good working condition and you're shipping between April and October, open transport is the practical choice.
How Long Does Long Beach to Colorado Springs Car Shipping Take?
Expect 4 to 7 transit days on this route under normal conditions. Carriers departing Long Beach typically make the drive in two to three driving days, but load coordination — matching your vehicle with a truck heading to Colorado Springs specifically — adds one to three days on the front end. Long Beach's carrier density shortens that window compared to smaller California cities. If your timeline is tight, expedited options can reduce the dispatch window; see https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/california-expedited-car-shipping-fast-cost.html for what that costs and how it works on longer hauls.
| Service Type | Typical Transit | Pickup Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open — Standard | 3–5 days | 2–5 business days | Best value; most common choice on this route |
| Open — Expedited | 2–3 days | 1–2 business days | Firm arrival date; faster dispatch window |
| Enclosed — Standard | 3–5 days | 3–7 business days | Luxury, classic, or modified vehicles |
| Enclosed — Expedited | 2–3 days | 1–3 business days | High-value vehicles on a firm delivery deadline |
** Winter weather is the main transit variable. I-70 through Glenwood Canyon and the Eisenhower Tunnel area closes periodically between November and March due to ice, avalanche risk, and accidents. A single closure can add 12 to 36 hours to a carrier's timeline. Book with realistic cushion during those months.
Long Beach to Colorado Springs — Route & Logistics
Carriers access this route from Long Beach via I-710 North to I-405, then east on SR-91 through Riverside to I-15 North. I-15 carries the load through the Mojave, Las Vegas, and into Utah, where carriers connect to I-70 East at Cove Fort. I-70 runs through the Rockies into Denver, then I-25 South delivers into Colorado Springs. Total driving distance is approximately 1,089 miles.
Key Corridor Waypoints
- Long Beach / Compton Interchange, CA Carriers staging near the Port of Long Beach access I-710 North directly from the port district. The SR-91 interchange near Compton is the main eastbound launch point. Carriers often consolidate loads here before heading through the Inland Empire. One-way streets in downtown Long Beach may require a nearby meet point, typically in a commercial area off Pacific Coast Highway or near the 710 on-ramp.
- Barstow, CA Barstow sits at the I-15 and I-40 junction and functions as a natural rest and fuel stop for carriers on this corridor. Elevation here is around 2,100 feet — manageable but a signal that climbing has begun. Carriers familiar with this route often time their Barstow stop to manage hours-of-service regulations before pushing into Nevada. It's also a common load inspection and strap-check point.
- Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas is a major carrier hub where loads are sometimes consolidated or split. Carriers running Long Beach to Colorado Springs often overnight here or swap drivers. Elevation is approximately 2,000 feet. The I-15 interchange is well-served by fuel stops and truck lots. Traffic on the Las Vegas Strip corridor can slow transit through the city, particularly on weekend evenings.
- Cove Fort / I-70 Junction, UT At Cove Fort, carriers leave I-15 and pick up I-70 East, the only direct mountain route into Colorado. Elevation at the junction is around 5,600 feet. This is the transition point where Rocky Mountain conditions begin to matter. Carriers check weather reports here before committing to the I-70 corridor, particularly November through March when closures at Glenwood Canyon or the Eisenhower Tunnel are possible.
- Vail Pass / Eisenhower Tunnel, CO Vail Pass tops out at 10,666 feet and the Eisenhower Tunnel sits at 11,013 feet — the highest point on the Interstate Highway System. This stretch is the most weather-sensitive portion of the route. Carriers with experience here know to check CDOT road condition alerts before descending toward Denver. Ice, chain laws, and tunnel weight restrictions can all affect transit. Inexperienced carriers sometimes get delayed significantly here.
- Colorado Springs, CO Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet elevation at the base of Pikes Peak. Carriers typically exit I-25 at Nevada Avenue, Academy Boulevard, or Woodmen Road depending on the delivery address. Fort Carson deliveries go south on I-25 toward Gate 1. Peterson Space Force Base deliveries require off-base staging. Residential areas near UCCS or Broadmoor can have narrow streets requiring a meet point at a nearby parking area.
Pickup & Delivery Access
- Pickup Access in Long Beach Long Beach carrier access is strong due to port proximity. I-710 and I-405 give trucks clean entry and exit without navigating tight city corridors. Commercial areas near the port, along Anaheim Street, or near the 710/91 interchange are practical pickup staging zones. Downtown Long Beach's one-way grid can restrict large carrier trucks, so if your address is in the downtown core, plan to meet your driver at a nearby commercial or open-lot location.
- Delivery Access in Colorado Springs Colorado Springs is carrier-accessible in most areas. I-25 runs directly through the city, and exits at Academy Boulevard, Woodmen Road, and Nevada Avenue cover most delivery zones. Fort Carson deliveries require off-base staging at a nearby commercial lot. Older residential neighborhoods near downtown or Manitou Springs can have narrow streets; coordinate with your driver in advance. UCCS-area deliveries near North Nevada Avenue are generally straightforward with available pull-off space.
- Nearby Pickup Locations Carriers picking up in Long Beach regularly extend service to Lakewood, Compton, and Carson. Call 1‑800‑590‑6492 to confirm door-to-door availability at your address.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: Long Beach to Colorado Springs
Both options use licensed, insured carriers and deliver door to door. For a full breakdown, read the pros and cons of open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Open Car Shipping
Most Popular- Lower cost — the practical choice for most vehicles
- More carriers available on this corridor
- Faster dispatch from booking to pickup
- Works well for sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans
- Vehicle rides on an open multi-car carrier
- Cargo insurance required on all licensed carriers
Estimated cost: $750 – $1,200
Enclosed Car Shipping
Premium Protection- Full protection from weather, debris, and road grime
- Best for luxury, exotic, and classic vehicles
- Recommended for low-clearance and custom-built cars
- Wheel-net or soft-tie systems prevent contact damage
- Higher cargo coverage — commonly $500,000 per load
- White-glove handling by experienced operators
Estimated cost: $1,350 – $2,100
Not sure which is right for your vehicle? Call 1-800-590-6492 and we'll point you in the right direction. Also worth reading: the top 10 questions to ask any car shipping company before you commit.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping to Colorado Springs
A little prep before pickup protects you if there's ever a dispute about your vehicle's condition. This checklist is from our full guide on preparing your car for transport:
- Remove all personal belongings from the interior and trunk
- Leave only a quarter tank of fuel — enough to load and unload
- Take date-stamped photos of the full exterior and interior
- Remove or disable toll transponders (FasTrak, E-ZPass, etc.)
- Retract or remove roof racks, spoilers, antennas, and bike mounts
- Make sure the battery is charged and tires are properly inflated
- Tell the carrier about any existing leaks or mechanical issues
- Deactivate the car alarm before the carrier arrives
- Write down the mileage on the Bill of Lading at pickup
- Fold in side mirrors if the vehicle is wider than standard
Personal items: Most carriers won't cover belongings left in the car. Read the full rules on shipping personal items in your vehicle. Also review our Bill of Lading guide so you know exactly what to check at pickup and delivery.
When to Ship Your Car from Long Beach to Colorado Springs
This route has distinct seasonal patterns. Summer and fall are the highest-demand periods, driven by PCS move cycles at Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base, plus end-of-lease relocations from coastal California. Winter adds a weather premium and real transit risk on I-70 through the Rockies. Spring is the best window for competitive pricing with manageable weather. For a full breakdown of winter-specific risks, see https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/auto-transport-challenges-during-the-winter.html.
Spring (March–May)
Spring is the best combination of reasonable rates and improving weather. I-70 mountain closures become less frequent after mid-March, though late snowstorms are possible through April. Carrier availability is good because military PCS season hasn't peaked yet. If you have flexibility on timing, booking in March or April often gets you better pricing than waiting for the summer rush. Confirm I-70 road conditions are clear before finalizing your pickup date.
Summer (June–August)
Peak season on this corridor. Military PCS orders from Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, and Schriever Space Force Base flood the market June through August, competing with student moves tied to UCCS. Carrier availability remains solid from Long Beach but rates increase with demand. Book at least 2 to 3 weeks out to lock in capacity at reasonable rates. Open transport is the right call for most vehicles during this period — weather risk through the Rockies is minimal.
Fall (September–October)
Demand stays elevated through September as late PCS moves and student arrivals continue. October is a transition month — rates begin to soften and weather windows are still mostly clear. Carriers are generally well-stocked on this lane heading into the holiday slowdown. If you can ship in October, you'll often find better pricing than August with comparable reliability. Snow is possible on Vail Pass by late October, so confirm weather before scheduling.
Winter (November–February)
Winter is the highest-risk season on this route. I-70 through Glenwood Canyon and over Vail Pass faces periodic closures, chain requirements, and multi-hour delays. Carriers price in the added risk and fuel consumption from mountain driving in cold conditions. Enclosed transport is worth serious consideration if you're shipping a high-value vehicle during this window. Build extra days into your expected transit time and monitor CDOT road alerts. Review the full winter transport guide at https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/auto-transport-challenges-during-the-winter.html.
Military PCS Season (April–September)
Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base generate some of the highest vehicle transport volumes in the Colorado Springs market, concentrated between April and September when the military's PCS order cycle peaks. If you have PCS orders, book early — this demand competes directly with civilian relocations from Southern California. Government Bill of Lading arrangements require specific documentation, so confirm with your broker whether you're using a GBL or booking privately before submitting your quote request.
How to Choose a Long Beach to Colorado Springs Car Shipping Company
Getting multiple quotes is step one — knowing what to look for in those quotes matters just as much. Our guide on how to select a car shipping company covers the full process. Here are the six things that matter most:
FMCSA Registration
Every carrier or broker must hold a valid MC number. Verify any company at FMCSA SAFER before you book.
Proof of Insurance
Ask for a current certificate of insurance. Open carriers typically carry $100,000–$250,000 per load; enclosed commonly $500,000 or more. Learn what auto transport insurance covers.
All-In Pricing
Your quote should be a final number with no fees added after booking. Know the difference between brokers and carriers and confirm what the quote covers before you agree.
Bill of Lading
A complete Bill of Lading is filled out at pickup and delivery. Our Bill of Lading guide explains what to check. Never sign an incomplete one.
Real Reviews
Check Google and the BBB. Look at how they handled complaints and damage claims — that tells you more than a five-star average from happy customers.
Route Experience
A carrier who runs Long Beach to Colorado Springs regularly knows that the I-15 through Barstow can back up on Sunday afternoons when Las Vegas weekend traffic reverses, adding an hour to Nevada transit. They know that I-70 at Glenwood Canyon is the most likely closure point in winter — not the Eisenhower Tunnel — and they monitor CDOT alerts before committing to a pass time. They know that Fort Carson deliveries require off-base staging, usually at the commercial strip along South Academy Boulevard, and that Peterson Space Force Base has gate access limitations that affect scheduling. On the Long Beach side, experienced carriers avoid surface street routing through the downtown core and use the Anaheim Street corridor instead. This operational knowledge keeps your vehicle moving without unnecessary delays that a carrier unfamiliar with the route would encounter.
Long Beach to Colorado Springs Car Shipping — FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Long Beach to Colorado Springs?
Rates on this corridor typically range from $900 to $1,400 for open transport on a standard sedan or SUV, depending on the time of year, fuel prices, and current carrier demand. Military PCS season from June through August pushes rates toward the higher end. Winter months can also add a premium due to mountain weather surcharges on I-70. Enclosed transport runs $300 to $600 more than open on average. Your specific vehicle size, exact pickup and delivery locations, and how far out you book all affect your final quote. Use the form on this page to get a current, route-specific rate.
How long does Long Beach to Colorado Springs car shipping take?
Transit on this route typically runs 4 to 7 days from pickup to delivery under normal conditions. The driving distance is approximately 1,089 miles, which a carrier can cover in two to three driving days. The additional time accounts for load coordination — matching your vehicle to a truck that's actually heading to Colorado Springs. Long Beach's carrier density keeps dispatch times shorter than smaller California cities. Winter weather on I-70 through the Rockies is the main variable that can extend transit by a day or more. If your timeline is fixed, ask about expedited dispatch options at https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/california-expedited-car-shipping-fast-cost.html.
Is my car insured during transport from Long Beach to Colorado Springs?
Yes. Every licensed carrier is required by FMCSA regulations to carry cargo insurance that covers your vehicle while it's on the truck. Before your carrier picks up your vehicle, confirm their coverage limit and ask for a copy of their insurance certificate. The inspection at pickup — documented on the Bill of Lading — establishes your vehicle's pre-transport condition and is your primary evidence if you need to file a claim. For a full breakdown of how transport insurance works, see https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/understanding-auto-transport-insurance.html. If damage does occur, the claims process is explained at https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/how-to-file-a-claim-for-vehicle-damage-during-transport.html.
Should I choose open or enclosed transport for this route?
For most vehicles shipping between April and October, open transport is the practical choice — it's less expensive and carrier availability is better. The Long Beach to Colorado Springs route does carry one specific risk: I-70 through the Rockies exposes vehicles to road debris, sand, and salt during winter operations. If you're shipping a luxury vehicle, a classic car, or anything with a custom finish during November through March, enclosed transport is worth the added cost. For a side-by-side comparison of both options, including what each actually protects against, visit https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/open-vs-enclosed-auto-transport-pros-and-cons.html.
Do I have to be present at pickup in Long Beach and delivery in Colorado Springs?
You don't have to be present personally, but someone authorized by you needs to be there at both ends. At pickup, that person signs the Bill of Lading and confirms the vehicle's condition before it's loaded. At delivery, they do the same — inspecting the vehicle and signing off on receipt. If you can't be present, a trusted contact works. Make sure whoever is there knows to do a thorough walkaround inspection before signing anything. For a full explanation of what the Bill of Lading covers and why it matters, see https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/california-auto-transport-bill-of-lading-information.html.
Does the winter weather on I-70 actually delay shipments, and how often?
Yes, it's a real factor. CDOT closes I-70 at Glenwood Canyon and near the Eisenhower Tunnel multiple times each winter due to ice, accidents, rockfall, and avalanche mitigation. Closures can last anywhere from a few hours to more than a day. Carriers familiar with this corridor monitor road conditions actively and may adjust their timing, but when the interstate closes, there's no practical alternate route of comparable efficiency. If you're shipping between November and March, build at least one to two extra days into your expected delivery window and avoid booking if you have a hard deadline that can't flex.
I have PCS orders to Fort Carson — what do I need to know about shipping my vehicle?
Fort Carson is one of the highest-volume military vehicle transport destinations in the country, which is good news for availability. Carriers who run this route regularly know that Fort Carson deliveries require off-base staging — typically along South Academy Boulevard near the post. Confirm with your driver in advance where your delivery meet point will be. If you're using a Government Bill of Lading through your transportation office, make sure your broker knows upfront, as GBL shipments have different documentation and payment processes than private bookings. Book at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead during peak PCS season from May through August.
My vehicle is currently near the port in Long Beach — does that help with carrier access?
It does. Proximity to the Port of Long Beach is an advantage when booking transport because carriers stage near the port regularly to pick up loads. The I-710 gives trucks direct access without navigating residential streets. That said, if your vehicle is stored in or near downtown Long Beach, the one-way street grid can make it difficult for large carriers to reach you directly. In that case, your driver will likely coordinate a nearby meet point — usually somewhere along Anaheim Street or a commercial area near the 710. Flag your exact address when booking so your carrier can plan the pickup access in advance.
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