Moreno Valley to Colorado Springs Car Shipping Route
From Moreno Valley, carriers access SR-60 east toward Riverside, then connect to I-15 northbound — the primary spine for this run. The route spans roughly 942 miles, crossing the Mojave Desert, climbing through the Nevada-Utah corridor, then cutting east on I-70 through the Colorado Rockies before dropping into Colorado Springs via I-25. Driving this yourself means two hard days behind the wheel through desert heat and high-altitude mountain passes. Shipping your vehicle eliminates that exposure entirely. For a breakdown of what you actually save, see https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/benefits-of-auto-transport-service-vs-driving-yourself.html before you decide.
Colorado Springs demand is driven by several concentrated sources. Fort Carson, one of the Army's largest installations, generates PCS moves continuously. Peterson Space Force Base and Schriever Space Force Base add military and contractor relocations. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs and the Air Force Academy bring student vehicle moves in August and May. Major employers including Lockheed Martin, USAA, and Compassion International round out the civilian base. Winter weather is a legitimate planning factor — I-70 through Vail Pass and the Eisenhower Tunnel sees closures between November and March. Before you book, review https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/auto-transport-mistakes-to-avoid.html to avoid common scheduling errors.
Moreno Valley to Colorado Springs Car Shipping Rates
At 942 miles, this route falls in the mid-to-long-haul tier where per-mile rates compress slightly compared to shorter runs, but fuel cost over the Rockies and I-70 mountain grades keeps base pricing firm. Military PCS demand in Colorado Springs creates rate spikes in the spring PCS season, typically April through July. Winter months can add a weather surcharge when I-70 mountain closures force carriers to reroute or wait. Fuel price movement on a run this long has a direct effect on your quote — see https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/how-gas-prices-impact-california-auto-transport-fees.html for how that's calculated.
What affects the cost of Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley 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 or Enclosed: What This Specific Route Requires
Open transport covers the overwhelming majority of vehicles shipped on this corridor without issue. The Mojave Desert stretch is dry and predictable; the real variable is I-70 through the Colorado Rockies, where road salt, sand, and debris from snowplows are active from November through April. If you're shipping a luxury vehicle, a classic, or anything with a low undercarriage clearance, enclosed is worth the premium during those months specifically. In summer, open is the practical choice for standard vehicles and saves you $300–$600 on a run this length.
How Long Does Moreno Valley to Colorado Springs Car Shipping Take?
Standard transit from Moreno Valley to Colorado Springs runs 3 to 5 business days once a carrier is assigned. The driving distance requires roughly 14 to 16 hours behind the wheel across two days, and carriers factor in hours-of-service regulations, load sequencing, and potential I-70 mountain delays. Carrier frequency on this lane is solid due to Fort Carson PCS demand, which means assignment times are typically shorter than on thinner corridors. If your timeline is tight, expedited options exist — see https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/california-expedited-car-shipping-fast-cost.html for what that costs on this distance.
| 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 |
** I-70 between Vail Pass and the Eisenhower Tunnel is the single most common delay point on this route. CDOT closes the highway during heavy snow events, sometimes for 6 to 12 hours. Between November and March, build an extra day or two into your delivery window if weather is active.
Moreno Valley to Colorado Springs — Route & Logistics
Carriers leaving Moreno Valley pick up SR-60 east to connect with I-15 northbound, the primary artery through the Mojave. From I-15, the route transitions to I-70 east at either the Barstow area or through Las Vegas depending on load optimization. I-70 carries the truck through Grand Junction and over the Rockies before I-25 south delivers it into Colorado Springs. Total distance is approximately 942 miles.
Key Corridor Waypoints
- Riverside, CA First major staging point out of Moreno Valley, accessible via SR-60 west or I-215 south. Carriers often consolidate loads here from multiple Inland Empire pickup points before committing to the I-15 northbound run. The interchange at I-215 and SR-60 is where local pickups merge into the outbound lane sequence.
- Barstow, CA Sits at the I-15 and I-40 junction, roughly 100 miles northeast of Riverside. A standard driver rest and fuel stop on this corridor. Carriers running multiple vehicles confirm load integrity here before crossing into the Mojave's open desert stretch. Elevation around 2,100 feet — manageable for all seasons.
- Las Vegas, NV Some carriers route through Las Vegas to pick up additional loads or relay drivers before the Utah and Colorado legs. The I-15 to I-70 transition via US-93 north through Nevada is an alternate used when I-40 east is less efficient. Las Vegas also serves as an overnight stop for drivers managing hours-of-service limits.
- Grand Junction, CO The last major city before the I-70 mountain corridor begins. Elevation 4,583 feet. Carriers check weather reports here before committing to the Vail Pass and Eisenhower Tunnel section. In winter, this is where reroute decisions get made if CDOT has issued closure warnings for the passes ahead.
- Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel, CO Highest point on the US Interstate Highway System at 11,013 feet. This is the critical chokepoint on the route — CDOT closes it during extreme weather events, and commercial truck restrictions apply during peak snow periods. Carriers experienced on this lane monitor CDOT's real-time alerts and adjust departure timing from Grand Junction accordingly.
- Colorado Springs, CO Final delivery point via I-25 south from the I-70 junction near Denver. Elevation 6,035 feet. The eastern side of the city along Powers Boulevard and Academy Boulevard provides the widest carrier access. Fort Carson deliveries route south on I-25, while UCCS and the Air Force Academy are accessible from the northern grid.
Pickup & Delivery Access
- Pickup Access in Moreno Valley Moreno Valley's street grid is carrier-friendly. Wide arterials like Alessandro Boulevard, Perris Boulevard, and Day Street handle multi-car haulers without restriction. The area around the Moreno Valley Mall or March Air Reserve Base perimeter roads are common meet points. Residential neighborhoods in the Sunnymead Ranch or Rancho Belago areas are accessible but confirm street width at your specific address before scheduling.
- Delivery Access in Colorado Springs Colorado Springs handles transport trucks well on its eastern commercial corridors — Powers Boulevard, Academy Boulevard, and Woodmen Road are all carrier-accessible without staging requirements. Central and Old Colorado City have narrower streets where door-to-door delivery may not be possible; nearby parking lots or side streets on a main road are the standard meet point. Fort Carson gate delivery requires prior authorization — carriers cannot enter base without it.
- Nearby Pickup Locations Carriers picking up in Moreno Valley regularly extend service to Riverside, Perris, and Hemet. Call 1‑800‑590‑6492 to confirm door-to-door availability at your address.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley to Colorado Springs
This route has two distinct demand peaks and one weather constraint that affects transit reliability. The spring PCS season and summer student moves push pricing higher from April through August. Winter brings the I-70 mountain weather variable, which can delay transit without affecting pricing much outside of active storm periods. Understanding when to book — and when to build buffer into your window — saves money and frustration. Winter-specific planning guidance is at https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/auto-transport-challenges-during-the-winter.html.
Spring PCS Season (March–June)
Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base generate the highest volume of vehicle moves during spring PCS orders. Carrier availability on this lane tightens and rates increase, typically by $100–$200 above baseline. Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead if your orders drop in this window. Waiting until two or three days before your report date significantly limits your carrier options and increases cost.
Summer Peak (June–August)
UCCS, the Air Force Academy, and civilian relocations push demand higher from June through August. The Mojave Desert section runs hot — carriers transporting classic or exotic vehicles in open trailers during this period should consider enclosed transport to avoid heat exposure on the southern California leg. Standard vehicles handle summer open transport without issue on this corridor.
Fall Shoulder Season (September–October)
The best pricing window on this corridor. Military PCS demand has settled, student moves are done, and winter weather hasn't arrived yet. I-70 through the Rockies is reliable and clear. If your move date is flexible, targeting late September through mid-October gives you lower rates and the most predictable transit times on this route.
Winter Weather Window (November–March)
I-70 between Vail Pass and the Eisenhower Tunnel is the primary risk factor. CDOT closures can add one to two days to transit without warning. Carriers experienced on this lane build buffer into winter schedules. Road salt and sand from snowplows are active on the Colorado Springs delivery end — enclosed transport is worth considering for high-value vehicles during these months.
Student Move Periods (August & May)
UCCS fall enrollment and the Air Force Academy academic calendar create concentrated move-in and move-out windows in August and mid-May. Demand for delivery in the north Colorado Springs and University Village areas spikes during these weeks. Book at least two weeks ahead if you're targeting an August 1–20 or May 10–25 delivery window to secure carrier assignment.
How to Choose a Moreno Valley 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 regularly runs Moreno Valley to Colorado Springs knows to check CDOT's I-70 mountain corridor alerts before leaving Grand Junction, not after. They know that Fort Carson deliveries require civilian access through the Magrath Gate or Main Gate and that base entry without a signed authorization form from the recipient means the vehicle sits in a staging lot until that's resolved. On the pickup end, they know the Inland Empire load consolidation pattern — that Moreno Valley, Riverside, and Perris pickups often combine onto one truck before the I-15 north run begins, and that early-week departures clear the Mojave before weekend freight congestion builds near Barstow. That operational knowledge is what separates a 4-day delivery from a 6-day one.
Moreno Valley to Colorado Springs Car Shipping — FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Moreno Valley to Colorado Springs?
Standard open transport on this 942-mile corridor typically runs $900 to $1,300 for a standard sedan or SUV, depending on the season and current carrier availability. Enclosed transport adds $400 to $700 to that range. Rates are higher during the spring PCS season (March through June) when Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base generate concentrated demand. Oversized vehicles, inoperable vehicles, and expedited booking all carry additional fees. The only way to get an accurate current number is to submit a quote request — rates on this lane move with fuel prices and carrier supply.
How long does Moreno Valley to Colorado Springs car shipping take?
Once a carrier is assigned, standard transit runs 3 to 5 business days. The driving distance is roughly 942 miles, which requires two full driving days for a carrier managing hours-of-service limits. Carrier assignment itself typically takes 1 to 3 business days after booking confirmation on this lane. Winter months can add a day or two if I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel sees closures. If you have a hard delivery deadline, look at expedited options at https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/california-expedited-car-shipping-fast-cost.html — they cost more but shrink the assignment and transit window significantly.
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes. Every licensed carrier is federally required to carry cargo insurance that covers your vehicle while it's on the truck. Before your vehicle is loaded, the carrier completes a Bill of Lading documenting the vehicle's existing condition — this is the document you reference if a damage claim becomes necessary. Review it carefully at pickup and note any pre-existing marks or scratches before signing. For a full explanation of what carrier insurance covers and what it doesn't, see https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/understanding-auto-transport-insurance.html. If damage does occur, the process is outlined 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?
Open transport is the right call for the majority of vehicles on this corridor, particularly from April through October. The Mojave Desert section is dry, and most standard vehicles reach Colorado Springs without weather-related exposure issues. The calculus changes in winter — road salt and sand from snowplows are common on the Colorado Springs delivery side from November through March, and I-70 mountain grades can expose vehicles to debris. For luxury vehicles, classics, or low-clearance cars, enclosed is worth the premium in those months. Full comparison of both options is at https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/open-vs-enclosed-auto-transport-pros-and-cons.html.
Do I have to be present at pickup and delivery?
You or a designated adult representative must be present at both ends to sign the Bill of Lading. At pickup, the BOL documents your vehicle's condition before loading — this is your legal protection if a damage dispute arises later. At delivery, you inspect the vehicle and sign off that it arrived as documented. You do not have to be the owner — a trusted adult you designate can handle either end. For details on what the BOL covers and why it matters, see https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/california-auto-transport-bill-of-lading-information.html.
Does Fort Carson or Peterson Space Force Base PCS affect my shipping timeline or cost?
Yes, directly. The spring PCS season — roughly March through June — is when military orders concentrate, and it pushes both demand and pricing on this corridor noticeably. Carrier availability tightens because Fort Carson is one of the largest Army installations in the country, and it generates a high volume of vehicle moves in a compressed window. If your PCS orders drop during this period, book as early as possible — ideally 2 to 3 weeks before your required pickup date. Also note that delivery to Fort Carson requires the recipient to arrange civilian gate access for the carrier in advance.
What happens if I-70 closes due to weather during my shipment?
CDOT closes I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass during severe snow events, sometimes for 6 to 12 hours or longer. When that happens, carriers either wait at a staging point in Grand Junction or, if conditions allow, use alternative routing. Your delivery window extends accordingly — this is not a carrier failure, and reputable brokers build realistic winter buffers into the transit estimate. If you're booking between November and March, expect a 4 to 6 day transit window rather than 3 to 5. Winter transport specifics are covered at https://california.auto-transport-shipping.com/articles/auto-transport-challenges-during-the-winter.html.
Can carriers pick up in nearby Riverside, Perris, or Hemet instead of Moreno Valley?
Yes. Riverside, Perris, and Hemet are all within the same Inland Empire carrier grid and are regularly served by trucks that consolidate loads before heading north on I-15. If you're located closer to one of those cities, or if your Moreno Valley street has access limitations, coordinating a pickup in Riverside near the I-215 or SR-60 interchange is a straightforward option. Discuss this with your broker at booking — the distance difference between these cities is small enough that it rarely affects your quoted rate, and it can simplify the carrier's load sequencing.
Ready to Ship Your Car from Moreno Valley to Colorado Springs?
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.