#1 California Car Shipping Company

YOU DON’T TRUST YOUR CAR WITH JUST ANYONE ...AND NEITHER DO WE!

We have the industry’s most trusted and heavily vetted list of California car shipping carriers, all backed by our Ironclad – Damage Free Guarantee

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California Car Shipping

Fast, Fully‑Insured Door‑to‑Door Auto Transport Service

Whether you’re relocating for a new job, buying a classic on the West Coast, or sending a student car home, Ship A Car Direct moves thousands of vehicles into and out of California every year—damage‑free. Get an instant quote now and let our hand‑picked, fully insured carriers handle the miles.

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Why Californians Trust Ship A Car Direct

    • Damage‑Free Guarantee. If a carrier we assign for car shipping in California causes any new scratches or dents and tries to deny responsibility, we’ll pay your deductible—up to $500—so you’re never out of pocket.
    • $0 Up‑Front Deposit. Book today; pay the deposit only after pickup is scheduled.
    • Vehicle Tracking. Email and text updates keep you in the loop from loading to delivery.
    • Vetted Carrier Network. 100% of the trucks we dispatch into California carry at least $250,000 in cargo insurance.
    • 5‑Star Reputation. Last year, 94% of our California customers left a 5‑star review on Google or BBB, with many calling us the best car shipping company in California.

Popular California Car Shipping Routes We Serve

Inbound (to CA)

Outbound (from CA)


How the California Car Shipping Process Works

    1. Instant Quote. Enter your zip codes and vehicle details into our Free Car Shipping Quote Calculator—no email required.
    2. Carrier Match & Dispatch. We confirm your pickup window (average 3‑5 business days) and lock in a vetted driver.
    3. Photo Inspection & Bill of Lading. Document your vehicle’s condition at load‑up—takes five minutes with our Free Damage Protection app, available on iOS and Android.
    4. In Transit Tracking. Get email and SMS updates while your vehicle is in transit.
    5. Delivery & Final Inspection. Check the car against the Bill of Lading; pay the driver the remaining balance. Done!

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Damage Protection App

We created a simple & user friendly App to help you easily document the condition of your car both before and after it ships. Available for iPhone and Android users.

Car in an iPhone

Timing—How Long Does California Auto Transport Take?

Distance Typical Transit Time
≤ 500 mi 1–3 days
500–1,000 mi 3–5 days
1,000–2,000 mi 5–8 days
2,000 + mi 7–11 days

Heads‑up: Many car shipping companies in California will tell you, LA/OC traffic and Bay Area congestion can add a day to final delivery. During wildfire season (August–October), route detours may extend transit 1–2 days.


 

Insurance & Our Damage‑Free Guarantee

All California car shipping companies must make sure that their car carriers carry a minimum of $250,000 in cargo coverage. All of ours do as well as list Ship A Car Direct on their certificate. Our Damage‑Free Guarantee kicks in if a claim is denied or under‑paid—covering up to $500 of your deductible. Learn more in our Insurance FAQ.

Research further in our step-by-step guide to California Car Shipping →


 

California Car Shipping FAQs

How much does it cost to ship a car to California?

Typical open‑carrier rates can run anywhere from $0.30 – $0.75 per mile depending on the length and geography of the routes. Summer peaks can raise prices by 10–15 %. For a rough estimate that is always based on current California Car Transport prices, use our Free Car Shipping Quote Calculator.

Can I put personal items in the car?

Carriers will unofficially allow up to 100 lbs in the trunk. Heavier loads violate DOT weight rules and may incur fees. And, unfortunately, the items will not be covered by insurance, so avoid leaving anything valuable in the car.

Is enclosed transport worth it?

If your vehicle is worth more than $70,000 or is a classic, enclosed is a smart move—adds 40–50 % to the base price.

How early should I book?

For coastal routes, 1–2 weeks before your ideal pickup; for summer moves (June–August), aim for 2–3 weeks.

Do you serve military bases?

Absolutely. We ship to Camp Pendleton, Travis AFB, and all California installations with PPM (DITY) documentation ready.


 

Cost to Ship a Car to / from California

Sample Lane* Miles Open Carrier Enclosed Carrier
Los Angeles → Denver 1,020 $925 $1,295
San Francisco → Seattle 810 $775 $1,085
San Diego → Miami 2,600 $1,550 $2,275

*The above are estimates only. What drives the price? Distance, vehicle size, trailer type, and seasonality. Summer moves and January snowbirds see a 10‑15 % bump. For a personalized rate, hit the quote button above.

See our full car‑shipping cost guide →

California Car Shipping to or from another state

Browse a state to discover additional details about nearby California Auto Transport options

Ready to Move Your Car?

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Or call us 7 days a week at 866‑221‑1664.

How long does car shipping from California to Texas take?

California to Texas car shipping will usually take anywhere from 3 to 7 days on average depending on the distance and how many other vehicles the carrier is delivering.

What is the cost for California Car Shipping?

California car shipping costs can vary depending on a number of different factors such as vehicle size, distance, fuel prices and season. To get the most up to date info, try using our free car shipping quote calculator.

Where is Ship a Car Direct located?

Ship a Car Direct was founded in Los Angeles, California in 2008, making it one of the best and most reliable California car shipping companies available.

What are the most popular cities for California Car Shipping?

Some of the most popular cities to ship a car to or from in California include; Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, Irvine & Riverside, just to name a few.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honest Answers to Your Car Shipping Questions

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