How to Ship Your Car to and From California

Shipping your car to another state is a very specific service that requires a professional touch, especially for a coastal state like California.

Most of the time it would be difficult to do this on your own, unless your personal situation meets the optimal criteria: the move is a short distance away from where you live, you don't need to move any special items, and all of your friends are reliable and ready to help you. Renting a truck from a moving company may be another perfectly smart solution.

However, when it comes to transporting your vehicle to a different state that is far away, the only option you have is to either drive all the way there with all of your belongings (which is not recommended) or use the help of a professional car shipping service.

The most important qualities you should look for when selecting a shipping company are trustworthiness and affordability. The last thing you need to worry about on top of all the stresses of moving is your car shipment breaking the bank or your car arriving dented or scratched.

How Can I Send My Car to Another Country?

If you need to ship a car internationally, the process is a bit more complex but manageable with the right steps. Here's a simplified breakdown:

1. Initial Domestic Shipping: First, you’ll need to arrange car shipping services to the proper port. This could mean shipping a car across the country or just across state lines to the nearest port.
2. International Transport: Next, arrange for shipping services via boat or air to the destination country. This step involves choosing between container shipping or roll-on/roll-off services.
3. Final Destination: Finally, you’ll need to arrange car shipping services in the destination country to move your car to its final drop-off point.

This doesn't have to be daunting! By choosing a reliable international shipping service, you can ensure your car arrives safely and efficiently.

Tips for International Car Shipping

• Documentation: Ensure all necessary paperwork, such as the bill of lading and customs forms, is in order.
• Insurance: Verify that your shipping company provides adequate insurance coverage for international transport.
• Customs Regulations: Be aware of the customs regulations and import duties in the destination country.

By following these steps and tips, you can make the process of shipping your car internationally much smoother and stress-free.

At Ship a Car Direct, we meet all of the criteria for professional car shipping to and from California. We review thousands of carriers and weed out the ones that do not meet our elite standards.

We’re so confident that you will be satisfied with your shipment that we also provide an Iron-Clad, Damage Free Guarantee, so you know your car will look just as good upon arrival in California as it did when it left your home.

Find out more on shipping your car to California and the things you need to know when working with our brokers and carriers below.

How to Prepare Your Car

Being prepared is the best thing you can do when it comes to car shipping. First and foremost, each of your family members will need to pitch in for your car shipment to be a success. Before your family helps you with preparing your car, however, you will need to choose a reputable auto transport company. After you've chosen the appropriate shipping service, it is time to turn your attention toward preparing your car for shipping.

You will want to start by washing down the exterior of your car.

Getting a visual inspection of the vehicle is a good idea, as it will allow you to account for any damages your car has incurred up until now. Document any damages you spot with your phone, and then upload them to the cloud on the Ship a Car Direct phone app. This way, you will have a record for the inspection report you will need to receive and sign before the actual shipping company arrives.

Inspect your vehicle for any signs of leakage. Also inspect the engine compartment and underneath your car. Make sure there is absolutely no leaking around your fuel tank. If you see any leaks, no matter how small, you should have them fixed before the auto shipping company arrives.

To make sure that the shipment does not have any extra weight, you may want to leave your gas tank only 1/4 full. Likewise, the battery in your vehicle needs to be completely charged before they arrive, and the battery should be secure to help prevent it from shifting around while your car is being transported.

Your tires should have a good amount of tire pressure and should have no air leaks.

Check to make sure that the emergency brake in your vehicle is working properly because you will not be able to ship it if it is not.

You will need to remove any expensive personal possessions from the vehicle, such as cell phones, jewelry, and external GPS navigation systems. You will need to do this since the vast majority of shipping companies will not provide extra coverage for personal items.

Try to remove or disable the alarm in your car; many shipping services may be required to remove it in any way they deem suitable should your alarm set off at an inopportune moment.

If your car has any mechanical issues, alert the truck driver of these issues as soon as they arrive. Keep in mind that when the auto shipping company arrives, you will be required to keep your license plate on your car. Other car accessories, like spare tires, emergency kits, and car jumpers can stay in your car. If your vehicle happens to be a convertible, you will need to keep the top secured to help prevent any weather damage while your car is being transported.

Automatic toll tags need to be removed or deactivated before the truck driver comes. You should check with your auto insurance carrier to ensure that your insurance coverage will stay active until your car is delivered. Remember to write down the numbers on your odometer and keep them in a secure area.

Average Pricing Breakdown

The cost of shipping a car can vary, the price can sometimes average to around $500 for short transports and around $1,500 for shipments that are across the country. Of course, shipping your vehicle internationally will cost far more. The size of your vehicle will also play a factor in the shipment price.

If you would like to get a better idea of an estimate for your car transport, try using our free instant car shipping estimate calculator.

How Does Location Affect Transport?

Many factors can influence cost and transit time depending on where your car needs to be picked up, or if you’re moving out of California.

• Car shipping from coast to coast: Whether you’re shipping from New York State or Florida, that’s nearly 3,000 miles of ground to cover. The average length of time for these trips is one to two weeks, depending on conditions.
• Moving out of California: If you’re one of many California residents looking to make another state your home, Ship a Car Direct services cities across the state. Just like with shipping to the Golden State, the price and length of time depends on the distance of your final destination.
• Southern California: SoCal is known for its year-round moderate conditions, seeing very little rain and absolutely no snow in the winter months. This makes transporting your car much easier for the carrier. However, Los Angeles traffic is notoriously heavy even outside of rush hour, so keep in mind that this may cause delays if you’re relocating to this city.
• San Francisco Bay Area: This region is a great place for both dropping off or picking up vehicles. Not only does it have nice weather, but it’s close to many ports if you’re looking for overseas shipment to Hawaii, for example.

Why You Should Hire a Shipping Company Like Ship a Car Direct

Along with the resources we’ve previously mentioned, we have created helpful car shipping videos to answer any questions or concerns you may have with car shipping. We have a large database that has over 2,500 screened auto shippers for you to choose from, whether you want to ship your car to California, whether it’s San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles or anywhere else. We do not require an upfront fee to provide you with this service. We take the hassle out of car shipping.

If you need further convincing, simply look at the numerous 5-star reviews our team has worked effortlessly to receive.

Contact us today at 866-221-1664 for a free auto shipping quote!

Is It Worth It to Ship a Car Across the Country?

Absolutely! Shipping a car across the country can save you an enormous amount of time and stress. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

Saves Time and Effort

Driving a car cross-country is not just a long, tiresome journey; it also demands a significant commitment of your time. By choosing a professional car shipping service, you can focus on your daily responsibilities or enjoy some leisure time while experts handle the logistics.

Financial Savings

Contrary to what you might think, car shipping can be more cost-effective than driving. Consider all the expenses associated with a long road trip:

• Fuel Costs: Long-distance driving consumes a lot of gas.
• Meals and Lodging: Stopping for food and overnight stays at motels can add up quickly.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Your vehicle will endure wear and tear, potentially leading to costly repairs down the line.

When you factor in these hidden expenses, the price of professional car shipping becomes much more attractive.

Safety and Reduced Wear

Driving long distances can be risky and add significant mileage to your vehicle, leading to depreciation. By shipping your car, you avoid the potential for accidents and lessen the toll on your vehicle's engine and tires.

Convenience

Car shipping services provide a seamless experience. Most companies offer door-to-door service, meaning they pick up your car from your location and deliver it directly to your destination. This hassle-free approach allows you to travel comfortably by plane or other means, knowing your car will arrive safely and on time.

Peace of Mind

Reputable car shipping companies are insured, so you have financial protection if anything happens to your vehicle during transit. Moreover, many services offer real-time tracking, allowing you to monitor your car’s journey every step of the way.

To sum up, the advantages of shipping your car across the country far outweigh the challenges and costs of driving. Between saving time and money, avoiding stress, and ensuring your car’s safety, professional car shipping services provide a compelling solution for long-distance moves.

How Far in Advance Should I Book My Cross-Country Car Transport Service?

When planning to ship your car across the country, timing plays a crucial role in securing the best rates and ensuring a smooth process. Ideally, you should book your car transport service as early as possible to maximize your options and flexibility.

Here’s why booking early matters:

1. Cost Efficiency: By booking your car transport well in advance, you have the opportunity to monitor market rates. Ship a Car Direct often offer lower prices for early bookings. This means you can lock in a more affordable rate before prices rise due to increased demand.

2. Schedule Flexibility: Early booking allows you to adjust your shipment schedule without significant hassle. Many transport services are more accommodating with changes if drivers have not yet been assigned to your order. This flexibility is crucial if unexpected events arise or your plans shift.

3. Peace of Mind: Booking ahead of time provides the reassurance that your transportation needs are secured well before your move date. This can reduce stress and give you one less thing to worry about during a potentially hectic relocation period.

General Guidelines:

• 3-4 Weeks in Advance: Aim to book your car transport at least three to four weeks before your desired shipping date. This window gives you ample time to compare quotes, finalize arrangements, and make any necessary adjustments.

• High Demand Seasons: During peak moving seasons, such as summer months or around holidays, consider booking even earlier—up to six weeks in advance—to ensure availability and competitive rates.

By planning ahead and booking your cross-country car transport service early, you can benefit from better pricing, scheduling flexibility, and overall peace of mind. Remember to keep an eye on various market rates and choose a reputable service to handle your vehicle with care.