Compare the top-rated auto transport companies serving California. Honest reviews for LA, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento car shipping.
7 Best Car Shipping Companies in California (2026 Ranked)
California is the largest auto transport market in the United States. Whether you're moving to the Golden State, relocating out, buying a car online, or shipping a collector vehicle, you need a reliable car shipping company. We reviewed the top options for 2026.
Our Evaluation Criteria
We assessed each company on:
The 7 Best California Car Shipping Companies
1. KeepShippin — Best for Instant, Transparent Quotes
KeepShippin eliminates the back-and-forth of traditional auto transport quotes. Get real pricing in 30 seconds online, with no phone calls, emails, or personal info required upfront. Ideal for California's tech-savvy shippers.
Get Your Free Shipping Quote
Instant pricing in 30 seconds — no phone calls, no spam, no commitment.
- No personal info required to see rates
- Compare open & enclosed transport prices
- Licensed & insured carriers only
2. Montway Auto Transport — Best Carrier Network
Montway's extensive carrier pool means strong availability across all California metros, including less-served areas like Sacramento, Fresno, and inland locations.
3. Sherpa Auto Transport — Best Price Protection
Sherpa's price-lock guarantee is especially valuable on California routes where seasonal demand can cause price swings. The quoted price is the final price.
4. SGT Auto Transport — Best Customer Experience
SGT delivers excellent communication and was founded in California, giving them deep knowledge of the state's transport landscape.
5. AmeriFreight — Best for Military/Student Discounts
With several major military bases in California (Camp Pendleton, Travis AFB, Fort Irwin), AmeriFreight's military discount is particularly relevant. Student discounts also help UC and CSU students.
6. Exotic Car Transport — Best for Luxury Vehicles
California has one of the highest concentrations of luxury and exotic vehicles in the country. Exotic Car Transport specializes in enclosed, white-glove service for high-value cars.
7. Jack Cooper Transport — Best for Dealer Volume
Jack Cooper is a major carrier (not broker) that handles dealer and manufacturer transports. If you're a California dealer shipping multiple vehicles, they offer direct carrier rates.
California Car Shipping Cost Overview
| Route | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA to NYC | $1,200 - $1,600 | $1,800 - $2,400 | 7-10 days |
| SF to Chicago | $1,000 - $1,400 | $1,500 - $2,100 | 6-8 days |
| San Diego to Miami | $1,100 - $1,500 | $1,650 - $2,200 | 7-10 days |
| Sacramento to Denver | $650 - $900 | $1,000 - $1,400 | 3-5 days |
| LA to Seattle | $700 - $950 | $1,050 - $1,450 | 3-5 days |
California Car Shipping Tips
Timing Matters for California Routes
May-September is peak season for California car shipping. Cross-country routes to/from the East Coast see the highest demand. Booking 2-3 weeks ahead during summer saves money.
Consider Your Pickup Location
LA and San Francisco have excellent carrier availability. If you're in a rural part of California (Central Valley, far Northern CA), expect 1-2 extra days for pickup and a small surcharge.
Get Multiple Quotes
California is a competitive market, which works in your favor. Getting 3-5 quotes ensures you're getting a fair rate. Avoid any company significantly below market — it often means hidden fees or bait-and-switch pricing.
Prepare for Urban Challenges
In tight LA or SF neighborhoods, carriers may need to meet you at a nearby open lot or main street. Discuss logistics with your shipping coordinator before pickup day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from California?
Open transport from California ranges from $700 (to nearby states like AZ, NV) to $1,600 (cross-country to NY, FL). Enclosed transport adds 30-60% to these rates.
How long does it take to ship a car from California?
Regional West Coast shipments (to WA, AZ, NV): 2-4 days. To the Midwest: 5-7 days. Cross-country to the East Coast: 7-10 days.
What's the cheapest way to ship a car from California?
Open transport with a flexible pickup window during off-peak months (October-February) offers the lowest rates. Terminal-to-terminal saves an additional $100-$200.
Ready to ship your car to or from California? Get instant, transparent pricing from KeepShippin.
Get Your Free Shipping Quote
Instant pricing in 30 seconds — no phone calls, no spam, no commitment.
- No personal info required to see rates
- Compare open & enclosed transport prices
- Licensed & insured carriers only
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