West Coast · State Car Shipping
California Car Shipping Done Right
Door-to-door vehicle transport to and from California. Licensed, insured, and trusted by thousands of customers. No deposit. Fully tracked. Real people who answer the phone.
Every California Driver Has Different Needs
From military PCS moves to classic car collections, we’ve built our service around every type of California customer.
Relocating Professionals
Moving to or from California for work? We coordinate your vehicle transport so you can focus on the move.
Out-of-State Vehicle Buyers
Purchased a car online or at auction in California? We pick it up and deliver it directly to your door.
Military Personnel
EV & Specialty Vehicle Owners
Classic & Collector Car Owners
Dealerships & Auction Buyers
Volume transport, priority scheduling, and a dedicated rep for dealerships and auction lot pickups in California.
POPULAR California ROUTES
Top Shipping Routes To & From California
These are the most frequently requested routes for California vehicle transport. Each estimate reflects real-world transit times based on distance and carrier availability, not automated guesses.
Los Angeles, CA
New York, NY
- ~2,800 mi
- 7–9 days
Los Angeles, CA
Miami, FL
- ~2,750 mi
- 6–9 days
Los Angeles, CA
Chicago, IL
- ~2,020 mi
- 5–7 days
Los Angeles, CA
Dallas, TX
- ~1,430 mi
- 3–5 days
Los Angeles, CA
Phoenix, AZ
- ~370 mi
- 1–2 days
San Francisco, CA
Seattle, WA
- ~810 mi
- 2–4 days
Los Angeles, CA
Las Vegas, NV
- ~270 mi
- 1–2 days
San Diego, CA
Houston, TX
- ~1,560 mi
- 4–6 days
Los Angeles, CA
Denver, CO
- ~1,020 mi
- 3–5 days
San Francisco, CA
New York, NY
- ~2,900 mi
- 7–9 days
Don't see your route?
We cover every origin and destination in the continental U.S, not just popular corridors. Call or get a quote and we'll find your carrier.
Choose Your Level of Protection
Whether you are moving a daily driver or a priceless classic, we have a safe and reliable transport method tailored to your budget and your vehicle's specific needs.
Standard · Open Transport
Most Popular & Most Affordable
Your vehicle ships on an open two-tier carrier, the same method used to deliver brand-new cars to dealerships nationwide. Safe, proven, and trusted for 90% of all shipments.
- Full insurance coverage included
- Door-to-door pickup & delivery
- Fastest carrier availability
- Best value for everyday vehicles
Premium · Enclosed Transport
White-Glove Protection
Your vehicle is sealed inside a fully enclosed trailer, shielded from weather, road debris, and the elements. Up to $1M in coverage with soft-strap securing and dual inspections.
- Up to $1,000,000 insurance coverage
- Soft-strap securing — zero paint contact
- Dual 10-point photographic inspection
- Recommended for luxury, classic & exotic vehicles
How California Car Shipping Works
01
Get Your Free Quote
Call or fill out the form. A California route specialist provides a guaranteed, real-time rate, no deposit, no obligation.
01
We Match Your Carrier
We hand-select a vetted, licensed carrier from our network. We rely on trusted partners, meaning no load board posts and no compromises.
01
Pickup & Real-Time Tracking
Your carrier arrives door-to-door for a full condition inspection before loading. Once on the road, you get 24/7 dispatch access to track your vehicle every mile of the way.
04
Safe Delivery
A final inspection is completed at delivery to ensure your vehicle arrives exactly as it left. Only then do you pay the driver.
PRICING FACTORS
What Affects the Cost of Shipping a Car in California
Distance & Route
The distance between California and your destination is the biggest pricing factor. Longer hauls cost more, but price-per-mile decreases on cross-country routes.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Open transport is 30–40% more affordable. Enclosed is recommended for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles needing maximum protection.
Season & Timing
Vehicle Size & Type
Operable vs. Inoperable
Non-running vehicles need a winch or forklift to load, always disclose this upfront so we match you with the right equipped carrier.
Expedited Service
Need your car picked up within 24–48 hours in California? Expedited options are available on most routes for a premium.
How to Prepare Your Car for California Transport
Remove all personal belongings
Moving to or from California for work? We coordinate your vehicle transport so you can focus on the move.
Leave about a quarter tank of gas
Enough fuel to load and unload. A full tank adds unnecessary weight and cost.
Photograph your vehicle thoroughly
Document every angle before pickup. This protects you if any dispute arises at delivery.
Disable aftermarket alarms
Car alarms can trigger repeatedly during transport, draining the battery. Disable them before the carrier arrives.
Disclose any mechanical issues
Leaks, starting problems, or suspension issues should be communicated upfront so we assign the right carrier.
Ensure the vehicle is clean enough to inspect
A clean exterior allows the driver to accurately document the vehicle's pre-transport condition.
Common California Shipping Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to or from California?
How much does it cost to ship a car to or from California?
California transit times are typically 1–9 days depending on origin and destination. The Origin state, all distances measured from CA range means your exact timeframe depends on pickup and dropoff cities. We’ll give you a firm estimated window at booking.
Do I need to be present at pickup and delivery?
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes. Every carrier we use is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Open transport includes standard carrier cargo insurance. Enclosed transport carries up to $1,000,000 in coverage. You can request the carrier’s certificate of insurance before transport.
What is the Bill of Lading?
The Bill of Lading is your vehicle’s condition report. It is a detailed inspection signed at pickup and at delivery. It documents all pre-existing damage and protects you if any new damage occurs in transit. Always review it carefully at both ends.
Should I choose open or enclosed transport for California?
For the vast majority of vehicles, including daily drivers, family cars, and trucks, open transport is the smart, cost-effective choice. For luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles that you wouldn’t want exposed to the elements, enclosed transport is absolutely worth the premium.
Do you require a deposit to book?
Never. We do not charge upfront deposits at all. You only pay once your carrier is confirmed and assigned. No risk, no commitment until you’re fully ready to proceed.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 1–2 weeks ahead for most routes involving California. For peak season travel, 2–3 weeks notice ensures better carrier selection and pricing. We also handle expedited and last-minute shipments.
The All-In-One Solution: Your Search Ends Here
Secure Auto Shipping is the only stop you need for total transport security. As a fully licensed Broker and Carrier affiliate, we don’t just find a truck, we own the process from start to finish.