California Vehicle Transport

Fast and Reliable Vehicle Transport Service in California

We provide quick, safe and affordable vehicle transport throughout California and across the country. Whether you’re moving one car or several, our team makes sure your vehicles arrive safely and on schedule.

We are experts shipping vehicles from California to Hawaii

American Auto Transport specializes in shipping vehicles from California to Hawaii and vice versa and offers reliable, licensed services. You can choose to ship from port to port or from your door to the port. We cover Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Our regular routes include San Diego, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Get An Affordable Quote

Vehicle Info

Would you like a home moving estimate?

Personal Info

Shipping Your Car in Three Steps

Our States Transport Service provides efficient and secure vehicle shipping for prompt delivery.

Speak With A Transport Expert

Get an accurate and the most economical car shipping quote.

We Will Pick Up Your Vehicle

A professional driver will collect your vehicle at your specified location.

Vehicle on-time delivery

We ensure your vehicle is delivered safely and on time.

Reasons For Shipping Cars To and From California

Shipping vehicles to and from California is common for people moving, starting new jobs, or buying cars from inside or outside the state. This service helps reduce wear on your car, keeps it safe from damage during long trips and can save you money on travel costs, especially when shipping a car across the country, coast-to-coast, for example, transporting a vehicle from Miami, FL to Los Angeles, CA.

Why do people move their cars to or from California?

People move their cars to and from California for home moves, job changes, seasonal moves, and international moves. Popular routes connect to states such as Oregon, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. The main reasons for transporting vehicles are to avoid the stress of long drives, keep personal cars from getting too many mile and manage moving plans.

  • Moving to a new city or state for personal reasons.
  • Vacation or pleasure trips.
  • Moving vehicles from the factory to dealerships.
  • People known as snowbirds move their vehicles to warmer climates in the South between November and February.
  • When military members get orders to move to a new base, like Redstone Arsenal, they often need to send their vehicles.
  • When you buy or sell vehicles online or move them between dealers, you need to arrange transport for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and RVs to avoid long-distance driving. This saves time, reduces wear on the vehicle, and helps avoid the high costs of a long road trip.
  • College students in California mainly use car transport services during fall move-in, spring move-out, summer internships and when moving between universities to avoid long drives.
Shipping a 2020 Rolls-Royce from Alabama to Florida

Request A Quote To Ship Your Vehicle

Get the most economical car shipping quote!

Vehicle Transport in California: How to Move Vehicles

Transporting multiple Chevrolet Silverado trucks from CA to Colorado

Important Things to Know About Shipping a Car in California

How does shipping a car in California work? Begin by obtaining quotes and selecting the best price. Choose between open or enclosed transport, then schedule a pickup. Prepare your vehicle, sign the bill of lading and pay upon delivery.

  1. Requesting quotes: Request quotes from several reputable vehicle transport companies in California to compare prices.
  2. Select transport type:
    • Open trailer transport: This is the most common and cost-effective method to ship your car to or from California.
    • Enclosed Carrier: This option offers the best protection for luxury, rare, expensive, or classic vehicles against weather damage and issues during shipping.
  3. Logistics and Scheduling: You can choose door-to-door service for pickup and delivery to your chosen locations, which is usually faster. If you want to save money, using terminal-to-terminal service might be a better choice for your pocket.
  4. Preparation: Remove any personal belongings, clean your car before the inspection, keep the gas tank about a quarter full, and make sure the battery is fully charged and the tires are properly inflated. It also helps to take pictures of your car’s condition so you can check them after delivery.
  5. Documentation and Inspection before drop-off: The Bill of Lading (BOL) serves as both a receipt and a checklist. Look over the vehicle when you get it and when you return it and note any damage on the BOL.

American Auto Transport offers the following key strengths in CA:

  • California, nationwide and flexible shipping: We offer door-to-door vehicle transport from California to destinations nationwide, including SUVs and specialty cars.
  • Reliable pricing and quotes: American Auto Transport provides fast, free quotes with no hidden fees, often delivered instantly.
  • Safety, trust and reliability: We are licensed, insured and hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • Comprehensive coverage: We offer open carriers as the most cost-effective option and enclosed carriers for luxury or specialty vehicles.
  • Customer service: We offer 24-hour support, real-time tracking and personalized expedited shipping and pickup when needed.
Shipping a sport car from Colorado to California using an enclosed carrier

The Average Cost of California Vehicle Transport

Shipping a car in California usually costs between 75 cents and $1.75 per mile, depending on the distance. Short trips cost more per mile than longer ones. How you ship your car also matters. Using an open carrier is less expensive, while an enclosed trailer costs more.

California Auto Transport: Average Costs by Distance/Route:

  • Short distance, under 500 miles: You will pay $1.10 per mile.
  • Medium distance, 500 to 1,500 miles: Costs $0.77 to $0.95 per mile.
  • Long-distance transportation over 2,500 miles: Costs $0.65 to $0.75 per mile.

How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car in California?

Shipping a car in California takes 2 to 4 days within the state and 5 to 21 days for longer trips, depending on the distance. Short trips under 500 miles take 2 to 3 days, while longer trips, like the California to Florida route over 2,500 miles, take 7 to 21 days. Important things that affect this timing include the route, weather and the carrier’s availability.

Main Factors That Affect How Long It Takes and the Cost to Ship a Car in California

  • Transport method: Open transport is cheaper, but enclosed carriers cost more and better protect your vehicle.
  • Distance: Deliveries within 1 to 100 miles typically take 1 to 3 days. Distances of 1,000 miles or more may require one to two weeks.
  • Pickup time: Carrier pickup usually takes one to three days. For rush-expedited transport, pickup occurs the same day.
  • Vehicle size/condition: Larger vehicles such as SUVs, vans, trucks, semi-trucks and non-operational vehicles incur higher shipping costs.
  • Route popularity: Major interstate corridors in California offer faster transit than those in remote areas.
  • Seasonality: Car shipping prices increase during peak periods, mainly summer (June to August) and the winter holidays, especially December.

Request A Quote To Ship Your Vehicle

Get the most economical car shipping quote!

How vehicle transport from California to Hawaii and vice versa works

Shipping vehicles between California and Hawaii is done by sea, through a transport company like American Auto Transport. Vehicles are dropped off at ports in Long Beach, San Diego or Oakland, sent on Roll-on/Roll-off ships or in containers, and picked up at Hawaiian ports such as Honolulu or Hilo. The vehicle delivery takes 14 to 30 days.

California to Hawaii vehicle shipping with American Auto Transport

Key Considerations for Vehicle Transport from California to Hawaii

  1. Vehicle Shipping Methods from CA to HI

    • Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): The most common and cost-effective way to transport vehicles from California to Hawaii is by driving them onto and off the ship. The one-way cost typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,000.
    • Container Shipping: Vehicles are secured in metal containers to protect against saltwater and debris. This method, preferred for luxury and classic cars, costs $1,800 to $3,700 or more.
  2. Drop, ship and pickup process: Vehicles are either dropped off or trucked to a mainland port, shipped and then collected at the destination port.
  3. Requirements: Vehicles must be clean, have no more than one-quarter of a tank of gas and contain no personal belongings.
  4. Documentation: You need to have the registration and title. If your vehicle is financed or leased, you also need a notarized letter from the lienholder.
  5. Timeframe: The entire process takes about 3 to 4 weeks.
  6. Cost: Vehicle transport from California to Hawaii costs between $1,000 and $2,500+, depending on vehicle size, shipping method and fuel costs.
  7. Post-Arrival: A safety check is required upon arrival in Hawaii for registration.

Vehicle Shipping from Hawaii to California

The process for shipping a vehicle from HI to CA is similar, but it needs stricter paperwork. It is cheaper to ship from Hawaii, with some prices starting around $600 to $1,200 for basic port-to-port service.

How The Time Of Year Affects Vehicle Transport Services In California

Winter weather in California, such as snow, ice, and heavy rain, affects vehicle shipping, increasing normal 1-2 week delays to 4-6 weeks for cross-country trips. Bad conditions make drivers slow down and drive more carefully, which can lead to road closures and higher costs as fewer drivers are available.

  • Significant Delays: While California usually has mild weather, routes to or through the Midwest and Northeast often have heavy snow, icy roads, and road closures that slow down deliveries.
  • Increased Costs: Because fewer carriers are available and risks increase, shipping costs can rise during the winter months.
  • Safety Risks: Dangerous road conditions, like icy mountain roads in Northern California, can cause accidents and slow travel.
  • Route Diversions: Bad weather may prompt drivers to take longer, different routes to keep the vehicle safe.

Safety and Planning Tips for Transporting Your Car in California

  • Use Enclosed Transport: To protect vehicles from winter road salt, ice, and debris, enclosed transport is recommended.
  • Plan Ahead: Book shipments well in advance and allow extra time, as winter weather can create unpredictable timelines.
  • Check Carrier Credentials: Make sure the transport company knows how to work in winter weather and offers live tracking.

Spring weather in California, with heavy rain, fog and changing temperatures, significantly affects vehicle transport by causing delays, more dangerous roads and higher costs due to increased demand. The main problems are slippery roads, flooding in some places and slow travel through mountain passes. Although spring is usually milder than winter, it is a time of change when demand rises as snowbirds travel north and school breaks begin, often leading to higher, more competitive and less flexible shipping prices.

Impact of Spring Weather Conditions in California

  • Rain and Flooding: Strong spring rains in California can cause flooding and landslides that block or slow main roads used for vehicle shipping, especially in inland and coastal areas.
  • Hazardous Road Conditions: Wet roads increase the risk of hydroplaning and poor visibility, causing carriers to reduce speeds by 4% to 18%.
  • Wind Conditions: In Southern California, strong winds such as the Santa Ana winds pose risks to carriers.
  • Mountain Passes: Weather in California’s mountains can shift quickly from clear skies to snow, requiring drivers to manage sudden, hazardous conditions.
  • Coastal/Inland Fog: Early-morning fog in California often significantly reduces visibility.

Summer, from June to August, affects vehicle transport in California by increasing demand and prices, as it is the busiest moving season. It also makes travel faster and safer since there is no winter weather to worry about. However, very hot weather can cause delays like engine overheating or tire issues.

Important things to know about summer conditions in California for car transport

  • High Demand & Rates: Summer is the busiest time for vehicle transport in CA, leading to higher prices, fewer carriers available and the need to book 3 to 4 weeks ahead.
  • Faster Delivery Times: Even though there is a high need for transportation, truck drivers drive faster because companies want to avoid ice and snow in winter.
  • Heat-Related Delays: Hot weather, especially in Southern California and desert areas, can cause truck engines to overheat and tires to wear out faster.
  • Environmental Factors: Wildfires and dust storms in arid regions can disrupt routes and cause detours.
  • Optimal Transport Method: Open carriers work well in summer, but enclosed transport is recommended to protect against heat and dust.

How to get the best out of summer shipping in California:

  • Book early to avoid expensive last-minute transport fees and save money.
  • Make sure the vehicle is clean and that all fluids are topped off for hot weather.
  • Consider using a covered trailer to protect items from very hot temperatures and dust in desert areas.

Fall is a great, affordable time to ship your car in California because prices drop when fewer people ship after summer. The weather is usually mild, but early winter rain or snow in the mountains might cause small delays. Booking in September can help you secure better prices during this slower season.

Important things to know about summer conditions in California for car transport

  • Cost Savings: Fall is often called a slow season because demand drops. This usually means shipping prices are lower, more competitive, and easier on your budget than during the summer.
  • Weather Disruptions: Although usually milder, fall can bring early rain or snow, especially in the northern parts of the state or over mountain passes, which can slow travel as drivers are cautious.
  • Ideal Transport Weather: The mild and steady weather in California during the fall is great for driving because it avoids the very hot summer and the harsh, icy, road-blocking weather of winter.
  • Strategic Timing: While early fall has less demand, later in the season, people moving from cold places to warmer ones and holiday travel can grow, possibly raising transport numbers, especially on busy routes.
  • Reduced Damage Risk: Because there are fewer severe weather events than in other seasons, vehicles moving around face a lower risk of weather damage.

California Main Highways For Transporting Cars

The main highways for cars in California are I-5 for north-south travel, I-10 and I-15 for east-west and cross-state trips, and U.S. 101 along the coast. These roads often have heavy truck traffic, especially around I-405, I-605 and I-110 near Los Angeles.

Interstate 5 (I-5)
The main highway running north to south that links San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento and the Pacific Northwest.
Interstate 10 (I-10)
Main road linking Southern California (Santa Monica/LA) east to Arizona, Texas, and the southern US.
Interstate 15 (I-15)
The main road linking Southern California to Las Vegas, Utah and the Mountain states.
U.S. Route 101 (US 101)
An important coastal road connecting Los Angeles, the Central Coast, the Bay Area and Northern California.
Interstate 405 (I-405)
Important busy shortcut road for the Los Angeles Westside.
Interstate 80 (I-80)
The main east-west road linking the Bay Area and Sacramento with Nevada.

Request A Quote To Ship Your Vehicle

Get the most economical car shipping quote of the industry now!!
Helping you make the best decision!

Tips For Transporting a Vehicle In California

Ship Exotic Cars

Cost-saving strategies

Choosing open transport can help you save money, since it costs about $0.65 per mile, while enclosed transport costs more than $0.95 to $1.00 per mile.

Book in advance to save money

Book at least three to four weeks ahead to get better prices and make sure a truck driver is available.

Important information needed

Tell us your vehicle’s year, brand and model, and let us know if it works. This helps us give you the most accurate and lowest price for shipping a car to or from California.

Required documentation

Gather the vehicle title, current registration, proof of insurance, and the Bill of Lading.

Route advantages

Using the six main highways in California can make driving easier, faster and cheaper.

* Prices may vary by state and are influenced by several factors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Car Shipping

Prepare Your Vehicle Before Pick-Up

Exotic Car Transport

Wash your vehicle

Wash the vehicle so you can easily see and photograph any existing dents or scratches. This will help if you need to report new damage after transport.

Remove personal items

Remove all your items from the car, including the trunk, to help prevent theft and make the car lighter. Insurance usually does not cover items left inside.

Secure external parts

Remove items that are not permanently attached, such as bike racks, ski racks, or cargo boxes. Fold in the side mirrors and pull in the antennas to prevent damage.

Fuel and battery

Lower the fuel to about a quarter of a tank to make the car lighter. Make sure the battery is fully charged and working.

Maintenance check

Look for any leaks, since cars that leak fluids might not be accepted by transport companies. Make sure your tires have enough air.

Disable alarms

Turn off any security systems or alarms so they do not go off during the move.

Prepare keys

Give the driver a working key and an extra set of keys for the vehicle.

* Prices may vary by state and are influenced by several factors.

Keep Your Vehicle Safe During Shipping  to or from Califronia With Insurance Coverage

Transporting a truck from California to Florida

With American Auto Transport, you are protected

We understand that sending your vehicle across the country can raise concerns like, “What if something goes wrong on the road?” At American Auto Transport, we handle these concerns immediately. Your vehicle is safe during shipping with required insurance, special shipping rules, and careful checks recorded in the shipping papers. Licensed drivers have insurance that covers damage, accidents, theft, and vandalism.

Experience Total Peace of Mind: Complete Protection for Your Vehicle While in Transit

  • Carrier liability insurance: This required coverage pays for damages if the transporter is careless or has an accident.
  • Cargo insurance: protects your vehicle from damage. For open carriers, insurance usually covers between $100,000 and $150,000, enough to pay for major repairs like a full paint job or big bodywork. Enclosed transport usually offers coverage of $500,000, with the option to increase it to $2 million to protect expensive vehicles during shipping. A bill of lading is an important paper signed when your car is picked up and again when it is delivered. It records the car’s condition to look for any new damage.
  • Types of transport:
    • Open carriers: carry your vehicle outside, leaving it exposed to the elements and road debris. This makes them the cheapest but least protected option.
    • Enclosed carriers: This choice offers the best protection and is most commonly used for luxury or classic vehicles. It helps protect your vehicle from weather and debris.
  • Coverage limits: Our insurance does not cover natural disasters, personal items left in your vehicle, or damage that existed before shipping. These limits exist because some risks, such as weather or factors unrelated to shipping, are beyond anyone’s control. Not covering old damage also helps keep responsibility clear and makes the process fair for everyone.

Make sure to check the carrier’s Certificate of Insurance (COI) and see if your own auto insurance offers extra coverage while your vehicle is being shipped.

Avoid Hidden Damage: Protect Yourself During the Vehicle Delivery

Upon delivery of your vehicle, please inspect it carefully with the truck driver for any damage.

Steps to follow when the vehicle arrives for delivery:strong

  1. Inspect right away: Walk around the car with the driver and carefully check the outside, roof, windows, lights, and tires.
  2. Document damage: Take pictures of any scratches, dents, or other damage before the transporter leaves.
  3. Review paperwork: Check the car’s VIN, mileage, and condition against what is on the shipping form. Write down any damage you find before signing. In California, noting problems on the Bill of Lading when the car is delivered helps protect your right to file a claim should issues arise later. Recording all visible damage before signing keeps your consumer rights safe under state law.
  4. Test parts: Check electrical features like lights, windows, locks, and the entertainment system.
  5. Check inventory: Make sure to include the keys, floor mats, and charging cables if it is an electric car.
  6. Test drive: If you can, take a short test drive to check the car’s safety. Notice how the brakes feel, how the steering works, and if any warning lights come on during a quick two-mile drive. Write down any strange sounds, shaking, or dashboard warnings right after the drive. This helps you find hidden problems and makes it easier to handle warranty or delivery claims.
  7. Do not sign immediately: Wait to sign the acceptance form until the inspection is done.
Multi vehicle transport from New York to California
Car Transport Company

Trustworthy Car Shipping Company

17+

years in business

98.4%

On time delivery!

Door to Door Transport

Nationwide Transport

LET’S GET YOUR VEHICLE MOVING

Nationwide Auto Transport

Easy Booking

RELIABLE AND AFFORDABLE QUOTES!

Cities in California where we transport the highest volume of vehicles

  1. Los Angeles
  2. San Diego
  3. San Jose
  4. San Francisco
  5. Fresno
  6. Sacramento
  7. Long Beach
  8. Oakland
  9. Bakersfield
  10. Anaheim
  11. Irvine
  12. Santa Ana
  13. Riverside
  14. Stockton
  15. Chula Vista
  16. Santa Clara
  17. Santa Barbara
  18. Sunnyvale
  19. Carlsbad
  20. Fremont

Most popular routes for transporting vehicles from California

Route Miles Average Cost
California to Florida 2,700 miles $2,250
California to New York 2,910 miles $2,400
California to Texas 1,400 miles $1,410
California to Pennsylvania 2,550 miles $2,150

Why choose American Auto Transport for your vehicle transport needs in California?

  1. Specialists and in-depth knowledge: With over 17 years of experience, American Auto Transport ships cars across the country and internationally, serving California and specializing in shipping vehicles between California and Hawaii, as well as other locations.
  2. Expensive and specialty vehicle transport experts: We have a strong history of shipping high-end, rare, classic, vintage and one-of-a-kind vehicles, including brands like Pagani, Bentley, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, McLaren and others.
  3. Safety and trustworthy: American Auto Transport holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and consistently delivers safely, on time and without damage.
  4. Extensive nationwide car shipping coverage: American Auto Transport offers nationwide car transport, making it a reliable choice for shipping vehicles to or from any location in California.
  5. Cost-effective and reliable quotes: American Auto Transport provides competitive car shipping rates and reliable service.

Benefits of Choosing American Auto Transport for Vehicle Shipping in California

Choosing American Auto Transport for California car shipping provides specialized insurance, secure nationwide service, door-to-door delivery, open or enclosed transport options, and reliable customer service.

  1. Financial protection and benefits: American Auto Transport covers up to $500 of a customer’s insurance deductible if the carrier’s policy excludes the claim.
  2. Reliability and support: As a BBB-rated transport broker, we provide a complimentary rental car if delivery is delayed by more than 14 days.
  3. Convenience and service: We offer door-to-door transport and terminal-to-terminal with a choice of open or enclosed trailers.
  4. Safety and insurance: American Auto Transport ships vehicles with carrier liability and cargo insurance.
  5. No upfront payment or deposit: Payment is due only after a carrier is assigned or the vehicle is delivered.

California car shipping FAQs

Shipping a car to or from California costs between $500 and $4,000, depending on how far it goes, the size of the vehicle and the kind of transport you choose, open or covered trailer. For long trips, you can expect to pay about 65 to 85 cents per mile, while short, local trips can cost up to $1.65 per mile.

To get the best prices and vehicle transport options in California, book your service 3 to 4 weeks in advance. During busy times, especially summer (May to September) and the end of the year, it is best to book 4 to 6 weeks in advance to secure preferred, cheaper, and reliable shipping, especially for long trips.

Door-to-door car shipping in California is very convenient because the vehicle is picked up and delivered right at your home or chosen place. On the other hand, terminal-to-terminal means you drop off and pick up the vehicle at specific storage locations, which is cheaper but less convenient.

Yes, vehicles transported by American Auto Transport and its carriers are insured while traveling in California. Federal law requires carriers to have insurance for cargo and liability, usually covering damage from accidents or driver errors. The insurance comes from the carrier handling your shipment, not the broker and damage from natural disasters or personal belongings is often not covered.

You may include up to 100 pounds of personal items in a shipped car, provided they are placed in the trunk or below the windows. Note that the shipping company’s insurance typically does not cover these items.

In California, you do not need to be there in person when an auto transport company picks up or drops off your vehicle, but someone 18 or older must be there for you if you cannot. This person must check the vehicle for damage, sign the Bill of Lading, and give the keys.

American Auto Transport’s payment usually has two steps: first, a deposit paid by credit card when a carrier is assigned, then the rest paid when the vehicle is delivered by cash, certified check, or money order. There are no fees to pay before booking, so you only pay after a carrier is found and sometimes after the vehicle is delivered.

When bringing a vehicle to California from another state, use a professional auto transport company. This is the most common method for online vehicle purchases.

Request A Quote To Ship Your Vehicle

Get the most economical car shipping quote of the industry now!!

Car Transport to Any State

  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska
  3. Arizona
  4. Arkansas
  5. California
  6. Colorado
  7. Connecticut
  8. Delaware
  9. Florida
  10. Georgia
  11. Hawaii
  12. Idaho
  13. Illinois
  14. Indiana
  15. Iowa
  16. Kansas
  17. Kentucky
  18. Louisiana
  19. Maine
  20. Maryland
  21. Massachusetts
  22. Michigan
  23. Minnesota
  24. Mississippi
  25. Missouri
  26. Montana
  27. Nebraska
  28. Nevada
  29. New Hampshire
  30. New Jersey
  31. New Mexico
  32. New York
  33. North Carolina
  34. North Dakota
  35. Ohio
  36. Oklahoma
  37. Oregon
  38. Pennsylvania
  39. Rhode Island
  40. South Carolina
  41. South Dakota
  42. Tennessee
  43. Texas
  44. Utah
  45. Vermont
  46. Virginia
  47. Washington
  48. West Virginia
  49. Wisconsin
  50. Wyoming
2026-02-18T01:44:50+00:00

American Auto Transport

Address: 4839 SW 148th Ave #425, Davie, FL 33330 | Phone: (866) 327-7863

Go to Top