California Auto Transport Services
Reliable, Affordable, and Fully Insured Car Shipping To and From Cali
We make auto transport California easy, whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle, or sending a car to a loved one. With 12,000+ happy customers across the Golden State since 2010, our door-to-door and coast-to-coast services are trusted by individuals, dealerships, and businesses alike.
Car Shipping From and To California
We provide nationwide car transport services to and from California with open and enclosed trailer options—ideal for everyday vehicles, electric cars, luxury models, and classic cars. Our licensed carriers operate on major California routes such as I-5, I-10, I-15, US-101, and other corridors commonly used for vehicle transport, with eastbound trips connecting to I-40 at its western terminus in Barstow, California, outside the Los Angeles metro area.
Whether you’re shipping your car into the Golden State or relocating out of Cali, Unlimited Auto Trans offers professional, affordable, and fully insured auto transport solutions.
Our 3-Step Auto Transport Process
From the hills of San Francisco to the beaches of San Diego, and everywhere in between, we’re here to make auto transport in California stress-free.
1. Get a Quote
Use our instant pricing calculator or speak with a shipping specialist.
2. Schedule Your Pickup
We arrange a convenient pickup time at your home, work, or dealership—door to door.
Track & Receive
Stay updated with timely status updates from your shipping coordinator and dispatcher until your car is safely delivered.
California Shipping Routes and Costs
Shipping a vehicle to or from California is easy when you know the route—and at Unlimited Auto Trans, we’ve handled it all. From major metro areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco to rural regions in Northern Cali, we offer reliable transport through one of the most complex and active shipping corridors in the country.
Top Cities for Car Shipping in California
We regularly pick up and deliver cars in California’s largest cities, including:
- Los Angeles – served across all city ZIP codes, including 900xx and 913xx–916xx areas.
- San Diego (92101–92199)
- San Jose (95101–95196)
- San Francisco (94102–94188)
- Fresno (93701–93792)
- Sacramento (94203–95899)
- Long Beach – primarily served across the 908xx ZIP codes.
- Oakland (94601–94624)
- Bakersfield (93301–93390)
- Anaheim (92801–92899)
Urban areas offer fast, flexible pickup times thanks to proximity to I-5, I-10, I-15, I-40, and US-101. Rural locations may require more lead time, but we serve all California regions, with delivery arranged at accessible locations when truck restrictions or local regulations limit direct access.
Popular Routes to California
Popular Routes from California
Why choose Unlimited Auto Trans?
What Sets Us Apart
Flat Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise costs.
Dedicated Shipping Coordinators
A single point of contact from booking to delivery.
Nationwide Carrier Network
Thousands of vetted, licensed, and bonded carriers.
Fully Insured Transport
Every vehicle is protected by carrier insurance.
Flexible Pickup Options
From driveways in Dothan to apartment complexes in Aurora.
Flat Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise costs.
Dedicated Shipping Coordinator
A single point of contact from booking to delivery.
Fully Insured Transport
Every vehicle is protected by carrier insurance.
Flexible Pickup Options
From driveways in Dothan to apartment complexes in Aurora.
Nationwide Carrier Network
Thousands of vetted, licensed, and bonded carriers.
Types of Vehicles We Ship To and From California
We transport a wide range of vehicles with care and precision:
- Standard sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
- Classic, vintage, and exotic cars
- Luxury and electric vehicles (EVs) like Tesla, Lucid, and Rivian
- Salvage or inoperable vehicles with winch-equipped trailers
Car Brands We Ship To and From California
From everyday models to high-end brands, we ship them all:
- Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan, Chevrolet
- Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus
- EV brands like Lucid Motors, Rivian, and Polestar
Our Clients in California
We proudly serve a wide range of customers across the Golden State:
- Students attending UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Stanford, and more
- Military families relocating to or from bases like Camp Pendleton and Travis AFB
- Car dealerships & online buyers throughout Los Angeles, Fresno, and Sacramento
- Snowbirds traveling between California and seasonal homes in Arizona or Florida
Entertainment industry professionals moving high-value vehicles to and from Hollywood
Top 5 Reasons People Ship Cars To or From California
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Get an Instant California Car Shipping Quote
Wondering how much it’ll cost to ship your car to or from California? We offer transparent, competitive pricing based on your specific route, vehicle type, and timeframe.
Estimated Price & Time Frame
- Standard Routes (Short/Medium Distance): $800–$1,500
- Long-Distance & Coast-to-Coast: $1,500–$1,800+
- Transit Time: 3–8 business days
(Final pricing depends on distance, type of vehicle, trailer preference, and seasonal demand.)
Shorter routes within the Western U.S. typically stay on the lower end of the range. Full coast-to-coast transports—such as Los Angeles/San Diego to New York, Chicago, or Florida—generally fall between $1,500 and $1,800+ depending on season, pickup/delivery locations, and trailer type.
Whether you’re relocating a sedan from Los Angeles to Houston or transporting a Tesla from San Diego to New York, we’ll match you with a trusted, fully insured carrier for the job.
Factors Affecting Price
- Vehicle Type – Larger vehicles (e.g. trucks, SUVs) cost more to transport
- Transport Method – Open is more affordable; enclosed provides full protection for luxury/exotic cars
- Pickup/Delivery Location – Major city routes (e.g. San Francisco to Phoenix) are cheaper than remote areas like 96162 or 95501
- Time of Year – Summer and holiday seasons often see higher demand and pricing
Expert Seasonal Tips for Auto Transport in California
Best Times of Year to Ship
- Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are ideal for car shipping in California. Mild weather and moderate demand help ensure smoother scheduling and fewer weather-related disruptions.
- Summer (June–August) is the peak moving season. Expect higher prices and limited availability due to increased relocation traffic, especially in metro areas like Los Angeles and San Diego.
- Winter (December–February) typically offers lower rates, but weather issues like Sierra Nevada snowstorms or interstate delays in Northern California can affect timelines.
Events That May Impact Your Schedule
- Coachella Festival (April) – Heavy traffic and limited carrier access in the Palm Springs area
- San Francisco Pride (June) – City closures and event congestion may delay deliveries
- University Move-In (August/September) – Busy times around UCLA, USC, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and more
- Holiday Travel (November–January) – Reduced driver availability and possible extended delivery windows
- Wildfire Season (July–October) – May impact routes in Northern and Central California, especially near Sacramento, Fresno, and rural zip codes
What Slows Things Down?
- Wildfires and Smoke Zones – Unpredictable closures along I-5, I-15, and US-101
- Heavy Rains or Flooding – Especially in areas like San Jose or Long Beach during El Niño years
- Highway Construction – Delays from major infrastructure work on I-10, I-40, and urban freeway expansions
- Limited Carrier Access – Hard-to-reach rural zip codes (e.g. 96162 or 93633) may require added coordination or incur surcharges
- Holiday Season Carrier Shortages – Fewer drivers available late November through early January
Tips for Avoiding Delays and Peak Rates
- Book Early: Secure your slot 2–4 weeks in advance during peak seasons (summer and holidays)
- Stay Flexible: Open to alternate pickup/drop-off dates for better pricing and faster service
- Use Major Metro Hubs: Choose cities like Sacramento, San Diego, or Fresno for quicker delivery and fewer rural delays
Car Shipping Laws & Regulations in California
Vehicle Registration & Title Requirements
- California (CA DMV):
If you’re moving a vehicle into California, the state requires that you register it within 20 days of establishing residency.
When shipping a car out of California, ensure that the vehicle’s title is in order and that there are no active liens. If selling the vehicle, the title must be correctly signed over to the new owner, along with a valid bill of sale.
- New Residents:
You’ll need:
- A valid out-of-state title
- A completed Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343)
- Proof of California auto insurance
- Vehicle inspection (in some cases)
Emission Standards
- California:
California has the strictest emission laws in the U.S., enforced by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
- Most incoming vehicles must meet California emissions requirements for registration, but used 49-state vehicles with 7,500+ miles and certain exempt categories may be registered without California certification.
- Most vehicles require a Smog Check for first-time California registration, with exemptions for 1975-and-older gasoline vehicles and other specific exempt categories.
- Diesel vehicles face additional restrictions, especially in metro areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Check the CA DMV or BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) if your vehicle is older, diesel-powered, or modified.
Transport Regulations
- Insurance Coverage:
Every car shipped with Unlimited Auto Trans is handled by a licensed, bonded, and fully insured carrier. Your vehicle is shipped with carriers that include cargo insurance, but coverage varies by carrier and may have exclusions. Depending on your vehicle’s value and the carrier’s policy terms, you may choose to purchase supplemental coverage for added protection
After delivery, your personal auto insurance must be active for legal operation in California.
- Truck Access & Drop-Off Logistics:
While California has many truck-accessible neighborhoods, certain areas—like steep hills in San Francisco, dense zones in Downtown LA, or rural mountain roads—may require special arrangements.
Our dispatchers will coordinate with you to find a safe, legal, and accessible meeting spot for pickup or delivery, such as a wide parking lot or nearby service area.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for California Car Shipping
Vehicle Shipping Checklist
- Clean Your Car (Inside & Out)
- Remove Personal Items
- Check for Leaks or Mechanical Issues
- Disable Alarms
- Check Tire Pressure & Battery
- Document the Condition
- Keep Fuel Tank 1/4 Full
California-Specific Notes
- Port Deliveries: If your vehicle is being delivered to or shipped from a port—such as the Port of Long Beach, Oakland, or San Francisco—you may need to provide additional documentation. Our team will walk you through what’s required.
- Urban Pickups & Drop-Offs: In busy areas like Downtown LA, San Francisco, or Santa Monica, street access may be limited for large transport trucks. Our carrier will communicate alternative locations such as nearby service plazas, parking lots, or commercial centers.
- Rural Areas: If you’re located in hard-to-reach zones like mountain towns or coastal rural routes (e.g. Big Sur, Shasta County), we’ll coordinate with you to arrange the safest and most convenient meeting point, often near a major highway or city hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about California Auto Transport
Is there an auto train to California?
No, there is currently no auto train service to California like the one offered on the East Coast between Virginia and Florida. If you’re looking to move your vehicle long-distance, professional auto transport services remain the most efficient and cost-effective option for shipping a car to or from California.
How much does it cost to transport a car in California?
Car shipping costs in California typically range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the distance, vehicle type, transport method (open vs. enclosed), and time of year. For example:
- Los Angeles to Houston: ~$1,000–$1,350
- San Diego to New York: ~$1,500–$1,800
Prices are lower for shorter routes and open carriers.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car?
Prices vary depending on your route, but the cheapest company isn’t always the best. Look for transport providers like Unlimited Auto Trans that offer flat rates, full insurance, and verified carriers. The lowest quote may come with hidden fees or limited coverage, so be sure to compare value—not just cost.
What is the best auto transport in the US?
Unlimited Auto Trans is consistently rated among the best in the U.S. for its customer service, insurance coverage, and nationwide carrier network. With thousands of successful transports across California and beyond, our clients value transparency, communication, and reliability—key traits of any top-tier auto transport company.
At Unlimited Auto Trans, we provide safe and on-time car transport at competitive prices. Ship your car stress-free, knowing we’re licensed, bonded, and insured.
From passenger cars to SUVs, motorcycles, and even luxury cars, we can ship nationwide.
Use our calculator for a free instant quote today.
Book online or call us toll-free at
(888) 278-9855.