California to Missouri Auto Transport
Fast, Reliable & Fully Insured Car Shipping Between The Golden State and The Show-Me State
We specialize in transporting vehicles between California and Missouri using open or enclosed carriers—depending on your budget and vehicle type. Whether you’re shipping from the busy streets of Los Angeles (90001–90089) or to Kansas City (64101–64199), we ensure every step is handled with care and precision.
Since 2010, we’ve successfully delivered over 12,000 vehicles between California and Missouri.
Car Shipping From California To Missouri
Whether you’re relocating from Los Angeles to Kansas City or shipping a vehicle from San Diego to St. Louis, our California to Missouri car shipping services are designed for speed, safety, and peace of mind.
- Open Auto Transport – Our most popular and cost-effective service, perfect for standard cars, SUVs, and trucks
- Enclosed Auto Transport – Ideal for high-value vehicles like luxury, exotic, or classic cars needing extra protection
- Expedited Car Shipping – When time is tight, get faster pickup and delivery for urgent moves
Why Ship with Unlimited Auto Trans from CA to MO?
- Over 12,000 vehicles shipped between California and Missouri since 2010
- Experienced on key routes like I-40, I-70, and I-44 used by auto transport carriers
- Preferred by families relocating, college students, military personnel, and online car buyers
- Comprehensive pickup and delivery coverage from 90001 (Los Angeles) to 64101 (Kansas City) and everywhere in between
How It Works – Simple 3-Step Process
1. Get a Quote
Use our simple form or speak with a specialist to get a personalized rate
2. Schedule Your Pickup
We’ll arrange a licensed and insured carrier near your location
3. Track & Receive
Get real-time updates and smooth delivery to your Missouri destination
Popular California to Missouri Routes, Costs and Transit Time
Real Shipping Examples
Interstate Shipping Insights: California to Missouri
- Los Angeles → Kansas City: A common route for professionals relocating from Southern California to the Midwest
- San Diego → St. Louis: Popular with military personnel, college students, and snowbirds
- San Jose → Columbia: Frequently requested by tech professionals and families relocating for work
- Sacramento → Springfield: Regularly used by buyers transporting used cars or dealership inventory
- Fresno → St. Joseph: A preferred route for seasonal workers and agricultural sector clients
Challenges in California & Missouri Auto Transport
- Urban Congestion: High-traffic areas like LA, SF, and St. Louis may affect pickup scheduling; our dispatchers coordinate flexible alternatives if needed
- Suburban & Rural Areas: Cities like Bakersfield, CA or Lee’s Summit, MO are fully serviceable but may require extra lead time or smaller transport equipment
- Terrain & Weather: Routes crossing the Rockies or the Midwest plains can be impacted by seasonal weather delays in winter or wildfire activity in California
Highways Commonly Used for California to Missouri Car Shipping
- Interstate 40 (I-40): Main west-east artery connecting Southern California to the central U.S.
- Interstate 70 (I-70): Frequently used from Denver to Kansas City and St. Louis
- Interstate 44 (I-44): Runs through Oklahoma into Missouri, key for routes into Springfield and St. Louis
- U.S. Route 50 (US-50): Scenic but practical route for less congested cross-country transport
- I-5 and I-15 connectors: Used to exit California toward central interstates like I-40 and I-70
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 LA to St. Louis, we arrange pickup and delivery on your terms
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 LA to St. Louis, we arrange pickup and delivery on your terms
Nationwide Carrier Network
Thousands of vetted, licensed, and bonded carriers.
Types of Vehicles We Ship from California to Missouri
Whether you’re moving cross-country or shipping a recent purchase, we have the right equipment for your vehicle type:
- Sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks
- SUVs, crossovers, and minivans
- Pickup trucks and lifted vehicles
- Classic cars, vintage models, and motorcycles
- Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids – handled with specialized care for batteries and charging ports
Car Brands We Ship from California to Missouri
Our carriers handle all vehicle makes and models, with special equipment available for high-value or non-running vehicles:
- EVs: Tesla, Lucid, Rivian – protected with proper equipment during transit
- Luxury & Exotic: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Porsche, Ferrari
- Everyday Brands: Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevy, Nissan
- Special Handling: Inoperable or salvage vehicles with winches and enclosed trailer options
Our Clients in California and Missouri
We serve a wide range of clients with personalized solutions, including:
- Relocating Families: From Sacramento to Columbia or Bakersfield to Lee’s Summit
- Military Members: Transporting vehicles between bases in San Diego and Fort Leonard Wood
- Students: Attending USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, or Mizzou and Washington University in St. Louis
- Dealerships and Online Car Buyers: Handling logistics for cars bought or sold via Carvana, Vroom, eBay, or local dealers
Popular Auto Events in CA & MO
- Los Angeles Auto Show (CA): Major industry event for new vehicle showcases
- San Francisco International Auto Show (CA): Annual event for car enthusiasts across the Bay Area
- St. Louis Auto Show (MO): One of the largest automotive events in the Midwest
- Ozark Empire Fair Auto Display (Springfield, MO): Featuring classic cars, trucks, and show models
Cross-State Moving Trends: Why People Ship Cars from California to Missouri
California residents are increasingly moving to Missouri for affordability, job changes, education, and family reasons. On the flip side, Missouri residents often purchase vehicles from California due to broader inventory and lower used car prices in the Golden State.
Top 5 Reasons People Ship Cars from California to Missouri
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Get an Instant California to Missouri Car Shipping Quote
Shipping a car from California to Missouri? Expect rates between $1,150 and $1,650, depending on your vehicle size, transport method, origin/destination ZIP codes, and time of year.
At Unlimited Auto Trans, all quotes are upfront, all-inclusive, and tailored to your specific shipping route. No hidden fees. No last-minute surprises—just honest pricing and dependable service.
Estimated Price & Time Frame
- Cost Range: $1,150 – $1,650
- Transit Time: 5–8 business days
(Prices vary based on distance, trailer type, route complexity, and seasonal fluctuations.)
Whether you’re shipping a sedan from Los Angeles (90001) to Kansas City (64101), or a lifted truck from Sacramento (95814) to Springfield (65804), our experienced team will find the right carrier and equipment for a safe and smooth delivery.
Factors Affecting Price
- Vehicle Type – Larger, heavier, or inoperable vehicles may require extra equipment or space
- Transport Method –
- Open auto transport is budget-friendly and suitable for most vehicles
- Enclosed shipping offers premium protection for luxury, vintage, or exotic cars
- Pickup & Delivery Locations –
- Routes from remote areas like Bakersfield, CA (93301) or Blue Springs, MO (64014) may cost more than metro-to-metro transport
- Seasonal Demand –
- High demand during summer and holiday seasons may impact rates and availability. Book early to lock in the best rates.
Expert Seasonal Tips for Auto Transport from California to Missouri
Best Times of Year to Ship
- Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are the best seasons for California to Missouri car shipping. Moderate weather and steady demand make for smoother scheduling and fewer weather-related issues.
- Summer (June–August) brings a surge in bookings due to relocations, college move-ins, and military transfers. Expect increased demand and slightly higher rates—especially from Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego.
- Winter (December–February) is less predictable. While Southern California remains mostly sunny, the Midwest can experience snow, ice, and freezing rain—especially in cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Columbia—causing occasional delays.
Events That May Impact Your Schedule
- Los Angeles Auto Show (November) – High demand for enclosed transport in LA and surrounding areas
- University Move-In Season (August) – Students attending UCLA, USC, UC Berkeley, Mizzou, or Washington University increase transport demand
- Holiday Season (Late November–Early January) – Fewer carriers on the road, longer lead times, and possible weather disruptions
- St. Louis Auto Show (January) – Spike in enclosed trailer bookings for luxury and collector vehicles
- Coachella (April) – While not directly related to shipping, traffic congestion across SoCal may affect pickup access and carrier routes
What Slows Things Down?
- Severe Weather in Missouri – Snow, freezing rain, and icy roads in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield can lead to transport rescheduling
- Wildfire Season in California – Especially in late summer and fall, wildfires can shut down key highways like I-5 and I-15
- Urban Traffic & Restrictions – Major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and St. Louis may have limited access zones requiring flexible coordination
- Remote Pickup/Drop-off ZIPs – Areas like Bakersfield, CA (93301) or St. Joseph, MO (64501) may require additional time for dispatching carriers
Tips for Avoiding Delays and Peak Rates
- Book Early – Especially in summer and before the winter holidays; secure your spot 2–3 weeks in advance
- Stay Flexible – Providing a 2–4 day window for pickup or drop-off gives us more flexibility to assign the right carrier
- Meet in a Metro Area – If you’re located in a remote ZIP, consider meeting your driver in a nearby city like Sacramento or Kansas City to reduce wait time and save on transport costs
Car Shipping Laws & Regulations in California and Missouri
Vehicle Registration & Title Requirements
- California: Before shipping your vehicle out of California, ensure that your registration is current and your title is lien-free (or that your lender has authorized the transport). If you’re selling your vehicle to someone in Missouri, the title must be correctly signed over prior to pickup.
If you’re shipping a newly purchased vehicle out of California, you may need to provide proof of sale and temporary transit tags depending on the destination.
- Missouri: If you’re relocating to Missouri and plan to register your vehicle there, you must do so within 30 days of establishing residency. You’ll need:
- A valid out-of-state title
- Proof of Missouri insurance coverage
- Missouri safety and emissions inspection certificate
- Completed Form 108 (Application for Missouri Title & License)
- A state-issued ID and proof of MO residency
- Odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old
Emission Standards
- California: Known for having the strictest emissions standards in the U.S., California requires all in-state registered vehicles to meet CARB (California Air Resources Board) regulations. If you’re transporting a car out of state, ensure that it’s still compliant with federal EPA rules, especially if being sold or registered in MO.
- Missouri: Missouri requires emissions testing in specific counties (such as St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Jefferson, Franklin, and St. Charles). If your vehicle will be registered in those areas, it must pass OBD-II emissions testing (for 1996 and newer vehicles) along with a Missouri safety inspection.
Transport Regulations
- Insurance Coverage: Every vehicle transported with Unlimited Auto Trans is covered by a USDOT-licensed, fully insured carrier. There is no need to purchase third-party transport insurance—coverage is included in your shipping quote.
- Permits & Truck Access: In densely populated urban areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, St. Louis, or Kansas City, local ordinances and HOA rules may limit large truck access. In such cases, we coordinate safe, nearby pickup or drop-off locations to ensure compliance with city and property guidelines—without delaying your shipment.
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
State-Specific Notes
- California: No special emissions paperwork is required for outbound shipping. However, if you’re selling your car, make sure the title is properly signed over and that California DMV records are updated. For cars returning to CA, ensure compliance with CARB emissions regulations and registration renewal timelines.
- Missouri: If your vehicle will be registered in Missouri after shipping, prepare the following:
- Valid out-of-state title
- MO-based auto insurance
- Completed Form 108
- Safety and emissions inspection (in applicable counties)
- Proof of Missouri residency and valid ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about California to Missouri Auto Transport
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Missouri?
Most California to Missouri car shipping services range from $1,150 to $1,650, depending on your vehicle type, delivery ZIP codes, shipping method (open or enclosed), and time of year. For an exact rate, use our instant quote tool.
How long does it take to ship a car from Missouri to California?
Typical transit time is 5 to 8 business days. Factors like distance, weather, traffic, and your chosen pickup/drop-off locations may slightly adjust the timeline.
How much is it to ship a car from California to Kansas?
Shipping a car from California to Kansas generally costs between $1,100 and $1,600, depending on factors like route complexity and the vehicle being shipped. We also offer service to Kansas City, which borders both Kansas and Missouri.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car?
The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Unlimited Auto Trans offers competitive, flat-rate pricing with fully insured and licensed carriers. We prioritize safety, transparency, and customer satisfaction over unreliable discount services.
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.