California Auto Transport: Daily Car Shipping Routes in Los Angeles, San Francisco & San Diego

• Pickup and delivery at your address across all 58 California counties, or a nearby meetpoint where the truck cannot fit
• Open and enclosed transport on every major route
• Licensed broker MC-796224, USDOT 2336907, matched to FMCSA-compliant carriers
• Experienced with snowbird winters and PCS season surges
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees at pickup

California Auto Transport Routes, Transit Times, and Pricing

California is the busiest auto transport market in the country. The I-5, I-10, I-15, and I-80 corridors all converge here, which means carrier supply is steady year round. Pricing in the tables below reflects the current average for each distance tier on our California lanes.

Major California Cities Served

Every city below is covered on the same terms, and so is every town between them.

• Los Angeles
• San Diego
• San Jose
• San Francisco
• Fresno
• Sacramento
• Long Beach
• Oakland
• Bakersfield
• Anaheim
• Santa Ana
• Riverside
• Stockton
• Irvine
• Chula Vista
• Fremont
• San Bernardino
• Modesto
• Oxnard
• Fontana

California State-to-State Route Reference

Common state-to-state lanes from our California base. Distances are Los Angeles to the destination state's main population center.

The Texas row shows the range published on our California to Texas route guide. Every other row is this page's own figure.

Popular City-to-City California Routes

Common metro lanes booked from California. Pricing reflects current open and enclosed averages on these routes.

The Los Angeles to Dallas row is the city pair published on our California to Texas route guide. Every other row is this page's own figure.

In-State California Routes

Cars often need to move within California. Common pairs and their typical windows are below.

Per-Mile Pricing Guide for California Routes

A simple way to sanity check any California quote.

• Short distance (under 500 miles)

  $1.00 to $1.75 per mile

• Medium distance (500 to 1,000 miles)

  $0.75 to $1.00 per mile

• Long distance (1,000+ miles)

  $0.50 to $0.75 per mile

California Route Guides

Full pages on the lanes we run most, with city-pair pricing, transit windows, and what to do after the car arrives. The complete list is on our popular routes page.

• New York to California
• California to Texas
• Texas to California
• California to Tennessee
• San Diego to Portland

California Military Installations We Serve

• Camp Pendleton

  Oceanside, CA. Largest Marine Corps base on the West Coast.

• Naval Base San Diego

  San Diego, CA. Principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet.

• Naval Base Coronado

  Coronado, CA. North Island naval complex.

• MCAS Miramar

  San Diego, CA. Marine Corps air station.

• Vandenberg SFB

  Lompoc, CA. Space Force launch base.

• Edwards AFB

  Edwards, CA. Air Force flight test center.

• Twentynine Palms MCAGCC

  Twentynine Palms, CA. Marine air ground combat center.

• Travis AFB

  Fairfield, CA. Air Mobility Command hub.

• Beale AFB

  Marysville, CA. Air Force reconnaissance base.

• NAS Lemoore

  Lemoore, CA. Navy strike fighter base.

• NAWS China Lake

  Ridgecrest, CA. Navy weapons research station.

• MCLB Barstow

  Barstow, CA. Marine Corps logistics base.

Timing Your Shipment Around PCS Orders

PCS windows are tight. Most service members get a 30 to 60 day window between orders and report date. We dispatch most California pickups within 24 to 72 hours of booking. For long lanes (California to the East Coast, California to Hawaii via port), book two to three weeks ahead.

If your orders shift, we shift with you. Pickups can be moved with notice, and there is no penalty for a date change tied to PCS paperwork.

Military Discount and Who Qualifies

Active duty, reservists, National Guard, and veterans qualify for a military rate. Mention your status when you call or note it on the quote form. Bring your CAC, ID card, or DD-214 at pickup. Spouses moving on PCS orders qualify under the same rate.

Equipment We Move

• Excavators, bulldozers, and skid steers
• Wheel loaders and backhoes
• Cranes, lifts, and aerial work platforms
• Tractors, combines, and farm implements
• Film and entertainment grip trucks and rigs
• Oversize or wide-load equipment with permits

Why Lowboy (RGN) Transport Works for California Loads

• Height Compliance

  A removable gooseneck (RGN) trailer drops the deck low, so taller machines clear bridges on the Grapevine on I-5 and the Cajon Pass on I-15.

• Stability

  A lower center of gravity matters on hills and grade changes through the Grapevine and the Sierra passes.

• Permit Expertise

  Carriers in our network handle Caltrans oversize and overweight permits, plus pilot car coordination on long routes.

California Port Logistics

California handles a steady flow of vehicles arriving from overseas. We coordinate pickup at the port and inland delivery anywhere in the country. Common moves include dealer auction imports, exotic shipments from overseas auctions, and PCS vehicles returning through the port.

• Port of Los Angeles

  The busiest container port in the US. Vehicle pickup at terminals across the San Pedro Bay complex.

• Port of Long Beach

  Second-busiest US container port and a major auto terminal alongside Los Angeles.

• Port of Oakland

  The largest Northern California port. Vehicle and equipment moves for the Bay Area and Sacramento Valley.

• Port of Hueneme

  Specialty auto and agricultural port in Ventura County. High-volume vehicle imports.

• Port of San Diego

  Auto import terminal at National City. Southern gateway for vehicle shipments.

If your load is over 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet tall, or over 80,000 pounds gross, it needs a permit and an oversize trailer. We handle both.

Should You Drive or Ship Your Car from California?

Driving vs Shipping Your Vehicle

When you compare the cost of driving versus shipping a car out of California, shipping is often the more efficient choice once you account for fuel, lodging, and the miles you put on the vehicle. The table below breaks down a 1,435-mile trip from Los Angeles to Dallas.

The shipping figure and transit window are the Los Angeles to Dallas pair published on our California to Texas route guide.

Moving to California: What to Do After Your Car Arrives

Most people shipping into California are relocating. Once the car is in your driveway, California puts you on a clock, and it is a shorter clock than most states. Here is what actually applies.

Your Car Needs a Smog Certificate First

Almost every gas car built in 1976 or later needs a California smog certificate before the DMV will register it for the first time, and that includes cars that are nearly new. Diesel vehicles from 1998 on that weigh under 14,001 pounds need one too. Electric vehicles and motorcycles are exempt. Get the test at a licensed smog station before you go to the DMV, not after.

You also need a VIN verification, form REG 31, done by a DMV employee, a law enforcement officer, or a licensed vehicle verifier. Most people knock it out in the DMV parking lot the same day.

The Sales Tax Question Has a 12-Month Answer

California does not charge use tax on a car you bought more than 12 months before you brought it into the state. If you bought the car within the last 12 months, the state presumes you bought it for use in California and use tax is due, unless you can show it was registered and used in your old state first. Keep your prior registration and any receipts for tax you paid there.

Insurance and License

California requires liability coverage of at least $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Your out-of-state policy will need to be switched to a California policy at a California address. The driver license transfer runs on a 10-day clock, so plan on doing it in the same trip.

Bring the smog certificate, the VIN verification, your out-of-state title, proof of California insurance, and proof of your California address. Part of the registration fee is based on the car's value, so check the current numbers with the California DMV before you go.

California Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions

The questions we get most on California moves. For everything else, see our auto transport FAQ.

• How much does it cost to ship a car to or from California?

  In-state California routes run $250 to $775 for open transport. Regional routes from neighbor states like Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon run $475 to $1,075. Cross-country routes from New York, Florida, or Massachusetts run $1,450 to $2,275 open and 40 to 60 percent more for enclosed. The fastest way to get an exact price is our free quote form.

• How long does it take to ship a car to or from California?

  In-state moves take 1 to 2 days. Regional routes from Nevada, Arizona, or Oregon take 1 to 3 days. Cross-country shipments take 7 to 10 days. Los Angeles and Bay Area pickup often happens within 24 to 48 hours of dispatch.

• Is Number 1 Auto Transport a broker or a carrier?

  We are a licensed broker, not a carrier. MC-796224, USDOT 2336907. From our Merrick, NY headquarters we match your shipment to a vetted carrier from a network of more than 5,000 FMCSA-compliant transporters. We do not own trucks or employ drivers, so every route gets the carrier best suited to it.

• What is the Price Lock Guarantee?

  The quote you book is the price you pay at delivery. No fuel surcharges, no surprise add-ons, no rate increases once a carrier is assigned to your California shipment.

• Should I drive or ship my car to or from California?

  Driving makes sense for short hops under a few hundred miles. For long routes, shipping usually costs less once you add fuel, lodging, food, and the wear added to the car. A cross-country drive out of California also burns 40+ hours of your time.

• What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

  Open transport uses multi-car haulers carrying 8 to 10 vehicles. It is the standard option and costs less. Enclosed transport uses fully covered trailers for full weather protection. It costs 40 to 60 percent more and is best for classics, exotics, and vehicles valued at $75,000 or more.

• Can I put personal items in my car during shipping?

  You can leave up to 100 pounds in the trunk or cargo area, kept below the window line. Personal items are not covered by the carrier's insurance. Avoid valuables, electronics, and irreplaceable items.

• What insurance coverage is included?

  FMCSA requires every motor carrier to hold a minimum of $100,000 in cargo insurance. Enclosed carriers carry higher policies, often $250,000 to $2,000,000. We confirm active coverage before any carrier is assigned to your move.

• Do you ship inoperable or non-running vehicles to or from California?

  Yes. Carriers winch-load vehicles that roll, steer, and brake but will not start. Add $100 to $250 to the standard rate. Vehicles that do not roll need a forklift or specialty rig and require a custom quote.

• Can I track my California vehicle during shipping?

  Your dedicated agent shares pickup, transit, and delivery updates. Many carriers offer GPS tracking on request. Ask for tracking when you book and we confirm what the assigned carrier supports.

• How do I prepare my car for California auto transport?

  Remove personal items and aftermarket accessories. Fill the tank between one quarter and one half. Document existing damage with photos. Disable alarms. Secure or remove convertible tops. Leave one full set of keys for the driver.

• Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?

  Someone 18 or older must be present at pickup and delivery to sign the inspection report. You can designate a friend, family member, neighbor, or dealership employee to stand in for you.

• How far in advance should I book my California auto transport?

  Los Angeles, Bay Area, and major urban routes book 3 to 5 days out. Rural Northern California, the high desert, and small towns book 5 to 7 days out. Snowbird, wildfire, and PCS season need 3 to 4 weeks of lead time.

• Do you offer military discounts on California shipments?

  Yes. Active duty, reserve, National Guard, retired service members, and veterans qualify for a discounted rate. We coordinate PCS shipments to and from Camp Pendleton, Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Coronado, MCAS Miramar, Vandenberg SFB, Edwards AFB, Twentynine Palms MCAGCC, Travis AFB, Beale AFB, NAS Lemoore, NAWS China Lake, and MCLB Barstow.

• Do I need a smog inspection before shipping my car to California?

  No. The smog inspection is required after delivery for vehicle registration in California, not before transport. New residents have 20 days to register a vehicle and complete the smog certification at a licensed California station. Gas cars built in 1976 or later need it even when they are nearly new. Electric vehicles and motorcycles are exempt.

• How does wildfire and ash season affect my California pickup or delivery?

  Active wildfires can close highways and trigger air-quality advisories that slow carrier transit. Your agent watches CalFire alerts and shares route updates daily. Enclosed transport gives full paint protection during peak smoke weeks.

• Can you ship a car from a California auto auction?

  Yes. We pick up from Manheim Riverside, Manheim Southern California, Manheim Fresno, ADESA Los Angeles, ADESA Golden Gate, Copart California locations, IAA Los Angeles, and IAA San Diego. Provide the lot number, gate pass, and buyer information when you book.

• Do you ship to and from smaller California cities like Palm Springs, Bakersfield, Modesto, and Eureka?

  Yes. We coordinate pickups and deliveries in every California city, every California county, and every zip code. Smaller cities and Northern California rural areas sometimes need an extra day for carrier sourcing. Tell us your zip and we lock in the route.

• Do I have to register my car in California after it arrives?

  Yes, if you are moving here. New residents have 20 days to register the vehicle and 10 days to get a California license. Most gas cars need a smog certificate and a REG 31 VIN verification first. A car you bought more than 12 months before moving owes no California use tax.

• What payment methods do you accept?

  Credit card, debit card, cashier's check, money order, cash, and electronic transfers (Zelle, Venmo, CashApp). Verified businesses and dealerships can apply for net 15 or net 30 terms.