How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car From San Diego to Portland?

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Portland Auto Transport

Cost to Ship a Car from San Diego to Portland 

San Diego, California – a Pacific Ocean seaport city – residents and businesses need auto transport services. Major corporations such as BP Logix, Sony Electronics, Pfizer, and PETCO hire employees and associates who need car transport services. With the numerous military defense, biotechnology, computer software, and international trade and research/manufacturing companies, employees from corporations commonly use auto transport trucks to move their vehicles. San Diego’s surrounding areas include Coronado, La Jolla, Chula Vista, and El Cajon.

Portland, Oregon, is a growing place for auto transport orders. First, it’s home to major corporations, including Adidas, Nike, KinderCare, Intel, and over 1200 technology companies. People who transfer job locations to Portland commonly rely on car transport services to move their vehicles. Also, Portland manufacturing and other companies use auto transport trucks for their business needs.

Auto Shipping Cost and Transit Times for San Diego to Portland Auto Transport Route.

Both California and Oregon are bustling, complex states with unique concerns for auto transport companies. They are full of mountainous regions and other potential obstacles. People regularly transport vehicles to the different areas of these two States. In the end, there are a handful of hubs and high-density regions where people regularly transport their cars to and from. You may wonder how much it costs to ship a car from San Diego to Portland. Most auto transport companies will offer similar types of services – the most significant difference comes when you’re looking at what it’s going to cost you. What car shipping will cost depends on the category of service you are planning to take. The cost also depends on the state where you are sending your car and where you are shipping from. You can do it within $975 or so if you are doing open carrier shipping, depending on the company you work with. Cost can rise to $1,475 if you are using enclosed shipping. It all depends on when you want to ship it, the exact places you are shipping to and from, and how much safety and attention you want to be paid to your vehicle. Transit time for 1,100 miles on this route would take anywhere from 2-4 days.

Is it better to ship your car yourself?

With such a short distance, you may wonder if it would be better to drive the car and ship it to your new home yourself. Sure, it might be a little cheaper, but hidden costs exist. The average out-of-pocket cost of moving your vehicle to your new home could be as high as $800 to $900. Why are the prices so high even if you drive the car yourself? You have to calculate the hotel cost for what will likely be an overnight stay, the high tolls that come with living in two of the most highly-tolled states in the country, food cost, and the gas you will burn to drive your car, plus wear and tear. On top of the price, you will also be wasting a day or two of your valuable time while you drive your vehicle to your new home.

So, a professional car shipping company would be a better choice. You can get a plane ticket – or even a train ticket through the well-traveled Northeast corridor – and head to your new home within a few hours and wait for your car to reach your destination. It’s always better to let Number One Auto Transport do the job and avoid any headaches!

San Diego to Portland Car Transport Route 

I-5 is the most direct route auto transport routes carriers take when shipping their vehicle from San Diego to Portland. After departure from San Diego, the car transport carrier will shortly pass through Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento. Once in Oregon, the auto transport truck will pass through Eugene and its capital, Salem. Some of Portland’s surrounding areas for auto transport destinations include:

  • Cedar Hills
  • Fairview
  • Lake Oswego
  • Vancouver, WA
  • Mitchell


The distance from Portland to San Diego fluctuates greatly. You can get from Oregon to California in under 1,100 miles, although they are miles along some of the country’s busiest, most highly-trafficked interstates.

When making this lifestyle shift, there’s a lot to think about. Get rid of the headaches of moving a vehicle by hiring professionals for this long-distance transport! Driving your car, truck, or SUV to your new home might sound like a good idea, but driving over 1,000 miles might not sound like a lot. However, there are a lot of factors that go into making the trip. Fuel costs and hotel fares add costs, plus there is the invaluable time required to drive this distance. Putting anywhere from 950 to 1,200 miles on your vehicle isn’t just more mileage on the engine. Road debris and weather conditions can lead to paint and body damage.

Open or Enclosed Transport to Portland?

The most common way is shipping your vehicle using open transport, especially if you are transporting a daily driver. This is the standard, lowest-cost method, and there are plenty of regular trips between California and Oregon. However, if you are shipping an antique, classic, or exotic vehicle, or something complex like an ATV or motorcycle, a better option is sending it in an enclosed transport. While more expensive, an enclosed trailer ensures your classic or exotic car is not damaged by wind or debris on the road. No matter which service you choose, rest assured that Number One Auto Transport will do everything in our power to get your car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicles to your new home without a scratch.

PortlandWhen Does the San Diego to Portland Auto Transport Route End?

As the auto transport driver nears the drop-off location in Portland, the driver will call your destination contact. The driver takes every precaution to deliver your vehicle without incident. Upon arrival, the driver will walk with you while you inspect the vehicle for damage. The same Bill of Lading you signed before the car transport service starts will be on delivery for you to sign.

Finally, next time you need auto transport services to ship your vehicle anywhere in the country, call us at 855-422-4141 or email us. We want to help you! We offer free quotes on any vehicle. Contact us today for the cheapest auto transport rates in the industry, and check out our blog for more recommended routes.