California Auto Transport: Daily Car Shipping Routes in Los Angeles, San Francisco & San Diego
Ship your vehicle to or from the Golden State with confidence. Number 1 Auto Transport connects you with fully vetted carriers for safe, on-time delivery anywhere in California, from San Diego and the LA basin to the Bay Area and the far north. Our network runs I-5 and I-10 daily, which means faster pickups and competitive rates whether you’re relocating, buying a car out of state, or sending a vehicle to a family member. Every carrier we assign is verified for FMCSA authority, insurance, and safety history before they touch your vehicle.
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California Auto Transport Done Right
California is the busiest auto transport market in the country. Snowbirds, military families, dealerships, and relocating households all push steady carrier volume into and out of the state year round.
Number 1 Auto Transport has coordinated California shipments for over a decade. We connect you with vetted carriers running every major California corridor, from I-5 through the Central Valley to I-10 and I-15 out of Southern California, I-80 over the Sierra, and US-101 up the coast.
- Door to door service across all 58 California counties
- Open and enclosed transport on every major route
- Experienced with snowbird winters and PCS season surges
- Licensed broker MC-796224, USDOT 2336907, matched to FMCSA-compliant carriers
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees at pickup
Shipping a Car to or From California: How It Works
Get Your California Quote
- Use our online calculator or call for a personalized California shipping quote.
- Provide your vehicle details, California ZIP code, and preferred dates.
- Price Lock Guarantee: Your quote is locked the moment you book.
Match With a Carrier
- We select a carrier experienced on California routes, including the I-5, I-10, I-15, and I-80 corridors.
- Every carrier is verified for FMCSA authority, insurance, and inspection history.
- Snowbird and PCS demand in California means early booking gets the best rates.
Pickup and Inspection
- Your carrier confirms a 1 to 3 day pickup window at your location.
- The driver performs a detailed exterior inspection before loading.
- Bill of Lading (BOL): Review and keep this official record of your vehicle's condition.
Transit and Updates
- Your dedicated coordinator is your single point of contact throughout the shipment.
- Most California routes take 1 to 10 days depending on distance and pickup location.
- Call us directly anytime for status updates or schedule changes.
Delivery and Final Inspection
- Compare your vehicle's condition to the original Bill of Lading at delivery.
- Note any discrepancies on the delivery receipt before signing.
- If anything comes up, we manage the claims process on your behalf.
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
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.
| Route | Distance | Transit Window | Open Cost | Enclosed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California to New York | 2,790 miles | 7 to 10 days | $1,500 to $2,200 | $2,250 to $3,300 |
| California to Texas | 1,475 miles | 3 to 5 days | $1,050 to $1,850 | $1,575 to $2,775 |
| California to Florida | 2,700 miles | 7 to 10 days | $1,450 to $2,250 | $2,175 to $3,375 |
| California to Georgia | 2,150 miles | 7 to 9 days | $1,350 to $1,950 | $2,025 to $2,925 |
| California to Ohio | 2,300 miles | 7 to 9 days | $1,375 to $2,075 | $2,075 to $3,125 |
| California to Colorado | 1,000 miles | 2 to 4 days | $975 to $1,575 | $1,475 to $2,375 |
| California to Arizona | 400 miles | 1 to 3 days | $575 to $1,075 | $875 to $1,625 |
| California to Illinois | 1,900 miles | 4 to 6 days | $1,275 to $1,875 | $1,925 to $2,825 |
| California to Pennsylvania | 2,800 miles | 7 to 10 days | $1,450 to $2,200 | $2,175 to $3,300 |
| California to Washington | 1,150 miles | 3 to 4 days | $950 to $1,650 | $1,425 to $2,475 |
| California to New Jersey | 2,750 miles | 7 to 10 days | $1,475 to $2,250 | $2,225 to $3,375 |
| California to Maryland | 2,700 miles | 7 to 9 days | $1,450 to $2,250 | $2,175 to $3,375 |
| California to Massachusetts | 3,000 miles | 7 to 10 days | $1,575 to $2,275 | $2,375 to $3,425 |
| California to Michigan | 2,200 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,250 to $1,950 | $1,875 to $2,925 |
| California to Nevada | 270 miles | 1 to 2 days | $475 to $900 | $700 to $1,350 |
Popular City-to-City California Routes
Common metro lanes booked from California. Pricing reflects current open and enclosed averages on these routes.
| Route | Distance | Transit Window | Open Cost | Enclosed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to New York, NY | 2,790 miles | 7 to 10 days | $1,500 to $2,200 | $2,250 to $3,300 |
| San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA | 810 miles | 2 to 4 days | $850 to $1,400 | $1,275 to $2,100 |
| Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX | 1,435 miles | 3 to 5 days | $1,050 to $1,750 | $1,575 to $2,625 |
| San Diego, CA to Phoenix, AZ | 355 miles | 1 to 2 days | $525 to $950 | $775 to $1,425 |
| Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL | 2,015 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,275 to $1,875 | $1,925 to $2,825 |
| San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO | 1,250 miles | 3 to 5 days | $1,075 to $1,675 | $1,600 to $2,500 |
| Los Angeles, CA to Atlanta, GA | 2,180 miles | 7 to 9 days | $1,350 to $1,950 | $2,025 to $2,925 |
| Sacramento, CA to Las Vegas, NV | 565 miles | 1 to 3 days | $625 to $1,050 | $925 to $1,575 |
| San Diego, CA to Miami, FL | 2,725 miles | 7 to 10 days | $1,475 to $2,275 | $2,225 to $3,425 |
| San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA | 3,095 miles | 7 to 10 days | $1,575 to $2,275 | $2,375 to $3,425 |
In-State California Routes
Cars often need to move within California. Common pairs and their typical windows are below.
| Route | Distance | Transit Window | Open Cost | Enclosed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to San Diego | 120 miles | 1 day | $250 to $425 | $375 to $625 |
| Los Angeles to San Francisco | 380 miles | 1 to 2 days | $400 to $650 | $600 to $950 |
| Los Angeles to Sacramento | 385 miles | 1 to 2 days | $400 to $650 | $600 to $950 |
| Los Angeles to Fresno | 220 miles | 1 day | $325 to $525 | $475 to $775 |
| San Francisco to Sacramento | 90 miles | 1 day | $250 to $425 | $375 to $625 |
| San Francisco to San Diego | 500 miles | 2 days | $500 to $775 | $750 to $1,150 |
| San Diego to Sacramento | 500 miles | 2 days | $500 to $775 | $750 to $1,150 |
| Los Angeles to Bakersfield | 115 miles | 1 day | $250 to $425 | $375 to $625 |
| San Jose to Los Angeles | 340 miles | 1 to 2 days | $375 to $625 | $550 to $925 |
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
Why Clients Choose Number 1 Auto Transport in California
A dedicated team, a vetted carrier network, and a price that holds. Six reasons our clients book with us and stay with us.
A+ Rated California Experts
We have shipped on every major California corridor since 2010, from LA and San Diego to the Bay Area and Central Valley. A+ BBB rating.
Price Lock Guarantee
The quote you accept is the price you pay. No bait pricing, no carrier shake-down at pickup. Locked at booking.
Open and Enclosed Options
Daily drivers ride open. Classics, exotics, and high-value cars ride enclosed. We coordinate either at every distance.
Dedicated Personal Agent
One agent owns your shipment from quote to delivery. You call the same person every time. No call center.
Thousands of Vetted Carriers
Our carrier network covers every California route on the map. Faster pickup, more options, no single-truck risk.
Rigorous Carrier Vetting
Every carrier on our network is checked against DOT and FMCSA records, insurance, and recent inspection history.
Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport in California
Most California moves go on an open carrier. About 85% of US auto transport runs on open trucks. Enclosed is reserved for higher value or more sensitive vehicles. Here is how the two compare side by side, plus when each makes sense in California.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Share of US shipments | About 85% | About 15% |
| Vehicles per load | 8 to 10 | 2 to 6 |
| Cost vs base | Standard | 40 to 60% above open |
| Protection | Tied down, weather exposed | Fully enclosed, no exposure |
| Carrier availability | Wide, faster pickup | Tighter, books up fast |
| Booking lead time | 1 to 2 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Best fit | Daily drivers, leases, trade-ins | Classics, exotics, $75K and up |
When Each Option Makes Sense
Open is the right call when
- You are moving a daily driver, lease return, or new purchase
- Budget matters more than zero road exposure
- You need a faster pickup window
- The route is short, like LA to San Diego or LA to Sacramento
Enclosed is the right call when
- The vehicle is a classic, exotic, or six-figure car
- The car has a low ride height or fragile body work
- You want protection from wildfire ash and desert heat on long hauls
- Insurance limits on the car require a closed trailer
Get a Quote on Either Option
Heavy Equipment Transport in California
California moves a lot more than passenger cars. Construction equipment, farm machinery, and industrial gear ship in and out of the state every week. We coordinate lowboy and step deck loads on all major California corridors, including I-5 through the Central Valley, I-10 and I-15 out of Southern California, and I-80 over the Sierra.
Number 1 Auto Transport connects you with a vetted heavy-haul carrier with the right trailer for your load. See our heavy equipment transport page for the full process and a free quote.
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: our carriers 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.
Military and PCS Auto Transport in California
California hosts more active-duty service members than any other state. From Camp Pendleton Marines to San Diego sailors to Travis AFB airmen, we coordinate PCS moves to bases across the country every month.
Number 1 Auto Transport connects service members with vetted carriers who run California routes weekly. We work around your orders, not the other way around. Door to door pickup is standard. Payment can wait until you confirm orders if needed. See our military auto transport page for the full process.
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
Dealer, Auction, and Fleet Auto Transport in California
California is the country's largest auto wholesale market. Number 1 Auto Transport connects dealers, auction buyers, and fleet operators with carriers running these lanes every week. Volume pricing is available for repeat shipments. Auction pickups include Manheim Riverside, Manheim Southern California, ADESA Los Angeles, ADESA Golden Gate, and the Copart and IAA yards across the state.
Dealer Transport
Inventory moves between California lots and the rest of the country. Common requests:
- New car deliveries from ports or rail yards to CA dealer lots
- Trade-in and lease return movement back to wholesale
- Factory pickups from Tesla Fremont and OEM staging yards
- Single-vehicle and multi-vehicle loads
Auction Transport
Fast turnaround pickups from major California auction houses.
- Manheim Riverside, Southern California, and Fresno
- ADESA Los Angeles and ADESA Golden Gate
- Copart and IAA yards statewide
- Collector-car auctions during Monterey Car Week
- Title and gate fee handling on request
Fleet Transport
Bulk and recurring moves for rental, lease, and corporate fleets.
- Multi-unit dispatching on a single PO
- Open and enclosed mixed loads
- Centralized billing and reporting
- Account manager assigned to your team
California Seasonal Shipping Guide
California is one of the largest snowbird destination markets in the country. Cars head into Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, and the desert resorts from the Midwest and Northwest every fall. They head home in spring. PCS season adds a second summer peak. Here is what to expect month by month.
Snowbird Season (October to April)
Most California snowbirds arrive in October and November and head home in March and April. Carriers price these two windows at peak rates because demand spikes hard into and out of the desert. Booking three to four weeks early is the easiest way to lock the best price. See our snowbird auto transport page for the dedicated process.
| Window | Demand | Pricing Pressure | Lead Time We Recommend |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November (snowbirds arrive) | Peak | 10 to 20% above base | 3 to 4 weeks |
| December | Building | 5 to 10% above base | 2 weeks |
| January to February | Steady | At base | 1 to 2 weeks |
| March | Building | 5 to 10% above base | 2 weeks |
| April (snowbirds head north) | Peak | 10 to 20% above base | 3 to 4 weeks |
| May to August (PCS and summer moves) | Peak | 10 to 20% above base | 3 to 4 weeks |
| September | Building | 5 to 10% above base | 2 weeks |
Popular California Snowbird Routes
Four routes dominate the California snowbird flow each season.
| Route | Distance | Transit | Open Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Palm Springs, CA | 2,000 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,275 to $1,875 |
| Minneapolis, MN to Palm Desert, CA | 1,950 miles | 5 to 7 days | $1,275 to $1,875 |
| Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA | 1,135 miles | 3 to 4 days | $950 to $1,650 |
| Denver, CO to Indio, CA | 1,050 miles | 2 to 4 days | $975 to $1,575 |
California Weather Factors
Wildfire and smoke season
July to November in Northern California and the Sierra foothills. Ash damages paint. Enclosed transport gives full protection during active fires.
Atmospheric river storms
December through March. Heavy rain and mudslides on Pacific Coast Highway and the Grapevine on I-5. Carriers add transit buffer.
Sierra snow and Donner Pass
November through April on I-80 over Donner. Chain controls slow east-west transit. We route Bay Area to Reno loads around closures.
Summer heat inland
Triple-digit days from Bakersfield to Palm Springs. Carriers pre-cool sensitive vehicles and check tire pressure on the lane.
Storm and Fire Response Plan
Monitor
We track wildfire activity, atmospheric river storms, and Sierra chain controls several days out and flag any California shipment in the affected path.
Communicate
Your dedicated agent calls 24 to 48 hours before an affected pickup or delivery window.
Hold, Reroute, or Refund
No penalty for weather-driven changes. We reroute, delay, or refund based on your call.
Types of Vehicles We Ship in California
Number 1 Auto Transport coordinates vetted carriers for every common vehicle type. If it has wheels, there is a trailer for it. Click through for the dedicated process and quote form for each category.
Standard Cars, SUVs, and Trucks
Sedans, coupes, SUVs, and pickups on open carriers across all CA routes.
See open transportClassic and Antique Cars
Enclosed transport for pre-1990 collectibles. Soft straps and lift-gate loading.
See classic car transportExotic and Luxury Cars
Climate-controlled enclosed trailers for $75K and up vehicles, hard tops, and supercars.
See exotic car transportMotorcycles
Soft tie-down on shared trailers, or solo enclosed for high-value bikes.
See motorcycle transportBoats and Yachts
Trailerable boats and yachts. Permits and pilot cars handled for oversize hulls.
See boat transportRVs, Motorhomes, and Travel Trailers
Class A, B, and C motorhomes plus travel trailers. Custom routing per height.
Get an RV quoteATVs, UTVs, and Golf Carts
Smaller wheeled vehicles on shared trailers. Often combined with a car shipment.
Get an ATV quoteHeavy Equipment and Commercial
Lowboy and step deck for construction, farm, and industrial machinery.
See heavy equipment transportMilitary Auto Transport
PCS moves for service members. Military rates and door to door pickup at every CA base.
See military auto transportCalifornia Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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. Most vehicles under four years old are exempt.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
Q.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.
California Cities and 50-State Coverage
We coordinate auto transport in every county and major metro in California. Pickup is door to door wherever the carrier can clear truck height and width restrictions.
Major California Cities Served
We also serve smaller cities, towns, and rural addresses across all 58 California counties. Some remote Northern California pickups may add a half-day to the dispatch window.
Auto Transport to and from Every State
From California, we move cars to every state in the country. See the destination page for route details and pricing.
Ready to Ship?
Get Your California Auto Transport Quote Today
Number 1 Auto Transport connects California customers with vetted carriers running every major route. A locked-in price, a single dedicated agent, and dispatch in 24 to 72 hours.