CaliforniaCalifornia

Whether shipping within California or across state lines, we handle your vehicle with care. Our open and enclosed transport options ensure smooth delivery for daily drivers, luxury cars, and classic vehicles alike.Whether shipping within California or across state lines, we handle your vehicle with care. Our open and enclosed transport options ensure smooth delivery for daily drivers, luxury cars, and classic vehicles alike.

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Or call us now at +1 (443) 388-0311

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Destination
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Vehicle
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Date

Get a quick quote

Or call us now at +1 (443) 388-0311

1
Destination
2
Vehicle
3
Date

Trusted by

Capterra
G2
Moving Company
Transport Reviews
Trustpilot
Yelp
Angie's List
ADVANTAGES

Why Choose Transportvibe for California Car Shipping?

Reliability

Reliability

Our licensed and insured drivers have extensive experience navigating California's diverse terrain, from coastal highways to mountain passes, ensuring your vehicle is transported securely.

Affordability

Affordability

We provide competitive pricing with transparent quotes and no hidden fees. Our rates are optimized for California's high-volume routes, ensuring you get the best value.

Transparency

Transparency

We offer clear communication throughout the entire process, from initial quote to final delivery, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Experience

Experience

With years of experience serving California's major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, we understand the unique challenges of shipping in the Golden State.

HOW CALIFORNIA CAR SHIPPING WORKS

Ship your Car in 3 simple steps

Find reputable carriers, read thousands of verified reviews, and select the safest option for your vehicle. Our platform makes car shipping easy — from research to booking.

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Requesting a Free Shipping Quote

Getting started is easy! Provide us with basic information such as: car details, pickup & delivery location and personal information. Once we have your details, we'll generate a competitive, obligation-free quote.

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Preparing Your Vehicle

Before transportation — remove personal items from the vehicle, Ensure fluid levels are checked and drained, if needed, disconnect the battery to prevent potential issues. Once ready, our professional carrier will pick up your vehicle at the specified location.

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Delivery and Inspection

When your car reaches its destination, inspect it for any damages. With Transportvibe's thorough shipping processes, you can expect your vehicle to arrive safely and in pristine condition. After inspection, simply sign the Bill of Lading to complete the process.

Explore Services in California

We offer a wide range of transport solutions to meet your needs, including:

Cars & Light Trucks

Cars & Light Trucks

Fast, safe transport for cars and light trucks.

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Motor Cycles & Mopeds

Motor Cycles & Mopeds

Secure shipping for motorcycles and mopeds.

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Powerboats

Powerboats

Smooth transport for all types of powerboats.

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Sailboats

Sailboats

Reliable sailboat shipping, coast to coast.

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Personal Watercraft

Personal Watercraft

Jet ski and watercraft transport made easy.

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Recreational Vehicles

Recreational Vehicles

Hassle-free RV and motorhome shipping.

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ATVs and Power Sports

ATVs and Power Sports

Transport for ATVs, dirt bikes, and more.

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Commercial Trucks

Commercial Trucks

Efficient shipping for all commercial trucks.

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Farm Equipment

Farm Equipment

Safe transport for tractors and farm gear.

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Construction

Construction

Heavy equipment shipping for construction needs.

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Vehicle and Boat Parts

Vehicle and Boat Parts

Secure delivery of large auto and boat parts.

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Other vehicles

Other vehicles

Custom transport for all other vehicle types

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Frequently asked questions

Have questions? Browse through the topics to find what you need, for car shipping in California.

Shipping a car to or from California is often one of the highest-volume routes in the nation, typically involving efficient open transport carriers utilizing I-5, I-10, and I-80. The high density of carriers operating near major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego generally ensures quick carrier assignment. The process includes obtaining a binding quote, scheduling pickup, a thorough inspection and signing of the Bill of Lading (BOL), transit, and final delivery, usually door-to-door, where street accessibility permits.
How are the costs determined for transporting a vehicle in or out of California?
The costs to ship a car to or from California are determined by several high-impact factors. The sheer distance involved in cross-country routes (e.g., California to the East Coast) drives up the base price. Pricing is heavily competitive out of California due to carriers wanting to avoid deadheading back empty. Conversely, inbound shipments often face higher prices due to the high demand. Market factors like diesel prices and carrier capacity on major coastal corridors also contribute significantly to the final quote.
Transit times for California shipments vary widely by route but are often highly efficient due to the state being a major origin/destination point. Transport from Southern California to neighboring Nevada or Arizona may take 1-3 days. Shipments traversing the country to the Midwest or Southeast generally require 4-7 days. While carrier availability is high, delays can occur due to heavy traffic congestion in metro areas like the Bay Area or severe weather affecting high mountain passes during winter.
The primary variables causing price fluctuations in California are seasonal capacity and carrier preference. Since California is a major origin point, prices for transport leaving the state can be highly competitive. However, due to its size, transport to or from rural locations far from major highways (like remote Northern California or Eastern desert areas) often adds costs, as carriers prefer easy access to I-5 or I-15. Fuel prices and overall trucking demand also contribute to rate changes.
Yes, California imposes specific state-level regulations on carriers operating intrastate (wholly within California). These carriers must obtain a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) from the DMV and register for a California Carrier Identification number (CA#), in addition to federal (FMCSA) requirements. Furthermore, all commercial vehicles must comply with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions rules. Consumers should ensure their chosen carrier has these state credentials for movements inside the state.
For standard commuter vehicles being shipped to or from California, open transport remains the most common and cost-effective method. However, due to the high concentration of luxury, classic, and exotic cars in Southern California, enclosed transport is frequently utilized. Enclosed service provides maximum protection against road grime, theft, and the effects of dense traffic on California freeways, making it the better choice for high-value automobiles.
Yes, shipping a non-running vehicle in California is possible, provided the vehicle can still roll, steer, and brake (RSB). Specialized carriers with winch capabilities are required, particularly in areas where flat ground is necessary for safe loading, such as some hilly or dense Los Angeles neighborhoods. Always clearly disclose the non-running status at the time of booking, as this service incurs an additional fee to cover the specialized labor and equipment.
For standard domestic auto transport involving California, the critical document is the Bill of Lading (BOL), which the carrier issues at pickup to document the vehicle’s pre-existing condition. The shipper or designated agent must present a valid photo ID for verification. While the title and registration are generally not required for interstate transport, having a copy of the registration and insurance handy is good practice.
When selecting a provider for a California route, prioritize checking their federal registration (MC/DOT numbers) on the FMCSA SAFER system. Due to the competitive market, check customer reviews on platforms like Transportvibe, focusing on feedback regarding communication, adherence to the quoted price, and successful negotiation of traffic and city access in major California markets. A reliable company will offer a clear, verified safety and insurance record.
Before a carrier arrives for pickup in California, the vehicle must be clean for an accurate inspection, and all personal items must be removed, as they are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance. Fuel should be at no more than a quarter tank. Most importantly, confirm the exact access point for the large hauler, especially in densely populated areas like downtown San Francisco, where narrow streets or local ordinances may require meeting the carrier nearby.

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