California is one of the most common places people ship cars to and from. It is a long drive from most of the country, the routes are busy, and a lot of moves run through the state every season. Whether you are heading west, moving back east, or sending a vehicle across the country, shipping is often easier than making the drive yourself.
Here is a quick guide to shipping a car to or from California: how it works, what affects the cost, and how to get your vehicle ready.
Why People Ship Cars To and From California
A few situations come up again and again:
• Relocation. Moving to or from California for a job, school, or a new home.
• Seasonal moves. Snowbirds and seasonal residents traveling between California and other states.
• Buying or selling. Receiving a car bought out of state, or sending one to a buyer.
• College. Sending a vehicle to a student starting school across the country.
In each case, shipping saves the miles, the wear, and the days a cross-country drive would take.
How California Car Shipping Works
The steps are the same whether your car is going to or leaving California:
• Get a free quote with your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle, and timing.
• Schedule a pickup date that works for you.
• Door-to-door pickup, where the driver collects the vehicle as close to your address as the truck can safely reach.
• Transit across the country, which takes longer for coast-to-coast routes than for shorter ones.
• Delivery to your destination address, where you confirm the vehicle’s condition on arrival.
What Affects the Cost
A California shipping quote depends on a few factors:
• Distance and route. Coast-to-coast moves cover more miles than regional ones.
• Vehicle size and type. Larger and heavier vehicles take up more space on the carrier.
• Timing and season. Busy seasons and short-notice pickups can affect availability.
• Pickup and delivery locations. Easy-to-reach addresses are simpler to service than remote ones.
A clear, up-front quote is the best way to know your price before you book, with no surprises later.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
A little prep makes pickup and delivery smooth:
• Wash the car so any existing marks are easy to see and document
• Take dated photos of the vehicle’s condition before pickup
• Remove personal items from the interior
• Keep the fuel tank around a quarter full
• Note any issues, like a leak or a battery that does not hold a charge, so the driver knows
Choosing a Carrier for a California Move
For a long route like this, the company matters. Look for years of experience, a BBB A+ rating, door-to-door service, and a clear price and pickup commitment. American Auto Transporters has delivered vehicles safely across the country for over 46 years, since 1980, with guaranteed prices and guaranteed pickup. 80% of our customers come back to us.
Shipping a car to or from California? Get a free quote from American Auto Transporters. Call 1-800-800-2580 or visit shipcar.com.
