Auto Transport Services to California

Trying to transport your vehicle to or out of California? Mercury Auto Transport has got you covered!

This article covers everything about auto transport services in California, including California shipping insurance, cost, duration, states, and available shipping options.

Read on to discover all you need to know. You can start today by filling out our instant quote form or call us at 800-553-1828. 

How Much Does Car Shipping To/From California Cost?

When transporting a vehicle to or from California, expenses can differ based on factors like distance and the level of service provided.

Shorter journeys within a 500-mile range typically cost between $500 and $1000. Conversely, you’ll pay more for longer distances.

While distance is a primary factor affecting shipping costs, other factors also influence this cost. Some of these factors include:

  • Seasonal Fluctuations: Changes in the weather can also impact the shipping cost. During the summer months and in January, there’s typically a higher demand, leading to increased prices.
  • Route Popularity: The cost of your chosen route may also be impacted by its popularity. Well-traveled routes tend to offer competitive prices due to increased traffic.
  • Timeline: The time frame you choose can also affect the expenses involved. Opting for expedited shipping may come with a higher cost.
  • Vehicle Condition: The state of your car also matters. Non-functioning vehicles need special gear for the loading and unloading process, which leads to higher expenses.

Other factors include:

  • Size.
  • Weight.
  • Type of Transport.

For the best prices on shipping services, consider scheduling your shipment 2 to 3 weeks ahead of time. Additionally, remaining flexible to dates can increase your chances of finding more affordable options.

How Long Does Auto Shipping To/From California Take?

Shipping times to or from California differ depending on many factors. However, within California and neighboring states, you can anticipate arrivals in 1 to 3 days. 

Medium distances take about 3 to 7 days, while longer distances, such as from California to the East Coast, can take up to 14 days!

The route chosen by the auto carrier can also affect the time it takes for your shipment to arrive. 

Additionally, weather conditions can affect the delivery time. Harsh, snowy weather can cause delays, while high demands are the primary reason for delays in the summer months. 

Therefore, most car shipping companies, like Mecury Auto Transport, typically give a delivery timeframe rather than a definite date. This allows them to plan their routes efficiently and deal with any challenges during transit. 

Usually, you will receive updates regarding your vehicle’s status and an accurate delivery estimate as it approaches its destination. 

How Does California Car Shipping Work?

When it comes to transporting your vehicle in California, the process is simple and convenient. Here’s a detailed guide outlining the steps involved:

  1. Request a Quote: We will create a customized estimate tailored to your vehicle’s details and the specific pickup and drop-off spots in California.

  2. Confirm Your Booking: After you’ve selected your price, you need to confirm your booking. You’ll need to provide more information about your vehicle.

  3. Ready Your Vehicle: Before the shipping date, clean the car and remove personal items. Then, empty the fuel tank to about a quarter tank to reduce the vehicle’s weight.

  4. Vehicle Collection: On the day of collection, our carrier will come to your California address to pick up your vehicle. The driver will also inspect and record the vehicle’s condition before loading it up.

  5. Arrival and Inspection: During transit, you can monitor your vehicle via our online tracking system. Once your car gets to its destination (California or other states), inspect it. If all is well, you’re good to go!

Types of Vehicle Transport Services in California

California vehicle shipping offers various transport services. Apart from the shipping distance, your auto service choice can affect your vehicle shipping costs. Here are the available types of vehicle transport services in California:

Open-Air Auto Transport

Open carrier

Open-air transport is the go-to method for car shipping in California and neighboring states. It allows you flexible scheduling and a fast loading and unloading process. It is also secure and efficient, especially if you need a fast delivery.

However, with this type of transport service, your car would be exposed to the elements and diverse terrain. Naturally, the vehicle will accumulate dirt during transit.

Enclosed Auto Transport

Enclosed carrier

Enclosed carriers are perfect for transporting luxury and vintage automobiles. They are also a better option for motorcycles or racing cars. This option protects your car from weather conditions and road debris. However, it is more expensive than open-air auto transport. 

Flatbed Auto Transport

Flatbed carrier

If you want to transport an oversized, inoperable vehicle, flatbed auto transport is the best option. With this method, you can easily load and unload your unique vehicle without worrying about the size of the trailer. 

This type of transport service is suitable for devices like heavy machinery and construction vehicles. It offers a flexible and customizable transport option for special vehicles.

California Auto Transport

At Mercury Auto Transport, we can help you move your car to or from California or any location you choose. Simply complete our form to receive an auto transport quote promptly and effortlessly. 

Once you’ve filled out the form and submitted it, we will email you a car shipping estimate within the hour. 

If you have any inquiries, you can also call our toll-free telephone number at 800-553-1828. Our live auto representatives will be available to answer your questions. 

So what are you waiting for? Just give us a call. Fill out our form for a free quote to kickstart the shipping process for your car with Mercury Auto Transport today!

Auto transport insurance

California Auto Transport Insurance

When you need to transport your car across long distances it’s usually safer to rely on auto transport services rather than driving it yourself. Driving your car for a long distance increases your mileage

With auto transport services, you can avoid adding mileage and potential damage to the vehicle. This service also ensures that the auto carriers are insured, which also covers your vehicle during the journey.

In California’s car shipping industry, many brokers provide assured transportation services. Though they might not promise both a pickup and drop-off date, they usually assure one for your shipment. 

If you give a broker advance notice of about a week’s timeframe, they can usually assure you of a delivery date. Just keep in mind that in parts of California, it could take as long as two weeks to schedule a pickup for your car. 

California Luxury and Classic Car Transport

Brokers provide secure white glove shipping services to transport your high-end and vintage vehicles to/from California with great care and attention to detail. These specialized services are in high demand in California as the city is a hub for car collectors. 

High-end and vintage cars need attention and safeguarding when being transported, which naturally results in increased expenses. 

Shipping classic and exotic cars becomes much smoother when you work with professionals. These experts understand the intricacies of California’s diverse terrain and climate conditions and also the value of the vehicles in transit. 

 

Long distance auto transport

Using California Car Shipping Services

When you choose California car transportation services,​​​ you can move your vehicle to and from the state at affordable prices. California auto transport brokers collaborate with top companies to secure lower service pricing.

Brokers can save you time and money by helping you choose the best and most affordable shipping company. They also handle the specifics of the transportation process. Mercury Auto Transport connects with these reliable car carriers through National Dispatch Boards.

This dispatch board system is exclusively accessible to industry professionals. This emphasizes why you need to work with a broker to transport your vehicle within, into, and outside California. 

The earlier you book in advance before shipping your vehicle, the higher your chances of reducing shipping costs. Check out our video guide to better understand how car shipping works in California.

Popular Car Shipping Routes

Popular Car Shipping Routes to California 

  • New York to California

  • Texas to California

  • Florida to California

  • Georgia to California

  • New Mexico to California

Popular Car Shipping Routes from California 

  • California to New York

  • California to Texas

  • California to Florida

  • California to Minnesota

  • California to Nevada

 

International Shipping to/From California

When shipping vehicles overseas, it’s essential to factor in import duties, and this also applies to California. Different countries have varying policies. For example, some countries reject foreign auto shipments with high import taxes

However, in California, you don’t need to worry about the intricacies of international shipping. Specialized car shipping and auto transport brokers in California will handle the whole process for you.

Major ports in California, like the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Oakland, are centers for shipping cars internationally. These are where brokers handle international vehicle transportation documentation and processing.

Car Shipping In California

Several major interstates run through California, which makes car shipping to California stress-free and cost-effective. These include I-5, I-10, I-15, and I-40.

  1. Interstate 5 (I-5): The I-5 links San Diego, California, to Bellingham, Washington state. It passes through several major cities, including: 

    • Los Angeles

    • Sacramento

    • Eugene

    • Portland

    • Vancouver

    • Salem

The interstate then ends at the Canadian border, north of Bellingham. This route is commonly used for transporting vehicles from Washington and Oregon. 

  1. Interstate 10 (I-10): The highway stretches from San Diego all the way to Jacksonville, Florida. Along the route are cities like:

    • Phoenix

    • Las Cruces 

    • San Antonio 

    • Houston 

    • New Orleans 

    • Tallahassee 

Then, the route stops at Jacksonville. 

I-10 is a popular route for carriers running routes in the winter months. Due to its location so far in the southern part of the U.S., it rarely sees snow along the route. It also passes through: 

  • The Sonoran Desert.

  • The Louisiana Bayous.

  • The Florida Panhandle. 

  1. Interstate 15 (I-15): The highway starts in San Diego and travels through cities like:

    • Barstow

    • Provo

    • Salt Lake City 

    • Montana 

    • Canada

  2. Interstate 40 (I-40): This popular auto interstate route connects Barstow, California, with Raleigh, California. It also passes through several major cities, including. 

    • Flagstaff 

    • Albuquerque

    • Amarillo

    • Oklahoma City

    • Little Rock

    • Memphis

    • Nashville

    • Knoxville

    • Winston-Salem 

Auto Shipping To California

Do you need an auto transport to California? Contact us or fill out our free online auto transport quote request form to start your car shipment today.