California Car Shipping: 2026 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in California is straightforward. Start by removing your FasTrak transponder if you use one on toll roads like I-405, I-10, or Bay Area bridges. The carrier won't be able to use your account, and you don't want surprise toll charges.

Next, clear out personal items and accessories. Remove toll passes, GPS devices, radar detectors, roof racks, spoilers, and any other exterior add-ons that could get damaged or lost in transit. Take out interior items like phone chargers, sunglasses, and loose items that could shift during transport.

Check your tire pressure and coolant levels. California's heat, especially in inland areas, can affect both. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your coolant is topped off. If you're shipping from the mountains or high elevations, double-check these before transit.

For coastal shipments, rinse off any salt residue from your vehicle if it's been parked near the ocean. Salt air can accelerate rust during transport.

Have a working key ready for the carrier. They'll need it to move your vehicle on and off the transport truck. If you only have a key fob, make sure it works.

Document your vehicle's condition before shipment. Take photos of the exterior and note any existing damage. This protects you and gives the carrier a clear baseline.

Finally, ensure your battery has a charge and your fuel tank is no more than a quarter full. This reduces weight and safety risks during transport.

That's it. A few simple steps make the whole process smoother for everyone involved.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship it through Sakaem Logistics. All of our carriers are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify that every carrier's insurance is valid and active before your shipment begins.

This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process. If any damage occurs during transport, the carrier's cargo insurance covers it. We take this seriously because we know your vehicle is important to you.

Before we assign a carrier to your shipment, we confirm their insurance documentation is current and meets these requirements. This is part of our commitment to transparency and giving you peace of mind when shipping your car.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for California shipments. This gives carriers enough time to bundle your vehicle with others heading in the same direction, which helps you get better rates.

California-Specific Timing Considerations:

Summer Heat (June-September): California's intense summer temperatures can affect carrier schedules, especially in inland regions like the Central Valley. Carriers may adjust routes to avoid peak heat hours. Booking earlier during these months helps ensure availability.

Winter Weather (December-February): While most of California stays mild, mountain passes and northern routes can face delays from rain and occasional snow. If you're shipping to or from the Sierra Nevada region or northern California, plan for potential weather-related delays and book at least three weeks out.

Snowbird Season (October-April): California sees significant incoming traffic from people relocating from colder states for the winter. This high demand means carriers fill up quickly. If you're shipping during these months, book as early as possible—ideally three to four weeks ahead.

College Move Season (August-September and May-June): California's major universities (UC schools, Stanford, etc.) drive increased shipping demand during move-in and move-out periods. Carrier availability tightens considerably. Plan ahead and book early if shipping during these windows.

Holiday Periods (November-December): Year-end holidays create traffic congestion on California highways and reduce carrier availability. Book at least three weeks in advance.

Bottom Line: Two weeks is our minimum, but three weeks is ideal for California—especially during peak seasons. The sooner you book, the better your options and rates.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our guide on shipping a car with personal items for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle's condition. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport

The main difference comes down to protection and cost. Open transport uses an open trailer where your car sits exposed to weather, road debris, and dust during shipping. Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting it from the elements and road hazards.

Cost difference: Enclosed transport typically costs 50% to 100% more than open transport. The higher price reflects the extra protection and limited capacity of enclosed trailers.

When to choose open transport: Most everyday vehicles ship fine with open transport. It's reliable, affordable, and your car will arrive safely. Open transport works well for standard sedans, trucks, and SUVs.

When to choose enclosed transport: Consider enclosed transport if you have a high-value vehicle, classic car, exotic sports car, or a custom paint job. It's also the better choice if your car has low clearance or you want maximum protection from California's dust and weather during transit.

Both methods get your car where it needs to go. The choice depends on your vehicle's value and how much extra protection matters to you. We're transparent about both options so you can make the best decision for your specific situation.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout California. When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to those locations whenever possible.

We're transparent about the process: if there are any transportation restrictions or safety concerns at your specific address, the carrier will work with you to find a nearby alternative location, such as a gas station or parking lot. This keeps your vehicle safe and keeps shipping moving smoothly.

Since 2012, we've been committed to giving people real value in car shipping and breaking up the old broker monopoly. Our highly rated reviews show that California customers trust us to get the job done right.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics' FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!