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, but there are a few state-specific things to keep in mind.

Remove toll transponders. California uses FasTrak for toll roads, including the Golden Gate Bridge and many highways. Remove your FasTrak transponder before shipping to avoid charges during transit.

Check your tire pressure and coolant. California's extreme heat—especially in inland areas—can affect both. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your coolant levels are topped off before pickup.

Clean off salt and sand residue. If your vehicle is coming from coastal California, wash away any salt air or sand buildup. These can cause corrosion during transport and storage.

Remove loose items and accessories. Take out toll passes, GPS devices, dash cams, roof racks, spoilers, or any other removable parts that could shift or get damaged in transit. Leave one key with the carrier so they can move the vehicle if needed.

Note any existing damage. Document your vehicle's condition with photos before pickup. This protects you and helps the carrier understand what damage was pre-existing.

For more details on the full shipping process, check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips. We've been helping people ship cars since 2017, and we're here to make the process transparent and fair.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. All of our carriers are required to maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process.

Before we move your vehicle, we verify that each carrier's insurance policy is active and valid for the duration of your shipment. This is one of the ways we ensure your peace of mind and protect your investment.

Since 2012, we've worked to make car shipping transparent and fair. We believe you deserve to know exactly what coverage protects your vehicle—and we make sure it's in place before your car hits the road.

We recommend scheduling your California car pickup at least two to three weeks in advance. This gives carriers time to bundle your shipment with others heading the same direction, which helps you get better rates and more reliable service.

California-specific timing to know:

Summer heat waves (June-September): California experiences intense summer heat, especially inland and in the Central Valley. Carriers often adjust schedules during peak heat months to avoid transporting vehicles during the hottest parts of the day. Book earlier during these months—aim for three weeks out—to secure your spot.

Winter weather in mountain passes (November-March): While California doesn't get heavy snow statewide, routes through the Sierra Nevada and other mountain passes can face delays during winter storms. If you're shipping from or to Northern California, give yourself extra lead time during winter months.

College season (August-September and May-June): California has major universities throughout the state. Late summer and early summer see spikes in student moves. If you're shipping during these windows, book three weeks ahead to avoid delays.

Holiday periods (November-December and late December-early January): Shipping demand increases around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Carriers fill up quickly. Schedule at least three weeks out if you need pickup during these times.

High-demand state: California is a major hub for car shipping due to its large population and constant vehicle movement. This is good news—carriers run frequent routes—but it also means peak times fill up fast. The sooner you post your shipment, the better your options.

Bottom line: Two weeks is our minimum recommendation, but three weeks gives you more carrier options and better pricing, especially during California's busy seasons.

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 and enclosed auto transport are the two main ways to ship a car in California, and they differ in cost, protection, and best use cases.

Open Transport is the more affordable option. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer exposed to the elements and road debris. It's a reliable choice for most everyday cars and works well if you're budget-conscious. Many people use open transport for standard vehicles without worry.

Enclosed Transport costs significantly more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open options. Your car travels in a fully enclosed trailer, protecting it from weather, dust, and road hazards. This method is best for high-value vehicles, classic cars, luxury models, or vehicles with custom paint jobs that need extra protection.

How to Choose: Ask yourself: What's my vehicle worth, and how much risk am I comfortable with? If you're shipping an everyday sedan or truck, open transport usually makes sense. If you own a classic car, exotic vehicle, or something with significant sentimental value, enclosed transport provides peace of mind.

At Sakaem Logistics, we've been helping people find the right shipping option since 2017. We're transparent about pricing and committed to getting your vehicle where it needs to go safely and affordably.

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 understand that some addresses may have restrictions or safety challenges—like narrow driveways or limited access roads. If that's the case, our carriers will work with you to find a nearby alternative, such as a gas station or parking lot, to make the pickup or delivery work 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 we deliver on this promise, making the process transparent and hassle-free for California residents shipping vehicles near and far.

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!