Distance & lane
Longer East Coast runs generally cost more than shorter Texas routes because carriers cover more road. In-state California moves are rare among shipments leaving Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, CA Car Shipping 2026 Costs & Routes
Typical cost to ship a car from Los Angeles$1,025–$1,350
Shipping to Los Angeles: $925–$1,275
At a glance
- Los Angeles to DallasTypical quotes are $925–$1,150, with 867 shipments on record and a 2–6-day transit estimate.
- Los Angeles to New YorkThis leading outbound lane has 1,381 shipments on record, typical quotes of $1,175–$1,550, and 4–10 days transit.
- SUV shippingSUVs and crossovers typically cost $100 more than sedans for open shipping from Los Angeles.
- California registrationNew residents must register a car within 20 days of becoming a resident or getting a job in California. [CA DMV]
Prices by vehicle
What it costs to ship your vehicle from Los Angeles
SUVs, pickups, and vans typically cost more to ship than sedans, and enclosed service adds a sizable premium across vehicle types. For a daily driver, weigh open transport against the added protection enclosed shipping offers a high-value car.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / coupe | $1,100 | $1,725 |
| SUV / crossover | $1,200 | $1,875 |
| Pickup truck | $1,425 | $2,225 |
| Van / minivan | $1,300 | $2,325 |
Median customer quote on record for running vehicles leaving Los Angeles, across all routes. Your route and dates set the final price.
Popular routes
Top destinations from Los Angeles
| Destination | Typical range | Quote · transit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY1381 shipments on recordCA → NY guide | $1,175–$1,5504–10 days transit | |
| 2 | Dallas, TX867 shipments on recordCA → TX guide | $925–$1,1502–6 days transit | |
| 3 | Miami, FL850 shipments on recordCA → FL guide | $1,100–$1,3754–10 days transit | |
| 4 | Washington, DC720 shipments on record | $1,075–$1,4254–9 days transit | |
| 5 | Chicago, IL673 shipments on recordCA → IL guide | $1,050–$1,3003–7 days transit | |
| 6 | Atlanta, GA663 shipments on recordCA → GA guide | $1,025–$1,3003–7 days transit | |
| 7 | Houston, TX585 shipments on recordCA → TX guide | $950–$1,2002–6 days transit | |
| 8 | Seattle, WA582 shipments on recordCA → WA guide | $900–$1,1001–4 days transit | |
| 9 | Boston, MA551 shipments on recordCA → MA guide | $1,175–$1,5504–10 days transit | |
| 10 | Austin, TX440 shipments on recordCA → TX guide | $950–$1,1252–6 days transit | |
$750$1,000$1,250$1,500$1,750 |
Transit is SAKAEM's standard estimate by distance, counted from pickup.
Where Los Angeles cars come from
Cars arriving in Los Angeles most often come from Florida, Texas, and New York; New Jersey, Virginia, and Georgia also rank among the leading origins. Together, those six states account for roughly half of inbound shipments on record, so share a flexible handoff window as you plan for a long-distance arrival.
Shipments delivered to Los Angeles on record, by origin state.
Reviews
What customers say about shipping with SAKAEM
★★★★★
Sakaem Logistics transported my son's Acura from Los Angeles, CA to Waco, Texas in 5 days. Tim, who drove the transport was professional and courteous and kept communications prior to pickup and close to delivery time. Everything went smoothly with no issues. Price was competitive with other firms. I will use Sakaem again and highly recommend them for your transport needs.
★★★★★
I shipped my car from California to Michigan and Sakaem came back with the best quote and answered all of my questions. I wish they could tell you an exact day they could pick up, but overall the service was great and I got my car in less than a week with no issues. Happy customer!
★★★★★
Great service, smooth process, and excellent communication throughout. Sakaem logistics made everything easy and stress-free!
Cost factors
What moves the price of a Los Angeles shipment
Season
Winter snow can close Sierra Nevada passes like I-80 over Donner Pass, while summer and fall wildfires can shut highways. Rerouting and reduced carrier availability can move a quote.
Vehicle size
Larger vehicles take more carrier space, so pickups, vans, and SUVs can cost more to move than sedans on the same route.
Pickup access
Narrow streets, gated communities, and dense curbside parking can make loading harder in parts of Los Angeles. A truck may need a different meeting point, adding coordination.
Open vs enclosed
Open transport is the lower-cost option for most cars. Enclosed carriers offer added protection for high-value vehicles, but cost more and have less available capacity.
Want the full picture? Read our guide to the cost to ship a car.
Save money
5 ways to pay less (and wait less)
Keep your pickup window flexible
Offer a window instead of one fixed day so the carrier can coordinate your pickup around Los Angeles traffic and its route schedule.
Choose an easy meeting point
In Hollywood or Downtown Los Angeles, ask about a wide, legal pickup spot near I-5 or I-110 instead of insisting on a narrow curbside handoff.
Watch for weather disruptions
If your route crosses the Sierra Nevada in winter, follow updates for I-80 over Donner Pass. For summer or fall shipments, stay in touch if wildfires affect highway routing.
Match the service to the car
Choose open transport for a standard daily driver; consider enclosed service for a high-value vehicle that needs extra protection from exposure.
Document the handoff
For a long haul from Florida or New York, take clear photos at pickup and compare the car’s condition at delivery. Keep your inspection notes with your shipping paperwork.
Getting your car ready? See our vehicle shipping tips.
Moving to Los Angeles
Your California car checklist
Shipping your car is only one part of a California move. If you’re bringing an out-of-state vehicle to Los Angeles, check the registration, smog, insurance, and equipment rules before you settle in.
Register as a new resident
Register your car in California within 20 days of becoming a resident or getting a job in the state. [CA DMV]
Prepare title-transfer documents
Bring REG 343, your out-of-state title, last registration, and smog certificate. Have a DMV employee, police officer, or licensed verifier check the VIN on REG 31; pay registration and use tax fees and usually turn in old plates. [CA DMV]
Meet liability coverage minimums
California requires at least 30/60/15 liability coverage: $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage. [CA DMV]
Check smog requirements
Out-of-state gas cars from model year 1976 or newer need a smog check for first registration. Diesel cars from 1998 or newer under 14,001 lbs also need one; most areas then require checks every two years. [CA BAR]
Review window tint
Front side film must be clear and colorless, allow at least 88% light, and leave the window at least 70% light-transmitting. Rear tint requires outside mirrors on both sides; windshield tint is limited to a top strip. [Cal. Veh. Code 26708]
Know how California tolls work
FasTrak pays tolls electronically on every California toll bridge, express lane, and toll road; one account works across them all. [FasTrak]
- County
- Los Angeles County, California
- Main roads
- I-5, I-10, I-105, I-110
- Neighborhoods
- Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Venice, San Pedro
- Nearby cities
- Glendale, Pasadena, Inglewood, Burbank, Whittier
Los Angeles at a glance
Service area
Pickup and delivery in and around Los Angeles
We arrange pickup and delivery across Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Venice, San Pedro, Westwood, and North Hollywood, with access near I-5, I-10, I-105, I-110, I-210, and I-405. We also serve Glendale, Pasadena, Inglewood, Burbank, Whittier, Santa Monica, Torrance, and West Covina; trucks may use a nearby meeting point when local streets or gated access are tight.
Los Angeles ZIP codes
- 90001
- 90002
- 90003
- 90004
- 90005
- 90006
- 90007
- 90008
- 90009
- 90010
- 90011
- 90012
- 90013
- 90014
- 90015
- 90016
How it works
Shipping your car in four steps
Share your route
Tell SAKAEM your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle type, and preferred dates to request a quote.
Confirm the plan
Choose your transport option and pickup details; SAKAEM coordinates with a carrier for your route.
Review the car at pickup
Meet at the agreed location, inspect the car with the driver, and record its condition on the Bill of Lading.
Complete delivery
Inspect the car at arrival, confirm its condition, and finish the handoff with the driver.
New to auto transport? Here's how to ship a car, step by step.
FAQ
Los Angeles car shipping questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from or to Los Angeles?
For a running vehicle on open transport, typical quotes for shipping from Los Angeles are $1,025–$1,350; shipping to Los Angeles is $925–$1,275. These ranges reflect the middle half of customer quotes on record, not fixed offers. Your vehicle, route, pickup access, season, and service choice affect your quote.
How long does car shipping take to or from Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles–Seattle lane is typically 1–4 days on the road; Dallas is 2–6 days, and New York is 4–10 days. Transit starts after pickup, and estimates aren’t guarantees. Plan your receiving contact around the arrival window, especially if you have a move-in date or sale arranged.
Is my car insured during transport?
SAKAEM carriers are FMCSA-licensed and insured, with at least $1,000,000 liability and $100,000 cargo insurance. Ask what the carrier’s policy covers and how to report any condition difference, then record the car’s condition on the Bill of Lading at handoff.
Can I leave personal items in the car?
SAKAEM allows up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or below the window line; Hawaii ocean shipments are excluded. Keep belongings secured and avoid leaving valuables or essentials in the car. Tell your coordinator what you plan to leave inside so the carrier can confirm it is acceptable.
Can you ship a non-running car?
SAKAEM can ship a non-running vehicle if it rolls, brakes, and steers, and you provide a key. Describe its condition before booking, including which functions it lacks, so the carrier can plan loading. Share any limits with your coordinator before dispatch.
How do I pay for car shipping?
You can pay by card, or pay the carrier with cash or a certified check; Zelle and Venmo are also accepted. Confirm the payment method and timing with your coordinator before pickup, and keep the receipt or payment confirmation for your records.
Do I need to be present at pickup?
A designated adult needs to be there at pickup and delivery to inspect the car and sign the Bill of Lading. If you cannot attend, arrange another adult in advance and make sure they can access the vehicle and review its condition with the driver.
Have another question? Browse the full car shipping FAQ.
Get a Los Angeles car shipping quote
Share your route, vehicle, and preferred dates to get a car shipping quote from SAKAEM.
Sources: SAKAEM shipment records on file (October 2026); US Census Bureau (county); [CA BAR], [CA DMV], [Cal. Veh. Code 26708], [FasTrak], official state sources, verified 2026-10-01.
Industry Resources: FMCSA Carrier Lookup · U.S. Department of Transportation · SAKAEM Logistics on BBB · NHTSA