San Diego, CA 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.

See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details about how to prepare your vehicle for shipping. In short, you'll want to remove any FasTrak or toll pass devices, make sure you have a key available to provide the carrier, and remove any interior and exterior accessories that could be damaged in transit. For San Diego shipments, also ensure your vehicle's battery is in good condition, as our carriers will need to move it on and off the transport, and document your vehicle's condition with photos before pickup for our digital inspection process.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from or to San Diego. All carriers transporting your car are required to have a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify that each carrier's insurance policy is valid and in good standing throughout your San Diego shipment, and all carriers are FMCSA-licensed to ensure compliance with federal transportation standards.

The sooner, the better. We recommend scheduling your San Diego car pickup at least two weeks in advance, though posting your shipment immediately is ideal. San Diego's popular shipping routes and high carrier demand mean early scheduling helps us bundle your vehicle with others heading out of Southern California, which typically results in faster pickup times and better 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 Auto Transport Process Article 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.

Enclosed transport typically costs at least 50% more than open trailers, but it's the smart choice for high-value vehicles like classics or custom paint jobs that need protection from San Diego's coastal dust and highway debris. Open transport works well for standard vehicles making the trip to or from San Diego, and with Sakaem Logistics' AI-verified pricing, you'll get transparent quotes upfront with no surprises. Our FMCSA-licensed carriers handle both options with full insurance coverage, so you can ship with confidence regardless of which service fits your needs.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in San Diego. At booking, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses anywhere in the San Diego area, and our carrier will pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to those locations whenever possible. If there are any transportation restrictions or access challenges specific to your San Diego neighborhood, our dedicated expert will work with you to arrange an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

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!