Shipping to San Rafael: $1,000–$1,400
An SUV or crossover typically costs more to ship open than a sedan because it takes more trailer space. Enclosed transport is a premium option for a sedan when added protection matters.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / coupe | $1,150 | $1,700 |
| SUV / crossover | $1,300 | Quote on request |
Median customer quote on record for running vehicles leaving San Rafael, across all routes. Your route and dates set the final price.
Based on shipments picked up in San Rafael's own ZIP codes, compared with the whole San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro.
| Destination | Typical range | Quote · transit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles, CA8 shipments on record | $700–$8000–2 days transit | |
| 2 | Boston, MA7 shipments on recordCA → MA guide | $1,300–$1,5254–10 days transit | |
| 3 | New York, NY7 shipments on recordCA → NY guide | $1,100–$1,4254–10 days transit | |
| 4 | Atlanta, GA6 shipments on recordCA → GA guide | $1,100–$1,3503–7 days transit | |
| 5 | Chicago, IL6 shipments on recordCA → IL guide | $1,025–$1,3003–7 days transit | |
| 6 | Seattle, WA6 shipments on recordCA → WA guide | $825–$1,2000–3 days transit | |
| 7 | Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD5 shipments on recordCA → MD guide | $1,200 | |
| 8 | Houston, TX5 shipments on recordCA → TX guide | $925–$1,2752–6 days transit | |
$500$750$1,000$1,250$1,500$1,750 |
Transit is SAKAEM's standard estimate by distance, counted from pickup.
Massachusetts leads inbound shipments to San Rafael with 9 on record, followed by Florida and New York with 8 each. That mix includes long-haul arrivals from the East Coast and Midwest, so coordinate delivery access and keep your schedule flexible around carrier routing and California weather disruptions.
Shipments delivered to San Rafael on record, by origin state.
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!
We had a communication breakdown initially, but everything worked out well! 10/10 service!
Fast and reliable service. Highly recommended. Will use again in the future. Fair pricing.
Route length and carrier demand differ between San Rafael’s Los Angeles lane and longer East Coast runs such as Boston and New York. In-state California moves are uncommon here, so a short in-state route may not price like the most common lanes.
Snowbird demand can shift carrier availability. Winter snow can close I-80 over Donner Pass, while summer and fall wildfires can shut highways; route disruptions can change available options and affect quotes.
SUVs and crossovers take more trailer space than sedans, which can reduce how many vehicles fit on a load and raise the quote.
Addresses around Downtown San Rafael or Gerstle Park may need a wider meeting point if street or driveway access is tight. Extra coordination or a truck detour can affect a carrier’s quote.
Open transport suits many standard cars, while enclosed transport adds protection from weather and road debris. The added equipment and protection usually push the quote higher.
If Los Angeles is your route, offer flexible pickup dates so SAKAEM can look for a carrier already running that lane.
For Downtown San Rafael or Gerstle Park, choose a wide, truck-friendly meeting point if the street is tight; confirm it with your carrier before pickup.
Send the exact address plus any gate, driveway, or street-access limits for Terra Linda, Sun Valley, or other San Rafael pickup points before dispatch.
If local access is difficult, ask whether meeting in Novato or Richmond is an option before you confirm the pickup location.
Take photos of the car and review condition notes on the Bill of Lading at pickup and delivery; keep your copy with your San Rafael move records.
Getting your car ready? See our vehicle shipping tips.
Moving to Marin County? Shipping your car is only part of the move. Check California’s registration, smog, and title steps before your DMV visit.
Register your car in California within 20 days of becoming a resident or getting a job in the state [CA DMV].
Bring REG 343, your out-of-state title, last registration, and smog certificate. Have the VIN checked on REG 31 by a DMV employee, police officer, or licensed verifier; pay registration and use tax, and usually turn in old plates [CA DMV].
California requires 30/60/15 liability: $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, since January 1, 2025 [CA DMV].
Out-of-state gas cars from model year 1976 or newer need a California smog check at first registration. Diesel cars from 1998 or newer under 14,001 lbs also need one; most areas require checks every two years after that [CA BAR].
Front side windows need clear, colorless film letting in at least 88%; filmed windows must still let in at least 70%. Rear tint is allowed with mirrors on both sides; windshield tint only at the top [Cal. Veh. Code 26708].
FasTrak pays tolls electronically on every California toll bridge, express lane, and toll road; one account works statewide [FasTrak].
SAKAEM coordinates pickup and delivery across Downtown San Rafael, Terra Linda, Gerstle Park, and Sun Valley, using US-101, I-580, CA-1, CA-131, and CA-37 to plan access. We also serve Novato, Richmond, San Francisco, Berkeley, Vallejo, Oakland, Petaluma, and Alameda; if your block is tight, agree on an accessible meeting spot with the carrier.
Share your route, vehicle, and preferred dates to get a quote.
Select open or enclosed transport and confirm pickup and delivery details.
Review your car’s condition with the carrier and note it on the Bill of Lading.
Inspect the car at delivery and finish the handoff with the carrier.
New to auto transport? Here's how to ship a car, step by step.
San Rafael’s typical outbound quotes are $1,025–$1,425; inbound quotes are $1,000–$1,400. These are middle-half quotes for running cars on open transport. San Rafael’s outbound quotes are about the same as across the San Francisco metro, but its top destination is Los Angeles while the metro’s is New York. SAKAEM prices quotes from live market data so carriers accept them.
From San Rafael, Los Angeles is typically 0–2 days on the road, Seattle 0–3, Atlanta and Chicago 3–7, and Boston and New York 4–10. These transit estimates start after pickup and are not guaranteed delivery dates; weather and route conditions can affect timing.
SAKAEM carriers are FMCSA-licensed and insured, and carry at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Ask your coordinator for the carrier’s insurance details if you want to review the coverage for your vehicle before transport.
SAKAEM allows up to 100 lbs of personal items, kept in the trunk or below the window line. Pack belongings securely and leave valuables, loose items, and anything that could obstruct the driver’s view out of the car. Check with your coordinator before adding unusually bulky items.
SAKAEM can ship a non-running vehicle if it rolls, brakes, and steers, and you provide a key. Tell us its condition when you request the quote so the carrier can plan for loading. If it does not meet those conditions, contact us before booking to discuss options.
There’s no upfront deposit, and cancellation is free. You can pay by card or pay the carrier by cash or certified check; Zelle and Venmo are also accepted. Confirm the method with your coordinator before pickup so you know what to have ready.
Yes. A designated adult must be at pickup and delivery to inspect the car and sign the Bill of Lading. If you can’t be there, choose someone you trust and share their contact and access details before dispatch so the handoff can go smoothly.
Have another question? Browse the full car shipping FAQ.
Tell SAKAEM your route, vehicle, and timing needs, and we’ll help you plan pickup and delivery.
Industry Resources: FMCSA Carrier Lookup · U.S. Department of Transportation · SAKAEM Logistics on BBB · NHTSA
