Santa Monica, 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. For Santa Monica shipments, this is especially important given the area's coastal climate and heavy traffic conditions. In short, you'll want to remove any toll pass or fragile items, make sure you have a key available to provide the carrier, and remove any interior and exterior accessories that could be damaged in transit. We also recommend documenting your vehicle's condition with photos before pickup, which our digital inspection process can help streamline.

Yes, all shipments to and from Santa Monica are fully insured. Every carrier we partner with is FMCSA-licensed and required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and in good standing before your vehicle ships from or arrives in Santa Monica.

The sooner, the better. We recommend scheduling your Santa Monica pickup at least two weeks in advance, but posting your shipment immediately gives carriers the best chance to bundle your vehicle with others heading out of the Los Angeles area. With our 95% successful carrier securement rate, early scheduling means faster pickup times and better routing options for your shipment.

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 offers superior protection—especially important in Santa Monica's coastal climate where salt air and debris can damage your vehicle's finish. We recommend enclosed transport for high-value vehicles like classics, luxury cars, or custom paint jobs that can't afford the risk of road hazards. With Sakaem Logistics, all our FMCSA-licensed carriers provide full insurance coverage regardless of which option you choose, and our AI-verified pricing ensures you know the exact cost upfront with no surprises.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Santa Monica. At booking, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses in the Santa Monica area, and our FMCSA-licensed carriers will work to pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to those locations. If any transportation restrictions or safety challenges arise—such as narrow residential streets or gated communities common in Santa Monica—your carrier will coordinate with you to arrange an alternative nearby location like a parking lot or gas station. With our 95% successful carrier securement rate and real-time tracking, you'll have full visibility throughout the process.

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!