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California Car Shipping Services

Safely ship your vehicle to or from California with Montway, the nation’s top-rated auto transport service provider.

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Top-rated California auto transport company

There are many reasons to search for car shipping near you. Do you need to ship a vehicle to a kid at college? Have you purchased a vehicle from a seller across the country? Or maybe you’re planning to move for a new job? Trust Montway Auto Transport with your California vehicle shipping needs. Montway is a fully licensed and insured auto logistics provider, arranging safe vehicle shipping in California and all 50 states.
Google
(22749 reviews)
4.7
BBB
(4440 reviews)
4.5
Transport Reviews
(11838 reviews)
4.8
My Moving Reviews
(960 reviews)
4.8

Shipping a car TO California

Whether you’re adding to your classic car collection, moving for work, or you’re a service member with change of station orders, shipping a vehicle to California requires professional skills. Leave your California auto transport to the experts at Montway. Since our founding in 2007, we have provided car shipping services for nearly one million people.
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Shipping a car FROM California

Finding California car shipping near you is easy with Montway. Our expansive car carrier network transports vehicles across the country or just over the California state line. We have experience arranging transport for cars, trucks, exotic and collector vehicles, EVs, motorcycles, ATVs, powersports and more

What customers say about shipping a car from Hawaii to mainland (or vice versa) with Montway:

Jon L.
5.0
Fantastic service and price! I saved $700 compared to competitors I researched. Both the staff and driver provided great communication. I couldn’t be happier with my experience.
December 28, 2023|
Danielle D.

5.0

Montway Auto Transport provided competitive pricing,
prompt responses and precise scheduling. The driver
was accommodating, communicative and easy to work
with. I highly recommend them.

December 8, 2023
Sean M.

5.0

I’m very pleased with my vehicle transport. Booking with Montway, saved me both time and money. Their price is fair and well worth it! Their customer service was professional. I highly recommend using them.
December 4, 2023
Cheama B.

5.0

I got a great deal to ship my car cross country, beating other quotes from competitors. The driver was incredibly accommodating and delivered my car in just 3 days. Thank you Montway Auto Transport!
January 2, 2024
Ed R.

5.0

Excellent first experience with Montway! Shipped my car 600 miles from Michigan. They arrived on time, were professional and the cost was reasonable. I would recommend them to my family and friends.
December 28, 2023
Roger S.

5.0

After researching, Montway Auto Transport had the best price and positive reviews. Their service was quicker than I expected and exceeded my expectations. There were no issues – that’s as good as it gets!
December 18, 2023
Gwen P.

5.0

Delivered as promised and early! No hidden costs! Really surprised how easy Montway made the process for me. Their price was less than other companies. Highly recommend.
December 31, 2023|
Sam W.

5.0

I’ve used Montway Auto Transport twice and they’ve been excellent both times. Best priced, always on time, communicative and responsive to questions. Don’t use anyone else if you need to ship your car.
January 28, 2024
Kenneth B.

5.0

I used Montway to ship my two sports cars from New Jersey to Florida. After researching a dozen transport companies, I chose them because of their excellent reputation and competitive quote they provided.
December 4, 2023
Satisfied customers
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Experience
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Drivers
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Trusted by the world’s best

How does California car shipping work with Montway?

Transporting your vehicle from point A to point B is easier than you may think! In fact, there are just three simple steps – watch the video to learn more.

The car transport process

Step 1

Quote and book your order

Step 2

We pick up your vehicle

Step 3

Receive your vehicle

Ready to book California auto transport services?

Even if you’re still researching auto transport near you or you don’t have a moving date yet, now is the time to get a California car shipping estimate. Fill in your pickup and drop-off locations, vehicle type, and other details into our online rate calculator to get an instant quote. If you have questions about the auto transport process or how your specific estimate is calculated, call a Montway shipping advisor at (888) 666-8929. A member of our experienced team will provide a quote based on your specific vehicle type, timeframe and transport type.

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How much does California car shipping cost?

Many factors go into calculating the cost of your California car shipment, including:

  • Total travel distance
  • Pickup and delivery locations
  • Trailer type (open or enclosed)
  • Vehicle details
  • Seasonal fluctuations

What these factors mean in practice: The distance of your move has the biggest impact—long‑haul routes cost more overall but are cheaper per mile. Trailer choice also matters: enclosed shipping usually adds about 30–50% to the price because it provides extra protection, while inoperable vehicles or those with modifications may require special equipment and additional fees. Pickup and delivery locations play a role too; remote areas or congested urban centers can lengthen lead times and raise costs, whereas scheduling during off‑peak seasons can often save you money.

For the most accurate estimate, provide your vehicle type, origin and destination locations, first available shipping date and specific trailer type (open or enclosed).

How long does it take to ship a car to or from California?

The actual transit time of your vehicle generally depends on the travel distance between your locations. In general, your timeline can be affected by:

  • Weather
  • Seasonal demand
  • Pickup & delivery location
  • Route construction
  • Route traffic

Understanding transit times: Cross‑country shipments to and from California generally take between five and nine days once the vehicle is on the truck, but pickup windows and total travel time can vary widely based on distance and route. Seasonal factors like winter storms or summer demand may lengthen transit, while heavy traffic or road construction near your pickup or delivery location can add an extra day or two. Rural or hard‑to‑reach areas often require a longer lead time for carrier scheduling, whereas metropolitan pickups along major corridors are usually faster.

Transit time does not include vehicle pickup or delivery time, or any scheduled stops the driver may have while en route. Once your order is dispatched, you’ll receive estimated pickup and delivery dates.

Calculate your California car shipping costs

There are many factors that go into calculating a car shipping cost. Enter basic details about your vehicle, pickup and drop-off locations and transit date for the most accurate estimate.
Learn more about car shipping costs

Popular California auto transport routes

To better understand what your California car shipping transit time and cost could be, we’ve created a chart highlighting a few of the most common routes to and from California. Keep in mind that these are general estimates based on annual data. For the most accurate cost of California car shipping near you, Montway will need your exact vehicle type and location details.

Top 10 routes for car shipping TO California

Shipping from
Shipping To
Average Distance
Time estimate
Price Estimate
Florida
California
2,650 miles
7 – 9 days
$1,310
New York
California
2,820 miles
7 – 9 days
$1,510
Illinois
California
2,060 miles
6 – 8 days
$1,200
New Jersey
California
2,820 miles
7 – 9 days
$1,400
Massachusetts
California
3,040 miles
7 – 9 days
$1,510
Virginia
California
2,715 miles
7 – 9 days
$1,375
Georgia
California
2,320 miles
6 – 8 days
$1,265
Pennsylvania

California

2,675 miles
7 – 9 days
$1,415
Washington
California
1,075 miles
4 – 6 days
$890

Top 5 routes for car shipping FROM Hawaii

Shipping from

Shipping to

Average Distance
Time estimate
Price Estimate
California
Texas
1,565 miles
5 – 7 days
$1,200

California

Florida
2,660 miles
7 – 9 days
$1,450

California

New York
2,800 miles
7 – 9 days
$1,550

California

Illinois
2,050 miles
6 – 8 days
$1,250
California
New Jersey
2,835 miles
7 – 9 days
$1,455
California
North Carolina
2,600 miles
7 – 9 days
$1,455
California
Georgia
2,300 miles
6 – 8 days
$1,335
California
Virginia
2,700 miles
7 – 9 days
$1,430
California
Massachusetts
3,050 miles
7 – 9 days
$1,530
California
Hawaii
2,550 miles
14 – 21 days
$2,040

Transport your vehicle to or from any city in California

Whether you are shipping your car to or from Sacramento, San Jose, San Diego, San Francisco, Merced, Los Angeles, or any other city in California, Montway, the nation’s top-rated auto transport service provider, has you covered.

Los AngelesSan DiegoSan Francisco
SacramentoSan JoseFresno

Los Angeles
and surrounding areas
90001, 90002, 90003, 90004, 90005, 90006, 90007, 90008, 90010, 90011, 90012, 90013, 90014, 90015, 90016, 90017, 90018, 90019, 90020, 90021, 90022, 90023, 90024, 90025, 90026, 90027, 90028, 90029, 90031, 90032, 90033, 90034, 90035, 90036, 90037, 90038, 90039, 90040, 90041, 90042, 90043, 90044, 90045, 90046, 90047, 90048, 90049, 90056, 90057, 90058, 90059, 90061, 90062, 90063, 90064, 90065, 90066, 90067, 90068, 90069, 90071, 90077, 90079, 90089, 90090, 90094, 90095, 90096, 90189

San Francisco
and surrounding areas
91911, 91914, 91915, 91932, 91941, 91942, 91945, 91950, 92014, 92025, 92027, 92029, 92037, 92054, 92056, 92057, 92064, 92065, 92071, 92075, 92078, 92081, 92083, 92084, 92091, 92101, 92102, 92103, 92104, 92105, 92106, 92107, 92108, 92109, 92110, 92111, 92113, 92114, 92115, 92116, 92117, 92118, 92119, 92120, 92121, 92122, 92123, 92124, 92126, 92127, 92128, 92129, 92130, 92131, 92139, 92154, 92173

San Diego
and surrounding areas
94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94127, 94129, 94130, 94131, 94132, 94133, 94134

California car shipping to or from any U.S. state

Looking to ship your car to another state or across the country? Montway ships to all 50 states. Select a state to learn more about local auto transport services.

  • Alabama Car Shipping
  • Alaska Car Transport
  • Arizona Car Shipping
  • Arkansas Car Shipping
  • California Car Shipping
  • Colorado Car Shipping
  • Connecticut Car Shipping
  • Delaware Car Shipping
  • Florida Car Shipping
  • Georgia Car Shipping
  • Hawaii Car Transport
  • Idaho Car Shipping
  • Illinois Car Shipping
  • Indiana Car Shipping
  • Iowa Car Shipping
  • Kansas Car Shipping
  • Kentucky Car Shipping
  • Louisiana Car Shipping
  • Maine Car Shipping
  • Maryland Car Shipping
  • Massachusetts Car Shipping
  • Michigan Car Shipping
  • Minnesota Car Shipping
  • Mississippi Car Shipping
  • Missouri Car Shipping
  • Montana Car Shipping
  • Nebraska Car Shipping
  • Nevada Car Shipping
  • New Hampshire Car Shipping
  • New Jersey Car Shipping
  • New Mexico Car Shipping
  • New York Car Shipping
  • North Carolina Shipping
  • North Dakota Car Shipping
  • Ohio Car Shipping
  • Oklahoma Car Shipping
  • Oregon Car Shipping
  • Pennsylvania Car Shipping
  • Rhode Island Car Shipping
  • South Dakota Car Shipping
  • South Carolina Car Shipping
  • Tennessee Car Shipping
  • Texas Car Shipping
  • Utah Car Shipping
  • Vermont Car Shipping
  • Virginia Car Shipping
  • Washington Car Shipping
  • West Virginia Car Shipping
  • Wisconsin Car Shipping
  • Wyoming Car Shipping

What are options for Hawaii auto transport near me?

While port-to-port service is a reliable option, many of our customers choose door-to-port/port-to-door service for the added convenience.  With a network of carriers nationwide, Montway can easily arrange transportation from your home or office to the most convenient mainland port—or from a port in Hawaii to your mainland destination.

Once your vehicle is loaded on the ship, it will be stored underneath the deck and be well protected while at sea.

To transport your vehicle to or from a port, you have two options: open or enclosed car shipping.

OPEN car shipping

An open trailer is a safe and reliable option and the most common type of transport used for California car shipping near you. With open transport, cars can easily be arranged and quickly loaded and unloaded, making this option efficient and cost-effective. Vehicles are not protected from weather and road conditions and may accumulate a bit of dirt during their journey, which is to be expected.

Learn more about open car shipping.

Book OPEN Auto Transport

ENCLOSED car shipping

Enclosed transport is best for classic, exotic or luxury cars as well as motorcycles and powersports. Vehicles with low ground clearance will also require enclosed shipping, as the driver may need a hydraulic lift gate or ramp to load them onto the truck. Enclosed transport protects your vehicle from most weather and road hazards, offering additional peace of mind when shipping your prized possession.

Learn more about enclosed car shipping.

Book ENCLOSED Auto Transport

Montway offers top-notch Hawaii auto transport services

Cost to ship a car to/from Hawaii

The cost to ship a car to Hawaii is calculated somewhat differently than the cost to ship a car across the country, you’ll probably need ground transport in addition to sea transport. But here’s the good news! When you work with an auto transport management company like Montway, the process of scheduling your shipment will be quick and easy.

Ship a car to/from California to Hawaii

Shipping your vehicle to Hawaii from California and vice versa is less complicated than you may think. The key is selecting an auto transport provider with experience arranging door-to-port, port-to-door and port-to-port auto transport. Montway can safely get your vehicle to or from Hawaii, while delivering peace of mind.

Ship a car to/from LA to Hawaii

If you’re thinking about shipping a car from Los Angeles to Hawaii or vice versa, Montway’s got you covered. Shipping a car to/from Los Angeles to Hawaii is very common given the proximity of the two destinations. You’ll want to consider all the factors when deciding the cheapest way to ship a car to Hawaii.

Ship a car to/from Seattle to Hawaii

When shipping a car from Hawaii to Seattle, you’ll have to pick your car up from the port, which isn’t the case when you’re shipping a car to Hawaii from Seattle. The key is to find a vehicle transport company with years of experience shipping to and from the Hawaiian islands, like Montway!

Six things to consider when transporting a car to or from California

  • New for 2023, drivers are now required to change into another available lane, when possible, to pass cyclists. This California law builds on the current requirement for drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing.
  • Car insurance is mandatory in California, and the state’s minimum coverage requirements include $15,000 for injury/death of one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person and $5,000 for damage to property.
  • California’s smog check program requires certain vehicles to undergo a biennial emissions test. If you think your vehicle will require a smog check, it’s a good idea to schedule it before shipment to avoid legal issues upon arrival.
  • If you’ve purchased a vehicle from a private party in California you’ll need to register your vehicle within 10 days. Are you the seller? Then you have five days after the sale to report the transfer of ownership to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • California is known for beautiful weather, but it’s important to note, if you need to ship your car to California from Texas, or any other states with predictable climates, that sudden weather changes can occur. While rare, wildfires, mudslides and earthquakes are just a few natural occurrences that could affect transportation. When planning a California car shipment, consider allowing extra time for such events.
  • With toll roads in San Diego County, the Bay Area and Orange County plus toll bridges throughout the state, it’s important to remove your FasTrak transponder or other toll tag when shipping your car throughout the state. You don’t want to be liable for any fees when you weren’t even driving!

Helpful Links for California Car Transport

California car shipping FAQs

What types of vehicles can I ship to or from California?
Montway ships all standard types of vehicles such as coupes, sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, and regular cargo and passenger vans. We can even arrange transport for EVs, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, snowmobiles and other vehicle types.
Yes! Even if your car, truck, van or other vehicle is inoperable, we are still able to transport it. Be sure to indicate this when booking your shipment, since specialized equipment will need to be used to load and unload it on and off the truck. If your inoperable vehicle is not able to roll, break and steer it will require added equipment and work, which will be an additional expense.

A simple way to save money is by opting for open auto transport rather than enclosed. You can also save money by keeping your pickup date flexible, meeting your truck driver near a main route and avoiding seasonal demand.

With Montway’s door-to-door service, you can have your car picked up anywhere in the U.S. and dropped off at your home address in California. Keep in mind that local streets may need to accommodate a car carrier trailer that can be up to 80 feet in length and weigh 80 tons. Your driver will work with you to find a safe meeting place near your home if your location isn’t legally or physically accessible.

 
We suggest the car is clean so that any existing damage is fully visible. Remove any personal items, especially anything of value. Also remove automatic toll devices and disable any kind of security system which could give the trucker trouble when loading or unloading the vehicle. Finally, leave a quarter tank of gas in the vehicle to be sure there is enough for loading and unloading.
With Montway you can have one piece of luggage in the trunk free of charge. This could be a box, suitcase or a bag, weighing no more than 100 lbs.

Yes, your vehicle will be covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance. Additionally, we have our own contingent cargo insurance which protects you for up to $250,000 should the trucker’s policy fail to fully cover a valid claim.

Yes, we offer our guaranteed pickup service. See our Expedited Car Shipping page for more details. Get in touch via live chat or call (888) 666-8929 to inquire about a specialty vehicle shipment quote.
Yes, time of year can affect the cost of car shipping. Auto transport has fluctuations in seasonal demand and you can save money by shipping during low-volume seasons. Check with a Montway representative to learn more about seasonality and the best time to book a car shipment to save money.