Car Shipping in California: 2025 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.

Preparing your vehicle properly helps ensure a smooth, damage‑free move across California. Follow these steps before the carrier arrives:

• Gather paperwork. Have your registration, proof of insurance, and a copy of the bill of lading handy.
• Document the condition. Take clear photos of the exterior and interior from multiple angles. Note any existing scratches, dents, or chips.
• Remove personal items. Take out all loose belongings, including toll tags, parking permits, and any valuables. Anything left inside can shift or be damaged.
• Secure accessories. Detach roof racks, bike racks, spoilers, tow hooks, and any aftermarket parts that could snag during loading.
• Check fluids and battery. Ensure the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full, and the battery is charged enough to move the car onto the carrier.
• Disable alarms. Turn off any anti‑theft systems to prevent them from sounding during transit.
• Provide a key. Leave a set of keys (or a remote) with the driver so they can lock and unlock the vehicle if needed.
• Inspect tires. Verify that tires are inflated to the recommended pressure and there are no flat spots.

For a quick reference, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. Following these guidelines helps protect your car and keeps the shipping process on schedule.

Yes. Every carrier we work with holds at least $1 million in liability coverage and $100 k in cargo insurance, as required by California law. Before your car leaves the terminal we check that the policy is active and that it covers the full value of your vehicle for the entire trip.

If you own additional insurance or want extra protection, you can purchase supplemental coverage from the carrier or your own insurer. This does not affect the baseline coverage we already provide.

In short, your vehicle is protected by the carrier’s insurance while it is in transit, and we verify the coverage for every shipment.

Book early. We suggest scheduling your pickup at least 14 days in advance. This gives carriers time to plan routes, combine loads, and offer you the best price. If you can book 3–4 weeks ahead, you’ll often see lower rates and more date options, especially during peak moving seasons (summer and holidays).

If you wait until the last minute, you may still get service, but choices will be limited and prices can rise.

In short: aim for a two‑week window, and longer if possible, to lock in the best value and flexibility.

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.

Open transport uses a standard flatbed trailer with the vehicle secured by straps. It is the most common method in California and typically costs 30‑50% less than enclosed transport. The vehicle is exposed to weather, road debris, and occasional dust, but it is still covered by the carrier’s liability insurance.

Enclosed transport places the car inside a fully‑covered, climate‑controlled trailer. This adds about 40‑60% to the price of an open shipment, but it protects the vehicle from rain, sun, wind, bugs, and gravel. Enclosed trailers are ideal for high‑value, classic, antique, or custom‑painted cars that cannot risk any surface damage.

Other key differences:

• Availability: Open carriers are plentiful on major California routes; enclosed carriers are fewer, so scheduling may take longer.
• Speed: Both methods generally take the same transit time, as the distance and route are the same.
• Insurance coverage: Both options include the carrier’s standard liability, but many owners of valuable cars purchase supplemental coverage for extra peace of mind.
• Seasonal considerations: In rainy or snowy seasons, enclosed transport offers added protection against moisture and road salt.

In short, choose open transport for everyday vehicles when cost is the priority, and choose enclosed transport when protection and peace of mind outweigh the extra expense.

Yes. Sakaem Logistics offers door‑to‑door auto transport throughout California. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will go to those locations, load your vehicle, and deliver it to the drop‑off address you provided. If a street is inaccessible, we will arrange a nearby safe spot such as a gas station or parking lot. The service works for both intra‑state moves (e.g., Los Angeles to San Francisco) and cross‑state shipments that start or end in California. We keep you informed at each step and give you a final delivery confirmation.

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!