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Santa Rosa, CA Car Shipping: 2025 Costs & Routes

Last updated: October 2025

Mike De Candia
Certified by:
Mike De Candia
Mike started working for SAKAEM in 2012 and has been successfully transporting cars ever since.
Pete Bottino
Sakaem is operated by:
Pete Bottino
Pete has been in the transportation industry for nearly 40 years and launched SAKAEM back in 2012.
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ON THIS PAGE

1 Santa Rosa Car Shipping Overview
2 Top Destination Cities
3 Key Takeaways
4 Customer Testimonials
5 Why Choose SAKAEM?
6 Cost Factors
7 Tips to Save on Car Shipping
8 Moving to Santa Rosa?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Santa Rosa, CA

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has been the scrappy, customer‑focused alternative to the big brokers, delivering honest, affordable car shipping and auto transport for Santa Rosa, CA residents. Our decades‑long track record and glowing reviews prove we know how to move your vehicle safely and on time. In this guide we break down costs, popular routes, and tips so you can ship with confidence.

Average Cost FROM Santa Rosa

$1,050 – $1,450
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Santa Rosa

$875 – $1,350
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Santa Rosa, CA

1
Florida
32 shipments
$1,150 – $1,500
2
New York
30 shipments
$1,300 – $1,675
3
Texas
29 shipments
$1,000 – $1,275
4
Georgia
27 shipments
$1,225 – $1,475
5
California
25 shipments
$625 – $700
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Santa Rosa, CA

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Santa Rosa, showing average costs and specific routes. Data based on recent shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Top 10 Destination Cities Updated: October 2025
Rank Destination City Avg Cost Range Route
1 New York, NY $1,250 – $1,600 Santa Rosa, CA to New York, NY
2 Atlanta, GA $1,250 – $1,475 Santa Rosa, CA to Atlanta, GA
3 Dallas, TX $975 – $1,225 Santa Rosa, CA to Dallas, TX
4 Los Angeles, CA $625 – $700 Santa Rosa, CA to Los Angeles, CA
5 Miami, FL $1,300 – $1,525 Santa Rosa, CA to Miami, FL
6 Nashville, TN $1,200 – $1,500 Santa Rosa, CA to Nashville, TN
7 Washington, DC $1,100 – $1,350 Santa Rosa, CA to Washington, DC
8 Charlotte, NC $1,100 – $1,300 Santa Rosa, CA to Charlotte, NC
9 Columbus, OH $1,125 – $1,300 Santa Rosa, CA to Columbus, OH
10 Boston, MA $1,425 – $1,775 Santa Rosa, CA to Boston, MA
Santa Rosa, CA CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
Sakaem Logistics transported my son’s Acura from Los Angeles, CA to Waco, Texas in 5 days. Tim, who drove the transport was professional and courteous and kept communications prior to pickup and close to delivery time. Everything went smoothly with no issues. Price was competitive with other firms. I will use Sakaem again and highly recommend them for your transport needs.
Joon Lee
Aug 2022
Google logo
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!
Magen Kuzma
May 2022
Google logo
I had to move my daughter’s car last minute from CA to MI. I thought this would be hard, but Matt made it so easy and stress free! Thank you so much for getting this done so quickly! My car was picked up the next day and delivered safely to my daughter. I HIGHLY recommend this company if ever transporting your car and you nervous about getting scammed. They did an awesome job getting my car to me in a timely manner.
Theresa Owens
Jul 2022
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Santa Rosa

EXPERIENCE

Trust the experts with your car relocation. Years of experience mean your vehicle is well taken care of. A strong track record of safety and service lets you relax, knowing your car is in good hands.

TRANSPARENCY

Understand what your quote includes and the quality you’re paying for when shipping with a reputable carrier. Fair and transparent pricing lets you confidently book your car transport.

AFFORDABILITY

There are no upfront costs when booking. Don’t pay for your service until you receive it. Book your shipment and pay your deposit when the truck is dispatched for pickup.

PERSONALIZED

Have a team ready to assist you with a smooth shipping process. Our team aims to customize your booking to fit your individual needs while addressing your questions and concerns.

COMPREHENSIVE

Enjoy one point of contact from start to finish for a hassle-free shipping process. Your dedicated advisor will expertly guide you through each step for easy auto transport.

INSURED

All carriers are vetted through FMCSA for valid insurance. Trust our experts to select a safe, highly vetted carrier and deliver your vehicle securely to its destination.

KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs in Santa Rosa

Distance

Shipping costs rise with the number of miles between Santa Rosa and the destination. Santa Rosa sits about 55 mi north of San Francisco, 90 mi to the Oakland ports, and roughly 300 mi to Los Angeles, so longer hauls add fuel, driver time, and wear‑and‑tear charges.

Season

Winter rains (November‑March) can slow loading docks and cause road closures, nudging prices up, while summer’s moving season and wine‑tourism peaks boost demand and may raise rates. Carriers often adjust pricing to reflect these seasonal volume swings.

Route

The primary routes from Santa Rosa use US‑101, CA‑12 and I‑580 to reach the Bay Area, while I‑80 and I‑5 serve inland destinations. Well‑maintained highways keep rates stable, but any detours around wine‑country hills or construction zones can increase mileage and labor costs.

Vehicle Type

Larger SUVs, trucks, or low‑clearance classics occupy more deck space and may require special tie‑down equipment, which raises the per‑vehicle fee. Smaller sedans or coupes fit more efficiently, keeping costs lower.

Traffic Considerations

Morning and evening commuter traffic on US‑101 and I‑580 around Santa Rosa adds idle time, and weekend wine‑tourist spikes can further delay trips. Carriers factor this congestion into their hourly labor rates and may schedule moves during off‑peak windows to keep prices competitive.

Carrier Availability

Santa Rosa’s proximity to the Bay Area gives it a relatively high number of open carriers, fostering competition that can lower quotes. However, rural pickup points outside the city may see fewer options, which can modestly increase local rates.

Population Density

Santa Rosa is the most populous city in Sonoma County, but surrounding wine country is sparsely populated with narrow, winding roads. This mix means carriers must plan extra time for rural drop‑offs, which can add a modest surcharge to the overall price.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship during the shoulder months of October‑November or January‑February when the holiday rush has cleared and before the spring‑summer peak; carriers often lower rates to fill trucks during these quieter periods in Santa Rosa’s mild climate.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift your pickup or delivery by a few days, carriers can match you with a backhaul on Highway 101 or CA‑12, cutting dead‑head miles and passing the savings to you.

3

Hub city advantages

Santa Rosa sits at the junction of US‑101, I‑5 and CA‑12, making it a natural relay point for north‑south and east‑west routes; this high traffic hub gives you more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to more isolated towns.

4

Weather considerations

Santa Rosa’s rainy season (Nov‑Feb) can cause highway delays on 101 and 12, so plan extra time or opt for early‑season shipping; summer fog on coastal routes may also affect transit times, so monitor forecasts when scheduling.

5

Booking in advance

Secure your spot 4‑6 weeks ahead of your move to lock in off‑peak rates before the summer and holiday peaks drive prices up in the Santa Rosa market.

6

Open carrier transport

Choosing an open trailer usually saves 15‑20% because it’s the standard option on the busy 101 corridor, and Santa Rosa’s generally dry, mild weather keeps vehicles safe from the elements during transit.

7

Flexible dates

When you allow a window of several days, carriers can batch your load with other shipments passing through Santa Rosa, optimizing routes and reducing overall fuel costs, which translates into lower quotes for you.

8

Compare quotes

Get multiple quotes from reputable auto transport companies to find the best deal for your Santa Rosa car shipping needs. We will match any competitor’s quote.

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Santa Rosa

Professional auto transport service for Santa Rosa moves

When you arrange car shipping to or from Santa Rosa, remember that California requires a completed registration packet, a valid smog certificate, and the vehicle title before a new plate can be issued [DMV]. This step is essential for any auto transport transaction.

Santa Rosa enforces residential parking permits, timed street‑cleaning zones, and limited loading zones near downtown and the Santa Rosa Plaza. Drivers should also watch the peak rush on US‑101 and Highway 12, which can affect delivery windows for auto transport services [City Website].

Statewide, California mandates biennial emissions testing for most gasoline vehicles, limits front‑window tint to 35% light transmission, and restricts vehicle height on certain bridges to 13 feet ½ inches [CARB]. Compliance avoids fines and keeps your car eligible for registration.

The climate in Santa Rosa is mild, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Winter tires are unnecessary, but all‑season tires with good tread improve safety on occasional rain‑slick roads, and rust‑inhibiting washes help combat coastal humidity.

California drivers must carry minimum liability coverage of $15,000/$30,000/$5,000 and provide proof of insurance at registration. Many carriers require proof of insurance before loading, so keep your policy documents handy during the auto transport process [CA DMV].

For a smooth car shipping experience, choose a licensed carrier, confirm their USDOT number, and schedule pick‑up to align with your registration deadline. Transparent communication and early planning reduce delays and ensure your vehicle arrives ready for Santa Rosa’s roads.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Santa Rosa Vehicle Transport FAQs

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 Santa Rosa, CA, be sure to remove any FasTrak toll tag, clear off any roof racks or bike cages that could snag on the carrier, and leave the keys with your driver so the carrier can access the vehicle. Also, check that no loose items are left inside, as the city’s hilly terrain can cause shifting during transport.

Yes, our quotes are all‑inclusive for vehicle shipments to or from Santa Rosa, CA. All carriers we partner with must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify that the policy is valid for the entire trip. This coverage protects your car while it travels through Sonoma County and beyond.

In Santa Rosa, it’s best to book your pickup as early as possible—ideally at least two weeks ahead. Scheduling early lets carriers combine your car with other nearby shipments, which often speeds up delivery and can lower cost. If you wait longer, you may face limited carrier availability during peak seasons.

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 standard multi‑vehicle trailers and is the most common choice for Santa Rosa drivers because it’s cost‑effective and the region’s mild climate rarely threatens vehicles. Enclosed transport, which can cost about 50 % more, protects cars from dust, road debris and the occasional rain that can occur on the 101 corridor or winding mountain routes out of Sonoma County. Choose enclosed service for high‑value, classic, or custom‑painted cars that need extra protection during the trip to or from Santa Rosa.

Yes, we provide door-to-door auto transport in Santa Rosa, CA. When you book, just give us your exact pickup and delivery addresses—whether it’s a home driveway, a condo garage, or a business lot—and our carrier will collect and drop off the vehicle there, provided the location is accessible. If a street or parking restriction prevents a direct drop-off, we’ll arrange a nearby safe spot such as a gas station or public lot.

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!

DID YOU KNOW?

Fun Facts About Santa Rosa

Discover interesting insights about the state you’re shipping to or from

Santa Rosa, nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, offers a blend of scenic vineyards, historic charm, and modern convenience—making it a vibrant hub for car owners and travelers alike.

  • Geography & Nature: Located about 55 miles north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa sits at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains and borders the Russian River, giving drivers beautiful routes and easy access to outdoor recreation.
  • Landmarks & Attractions: The historic Charles M. Schulz Museum celebrates the creator of Peanuts, while downtown’s Plaza Square hosts farmers markets and live music, perfect for a quick pit stop.
  • History & Culture: Founded in 1854, Santa Rosa grew from a timber town to a wine‑country gateway, preserving Victorian architecture alongside modern art spaces.
  • Vehicle Laws: Santa Rosa enforces a 24‑hour “no‑idling” rule in downtown districts to improve air quality, a useful tip for drivers stopping for service.
  • Climate: The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate—warm, dry summers (average 85°F) and mild, wet winters—ideal for year‑round car shipping.
  • Economy & Industries: Besides wine production, Santa Rosa hosts tech firms, health‑care centers, and a thriving logistics sector that supports vehicle transport.
  • Population: With roughly 180,000 residents, the city is diverse and family‑friendly, offering schools, parks, and community events.
  • Transportation: US‑101 and CA‑12 run through town, while Charles M. Schulz‑Sonoma County Airport provides regional flights, making vehicle movement efficient.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

If you live in Santa Rosa, CA and need to move a vehicle, this 101 guide walks you through every step of car shipping. Whether you are sending a daily driver across state lines or arranging auto transport for a classic car, understanding the process helps you feel confident and in control.

First, know the key players: a broker and a carrier. A broker, like Sakaem Logistics, acts as a middle‑man who matches you with a reliable carrier. The carrier is the company that actually drives the truck or trailer that transports your car. Both must be licensed and insured, but the broker’s role is to vet carriers and secure the best fit for your shipment.

Step 1: Call a broker to get a quote. Provide details such as vehicle make, model, pickup location in Santa Rosa, CA, and destination. The broker will ask about timing, any special handling needs, and will give you a clear estimate of the service.

Step 2: The broker searches its network and selects a carrier with strong reviews and proper insurance coverage. Choosing a reputable broker ensures you are paired with a carrier that follows industry standards and treats your vehicle with care.

Step 3: The carrier arrives to pick up your car. Before the driver arrives, remove all personal items, lock the doors, and make sure the vehicle can roll onto the trailer. An empty interior reduces weight and prevents damage to belongings.

Step 4: The carrier transports the vehicle to the destination address you provided. Throughout the journey, the carrier monitors the load and keeps the vehicle secure on the open or enclosed trailer.

Step 5: Payment is completed either at the time of pickup or upon delivery, depending on the agreement you made with the broker or carrier.

A few final tips: for high‑end or collectible cars, request an enclosed trailer for extra protection. Always leave about a quarter tank of gas so the car can be moved easily. And remember, the car must be able to roll onto the trailer; a dead battery can cause delays.