Car shipping from Atlanta, Georgia to Los Angeles, California

Last updated: September 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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ATLANTA TO LOS ANGELES

Auto Transport from Atlanta to Los Angeles

Planning to ship your car from Atlanta, GA to Los Angeles, CA? This cross-country auto transport route is one of America’s most popular shipping lanes. Whether you’re relocating for work or buying a vehicle online, understanding car shipping costs, timelines, and logistics is crucial. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Atlanta to Los Angeles auto transport, including insider tips to save money and ensure smooth delivery.

Average Distance, Time
and Cost

AVG DISTANCE
2,182 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
3-7 days
AVG COST
$1100 – $1350
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent Atlanta, GA to Los Angeles, CA Shipments

Actual car shipping prices from the last 30 days for routes between Atlanta, GA and Los Angeles, CA. These represent real customer shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Live Pricing from Completed Routes Updated: September 2025
Origin Destination Total Cost Trailer Vehicle
Alpharetta, GA Central La, CA 1025 Open Car
Decatur, GA Lancaster, CA 950 Open SUV
Buckhead, GA Fullerton, CA 1075 Open SUV
Duluth, GA Adelanto, CA 900 Open Car
Duluth, GA El Mirage, CA 900 Open Car
Atlanta, GA Santa Monica, CA 800 Open Car
Decatur, GA Glendale, CA 1025 Open SUV
Decatur, GA Glendale, CA 1000 Open SUV
Decatur, GA Los Angeles, CA 975 Open SUV
Sandy Springs, GA Los Angeles, CA 925 Open Car
ATLANTA, GA TO LOS ANGELES, 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 needed a transporting company asap, at least 42 called. But there was something about Tom at SAKAEM logistics that stood out. The more we communicated the more the business felt safe. It only took less than 2 days for the vehicle to be transported from Atlanta Georgia to Rhode Island. You talk about “Impressive”!! I would use this company a million times again! I recommend anyone unsure of transporting companies to use this one. I hope this review goes across a million viewers. Thank you SOOOO MUCH! TOM & SAKAEM logistics
Lavera Watson
Apr 2023
Google logo
Overall a great experience moving my ford f-150 from Atlanta to the Florida panhandle. I highly recommend Sakaem Logistics.
Justin Hilderbrand
Mar 2022
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car from Atlanta to Los Angeles

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 Atlanta, Georgia to Los Angeles, California Shipping Prices

Distance

The 2,000-mile journey from Atlanta to Los Angeles is one of the longest cross-country routes in the U.S. This distance significantly impacts your shipping cost, as carriers factor in fuel, driver wages, and truck maintenance over this extended haul. Expect distance to be the largest component of your total shipping price.

Season

Winter months (November-February) typically offer the best rates for Atlanta to LA shipping. Summer sees higher demand from snowbirds and college students, driving up prices. Spring moving season also increases costs. Book during off-peak winter months to save 10-20% on your shipping quote.

Route

The Atlanta to LA route follows major interstate highways like I-20 and I-10, which is great news for your wallet. These well-traveled corridors have consistent carrier traffic and easier logistics compared to remote routes. This popular path helps keep costs reasonable since many carriers regularly service this route.

Vehicle Type

Standard sedans and compact cars cost less to ship than SUVs, trucks, or oversized vehicles. Larger vehicles take up more trailer space, add weight (increasing fuel costs), and can be harder to load. If you’re shipping a pickup truck or large SUV, expect to pay $100-300 more than a standard car.

Traffic Considerations

Avoid shipping during major travel periods like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, or summer vacation months when highways are congested. Traffic delays increase carrier costs and delivery times. Plan your shipment for quieter travel periods to potentially reduce costs and ensure faster transit.

Carrier Availability

This popular route typically has good carrier availability year-round. During peak seasons, book 2-3 weeks in advance to secure a spot. Off-season shipments can often be arranged within a week. The high demand on this route means you’ll have multiple carrier options, which helps keep prices competitive.

Population Density

Both Atlanta and LA are major metropolitan areas with good carrier access. However, delivery to downtown LA can add $50-150 to your cost due to traffic and parking challenges. Consider meeting your carrier at a suburban location or truck stop to save money and make pickup/delivery easier for everyone involved.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season when rates spike. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can result in significant savings.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Meet your carrier near major highways instead of residential streets. Trucks navigate wide roads and parking lots easier than narrow neighborhoods, reducing costs and pickup complications for drivers.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose pickup and delivery spots near major highway intersections in Atlanta and Los Angeles. More highway access means more carrier options, creating competition that drives down your shipping rates.

4

Weather considerations

Avoid shipping during extreme weather periods that slow carriers down. Winter ice storms and summer heat waves can delay transport and increase costs due to safety precautions and route changes.

5

Booking in advance

Book your Atlanta to Los Angeles car shipment weeks ahead of your move date. Last-minute bookings cost more due to limited carrier availability and rushed scheduling requirements from transport companies.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers cost less than enclosed ones for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers only for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection. Most everyday cars ship safely on open trailers.

7

Flexible dates

Offer carriers five-day windows for pickup and delivery instead of exact dates. This flexibility helps them optimize routes and schedules, passing savings directly back to you through lower rates.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from Atlanta to Los Angeles

Professional auto transport service for city-to-city moves

When planning car shipping from Atlanta, GA to Los Angeles, CA, you’ll need to register your vehicle with the California DMV within 20 days of establishing residency [CA DMV]. California requires a smog check for most vehicles over four years old, which Georgia doesn’t mandate statewide [CARB]. Your Georgia registration and title will be needed, plus you’ll pay California registration fees and taxes based on your vehicle’s value.

California has stricter vehicle laws than Georgia. Window tinting must allow 70% light transmission on front windows, compared to Georgia’s 32% limit [CA DMV]. California also has specific emissions standards that may require modifications to older vehicles. For auto transport from Atlanta, GA to Los Angeles, CA, consider that California’s year-round mild climate means you won’t need winter tires or cold-weather modifications that might be useful in Georgia.

Insurance requirements differ significantly between states. California requires minimum liability coverage of $15,000/$30,000/$5,000, while Georgia mandates $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 [GA DDS][CA DMV]. California also requires uninsured motorist coverage. Contact your insurance provider before your move to ensure proper coverage during car shipping and after arrival. Many insurers offer multi-state policies that can ease this transition when relocating from Atlanta to Los Angeles.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Atlanta, Georgia to Los Angeles, California 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.

Preparing your car for the Atlanta to Los Angeles route is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:

Before pickup:

  • Remove all personal items, including toll passes, GPS devices, and anything loose
  • Clean your car inside and out to spot any existing damage
  • Take photos of your vehicle from all angles
  • Keep gas tank between 1/4 and 1/2 full
  • Remove or secure any aftermarket accessories like bike racks or spoilers
  • Make sure you have a working key for the carrier
  • Check tire pressure and fluid levels

Important note: The 2,200-mile journey from Atlanta to LA typically takes 7-10 days, so proper preparation helps ensure your car arrives safely.

For a complete checklist and more detailed tips, visit our Vehicle Shipping Guide. Our team at Sakaem Logistics will also walk you through the prep process when you book your shipment.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Atlanta, GA to Los Angeles, CA. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all our carriers to maintain:

  • $1,000,000 minimum liability insurance – covers damage to other vehicles or property
  • $100,000 minimum cargo insurance – protects your specific vehicle during transport

Before we assign your Atlanta to Los Angeles shipment, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is current and valid. You’ll receive a copy of their insurance certificate for your records.

Important note: While damage is rare, we recommend removing personal items from your car and taking photos before pickup. This helps with any potential claims and keeps your shipment smooth.

Questions about coverage? Our team is here to explain exactly how your vehicle stays protected on this cross-country journey.

Book your car shipping service at least 2-3 weeks in advance for the best rates and availability on the Atlanta to Los Angeles route.

Here’s why early booking matters:

  • Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and offer lower rates
  • More carrier options: Popular routes like Atlanta to LA fill up quickly
  • Flexible pickup dates: You’ll have more scheduling options
  • Less stress: Avoid last-minute rush fees and limited availability

If you’re moving during peak seasons (summer months, holidays, or college move-in periods), consider booking 4-5 weeks ahead. The Atlanta to Los Angeles corridor is one of the busiest shipping routes, so early planning pays off.

Need to ship last minute? We can still help, but expect higher costs and fewer carrier choices. Contact us as soon as possible to explore your options.

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.

When shipping your car from Atlanta, GA to Los Angeles, CA, you have two main transport options:

Open Auto Transport: Your vehicle rides on an open trailer exposed to weather and road debris. This is the most popular choice because it costs less and works well for everyday cars. Most vehicles arrive without issues, and any reputable carrier has insurance coverage.

Enclosed Auto Transport: Your car travels inside a covered trailer, protected from weather, dust, and road debris. This option typically costs 40-60% more than open transport on the Atlanta to Los Angeles route.

Choose enclosed transport if you have:

  • Classic or vintage cars
  • Luxury vehicles over $75,000
  • Custom paint jobs or modifications
  • Show cars or collectibles

For most standard vehicles making the cross-country trip from Atlanta to LA, open transport offers excellent value and reliability. The 2,200-mile journey takes 7-10 days regardless of which option you choose.

At Sakaem Logistics, we help you pick the right transport method based on your car’s value and your budget. Both options include full insurance coverage for your peace of mind.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics offers door-to-door auto transport service from Atlanta, GA to Los Angeles, CA. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle right from your home or office in Atlanta and deliver it directly to your chosen address in Los Angeles.

Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your pickup address in Atlanta and your delivery address in LA. Our assigned carrier will handle the rest, making the 2,000+ mile journey as convenient as possible for you.

Important note: Sometimes the carrier truck can’t access certain locations due to low bridges, narrow streets, or parking restrictions. If this happens, don’t worry – the driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby alternative like a shopping center or gas station. This keeps your car safe and the process smooth.

Door-to-door service typically adds 1-2 days to your shipping timeline compared to terminal-to-terminal options, but most customers find the convenience worth it for this cross-country route.

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!

Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping from Atlanta, GA to Los Angeles, CA is simpler than most people think. The auto transport industry has two main players: brokers and carriers. Brokers like Sakaem Logistics connect customers with carriers, while carriers are the companies that actually transport your vehicle. Understanding this difference is key to a smooth shipping experience.

The car shipping process starts when you call a reputable broker like Sakaem Logistics for a quote. Once you decide to move forward, the broker finds a qualified carrier for your Atlanta, GA to Los Angeles, CA route. This step is crucial because experienced brokers work with trusted carriers who have proper insurance and good reviews. After booking, the carrier contacts you to schedule pickup at your Atlanta location.

On pickup day, the carrier inspects your vehicle and loads it onto their trailer. Your car then travels the 2,182-mile journey to Los Angeles, which typically takes 3-7 days. Upon delivery, the carrier unloads your vehicle and completes a final inspection with you. Payment is usually due at pickup or delivery, depending on your agreement.

Before your auto transport begins, prepare your vehicle properly. Remove all personal items from inside the car, as carriers cannot transport personal belongings. Ensure your car can roll freely, even if it doesn’t run. Keep about a quarter tank of gas – enough for loading and unloading but not too much to add unnecessary weight. For luxury or classic vehicles on the Atlanta, GA to Los Angeles, CA route, consider enclosed trailer service for maximum protection against weather and road debris.