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Riverside, 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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We guarantee to match any price you find. We are experts at finding the best price for your shipment and getting the best value for your money.

ON THIS PAGE

1 Riverside 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 Riverside?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Riverside, CA

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has been the scrappy alternative that gives you real value for car shipping and auto transport in Riverside, CA. We broke the monopoly of big brokers, and our decades‑long experience backed by glowing reviews shows we know the process inside out. Read on for honest costs, top destinations, and tips to make your Riverside car move smooth and stress‑free.

Average Cost FROM Riverside

$1,000 – $1,325
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Riverside

$925 – $1,275
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Riverside, CA

1
Texas
381 shipments
$925 – $1,150
2
Florida
304 shipments
$1,100 – $1,350
3
North Carolina
171 shipments
$1,100 – $1,375
4
New York
154 shipments
$1,250 – $1,600
5
Washington
146 shipments
$900 – $1,200
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Riverside, CA

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Riverside, 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 $1,150 – $1,500 Riverside, CA to New York, NY
2 Dallas, TX $900 – $1,150 Riverside, CA to Dallas, TX
3 Chicago, IL $1,000 – $1,250 Riverside, CA to Chicago, IL
4 Washington, DC $1,100 – $1,400 Riverside, CA to Washington, DC
5 Houston, TX $950 – $1,175 Riverside, CA to Houston, TX
6 Atlanta, GA $1,025 – $1,300 Riverside, CA to Atlanta, GA
7 Seattle, WA $925 – $1,100 Riverside, CA to Seattle, WA
8 Miami, FL $1,100 – $1,350 Riverside, CA to Miami, FL
9 Nashville, TN $1,050 – $1,300 Riverside, CA to Nashville, TN
10 Minneapolis, MN $1,100 – $1,350 Riverside, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Riverside, 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.
Theresa Owens
Jul 2022
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Riverside

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 Riverside

Distance

Shipping costs rise with mileage, so a move from Riverside to nearby Southern California cities like San Diego will be cheaper than a cross‑country haul to Seattle. Because Riverside sits about 60 miles east of the Los Angeles ports, distances to coastal destinations are relatively short, keeping rates lower than for inland origins farther away.

Season

The Inland Empire sees a peak in vehicle moves during summer and around the holidays, when families relocate or travel, so demand‑driven price spikes are common in July‑August and December. Cooler, slower months like January typically bring modest discounts as carriers have more capacity.

Route

Riverside is served by I‑215, I‑10 and CA‑60, which connect directly to the I‑5 corridor and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach; carriers can choose the most fuel‑efficient route, which often reduces price. When routes require mountain passes or less‑direct highways, fuel and driver time increase, nudging the quote upward.

Vehicle Type

Larger or heavier vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, or classic cars need more space or special equipment, which raises the per‑mile rate compared with compact sedans. Vehicles with low ground clearance may also require open trailers, affecting the cost choice between open and enclosed options.

Traffic Considerations

Riverside’s commuter traffic peaks on weekday mornings and evenings on I‑215 and I‑10, adding idle time that carriers factor into their rates. Urban density around the downtown area can limit loading zone availability, sometimes requiring extra handling fees.

Carrier Availability

The Inland Empire hosts a dense network of regional carriers, creating healthy competition that often drives prices down for Riverside shippers. However, during peak moving seasons the same high demand can temporarily reduce carrier availability, nudging rates upward.

Population Density

Riverside’s moderate suburban density spreads shipments across a wide area, meaning carriers may travel farther between pick‑ups compared with a compact city, slightly raising fuel costs. Yet the city’s proximity to major freeways helps streamline routing, balancing out the impact on overall pricing.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping a car in Riverside during the winter months (December‑February) usually yields lower rates because fewer people are moving and the demand on carriers drops. Avoid the peak moving season in late spring and summer when prices climb.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can allow a pickup or delivery window of a few days, carriers can fit your load into an existing route and often discount the price. Mid‑week dates (Tuesday‑Thursday) are especially cheap in Riverside because they avoid weekend traffic spikes.

3

Hub city advantages

Riverside sits at the crossroads of I‑215, I‑10 and State Route 60, making it a natural consolidation point for West‑Coast carriers. This strategic location reduces dead‑head miles, so you often see better pricing and more frequent service options.

4

Weather considerations

Riverside enjoys over 300 sunny days a year, but winter brings occasional rain and fog that can delay highway travel on I‑215. Plan for a buffer if you’re shipping in December‑January, and check forecasts for the San Bernardino Mountains, where snow can temporarily close passes.

5

Booking in advance

Securing a booking 3‑4 weeks ahead of your move lets you lock in current rates before the spring‑summer rush hits Riverside. Early bookings also give carriers time to plan efficient routes, which keeps prices down.

6

Open carrier transport

Open‑deck trailers are about 15‑20% cheaper than enclosed ones, and Riverside’s mild, dry climate means weather‑related risk is low for most vehicles. Use an open trailer for standard cars to save money without sacrificing safety.

7

Flexible dates

When you give carriers flexibility on the exact delivery day, they can batch your shipment with other loads traveling the same I‑215/I‑10 corridor. This route optimization lets them cut fuel costs, and those savings are passed to you.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Riverside

Professional auto transport service for Riverside moves

California vehicle registration begins at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and requires proof of ownership, a smog certification, and payment of registration fees. New residents must register within 20 days of moving to the state, and the DMV issues a California license plate that stays with the car for its life [DMV]. Emission testing is administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and is required every two years for gasoline‑powered cars older than six model years [CARB]. Window tint on the front side windows may not block more than 70 percent of light, and trucks over 55 inches in frame height need a special permit [California Vehicle Code]. Drivers must also carry the state‑minimum liability insurance of $15,000/$30,000/$5,000 to avoid registration holds.

In Riverside, auto transport customers should note the city’s strict parking ordinances that limit street parking to two‑hour blocks and require a residential permit for many neighborhoods [Riverside City]. Peak traffic flows along the I‑215 and SR‑60 corridors during morning and evening commutes, so planning delivery times outside rush hour can reduce delays. The desert‑like climate means winter tires are rarely needed, but a set of all‑season tires helps with occasional rain and cooler nights. When shipping a car to or from Riverside, confirm that the carrier knows the local drop‑off rules and that the vehicle’s registration, smog sticker, and insurance documents are ready for inspection upon arrival. Following these steps makes car shipping in Riverside, California smooth and compliant.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Riverside 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 Riverside, CA, be sure to remove any toll transponders for the 91 and 215 freeways, take out any loose interior or exterior accessories, and leave the key with the carrier. Also, check that the battery is fully charged because the hot desert climate can drain it faster.

Yes, when you ship a vehicle to or from Riverside, CA, our all‑inclusive quotes cover insurance. All carriers we work with must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify the policy is active for the entire trip. This protection applies to every Riverside shipment, so your car is fully covered.

The sooner, the better. For Riverside, we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance, but posting your shipment as soon as you can helps carriers bundle your car with other loads traveling through the Inland Empire corridor (I‑215/I‑10). Early scheduling also gives you more options for pickup dates and rates in this busy region.

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.

In Riverside, CA, open‑deck transport is the most common and cost‑effective option for most vehicles, while enclosed transport typically costs about 50% more. Drivers choose enclosed when they’re moving high‑value cars—such as classics, exotics, or vehicles with custom paint—that need protection from road debris, dust, and the hot desert sun common around Riverside. Both services are available through our network of vetted carriers, and we handle the logistics transparently so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Yes, we provide door‑to‑door auto transport service for shipments to and from Riverside, CA. At booking we’ll ask for your exact pickup and delivery addresses in Riverside or the surrounding area, and our carrier will haul your vehicle directly to those locations. If local traffic rules or safety concerns prevent a direct drop‑off, we’ll arrange a convenient nearby spot such as a gas station or parking 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 Riverside

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

Riverside, CA sits in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, offering a blend of historic charm, sunny weather, and easy highway access—perfect for anyone shipping a car to or from this vibrant city.

  • Geography & Climate: Nestled beside the Santa Ana River, Riverside enjoys over 300 sunny days a year and mild winters, making vehicle transport easy year‑round.
  • Historic Landmarks: The iconic Mission Inn, a 19‑th‑century hotel with 500 rooms, draws tourists and adds a touch of elegance to the city skyline.
  • Transportation Hub: Interstate 10, 215, and 91 intersect here, and the nearby Ontario International Airport handles thousands of cargo flights, streamlining auto‑shipping routes.
  • Vehicle Laws: Riverside requires a valid smog check for cars older than four years—helpful to know before shipping a used vehicle.
  • Economy & Industry: Historically a citrus powerhouse, Riverside now thrives on education, healthcare, and logistics, supporting a robust car‑shipping market.
  • Population: With roughly 330,000 residents, the city is diverse and growing, attracting new families and businesses each year.
  • Unique Character: Riverside hosts the annual Riverside Festival of Lights, turning downtown into a glittering wonderland that even truck drivers love to see.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

If you live in Riverside, CA and need to move a vehicle, auto transport can seem confusing. This 101 guide breaks down car shipping into simple steps so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.

First, understand the two main players in the industry. A broker—like Sakaem Logistics—acts as a match‑maker. The broker gathers quotes, checks carrier credentials, and handles the paperwork. The carrier is the driver and truck that actually moves your car. Choosing a reputable broker means you’ll be paired with carriers that have solid insurance, good reviews, and a clean safety record.

Here’s the typical flow: 1) Call a broker to request a quote for your Riverside, CA shipment. 2) The broker reviews your needs and finds a carrier that fits your timeline and vehicle type. 3) The carrier schedules a pickup and arrives at your address on the agreed date. 4) After the vehicle is loaded, the carrier transports it to the destination. 5) Once the car is delivered, you settle payment with the broker or carrier, usually at pickup or delivery.

A few practical tips will keep the process smooth. For high‑end or classic cars, ask for an enclosed trailer to protect the finish. Remove all personal items, loose parts, and trash before the carrier arrives—carriers will not load a cluttered interior. The vehicle must be able to roll onto the trailer, so ensure the wheels turn freely. Finally, keep about a quarter tank of gas; this helps the carrier move the car onto the truck safely.

By following these steps, Riverside residents can feel confident that their auto transport will be transparent, safe, and hassle‑free. Knowing the roles of brokers and carriers, preparing your car, and understanding each stage of the journey turns car shipping from a mystery into a straightforward service you can trust.