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Sacramento, 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.
The SAKAEM Price Match

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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Sacramento, CA

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has been the scrappy alternative that gives drivers real value for car shipping and breaks the monopoly of big brokers. Our decade‑long experience and glowing reviews make us a trusted name for auto transport in Sacramento, CA. In this guide we’ll walk you through costs, routes, tips, and everything you need to know before you ship.

Average Cost FROM Sacramento

$1,025 – $1,375
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Sacramento

$925 – $1,300
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Sacramento, CA

1
Texas
254 shipments
$975 – $1,250
2
Florida
208 shipments
$1,125 – $1,425
3
California
124 shipments
$575 – $700
4
Virginia
98 shipments
$1,125 – $1,475
5
North Carolina
97 shipments
$1,125 – $1,400
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Sacramento, CA

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Sacramento, 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 Dallas, TX $950 – $1,175 Sacramento, CA to Dallas, TX
2 Washington, DC $1,100 – $1,375 Sacramento, CA to Washington, DC
3 New York, NY $1,175 – $1,500 Sacramento, CA to New York, NY
4 Houston, TX $1,000 – $1,250 Sacramento, CA to Houston, TX
5 Atlanta, GA $1,100 – $1,375 Sacramento, CA to Atlanta, GA
6 Miami, FL $1,125 – $1,425 Sacramento, CA to Miami, FL
7 Los Angeles, CA $575 – $700 Sacramento, CA to Los Angeles, CA
8 Austin, TX $1,000 – $1,175 Sacramento, CA to Austin, TX
9 Nashville, TN $1,100 – $1,325 Sacramento, CA to Nashville, TN
10 Chicago, IL $1,025 – $1,175 Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL
Sacramento, CA CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

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
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 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
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Sacramento

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 Sacramento

Distance

Because most carriers charge per mile, Sacramento’s central location in California means rates rise with the distance to coastal ports like Oakland or inland destinations such as Reno. Short hauls within the state often stay under $500, while cross‑country trips can exceed $1,200 due to the cumulative mileage.

Season

Summer and early fall see a spike in moves and vehicle relocations, so carriers may add a seasonal surcharge in Sacramento during those months. Conversely, winter brings lower demand, but occasional snow in the Sierra Nevada can cause delays and modest price bumps for routes that cross the mountains.

Route

The main arteries—Interstate 5, Interstate 80 and Highway 99—connect Sacramento directly to major markets, so routes that stay on these freeways are usually cheaper and faster. When a shipper must detour around mountain passes or use secondary roads, fuel and driver time increase, pushing the price up.

Vehicle Type

Larger or heavier vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, or classic cars require more space and stronger tie‑downs, which raises the per‑vehicle fee. High‑value or low‑clearance cars also often need enclosed trailers, adding roughly 15‑20% to the base cost.

Traffic Considerations

Peak commuter traffic on I‑5 and downtown Sacramento can add idle time, especially during weekday mornings and evenings, leading carriers to factor a small time‑based premium into the quote. Urban delivery zones with narrow streets may also require extra handling, slightly raising the price.

Carrier Availability

Sacramento’s central position attracts many regional and national carriers, creating healthy competition that usually keeps rates competitive. However, during peak moving weeks the pool of available trucks can tighten, causing modest price increases until more carriers become available.

Population Density

Sacramento’s moderate population density means pick‑up and drop‑off points are often spread across a wide metropolitan area, which can add a few extra miles to the route. The relatively dispersed suburbs keep congestion lower than in denser cities, helping to keep overall shipping costs in line with state averages.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship in the late fall to early winter (mid‑November through February) when demand drops after the holiday travel surge and before the summer peak; rates are typically 10‑15% lower during these months in Sacramento.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift your pickup or delivery by a few days, carriers can bundle your load with nearby shipments on I‑5 or CA‑99, often cutting the price by a few hundred dollars.

3

Hub city advantages

Sacramento sits at the crossroads of I‑5, I‑80 and CA‑99 and serves as a major rail and truck hub, so carriers have many routing options that keep freight costs down and increase availability of open‑deck carriers.

4

Weather considerations

Sacramento’s hot, dry summers and occasional winter fog can affect scheduling—avoid peak heat days in July‑August and watch for rain‑related delays on mountain passes when shipping to or from the Sierra foothills.

5

Booking in advance

Reserve your spot at least 4‑6 weeks ahead of time; this gives carriers time to plan routes around the high‑traffic summer months and often secures a rate lock before peak pricing hits.

6

Open carrier transport

Choosing an open trailer instead of an enclosed one can save 20‑30% because most carriers in the Sacramento area run open decks on the main highways, and the climate is mild enough to protect most vehicles.

7

Flexible dates

Being open to a window of 3‑5 days lets carriers consolidate trips through Sacramento’s busy corridor, reducing deadhead miles and passing the savings on to you.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Sacramento

Professional auto transport service for Sacramento moves

California requires a two‑step registration for out‑of‑state vehicles. First, owners must submit a VIN verification and proof of ownership to the DMV, then complete a smog inspection before receiving a California title and plates [DMV].

In Sacramento, drivers should know downtown parking permits restrict street parking to residents and commercial vehicles during business hours. Metered zones end at 6 p.m. Traffic peaks on Highway 80 and I‑5 during the 7‑9 a.m. and 4‑6 p.m. commute windows [City Website].

California law limits window tint to 70 % light transmission on front side windows and 35 % on rear windows, and requires a minimum windshield wiper clearance of 2 inches. All passenger cars must pass a biennial smog check, and vehicles over 8,000 lb must meet stricter frame‑height standards for weight distribution [DMV][CA Vehicle Code].

When shipping a car to or from Sacramento, consider the mild climate: winter tires are rarely needed, but all‑season tires with good tread improve safety on occasional rain‑slick roads. Verify that the auto transport company insures the load for the full market value.

California drivers must carry at least $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Many insurers also require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Shopping early and comparing quotes can lower the premium for long‑distance car shipping trips [CA Insurance].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sacramento 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 Sacramento, be sure to remove any FasTrak toll transponder, take off bike racks or roof boxes, and keep the key handy for the carrier. Also clear out any loose interior items and any exterior accessories that could be jostled during the trip.

Yes, our quotes for Sacramento shipments are all‑inclusive. All carriers that pick up or deliver in Sacramento must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify the policy is active for the whole trip. This coverage protects your vehicle while it travels through the Sacramento area and beyond.

The sooner, the better. In Sacramento we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance, but posting your shipment as soon as you know the date helps carriers bundle your car with other loads heading out of the Sacramento area via I‑5 and nearby ports. Early scheduling also gives you flexibility to choose the most convenient pickup window in the city’s busy logistics hub.

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 Sacramento, open‑transport trucks are the most common and cost‑effective way to move a vehicle, while enclosed transport typically runs about 50% more expensive. Because Sacramento’s highways can kick up dust and road debris, many owners of high‑value cars—such as classics, exotics, or vehicles with custom paint—choose enclosed trailers for extra protection. Both options are available through our network of vetted carriers, and we’ll match you with the best price for your route.

Yes, we provide door-to-door auto transport in Sacramento, CA. When you book, just give us the exact pickup and delivery addresses—whether it’s a downtown condo, a suburban home, or a nearby commercial lot. Our carriers will haul your vehicle directly to those locations, and if any local restrictions arise (such as gated‑community access), we’ll work with you to choose a convenient alternative like a nearby gas station or parking area.

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 Sacramento

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

Sacramento, the capital of California, blends riverfront charm, historic streets, and a booming logistics scene—making it a fascinating hub for anyone shipping a car to or from the city.

  • River City Geography: Nestled at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, the city offers scenic waterfront routes that are popular for scenic drives and easy vehicle access.
  • Iconic Landmarks: The State Capitol building, Old Sacramento’s wooden sidewalks, and the historic Tower Bridge are must‑see sights that draw car‑enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  • Rich History: Founded in 1848 during the Gold Rush, Sacramento became California’s capital in 1854 and still celebrates its pioneer roots with annual festivals.
  • Vehicle‑Friendly Laws: Sacramento enforces a “no‑parking on sidewalks” rule and requires emissions testing for all cars, helping keep the air clean for drivers.
  • Mediterranean Climate: Warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters mean year‑round driving comfort, with average highs of 85°F in July and 55°F in January.
  • Transportation Hub: Sacramento International Airport, major interstates (I‑5, I‑80), and the Port of Sacramento’s rail links make moving vehicles fast and efficient.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

If you live in Sacramento, CA and have never arranged auto transport, this 101 guide walks you through every step of car shipping. Whether you’re moving across the state or sending a vehicle to another region, understanding the process helps you feel confident and avoid surprises.

First, know the two main players: brokers and carriers. A broker, like Sakaem Logistics, does not move the car themselves; instead they match you with a vetted carrier who actually drives the truck. Carriers own or lease the transport equipment and hold the insurance that protects your vehicle during transit.

Step one is to call a reputable broker for a free quote. The broker gathers details such as the make, model, pickup location in Sacramento, and destination. Using this information, the broker searches its network and selects a carrier with solid reviews, proper licensing, and adequate insurance coverage.

Once a carrier is assigned, they will arrange a pickup date. Before the truck arrives, clear all personal items from the car, make sure the vehicle can roll under its own power, and leave about a quarter tank of fuel. If you own a high‑end or classic car, ask for an enclosed trailer to add extra protection.

On the day of pickup, the carrier loads your car onto the trailer, secures it, and begins the journey. When the vehicle reaches the destination, you inspect it for any damage, then settle payment—either to the broker or directly to the carrier—usually at pickup or delivery, depending on the agreement.

That’s the full cycle of auto transport from Sacramento, CA. By working with a trusted broker, confirming carrier credentials, and preparing your vehicle properly, you ensure a smooth, transparent car shipping experience. Keep these steps in mind, and your vehicle will arrive safely wherever you need it.