(470) 912-2692 Get Quote

Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria 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 Maria?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Santa Maria, CA

Since 2012, our scrappy team has fought the big‑broker monopoly to give you real value on car shipping and auto transport. In Santa Maria, CA, we combine decades of experience with top‑rated reviews to make moving your vehicle simple, transparent, and affordable. Read on for cost estimates, popular routes, and practical tips that keep you in the driver’s seat.

Average Cost FROM Santa Maria

$1,100 – $1,475
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Santa Maria

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

Top Destination States from Santa Maria, CA

1
Texas
40 shipments
$1,050 – $1,300
2
Florida
26 shipments
$1,175 – $1,500
3
North Carolina
26 shipments
$1,175 – $1,525
4
Washington
24 shipments
$1,025 – $1,200
5
Pennsylvania
22 shipments
$1,225 – $1,475
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Santa Maria, CA

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Santa Maria, 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 – $1,750 Santa Maria, CA to New York, NY
2 Seattle, WA $1,000 – $1,200 Santa Maria, CA to Seattle, WA
3 Chicago, IL $1,225 – $1,400 Santa Maria, CA to Chicago, IL
4 Philadelphia, PA $1,200 – $1,350 Santa Maria, CA to Philadelphia, PA
5 Austin, TX $1,025 – $1,325 Santa Maria, CA to Austin, TX
6 Boston, MA $1,325 – $1,750 Santa Maria, CA to Boston, MA
7 Atlanta, GA $1,100 – $1,250 Santa Maria, CA to Atlanta, GA
8 Dallas, TX $900 – $1,350 Santa Maria, CA to Dallas, TX
9 Houston, TX $1,175 – $1,375 Santa Maria, CA to Houston, TX
10 Nashville, TN $1,200 – $1,425 Santa Maria, CA to Nashville, TN
Santa Maria, CA CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
Before calling Sakaem I was booked to use another transport company because their price was the best I could find. The day before they were going to pick up my car, they called me and said they had a reliable driver but he wanted an extra $300. I told them to forget it and called Sakaem. At the last minute they gave me a good price and said it was guaranteed. They service was great and my car arrived in NJ when they said it would be there. I will use them again in January!
Paul Shapiro
Jul 2025
Google logo
I shipped my car from California to Michigan and Sakaem came back with the best quote and answered all 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
First time shipping a car to Michigan. Signed a contract with a broker and last minute the truck broke down and he could not find a driver and then the price went up. Scrambled at the last minute and we reached out to Sakaem and talked to Jack. Told him about our situation and he was very understanding and he was able to get our truck to Michigan without any problems. They could haven taken advantage of the situation but they don’t. Also the driver was very nice. Thank you Jack!!!
Sandy Kanaski
Apr 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Santa Maria

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 Maria

Distance

Santa Maria sits about 150 miles north of the Los Angeles port complex and roughly 250 miles south of the San Francisco Bay area. Because carriers price per mile, trips to coastal ports are lower than cross‑country hauls, while inland destinations add a predictable mileage surcharge.

Season

Winter brings occasional coastal fog and rain, which can slow loading at nearby ports and increase insurance premiums, while summer sees a spike in moves‑in‑and‑out traffic as families relocate, driving prices up during peak months.

Route

The primary corridor is US‑101, which runs straight through Santa Maria and connects to I‑5 for inland routes; occasional use of CA‑1 along the coast can add scenic but longer mileage. Highway tolls are minimal, but any detours for mountain passes or coastal roads can raise fuel and labor costs.

Vehicle Type

Larger vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, and low‑clearance sports cars require more space or special tie‑down equipment, raising the per‑vehicle rate, whereas standard sedans fit easily on open trailers and cost less to transport.

Traffic Considerations

Morning and evening rush hour on US‑101 through Santa Maria can add waiting time for carriers, and the city’s growing suburban sprawl means longer dead‑head trips to reach pickup addresses, both of which are factored into the quote.

Carrier Availability

Santa Maria has a modest pool of regional carriers and a few national firms that serve the Central Coast, creating healthy competition that generally keeps rates competitive while still offering reliable service.

Population Density

With a population density of about 2,500 people per square mile, Santa Maria’s residential areas are spread out, so carriers often need to travel a short distance from the highway to the customer’s address, adding a modest “last‑mile” fee to the overall price.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

The cheapest rates are usually found in late winter (January‑February) and early fall (September‑October) when fewer people are moving in or out of the Central Coast. Shipping during these off‑peak months avoids the summer vacation surge and the holiday rush, so carriers often lower prices for Santa Maria routes.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can allow a pickup or delivery window of a few days, carriers can fill gaps in their schedules and offer you a discount. In Santa Maria, where most shipments travel along US‑101 and CA‑1, a flexible date lets drivers combine trips with nearby ports or farms, reducing empty miles and costs.

3

Hub city advantages

Santa Maria sits near the junction of US‑101 and State Route 166, making it a convenient relay point for north‑south traffic along the coast. While it’s not a major port, its proximity to larger hubs like Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo means carriers can bundle your car with other loads, often lowering the per‑vehicle price.

4

Weather considerations

Santa Maria enjoys mild, dry weather most of the year, but winter months can bring occasional rain and fog, especially along the coastal stretch of US‑101. Planning shipments outside of heavy rain periods (typically late December‑January) helps avoid delays and keeps your car on schedule.

5

Booking in advance

Securing a booking 4‑6 weeks ahead gives carriers time to plan optimal routes that include Santa Maria, often locking in lower rates before peak demand spikes. Early bookings also let you compare quotes and negotiate better terms before the summer moving season drives prices up.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers are the standard for most auto transports and are about 15‑20% cheaper than enclosed options. In Santa Maria’s mild, dry climate, the risk of weather damage is low, so an open trailer provides safe, cost‑effective shipping for most vehicles.

7

Flexible dates

Offering a range of delivery dates lets carriers plot the most efficient route through Santa Maria’s traffic patterns, especially avoiding the weekend rush on US‑101. When you’re flexible, drivers can group your shipment with others heading the same way, cutting fuel and labor expenses.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Santa Maria

Professional auto transport service for Santa Maria moves

California vehicle registration begins with a VIN verification if the car is coming from another state, followed by an online or in‑person application through the DMV. New owners must provide a smog certification (required every two years for most gasoline‑powered cars) and proof of insurance before receiving plates, which are essential for any auto transport or car shipping quote [DMV] [CARB]. Out‑of‑state titles are accepted, but the seller must complete a REG 262 form and the buyer must pay the use tax based on the purchase price. Because the DMV links registration to a valid California address, ship‑to‑Santa Maria customers should arrange a temporary residence or use a trusted forwarding service to satisfy the address requirement.

In Santa Maria, drivers should note that downtown streets use timed meters and residential permit zones that restrict overnight parking; the City website lists permit fees and enforcement hours [City of Santa Maria]. Heavy traffic builds on US‑101 and Highway 166 during the 7‑9 am and 4‑6 pm peaks, so plan auto transport pickups outside those windows to avoid delays. California allows 70 % front‑side window tint and 35 % rear tint, with a maximum reflectivity of 35 % [DMV]; low‑clearance bridges on Highway 101 limit vehicle height to 13 ft, so verify carrier specifications. New residents do not need winter tires, but a UV‑blocking car cover protects the interior from strong sun. Minimum liability coverage is $15,000/$30,000/$5,000, and many carriers require proof of insurance and a clean SR‑22 record for high‑value shipments [DMV].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Santa Maria 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 Maria, CA, be sure to remove any FasTrak transponder, clear off any beach‑ready accessories, and have the key ready for the carrier; also take off any loose interior or exterior items that could be damaged during the short coastal haul.

Yes, when you ship a vehicle to or from Santa Maria, CA, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers we work with must carry at least $1 million in liability and $100 k in cargo insurance, and we confirm the policy is active for the entire trip. This coverage protects your car while it travels through the Central Coast and beyond.

We recommend booking your pickup in Santa Maria at least two weeks in advance, though the sooner you post, the better. Early scheduling lets carriers bundle your vehicle with other shipments traveling along the Central Coast corridor, which can lower costs and secure space. Because Santa Maria’s proximity to the Port of Los Angeles and major highways makes it a busy hub, giving us ample notice helps ensure a smooth, on‑time pickup.

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 Santa Maria, open trailers are the most common and cost‑effective way to ship a vehicle, while enclosed transport typically runs about 50% more expensive. Drivers choose enclosed service when they’re moving a high‑value car—such as a classic, a custom‑painted model, or a collector’s vehicle—that could be damaged by road debris or the salty coastal air common along Highway 101.

Yes, we provide door‑to‑door auto transport for customers in Santa Maria, CA. When you book, we’ll ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses you prefer, and our carrier will bring the truck to those locations whenever possible. If local road limits or safety concerns arise, we’ll coordinate 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 Santa Maria

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

Santa Maria, CA sits on the fertile Santa Maria Valley, a 30‑mile stretch of rolling hills and vineyards that makes it a natural hub for car shipping and road trips alike.

  • Geography & Climate: The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate—warm, dry summers and mild, fog‑kissed winters—so vehicle transport is rarely hampered by extreme weather.
  • Landmarks & Attractions: The historic Santa Maria Inn and the vibrant downtown Plaza de la Cultura showcase the town’s rich Spanish‑Mexican heritage, while the nearby Los Padres National Forest offers scenic routes for test drives.
  • Vehicle‑Friendly Laws: Santa Maria requires all vehicles to pass a biennial emissions test, helping keep the valley’s air clean—great news for those shipping low‑emission cars.
  • Economy & Industry: Agriculture (especially vineyards) and aerospace dominate the local economy, meaning well‑maintained highways and frequent freight services.
  • Transportation Network: U.S. 101 and State Route 166 connect the city to Los Angeles and the Central Coast; Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) handles cargo flights, and nearby Port Hueneme offers sea‑freight options.
  • Population & Culture: With roughly 110,000 residents, the city blends a youthful college vibe (Cal Poly‑San Luis Obispo satellite) with a tight‑knit community feel.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping, also called auto transport, may feel unfamiliar if you live in Santa Maria, CA and have never moved a vehicle before. The first thing to know is that the service is usually arranged through a broker, not directly with the driver. A broker such as Sakaem Logistics acts as a match‑maker, finding a carrier— the truck or trailer that will actually move your car. Reputable brokers vet carriers for insurance, licensing, and customer reviews, so you get a reliable partner for the whole journey.

Here’s the step‑by‑step flow from start to finish. 1) Call a broker to request a quote and share details like pickup location, destination, and vehicle type. 2) The broker searches its network and assigns a carrier that meets your needs. 3) The carrier contacts you to set a pickup time, arrives, and loads your car onto an open or enclosed trailer. 4) The carrier transports the vehicle to the destination in Santa Maria, CA or beyond. 5) Upon delivery, you settle payment with the broker or carrier, depending on the agreement.

A few practical tips keep the process smooth. If you own a high‑end or classic car, ask for an enclosed trailer for extra protection. Before the carrier arrives, clear out all personal items, remove any loose parts, and make sure the car can roll on its own wheels. Leaving about a quarter tank of fuel is enough for the carrier to move the vehicle onto the trailer and start the engine if needed.

By understanding each stage— from the broker’s quote to the carrier’s pickup and final delivery— you can feel confident that your auto transport will be safe, transparent, and hassle‑free. Santa Maria residents benefit from a seasoned network of brokers and carriers who have moved hundreds of vehicles across the country, making car shipping a straightforward solution for any relocation or long‑distance move.