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Cleveland, OH 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Cleveland, OH

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has been the scrappy, customer‑focused alternative that breaks the big‑broker monopoly on car shipping. Our decade‑plus experience and highly rated reviews make us a trusted choice for auto transport in and out of Cleveland, OH. In this guide we’ll demystify the process, share cost estimates, and give practical tips so you can ship your vehicle with confidence.

Average Cost FROM Cleveland

$825 – $1,200
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Cleveland

$725 – $1,175
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Cleveland, OH

1
California
233 shipments
$1,025 – $1,300
2
Florida
162 shipments
$800 – $975
3
Texas
109 shipments
$900 – $1,100
4
Arizona
90 shipments
$1,025 – $1,250
5
Washington
57 shipments
$1,225 – $1,500
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Cleveland, OH

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Cleveland, 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 Los Angeles, CA $1,000 – $1,200 Cleveland, OH to Los Angeles, CA
2 Phoenix, AZ $1,025 – $1,200 Cleveland, OH to Phoenix, AZ
3 Houston, TX $925 – $1,100 Cleveland, OH to Houston, TX
4 Seattle, WA $1,225 – $1,425 Cleveland, OH to Seattle, WA
5 Miami, FL $800 – $975 Cleveland, OH to Miami, FL
6 Las Vegas, NV $1,025 – $1,200 Cleveland, OH to Las Vegas, NV
7 Dallas, TX $900 – $1,025 Cleveland, OH to Dallas, TX
8 Denver, CO $950 – $1,125 Cleveland, OH to Denver, CO
9 San Diego, CA $1,075 – $1,350 Cleveland, OH to San Diego, CA
10 San Francisco, CA $1,025 – $1,375 Cleveland, OH to San Francisco, CA
Cleveland, OH CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

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 didn’t. Also the driver was very nice. Thank you Jack!!!
Sandy Kanaski
Apr 2025
Google logo
I used Sakaem to ship my car from TX to Ohio. Everything went as planned. Very happy with the service and I would highly recommend!
Jasmine Stewart
Dec 2022
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
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Cleveland

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 Cleveland

Distance

Shipping costs rise with the number of miles a vehicle must travel, and Cleveland sits in the northeastern corner of Ohio. A shipment to the East Coast (e.g., New York) may be under 500 mi, while a West Coast move (e.g., Los Angeles) exceeds 2,300 mi, so longer hauls add fuel, driver time, and toll expenses.

Season

Winter brings snow, ice, and occasional lake‑effect storms that can delay trips and require extra equipment, pushing rates higher. Summer sees a surge in moves for college students and retirees, so demand spikes and prices may rise during June‑August.

Route

Cleveland is served by I‑90 (the Ohio Turnpike), I‑71, I‑77 and I‑480, which connect directly to major freight corridors. Carriers often choose the Turnpike for its speed and toll‑revenue funding, but detours around construction or heavy truck traffic can raise the rate.

Vehicle Type

Larger trucks, SUVs, and heavy‑duty vehicles use more trailer space and may need special tie‑down equipment, increasing the fee. Classic, low‑profile, or high‑value cars are often shipped in enclosed trailers to protect them from weather and road debris, which adds a premium.

Traffic Considerations

Cleveland’s downtown core and the area around the Port of Cleveland experience rush‑hour congestion on I‑90 and I‑77, which can lengthen transit times. Carriers factor in potential delays and may charge extra for guaranteed‑delivery windows in these busy zones.

Carrier Availability

Because Cleveland is a regional hub with several major carriers and many independent brokers, competition is relatively strong. This competition helps keep base rates competitive, though peak periods can still limit carrier availability and raise prices.

Population Density

Cleveland’s moderate population density concentrates most pickups and deliveries in the city’s 77 sq mi urban area, making routing easier but sometimes requiring navigation through narrow streets. Suburban pickups can add mileage but often benefit from less traffic, balancing overall logistics costs.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship in late spring (mid‑April to early May) or early fall (mid‑September to early October) when Ohio’s road traffic eases and carriers aren’t competing for summer moves. Rates drop because fewer people are relocating and weather is mild, keeping trucks on schedule.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a few days, carriers can fit your car into a back‑haul on I‑71 or I‑90, which lowers the price. Weekday moves are usually cheaper than weekend slots because demand is lower.

3

Hub city advantages

Cleveland sits at the crossroads of I‑71, I‑77, I‑90 and the Lake Erie port, making it a natural hub for long‑haul carriers. This high traffic creates competition among shippers, so you often get better quotes and more frequent service options.

4

Weather considerations

Lake‑effect snow and icy roads can delay shipments in January‑February and November‑December; plan for possible hold‑ups and consider shipping in March‑May or September‑October when weather is steadier. Checking the forecast for major routes like I‑90 and I‑71 helps you set realistic delivery expectations.

5

Booking in advance

Securing your spot 4‑6 weeks ahead, especially before the summer moving surge, gives you access to the best rates and more carrier choices. Early bookings also let you avoid last‑minute price spikes that happen in July and August.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers cost about 10‑15% less than enclosed ones, and Cleveland’s mild spring and fall weather reduces exposure risk. If your vehicle isn’t a classic or exotic, the savings are worth the slight extra exposure.

7

Flexible dates

Offering a window of several days lets carriers consolidate routes through Cleveland, avoiding empty miles on the interstate corridors. This route optimization translates into lower per‑vehicle fees for you.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Cleveland

Professional auto transport service for Cleveland moves

Ohio requires any vehicle brought into the state to be registered with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need a valid Ohio driver’s license, proof of ownership, a completed Application for Certificate of Title, and payment of registration fees. A temporary 30‑day permit can be obtained for out‑of‑state plates while you arrange the permanent registration [Ohio BMV].

In Cleveland, drivers should be aware of downtown parking meters that enforce a two‑hour limit and residential permit zones that require a city‑issued sticker. Heavy truck traffic follows the I‑90 and I‑71 corridors, so plan for possible congestion during rush hour. The City of Cleveland website lists exact street‑cleaning schedules that affect overnight parking [Cleveland City website].

Ohio’s emission testing program applies to vehicles registered in Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, and Summit counties; a biennial test is required for gasoline cars older than 1995 [Ohio EPA]. Window tint on the front side must allow at least 5% light transmission, while the rear can be up to 35% [Ohio BMV]. Certain low bridges, such as the Detroit–Superior Bridge, have a 13‑foot clearance, so taller trucks need to verify height limits before travel [Ohio DOT].

When shipping a car to or from Cleveland, consider winter tires or chains for snow‑heavy months and a battery heater for cold starts. Ohio’s minimum auto insurance is 25/25/25 liability, and the state follows a no‑fault system, meaning personal injury protection is required. Confirm that your policy meets these thresholds before an auto transport to avoid delays [Ohio Dept. of Insurance].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Cleveland 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 Cleveland, be sure to remove any Ohio E‑ZPass transponder, clear off road‑salt residue, provide a working key, and take off any loose accessories that could be damaged on the city’s pothole‑prone streets.

Yes, when you ship your vehicle to or from Cleveland, OH, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers we work with must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify the policy is valid for the entire shipment, including any stops in the Cleveland area.

The sooner, the better. In Cleveland we recommend scheduling at least two weeks in advance, but posting your shipment as soon as possible helps carriers bundle your car with other loads traveling the I‑71/I‑90 corridor and the nearby Lake Erie port.

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 Cleveland, open‑air trailers are the standard and usually the most cost‑effective way to ship a vehicle across Ohio or to the East Coast. Enclosed transport costs roughly 50 % more because the trailer is fully covered, protecting the car from road debris, weather, and the region’s frequent lake‑effect snow. Choose enclosed if you’re moving a classic, a custom‑painted car, or any high‑value vehicle that can’t risk exposure.

We provide door-to-door auto transport throughout Cleveland, OH and the surrounding suburbs. When you book, just give us the exact pickup and delivery addresses—whether it’s a home, office, or a nearby parking lot—and our carrier will aim to collect and drop off your vehicle right there. If local traffic rules, narrow streets, or safety concerns prevent a direct pull‑up, we’ll work with you to choose a convenient alternate spot, such as a gas station or a 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 Cleveland

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

Cleveland, OH sits on the southern shore of Lake Erie, offering a blend of waterfront charm, industrial heritage, and vibrant culture that makes car shipping here uniquely exciting.

  • Lakefront Location: Cleveland’s waterfront includes the massive 2,400‑acre Lakefront Reservation, giving easy access to major highways and the Port of Cleveland for vehicle transport.
  • Rock Hall: Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the museum draws millions, and its iconic glass structure is a popular backdrop for car photos.
  • Industrial Roots: Once the nation’s steel capital, Cleveland’s legacy fuels a strong logistics network, making it a hub for auto parts and freight services.
  • Parking Permit: Residents need a residential parking permit for street parking downtown, but there’s no special tax on transporting vehicles into the city.
  • Four Seasons: Expect cold, snowy winters (average 30°F) and warm, humid summers around 80°F, so plan vehicle shipments with weather in mind.
  • Healthcare & Tech: Cleveland’s growing health‑care sector and emerging tech startups create steady demand for vehicle logistics, especially for corporate fleets.
  • Major Hub: Interstates 71, 77, and 90 intersect here, plus Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and the Port of Cleveland, offering multiple routes for car shipping.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Welcome to the car shipping 101 guide for anyone in Cleveland, OH who is new to auto transport. This quick overview walks you through each stage, from the first phone call to the moment your vehicle arrives at its new address. Understanding the process helps you feel confident and avoids surprises.

First, know the difference between a broker and a carrier. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, does not move the truck themselves. Instead, they match you with a reputable carrier who owns or rents the transport equipment. The broker’s job is to vet carriers, confirm insurance, and secure a reliable slot for your shipment.

Step 1: Call a broker to get a free quote. Provide the pick‑up address, destination, vehicle make and model, and any timing constraints. The broker will compare available carriers and give you an estimate based on the route from Cleveland, OH to your chosen city.

Step 2: The broker selects a carrier that meets your needs and has strong reviews and proper insurance. Step 3: The carrier arrives on the agreed date, inspects your vehicle, and loads it onto an open or enclosed trailer. An enclosed trailer is recommended for high‑value or classic cars.

Step 4: The carrier transports your car to the destination address in Cleveland, OH or beyond and unloads it safely. Step 5: Payment is collected at the time of pickup or delivery, depending on the agreement you signed with the broker. Keep a copy of the receipt for your records.

Key things to remember: clear all personal items and trash from the interior before the carrier arrives; the vehicle must be in drivable condition so it can roll onto the trailer; leave about a quarter tank of gas for loading; and choose an enclosed trailer for luxury or collectible vehicles. Following these steps makes auto transport from Cleveland, OH smooth and stress‑free.