Car shipping from Los Angeles, California to Boston, Massachusetts

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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LOS ANGELES TO BOSTON

Auto Transport from Los Angeles to Boston

Planning to ship your car from Los Angeles, CA to Boston, MA? You’re looking at one of America’s most popular cross-country auto transport routes. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a vehicle online, or moving to college, car shipping across 3,000+ miles requires careful planning. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Los Angeles to Boston auto transport costs, timelines, and expert tips to ensure your vehicle arrives safely.

Average Distance, Time
and Cost

AVG DISTANCE
2,982 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
4-10 days
AVG COST
$1275 – $1750
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent Los Angeles, CA to Boston, MA Shipments

Actual car shipping prices from the last 30 days for routes between Los Angeles, CA and Boston, MA. 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
Thousand Oaks, CA Lexington, MA 1025 Open Car
Thousand Oaks, CA Lexington, MA 975 Open Car
Garden Grove, NH Deerfield, NH 1300 Open Car
Azusa, CA Medford, MA 1050 Open SUV
Los Angeles, CA Epping, NH 1575 Open SUV
Westminster, CA Roxbury Crossing, MA 1250 Open Car
Artesia, CA Quincy, MA 1225 Open Car
Los Angeles, CA Westford, MA 925 Open Car
Tujunga, CA Billerica, MA 1125 Open SUV
Irvine, CA Lexington, MA 1025 Open SUV
LOS ANGELES, CA TO BOSTON, MA CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
Shipped 2 vehicles from Boston to Salt Lake City. SAKAEM did a fabulous job coordinating the transport company and driver to deliver my vehicles. It was all around a great and affordable experience. It took about 5 days for vehicles to arrive. I will say that shipping your vehicles across the country is much better than driving them
Makayla Weist
Jul 2023
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 recently had to move cross country and SAKAEM found a carrier for me in 3 days and they did an excellent job in getting my vehicle from NV to MA in 3.5 days. I wish I had more clarity on paying in full at the beginning, which was different than what I was told regarding a deposit and payment upon delivery. Luckily the carrier verified this so there were no issues. Overall, the move was seamless and I would use SAKAEM in the future.
Chris Cunningham
May 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car from Los Angeles to Boston

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 Los Angeles, California to Boston, Massachusetts Shipping Prices

Distance

The 3,000-mile journey from Los Angeles to Boston 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 time, and vehicle wear. Expect to pay more than shorter regional moves, but the per-mile cost often decreases on long hauls like this one.

Season

Winter months (November-February) typically offer the best rates for LA to Boston shipping, as fewer people relocate during this time. Summer and early fall see higher prices due to increased demand from college students, families moving, and snowbirds heading east. Book early if you must ship during peak season.

Route

The LA to Boston route follows major interstates like I-40 and I-80, which is good news for your wallet. These well-traveled highways have plenty of truck stops and are carrier-friendly. This popular route sees regular traffic from shipping companies, helping keep costs lower than remote or less-traveled paths.

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 are harder to load. If you’re shipping a pickup truck or large SUV, expect to pay 10-30% more than a typical car.

Traffic Considerations

Avoid shipping during major travel periods like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, or the start of the school year. Heavy traffic slows down carriers and can delay delivery. Plan your shipment for quieter periods when possible – your car will likely arrive faster and potentially cost less.

Carrier Availability

This popular cross-country route usually has good carrier availability year-round. During peak season (summer), you might wait 1-2 weeks for pickup. Off-season typically means faster service – sometimes within 3-7 days. Flexible pickup dates can help you secure better rates and quicker service.

Population Density

Los Angeles pickup is usually straightforward due to good highway access, though downtown LA may cost extra. Boston delivery can be trickier – the city’s narrow streets and traffic make suburban pickup locations cheaper. Consider meeting your carrier in nearby areas like Newton or Quincy to save money and avoid city delivery challenges.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Avoid peak moving seasons like summer and snowbird migration periods to save significantly on LA to Boston car shipping. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can reduce costs substantially.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Consider pickup and delivery locations near major highways instead of residential neighborhoods. Carriers prefer accessible spots with wide roads and parking, often passing savings directly to you.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose pickup spots near LA’s major highway intersections and delivery locations close to Boston’s main routes. More highway access means more carrier options and competitive pricing for your shipment.

4

Weather considerations

Winter shipping to Boston may cost more due to snow and ice risks. Summer heat can also cause delays as truckers wait for cooler temperatures, potentially affecting timing.

5

Booking in advance

Book your LA to Boston car shipment weeks ahead rather than last-minute. Advanced bookings give carriers better route planning opportunities and typically result in lower shipping costs.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers only for luxury or classic cars requiring extra protection from weather and road debris.

7

Flexible dates

Offer carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery instead of exact dates. This flexibility allows them to optimize routes and pass cost savings to you.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from Los Angeles to Boston

Professional auto transport service for city-to-city moves

When moving from Los Angeles, CA to Boston, MA, you’ll need to register your vehicle in Massachusetts within 30 days of establishing residency [MA RMV]. The process requires your California title, proof of insurance, and passing a Massachusetts safety inspection. Unlike California’s smog checks, Massachusetts requires annual safety inspections but has less stringent emissions testing for most vehicles [MA RMV].

Massachusetts allows darker window tinting than California – up to 35% VLT on front side windows compared to California’s 70% requirement [MA RMV]. However, prepare your vehicle for harsh New England winters before car shipping or driving cross-country. Winter tires are highly recommended, and consider installing a block heater for reliable cold-weather starts [AAA].

Insurance costs may differ significantly between states. Massachusetts requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which isn’t mandatory in California [MA Division of Insurance]. Contact your insurance provider before auto transport from Los Angeles, CA to Boston, MA to understand coverage changes. Many insurers offer discounts for safety features that help with winter driving conditions, making this an ideal time to review your policy and potentially save money on your Massachusetts coverage [Insurance Institute for Highway Safety].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Los Angeles, California to Boston, Massachusetts 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 long journey from Los Angeles to Boston is key to a smooth shipping experience. Here’s what you need to do:

Clean and inspect your vehicle: Wash your car inside and out. Take photos of any existing damage for your records.

Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes, GPS devices, and fragile items. Most carriers won’t cover personal property damage.

Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), check oil levels, and make sure your battery is secure.

Secure loose parts: Remove or tighten any exterior accessories like spoilers, bike racks, or antennas that could be damaged during the 3,000-mile trip.

Provide working keys: Have at least one spare key ready for the driver.

For a complete checklist and more detailed tips, check out our Vehicle Shipping Guide. Taking these steps helps protect your investment during the cross-country journey.

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

  • $1,000,000 minimum liability insurance
  • $100,000 minimum cargo insurance

We verify each carrier’s insurance is active and valid before your car leaves Los Angeles. This coverage protects your vehicle for the entire 3,000-mile journey to Boston.

Important: While our carriers provide excellent coverage, we recommend taking photos of your car before pickup. This helps document your vehicle’s condition and speeds up any potential claims.

Our insurance requirements exceed industry standards because we believe in protecting our customers. Unlike large brokers who may cut corners, we personally verify every carrier’s insurance status.

For car shipping from Los Angeles to Boston, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This cross-country route covers over 3,000 miles and is one of the most popular shipping lanes in the US.

Here’s why early booking helps:

  • Better carrier availability: More time means more options to find reliable carriers
  • Lower costs: Rush bookings often cost 20-30% more
  • Route optimization: Carriers can group your car with others going the same way
  • Flexible pickup dates: You get more control over timing

If you’re moving during peak season (summer months or winter snowbird migration), book even earlier – up to 4-6 weeks ahead. At Sakaem Logistics, we’ve seen customers save hundreds of dollars just by planning ahead instead of waiting until the last minute.

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.

Open Auto Transport uses multi-level trailers that expose your vehicle to weather and road debris during the 3,000-mile journey from Los Angeles to Boston. This is the most popular option, costing typically $800-$1,200, because it’s affordable and reliable.

Enclosed Auto Transport protects your car inside a covered trailer, shielding it from rain, snow, and highway debris. Expect to pay 40-60% more ($1,200-$2,000) for this premium service.

Choose Open Transport if: You have a standard daily driver and want to save money. Most cars arrive in excellent condition.

Choose Enclosed Transport if: You own a luxury car, classic vehicle, or custom ride worth over $50,000. The extra cost protects your investment from potential damage during the cross-country trip.

At Sakaem Logistics, we help you pick the right option based on your car’s value and your budget. Both methods typically take 7-10 days from LA to Boston.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Los Angeles, CA to Boston, MA. This is our most popular shipping option because it saves you time and hassle.

Here’s how it works: When you book with Sakaem Logistics, we’ll ask for your pickup address in Los Angeles and your delivery address in Boston. Our carrier will come directly to your home, office, or preferred location to pick up your vehicle. Then, they’ll deliver it right to your door in Boston.

Sometimes the carrier can’t reach your exact address due to low bridges, narrow streets, or parking restrictions. Don’t worry – they’ll work with you to find a safe, nearby spot like a shopping center or gas station. This happens in less than 10% of shipments.

Door-to-door service typically costs $50-100 more than terminal-to-terminal shipping, but most customers find the convenience worth it. You won’t need to drive to a shipping yard or arrange extra transportation.

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 Los Angeles, CA to Boston, MA might seem complex, but understanding the basics makes the process simple. 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. Think of brokers as matchmakers who find the right carrier for your specific needs.

The car shipping process starts when you call a reputable broker like Sakaem Logistics for a quote. After you accept the quote, the broker finds a qualified carrier with proper insurance and good reviews. This step is crucial because working with a trusted broker ensures your vehicle is handled by reliable professionals. Once a carrier is assigned, they will contact you to schedule pickup of your car.

Before the carrier arrives, prepare your vehicle properly. Remove all personal items from inside the car, as carriers are not responsible for personal belongings. Your car must be able to roll, steer, and brake for safe loading. Keep about a quarter tank of gas – enough for loading and unloading, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. For high-end vehicles, consider enclosed trailer transport for maximum protection during the journey.

After pickup, your car begins its journey from Los Angeles, CA to Boston, MA, which typically takes 4-10 days. The carrier will provide updates during transport and contact you before delivery. Payment is usually due at pickup or delivery, depending on your agreement. Once your vehicle arrives in Boston, inspect it carefully and complete the delivery process with the carrier.