Car shipping from Los Angeles, California to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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 PHILADELPHIA

Auto Transport from Los Angeles to Philadelphia

Planning to ship your car from Los Angeles, CA to Philadelphia, PA? You’re not alone. This cross-country auto transport route is one of America’s most popular, connecting the West Coast to the East Coast efficiently. Whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle online, or need reliable car shipping services, understanding costs, timelines, and logistics is crucial. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this 2,700-mile journey.

Average Distance, Time
and Cost

AVG DISTANCE
2,709 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
4-9 days
AVG COST
$1200 – $1575
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent Los Angeles, CA to Philadelphia, PA Shipments

Actual car shipping prices from the last 30 days for routes between Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA. 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
Redondo Beach, CA Philadelphia, PA 1325 Open Car
Lake Forest, CA West Philadelphia, PA 1225 Open Car
Lake Forest, CA Philadelphia, PA 1050 Open Car
Los Angeles, CA Middle City West, PA 1100 Open Car
Los Angeles, CA Villanova, PA 1225 Open Car
Chino Hills, CA Philadelphia, PA 1150 Open SUV
Alhambra, CA Philadelphia, PA 1025 Open Car
Los Angeles, CA Wayne, PA 1200 Open SUV
Irvine, CA Jenkintown, PA 1125 Open SUV
Redondo Beach, CA Philadelphia, PA 1000 Open Car
LOS ANGELES, CA TO PHILADELPHIA, PA 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
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Omg!!!! I had the most amazing experience!! From start to finish they were amazing great communication answered every and any questions I had! Price was perfect and no hassle. Vehicle arrived early. From PA to LA hassle free no worries Driver was very helpful and called and kept me informed. Thank you so very much for the freedom to not be stressed in the process!!
serena johns
Apr 2025
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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!
Theresa Owens
Jul 2022
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car from Los Angeles to Philadelphia

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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Shipping Prices

Distance

The 2,750-mile journey from Los Angeles to Philadelphia is one of the longest cross-country routes in the US. This coast-to-coast distance means higher fuel costs, more driver hours, and longer transit times – all factors that increase your shipping price. Expect to pay significantly more than shorter regional moves.

Season

Summer and early fall are peak moving seasons when prices spike due to high demand. Winter months (November-February) typically offer the best rates, though weather delays become more likely. Spring sees moderate pricing as demand picks up after winter.

Route

The LA to Philadelphia route follows major interstates like I-40 and I-76, which is good news for your wallet. These well-traveled highways have plenty of truck stops and services, making them cheaper for carriers to navigate than remote back roads. This popular route also means more carriers service it regularly.

Vehicle Type

Standard sedans and compact cars are cheapest to ship since they fit easily on trailers. SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles cost 10-15% more due to their weight and size. Large trucks may require special trailers, further increasing costs. Luxury and classic cars often need enclosed transport.

Traffic Considerations

Avoid shipping during major travel periods like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, or back-to-school season when highways are congested. These busy times slow down carriers and increase fuel costs. Plan your shipment during quieter periods for better rates and faster delivery.

Carrier Availability

Peak season (summer) may require 1-2 weeks to find an available carrier, while off-season typically offers pickups within 3-5 days. The LA-Philadelphia route has good carrier availability year-round due to its popularity, but booking early still saves money and guarantees space.

Population Density

Los Angeles pickup areas vary widely in cost – dense areas like downtown LA cost more due to tight streets and parking challenges. Philadelphia delivery faces similar issues in Center City. Consider pickup/delivery in suburban areas with easier truck access to save $50-150 on your total cost.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship during off-peak months to save money on your Los Angeles to Philadelphia car transport. Avoid busy snowbird season when rates spike significantly higher.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Meet carriers near major highways instead of residential streets. Truck-friendly pickup locations along Interstate 10 or Highway 101 often reduce your shipping costs considerably.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose pickup spots near Los Angeles highway hubs and delivery near Philadelphia’s Interstate 95. Multiple highway access points create carrier competition and lower rates.

4

Weather considerations

Avoid winter shipping when snow affects eastern routes and summer heat delays desert crossings. Mild spring and fall weather keeps transport costs lowest.

5

Booking in advance

Book your Los Angeles to Philadelphia car shipping weeks ahead of your move date. Last-minute bookings cost significantly more than advance reservations with carriers.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers cost less than enclosed transport for standard vehicles. Save money unless you’re shipping luxury cars that need weather protection during cross-country transport.

7

Flexible dates

Offer five-day pickup and delivery windows instead of exact dates. Flexible scheduling helps carriers optimize routes, passing savings directly to you for transport.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from Los Angeles to Philadelphia

Professional auto transport service for city-to-city moves

When planning car shipping from Los Angeles, CA to Philadelphia, PA, you’ll need to register your vehicle with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within 20 days of establishing residency [PennDOT]. Pennsylvania requires a vehicle inspection within 10 days of registration, including emissions testing for vehicles in certain counties around Philadelphia [PennDOT]. Unlike California’s strict emissions standards, Pennsylvania’s requirements are generally less stringent, but you’ll still need to pass the annual safety inspection.

Auto transport from California to Pennsylvania involves significant climate considerations. Philadelphia winters are harsh compared to Los Angeles weather, so consider investing in winter tires and ensuring your battery and antifreeze are winter-ready before or after your vehicle arrives [AAA]. Pennsylvania allows window tinting up to 70% light transmission on front side windows, which is more restrictive than California’s regulations [PA Vehicle Code].

Insurance requirements differ between states when moving Los Angeles, CA to Philadelphia, PA. Pennsylvania requires minimum liability coverage of $15,000 per person for bodily injury, compared to California’s $15,000 minimum [PA Insurance Department]. Consider reviewing your policy with your insurer before the move, as Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state, unlike California’s tort-based system [PA Insurance Department].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Los Angeles, California to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 vehicle for the cross-country journey from Los Angeles to Philadelphia is crucial for a smooth shipping experience. Here’s what you need to do:

Clean and Document: Wash your car inside and out, then take photos of any existing damage. This helps with insurance claims if needed.

Remove Personal Items: Take out all personal belongings, toll passes, and loose items. Carriers aren’t responsible for items left inside your vehicle.

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

Disable Alarms: Turn off car alarms to prevent issues during transport across the 2,700-mile journey.

Prepare Keys: Have a spare key ready for the driver at pickup in LA and arrange for someone to receive your vehicle in Philadelphia.

For a complete checklist and more detailed tips, visit our Vehicle Shipping Guide. Following these steps protects your investment and ensures your car arrives safely on the East Coast.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Los Angeles to Philadelphia. All Sakaem Logistics carriers must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

We verify each carrier’s insurance is active and valid before your LA to Philadelphia shipment begins. This coverage protects your vehicle against damage during loading, transport, and unloading.

Important: While our carriers provide comprehensive insurance, we recommend checking if your personal auto insurance covers transport. Some policies offer additional protection during shipping.

You’ll receive your carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup. Keep this document handy throughout your cross-country shipment for peace of mind.

For car shipping from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to find other vehicles heading the same route, which helps keep your costs down.

Here’s why early booking matters:

  • Better pricing: Carriers can bundle multiple cars on one truck
  • More carrier options: You’ll have access to more available drivers
  • Flexible pickup dates: You can choose times that work best for you

If you’re moving during busy seasons (summer months or winter holidays), consider booking 4-6 weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings are possible but often cost 20-30% more and limit your carrier choices.

Pro tip: Los Angeles is a major shipping hub, so you have an advantage with more frequent departures to Philadelphia compared to smaller cities.

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 transport is the most common and cost-effective option for shipping your car from Los Angeles to Philadelphia. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer exposed to weather and road conditions, but it’s perfectly safe for most cars. This method costs significantly less and has more availability.

Enclosed transport provides full protection inside a covered trailer, shielding your vehicle from weather, road debris, and dust during the 2,800-mile journey. This premium service typically costs 40-60% more than open transport but is worth it for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.

For most everyday vehicles making the LA to Philadelphia trip, open transport offers excellent value and reliability. Choose enclosed transport if your car is worth over $50,000, has sentimental value, or you simply want maximum protection for peace of mind.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics offers door-to-door auto transport service from Los Angeles, CA to Philadelphia, PA. This means we pick up your car right from your home or office in LA and deliver it directly to your new address in Philadelphia.

When you book with us, simply provide your pickup address in Los Angeles and your delivery address in Philadelphia. Our carrier will come to you at both ends of the journey. This saves you time and hassle compared to dropping off at terminals.

In some cases, large trucks cannot access certain streets due to low bridges, narrow roads, or local restrictions. If this happens, our carrier will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station. We always prioritize your convenience and vehicle safety.

Ready to ship your car from LA to Philly? Get your free quote today and experience the Sakaem difference – fair pricing without the big broker markup.

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 Philadelphia, PA may seem complex, but understanding the basics makes the process straightforward. The auto transport industry operates through two main types of companies: brokers and carriers. Brokers like Sakaem Logistics act as intermediaries who connect customers with licensed carriers, while carriers are the companies that physically transport your vehicle on their trucks.

The car shipping process begins when you contact a reputable broker like Sakaem Logistics for a quote on your Los Angeles, CA to Philadelphia, PA route. Once you agree to the service, the broker finds a qualified carrier with proper insurance and good reviews to handle your shipment. The carrier will then schedule a pickup time and location in Los Angeles, load your vehicle onto their trailer, and transport it across the 2,709-mile journey to Philadelphia. Upon arrival, the carrier delivers your car to the agreed location, and payment is typically made at pickup or delivery.

Before your auto transport begins, there are important preparation steps to follow. Remove all personal items from your car, as carriers are not responsible for belongings left inside. Ensure your vehicle can roll freely, even if it doesn’t run, since carriers need to move it on and off the trailer. Keep about a quarter tank of gas – enough for loading and unloading, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. For luxury or classic vehicles on the Los Angeles, CA to Philadelphia, PA route, consider enclosed trailer service for maximum protection from weather and road debris during the 4-9 day transit time.