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 New York City to San Diego is simple but important. Start by removing all personal items from inside your car – this includes toll passes like E-ZPass, GPS devices, phone chargers, and any loose items that could shift during transport.

Clean your vehicle inside and out before pickup. This helps you spot any existing damage and makes the inspection process smoother. Take photos of your car from all angles as documentation.

Make sure your car has no more than a quarter tank of gas – this reduces weight and meets safety requirements. Remove or secure any exterior accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antenna toppers that could get damaged or cause problems during loading.

Have a spare key ready for the driver, as they’ll need to move your car on and off the carrier. Finally, disable your car alarm to avoid issues during transport.

For a complete checklist and more detailed tips, check out our Vehicle Shipping Guide. Following these steps ensures your car arrives safely in San Diego.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from New York City, NY to San Diego, CA. 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 NYC to San Diego shipment begins. This coverage protects your vehicle for the entire 2,800+ mile journey across the country.

What’s covered: Damage from accidents, weather, theft, and carrier negligence during transport.

Important note: While rare, we recommend documenting your vehicle’s condition with photos before pickup in New York City. This helps with any potential claims upon delivery in San Diego.

Our insurance verification is included in your quote at no extra cost – just one way we’re working to end the big broker monopoly and give you better value.

For car shipping from New York City to San Diego, we recommend scheduling your pickup at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with others heading west.

Here’s why early booking matters:

• Better rates: Carriers can group multiple cars together, reducing costs
• More carrier options: Popular routes like NYC to San Diego fill up quickly
• Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date choices

If you need faster service, we can often arrange pickup within 3-7 days, but expect higher rates. During peak seasons (summer and fall), book even earlier to avoid delays.

Pro tip: The moment you know your moving date, post your shipment. Early birds get the best deals and most reliable service on this busy cross-country route.

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.

When shipping your car from New York City to San Diego, you have two main transport options:

Open Auto Transport: Your vehicle travels on an open trailer exposed to weather and road debris. This is the most popular choice because it costs 40-60% less than enclosed transport. Most everyday vehicles ship safely this way, and it’s what car dealerships use to move new inventory.

Enclosed Auto Transport: Your car rides inside a covered trailer, fully protected from weather, dust, and road debris. This premium service costs more but is worth it for:

• Classic or vintage cars
• Luxury vehicles over $75,000
• Custom paint jobs or modifications
• Convertibles with soft tops

For the 2,400-mile journey from NYC to San Diego, open transport typically costs $1,200-$1,500, while enclosed runs $1,800-$2,500. Both options take 7-10 days for delivery.

Most customers choose open transport for reliable daily drivers. Pick enclosed if your car’s value or condition requires extra protection during the cross-country trip.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from New York City, NY to San Diego, CA. This means our carrier will pick up your vehicle at your home, office, or preferred address in NYC and deliver it directly to your chosen location in San Diego.

When you book with Sakaem Logistics, simply provide us with your pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule convenient pickup and delivery times. In most cases, we can accommodate exact door-to-door service.

However, if your location has restrictions like narrow streets, low-hanging branches, or weight limits that prevent our large transport trucks from accessing your address safely, don’t worry. Our experienced drivers will work with you to find a nearby alternative location such as:

• A local shopping center or mall parking lot
• A gas station with ample space
• A nearby main road with safe access

This door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of dropping off or picking up your vehicle at distant terminals, making your NYC to San Diego car shipping experience as smooth and convenient as possible.

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!