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 Francisco is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:

Remove Personal Items: Take out all personal belongings, including toll passes (like E-ZPass), electronics, and fragile items. Carriers aren’t responsible for items left inside your car.

Clean Your Vehicle: Wash your car inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the pre-shipping inspection.

Document Everything: Take photos of your vehicle from all angles. Note any scratches, dents, or damage on the inspection report.

Check Fluids and Battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and coolant. Make sure the battery is charged and the car starts easily.

Secure Loose Parts: Remove or secure any loose exterior items like spoilers, antennas, or bike racks that could be damaged during transport.

Provide a Working Key: Have a spare key ready for the driver. Your car needs to be driven on and off the carrier truck.

For more detailed guidance, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips. Following these steps ensures a smooth shipping experience from NYC to San Francisco.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from New York City to San Francisco. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all our carriers to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before your car begins its cross-country journey, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid. This means your vehicle is protected against damage from accidents, theft, or weather during the entire 2,900-mile trip from NYC to the Bay Area.

What’s covered:

• Collision damage during transport
• Theft or vandalism
• Weather-related damage
• Loading and unloading incidents

You’ll receive insurance documentation before pickup, so you have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is protected throughout the journey. Our all-inclusive quotes mean there are no hidden insurance fees – everything is covered upfront.

For shipping your car from New York City to San Francisco, we recommend booking your pickup service at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and reliable carriers.

Here’s why early booking matters:

• Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle multiple vehicles
• More carrier options: Popular routes like NYC to San Francisco fill up quickly
• Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from

Peak season tip: During busy months (May through September), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead. Summer is prime moving season, and the NYC to California route gets especially busy.

Remember, Sakaem Logistics helps you avoid the inflated prices that big brokers charge. The earlier you book with us, the more money you’ll save on your cross-country car shipment.

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 Francisco, you have two main transport options:

Open Auto Transport: Your vehicle travels on an open trailer exposed to weather and road elements. This is the most popular choice because it costs less and works well for everyday cars. Most vehicles arrive in excellent condition using open transport.

Enclosed Auto Transport: Your car rides inside a covered trailer, protected from weather, debris, and road dust. This premium service typically costs 40-60% more than open transport on the NYC to San Francisco route.

Choose enclosed transport if you have:

• Classic or vintage cars
• Luxury vehicles worth over $50,000
• Custom paint jobs or modifications
• Low-clearance sports cars

For most standard vehicles making the cross-country trip from New York to California, open transport offers great value and reliable service. At Sakaem Logistics, we help you choose the right option based on your car’s value and your peace of mind.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from New York City, NY to San Francisco, CA. This service brings maximum convenience to your cross-country move.

Here’s how it works: When you book with Sakaem Logistics, we’ll ask for your pickup address in New York City and your delivery address in San Francisco. Our assigned carrier will come directly to these locations to collect and deliver your vehicle.

However, some addresses may have restrictions. Large transport trucks can’t always access narrow streets, low bridges, or areas with parking limitations. If this happens, don’t worry – our carrier will work with you to find a safe, nearby alternative like:

• A local gas station
• A shopping center parking lot
• A wide street nearby

This door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. You won’t need to drive to a terminal or arrange extra transportation. We handle the logistics so you can focus on your move from the Big Apple to the Bay Area.

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!