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San Diego, CA 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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ON THIS PAGE

1 San Diego 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 San Diego?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in San Diego, CA

Since 2012, our scrappy team has been fighting the big brokers’ monopoly to give you real value on car shipping and auto transport. Based in San Diego, CA, we’ve spent years perfecting the process, and our glowing reviews show why we’re the smart choice. In this guide we’ll break down costs, routes, and tips so you can ship your car with confidence.

Average Cost FROM San Diego

$1,025 – $1,350
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO San Diego

$925 – $1,275
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from San Diego, CA

1
Florida
528 shipments
$1,100 – $1,325
2
Texas
481 shipments
$925 – $1,175
3
Virginia
370 shipments
$1,100 – $1,475
4
North Carolina
294 shipments
$1,100 – $1,450
5
New York
281 shipments
$1,225 – $1,550
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from San Diego, CA

The most common destination cities for car shipping from San Diego, 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 New York, NY $1,125 – $1,475 San Diego, CA to New York, NY
2 Washington, DC $1,100 – $1,425 San Diego, CA to Washington, DC
3 Dallas, TX $900 – $1,100 San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX
4 Chicago, IL $975 – $1,275 San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
5 Miami, FL $1,075 – $1,300 San Diego, CA to Miami, FL
6 Virginia Beach, VA $1,175 – $1,525 San Diego, CA to Virginia Beach, VA
7 Seattle, WA $925 – $1,100 San Diego, CA to Seattle, WA
8 Houston, TX $925 – $1,200 San Diego, CA to Houston, TX
9 Boston, MA $1,175 – $1,550 San Diego, CA to Boston, MA
10 Philadelphia, PA $1,075 – $1,350 San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA
San Diego, CA 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
Google logo
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
Google logo
I shipped my car from California to Michigan and Sakaem came back with the best quote and answered all of my questions. I wish they could tell you an exact day they could pick up, but overall the service was great and I got my car in less than a week with no issues. Happy customer!
Magen Kuzma
May 2022
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in San Diego

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 San Diego

Distance

Because San Diego sits at the southern end of California, the farther a vehicle travels beyond the West Coast, the higher the mileage charge; short hauls to Los Angeles or Phoenix are relatively cheap, while cross‑country trips to the East Coast can double the base rate.

Season

Summer and holiday periods see a surge in demand as people relocate or travel, pushing rates up, while San Diego’s mild winter weather usually keeps weather‑related delays low, so off‑peak months often yield lower quotes.

Route

Most shipments use I‑5 along the coast, I‑8 toward the desert, or I‑15 to the inland valleys, and the Port of San Diego provides a direct ocean‑to‑truck link; toll roads, mountain passes and bridge fees on these corridors are added to the price.

Vehicle Type

Larger SUVs, trucks, or heavy‑duty vehicles require more space and stronger tie‑downs, raising the cost, whereas compact cars are cheaper; classic or high‑value cars are often shipped in enclosed trailers for added protection, which adds a premium.

Traffic Considerations

Peak rush‑hour congestion on I‑5 and I‑8, plus dense downtown streets and limited loading zones near the harbor, can increase fuel and driver‑time expenses, which carriers reflect in their pricing.

Carrier Availability

San Diego’s busy port and proximity to major interstate corridors attract many carriers, creating competition that can lower rates, though demand spikes or limited enclosed‑carrier fleets can temporarily reduce availability.

Population Density

The city’s high population density and narrow urban streets can make loading and unloading more time‑consuming, raising labor costs, while the expansive port facilities and nearby highways help offset some logistics challenges by providing efficient access points for carriers.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping in the winter months (January‑February) or early fall (late September) usually yields lower rates because demand drops after the summer vacation peak and before the holiday rush, and carriers have more empty slots on the I‑5 corridor. The mild San Diego climate means weather isn’t a major concern during these off‑peak periods, keeping transit times reliable.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can allow pickup or delivery on a weekday instead of a weekend, carriers can slot your load into their regular south‑bound runs on I‑5 and I‑8, which often reduces the price by 5‑10%. Being open to a one‑ or two‑day window also lets drivers consolidate trips, avoiding extra deadhead mileage around the busy downtown port area.

3

Hub city advantages

San Diego’s major port and its connections to I‑5, I‑15, and the Pacific Highway make it a natural hub for regional and cross‑country auto carriers, so you’ll often find more carrier options and competitive quotes. The city’s intermodal facilities allow trucks to pick up cars that arrived by rail or ship, creating economies of scale that can lower your shipping cost.

4

Weather considerations

San Diego’s weather is generally sunny, but the winter months can bring occasional rain and marine layer fog that may delay loading at the port or on coastal highways. Planning for a small buffer during January‑February helps avoid surprise hold‑ups and keeps your overall shipping timeline on track.

5

Booking in advance

Securing your shipment 4‑6 weeks ahead of the desired move gives you access to the carrier’s pre‑planned schedule before the summer surge hits, locking in lower rates. Early bookings also let you compare multiple quotes while the market is still calm, ensuring you get the best price for a San Diego pickup or drop‑off.

6

Open carrier transport

Choosing an open‑air trailer instead of an enclosed one can shave $100‑$200 off a typical coast‑to‑coast shipment because open trailers are more common on the busy I‑5 corridor serving San Diego. Since San Diego’s mild weather rarely threatens paint or interiors, most customers find the risk minimal and the savings worthwhile.

7

Flexible dates

Carriers plan their routes weeks in advance, and a flexible delivery date lets them batch your car with other loads traveling south on I‑5 or east on I‑15, cutting fuel and labor costs. By offering a 2‑day delivery window, you increase the chance of being placed on a fully loaded truck rather than a partially filled one, which directly reduces your rate.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from San Diego

Professional auto transport service for San Diego moves

In California, every vehicle must be registered with the DMV before it can be driven on public roads. New owners complete the process online or at a local office, provide a smog certification from a CARB‑approved station, and submit a VIN inspection if the car is from out of state [DMV][CARB]. When you arrange car shipping or auto transport to San Diego, the carrier will usually deliver the vehicle with temporary plates; you have five days to obtain permanent registration. San Diego drivers also need to follow state rules on window tint (no more than 70% light transmission on the front side windows) and frame height (minimum 4 inches for rear windows) [California Vehicle Code].

San Diego’s dense downtown and steep hill neighborhoods mean parking permits are often required, and street‑cleaning schedules are posted on the City Website [City Website]. Heavy traffic on I‑5 and the Pacific Coast Highway can add time to auto transport routes, so plan for extra days. The mild climate rarely calls for winter tires, but a good set of all‑season tires helps on occasional rain‑slicked roads. California law requires minimum liability coverage of $15,000/$30,000/$5,000, and many drivers add uninsured motorist protection; check the California Department of Insurance for the latest rates [Insurance Dept].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

San Diego 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 San Diego, remove any toll transponder (e.g., FasTrak), take out loose or fragile items, leave a set of keys for the carrier, and clear exterior accessories such as bike racks or roof boxes that could be damaged in transit.

Yes—when you ship a vehicle to or from San Diego, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers we work with must carry at least $1 million in liability and $100 thousand in cargo insurance, and we verify that their policies are active for the entire trip, including the busy San Diego port and highway corridors.

In San Diego, we recommend booking your pickup at least two weeks in advance, but the sooner you post, the better, because carriers often bundle shipments from the same area, especially near the Port of San Diego and busy highway corridors. Early scheduling also helps avoid peak traffic times and seasonal demand spikes.

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 San Diego, open trailers are the most common and cost‑effective way to move a vehicle, but they expose the car to strong sun, salty ocean air, and road debris. Enclosed transport costs about 50% more and is ideal for high‑value cars, classic models, or custom finishes that need protection from the coastal elements and heavy traffic on I‑5. Choose open for standard daily drivers and enclosed for prized vehicles.

We provide door‑to‑door auto transport in San Diego, so you can have your vehicle picked up and delivered right to the address you give us—whether it’s a home, apartment, or business location. Our carriers are familiar with the city’s main routes such as I‑5, I‑8 and the waterfront areas, and will work with you if any local restrictions require a nearby gas station or parking lot instead. As long as the spot is accessible, we’ll handle the rest.

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 San Diego

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

San Diego, California, blends sun‑kissed beaches with a bustling port, making it a top spot for car owners who love both sea breezes and easy shipping options.

  • Coastal Geography: The city stretches over 70 miles of shoreline and sits beside the deep‑water Port of San Diego, ideal for vehicle imports and exports.
  • Iconic Landmarks: Balboa Park, the USS Midway Museum, and the historic Gaslamp Quarter draw millions of visitors each year.
  • Rich History: Founded in 1769 as the first European settlement on the West Coast, San Diego’s heritage influences its vibrant culture.
  • Vehicle Emissions Rules: California law requires biennial smog checks for cars, helping keep the city’s famous blue skies clear.
  • Perfect Climate: Average annual temperature hovers around 70°F with over 260 sunny days, so cars stay cool year‑round.
  • Economic Engines: The military, biotech, tourism, and international trade sectors drive a robust economy that supports a steady flow of vehicle shipments.
  • Diverse Population: Home to 1.4 million residents, the city boasts a mix of cultures, languages, and lifestyles.
  • Transportation Hub: San Diego International Airport, I‑5, I‑8, and I‑15 highways, plus the port, create a seamless network for moving cars in and out of the region.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping can seem confusing the first time you need it, but the process is straightforward once you know the basics. In San Diego, CA, most drivers work with an auto transport broker rather than contacting a carrier directly. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, acts as a middle‑man. They gather rates, verify insurance, and match you with a reputable carrier who actually moves the vehicle. The carrier owns the truck and trailer and is responsible for the physical pickup, transport, and delivery. While carriers own the equipment, brokers do not; they simply coordinate the service. Using a trusted broker ensures you get a carrier with good reviews, proper licensing, and adequate insurance, which protects both your car and your peace of mind.

The typical car shipping journey in San Diego follows five clear steps. 1) Call a broker like Sakaem Logistics to request a quote. 2) The broker searches its network and selects a carrier that meets your schedule and service needs. 3) The carrier arrives at the address you provided, inspects the vehicle, verifies the VIN, takes photos, and loads it onto an open or enclosed trailer. 4) The carrier drives the car to the destination and unloads it safely. 5) You settle payment with the broker or carrier at pickup or delivery, often by credit card, ACH, or cash, and receive a receipt. A few practical tips help the process run smoothly: choose an enclosed trailer for luxury or classic cars; remove all personal items and loose objects before the carrier arrives; make sure the car can roll on its own wheels; keep about a quarter tank of fuel so the carrier can move the vehicle onto the trailer; and inspect the vehicle with the driver and note any existing damage before it leaves. Following these steps makes auto transport simple, transparent, and stress‑free for anyone in San Diego, CA.