California vehicle transport

California Car Shipping

Coordinate open or enclosed vehicle transportation to or from California with Auto Movers Choice.

Vehicle transport to and from California

Whether you are relocating to or from California, buying or selling a vehicle across state lines, or moving dealership inventory, Auto Movers Choice Inc. coordinates vehicle transportation based on your route, vehicle, and timing.

California spans a large geographic area with major metro areas including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, and many others. Routes to and from California vary considerably in distance and logistics depending on origin and destination. Contact our team to discuss the details of your specific shipment.

How California vehicle shipping works

  1. 1

    Request a quote

    Submit your route, vehicle details, and preferred timing through our online quote form or by calling (888) 711-8837. We will follow up to confirm the details of your shipment.

  2. 2

    Confirm your shipment

    Once the details are confirmed, your shipment is coordinated for pickup. You will be contacted with information about your scheduled pickup window.

  3. 3

    Vehicle pickup

    A carrier arrives at the agreed pickup location. You or a designated adult must be present. The carrier conducts a condition inspection and documents the vehicle's state before loading.

  4. 4

    Transport in progress

    Your vehicle is transported toward its destination. You can contact our team during transit if you have questions about your shipment.

  5. 5

    Delivery and inspection

    At delivery, you or a designated adult must be present to receive the vehicle. Review the condition report against the pickup inspection before signing off.

Pickup and delivery access in California

California includes a wide range of residential settings — gated communities, hillside neighborhoods, dense urban areas, and rural locations — that can affect carrier access at pickup or delivery.

  • Gated communities and restricted-access neighborhoods may require advance coordination. Check with your community management about carrier access before scheduling.
  • Some pickup or delivery locations may not safely accommodate a large car carrier. If your address has access limitations, contact our team so the details can be discussed before arrival.
  • If a carrier cannot safely access your address, you may be asked to meet at a nearby accessible location such as a parking lot or open road.
  • You or a designated adult must be present and reachable at both pickup and delivery to inspect the vehicle and sign the condition report.

Access requirements vary by location. If questions come up about safe carrier access at your pickup or delivery address, contact our team so the details can be discussed before arrival.

Open versus enclosed transport

Open transport

Open transport is the most common option for standard vehicles. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open multi-car carrier alongside other vehicles. This is a practical choice for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs traveling to or from California.

Enclosed transport

Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a covered trailer, providing protection from road debris and weather exposure during transit. This option is often chosen for classic cars, high-value vehicles, and vehicles with low ground clearance.

The right transport type depends on your vehicle, budget, and preferences. Contact our team to discuss which option fits your shipment.

See all transport service options.

Preparing your vehicle for transport

Disclose vehicle operability

Disclose whether your vehicle can roll, brake, and steer under its own power. If it cannot, special loading equipment may be required, and not every truck has the same equipment. Disclose the vehicle's exact condition when requesting your quote.

Personal items

Generally limit securely placed personal items to no more than 100 pounds while confirming the requirements that apply to your specific shipment. Do not assume personal items are insured during transport; confirm the requirements that apply to your specific shipment.

Fuel level

Confirm the fuel-level requirement for your specific shipment. Customers are commonly asked to keep the tank around one-quarter full so the vehicle can be moved while limiting unnecessary weight.

Remove or secure loose items

Remove or secure any exterior accessories, custom parts, or loose items that could shift or detach during transport. Retractable antennas should be lowered.

Document existing condition

Photograph your vehicle from multiple angles before pickup. Review the carrier's condition report carefully at both pickup and delivery and note any discrepancies before signing.

Read the full interstate car shipping guide.

What affects the price of California car shipping

Vehicle transport pricing depends on a combination of factors specific to your shipment. There is no single rate for California routes.

  • Origin and destination — distance and route accessibility
  • Vehicle type, size, and weight
  • Whether the vehicle is operable or inoperable
  • Open or enclosed transport
  • Timing and scheduling flexibility
  • Season and current carrier availability
  • Fuel costs at the time of shipment

For a detailed explanation of how these factors interact: View the car shipping cost guide.

Completed shipment example

The following is a historical completed-shipment example from 2026 coordinated through Auto Movers Choice. It shows route, vehicle, and total customer price only. It is not a current quote or guarantee. Actual pricing varies with route, vehicle, operability, transport type, timing, season, and carrier availability.

Oviedo, FL to Los Angeles, CA

2012 Toyota Camry

$1,200 total

Example is from 2026. Contact Auto Movers Choice for a quote specific to your shipment.

California car shipping — frequently asked questions

Can Auto Movers Choice coordinate vehicle transport to or from any part of California?

Auto Movers Choice coordinates vehicle transportation to and from locations throughout California, including the Los Angeles area, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, and other destinations statewide. Contact our team to discuss your specific route.

How far in advance should I request a quote for California transport?

Requesting a quote as early as possible gives more flexibility in scheduling. Contact our team to discuss your preferred timing and we will work to accommodate your schedule.

What if my pickup or delivery address has restricted access?

If your address is in a gated community or has other access limitations, contact our team before scheduling so the details can be discussed. You may be asked to meet the carrier at a nearby accessible location.

Can I ship a classic or high-value vehicle to or from California?

Yes. Enclosed transport is available for classic cars, high-value vehicles, and vehicles requiring additional protection during transit. Contact our team to discuss the right option for your vehicle.

Can I place personal items in my vehicle during transport?

Generally limit securely placed personal items to no more than 100 pounds while confirming the requirements that apply to your specific shipment. Do not assume personal items are insured during transport; confirm the requirements before shipping.

What do I need to do at pickup and delivery?

You or a designated adult must be present and reachable at both pickup and delivery. At pickup, the carrier will conduct a condition inspection. At delivery, review the condition report against the pickup inspection before signing off.

Ready to ship your vehicle to or from California?

Contact Auto Movers Choice Inc. to request a quote or ask questions about your California vehicle shipment.

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