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California Car Shipping

Effortlessly shipping cars, motorcycles, trucks or any vehicle to/from any location in California
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California Vehicle Shipping & Heavy Haul Transport Experts

Ship a Car, Inc. delivers superior shipping service to people relocating their vehicles, businesses moving their general freight and/or transporting heavy haul equipment as well as volume relocation services for dealers and corporations.

SAC is an experienced transport broker with direct access to the largest network of carriers. One simple call does it all. When you choose Ship A Car, we deliver not only your vehicle and/or freight, but peace of mind as well.

Contact a Ship A Car transport coordinator now at (866) 821-4555 for direct vehicle transport service to/from any residential or business location in the state of California.

Select a route below for more information about shipping along that route:

California Car Shipping Routes

Shipping to California

Shipping from California

Popular California Car Shipping Locations

We provide direct service to and from any location in California - above is a list of the most popular car shipping locations that we service.

Everything You Need to Know About the State of California (CA)

California is nicknamed The Golden State. It is also well-known by these nicknames: The Land of Milk and Honey, The El Dorado State, The Grape State, and The Bear State. The state tree is the California Redwood, the state bird is the California Valley Quail and the state flower is the Poppy. The state motto is ‘Eureka’ (I have found it).

The City and County of San Francisco is both the country’s second-most densely populated major city after New York City and the fifth-most densely populated county, behind only four of the five New York City boroughs. The state’s capital is Sacramento.

California became a U.S. territory in 1847 as part of the treaty ending the Mexican-American War. An influx of settlers headed to the west coast in search of fortune in 1848 as the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill became known. In 1850, California became the 31st state. Today, California is the 3rd largest state right behind Alaska and Texas by area and it is the most populous of U.S. states.

The State located in the Pacific Region of the United States. California shares a border with Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and the Mexican state of Baja California to the south. The state’s diverse geography ranges from the Pacific Coast in the west to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the east, and from the redwood and Douglas fir forests in the northwest to the Mojave Desert in the southeast. The Central Valley, a major agricultural area, dominates the state’s center. Although California is well-known for its warm Mediterranean climate, the large size of the state results in climates that vary from moist temperate rainforest in the north to arid desert in the interior, as well as snowy alpine in the mountains. Over time, drought and wildfires have become more frequent challenges. The Greater Los Angeles Area and the San Francisco Bay Area are the nation’s second and fifth-most populous urban regions. Los Angeles is California’s most populous city, and the country’s second-most populous, after New York City. California also has the nation’s most populous county, Los Angeles County, and its largest county by area, San Bernardino County

Following James Marshall’s discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma in 1848, California’s population jumped from 14,000 to 250,000 in only four years. In a short 9 years, between the years of 1850 and 1859, miners extracted 28,280,711 fine ounces of gold.
California has the largest economy in the United States and, in 1997, was the first state to reach the trillion-dollar benchmark in gross state product. In 2012, California ranked as the 9th largest economy in the world.
California grows more than 3.3 million tons of wine grapes on over 540,000 acres each year and produces roughly 90% of all wine produced in the United States.
Both the highest and lowest points in the continental United States are located within 100 miles of one another in California. Mount Whitney measures 14,505 feet and Badwater Basin in Death Valley is 282 feet below sea level.
Death Valley, considered to be both the hottest and driest place in the United States, often reaches temperatures greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months and averages only around two inches of rain each year.
With a trunk slightly greater than 102 feet in circumference, General Sherman in Sequoia National Park is the largest living tree (by volume) in the world. It is estimated to be somewhere between 1,800 to 2,700 years old.
Southern California has about 10,000 earthquakes each year, although only 15 to 20 of them have a magnitude of 4.0 and greater.
California leads the country in agricultural production. About one-half of the state’s land is federally owned. National parks located throughout the state are devoted to the preservation of nature and natural resources.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Shipping to California

There are several factors that affect the cost of shipping your vehicle to California. The main factors are as follows:

Distance

The farther the distance the more expensive it’ll be to ship your vehicle. This increase in cost is a result of increased fuel consumption, mileage and total time needed to get the vehicle to its final destination.

Location of Pick-up and Delivery

When it comes to pick-up and delivery locations, you have a choice between two options which are; door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal delivery. With the door-to-door option, the auto carrier will pick up your vehicle from the address you give them and deliver it to the destination address you want in California. This option is convenient and great if you don’t have the time to drop off your car. It is more expensive than the terminal-to-terminal option.

If you opt for the terminal-to-terminal option, you will have to drop off your vehicle at a terminal and pick it up at the shipping terminal.

Type and Condition of the Vehicle

Larger cars weigh more; hence, they cost more to ship than smaller, more compact cars. The increased weight affects the fuel consumption of the car carrier; larger cars also take up more space on the carrier.

The working condition of the car affects how it is going to be handled. Immobile cars require special equipment to place them onto a carrier, thus it will cost more to transport because of the extra work and specialized equipment necessary for the job. Operable cars are a lot easier to handle.

Delivery Schedule

If you have a flexible delivery schedule, you are likely to get a better shipping quote. On the flip side, if you are super rigid on your pick-up and delivery dates you will end up waiting for the perfect carrier (the one that can accommodate your exact schedule) and undoubtedly pay more for this.

Type of Shipping

There are two major options for the type of transport carriers you can use to ship your vehicle. The option you decide to go for would be based on your budget and type of vehicle. The two major types of shipping are: Open-air transport and Enclosed Transport

In open-air transport, your vehicle is secured tightly and mounted on the back of a trailer. There is no protective covering around your vehicle. This option is great if you are looking to reduce cost but it does not shield your vehicle from road debris and weather.

The enclosed transport option provides better protection and it is the ideal option for luxurious and more expensive cars. It is more expensive than open-air transport.

Tip for Hiring an Auto Shipping Company
  • Make inquiries about the kind of insurance policy the company has for damages.
  • Check the online reviews from customers. Make sure they do not have outstanding unresolved complaints.
  • Verify the legitimacy of the company. Carry out thorough research of the companies to find out if they have all the documentation required to operate in California.
  • Use a company that has experience shipping vehicles to / from California. The company should have a track record of delivering successfully within the state of California.
  • You should be able to get free quotes from their website.

Transporting a vehicle to another city can be stressful and time-consuming. It is a lot easier to use the services of a reliable shipping company to help transport your vehicle. We at SAC have all it takes to deliver your vehicle on time and in good condition. We have a track record of excellence. Call us at (866) 821-4555 to get a free quote.

CALCULATE YOUR SHIPPING RATE IN 3 EASY STEPS!

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Our transport representatives are available by calling (866) 821-4555 to answer all your questions.

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California Transportation Information

  • California Roads
  • California Air Transport
  • California Marine Transport

  • California Roads

    Works Cited

    “California”. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California. Accessed November 25, 2019.
    “California”. History.com Editors, Updated: March 13, 2019 – Original: November 9, 2009, https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/california. Accessed November 25, 2019.

    California’s vast terrain is connected by an extensive system of controlled-access highways (‘freeways’), limited-access roads (‘expressways’), and highways. California is known for its car culture, giving California’s cities a reputation for severe traffic congestion. Construction and maintenance of state roads and statewide transportation planning are primarily the responsibility of the California Department of Transportation, nicknamed “Caltrans”. The rapidly growing population of the state is straining all of its transportation networks, and California has some of the worst roads in the United States. The Reason Foundation’s 19th Annual Report on the Performance of State Highway Systems ranked California’s highways the third-worst of any state, with Alaska second, and Rhode Island first.

    The state has been a pioneer in road construction. One of the state’s more visible landmarks, the Golden Gate Bridge, was the longest suspension bridge main span in the world at 4,200 feet (1,300 m) between 1937 (when it opened) and 1964. With its orange paint and panoramic views of the bay, this highway bridge is a popular tourist attraction and also accommodates pedestrians and bicyclists. The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge (often abbreviated the “Bay Bridge”), completed in 1936, transports about 280,000 vehicles per day in two decks. Its two sections meet at Yerba Buena Island through the world’s largest diameter transportation bore tunnel, at 76 feet (23 m) wide by 58 feet (18 m) high. The Arroyo Seco Parkway, connecting Los Angeles and Pasadena, opened in 1940 as the first freeway in the Western United States. It was later extended south to the Four-Level Interchange in downtown Los Angeles, regarded as the first stack interchange ever built.

    The California Highway Patrol is the largest statewide police agency in the United States in employment with over 10,000 employees. They are responsible for providing any police-sanctioned service to anyone on California’s state-maintained highways and state property.

  • California Air Transport

    Works Cited

    “California”. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California. Accessed November 25, 2019.
    “California”. History.com Editors, Updated: March 13, 2019 – Original: November 9, 2009, https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/california. Accessed November 25, 2019.

    Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the 6th busiest airport in the world, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the 23rd busiest airport in the world, are major hubs for trans-Pacific and transcontinental traffic. There are about a dozen important commercial airports and many more general aviation airports throughout the state.

     

    California Marine Transport

    California also has several important seaports. The giant seaport complex formed by the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach in Southern California is the largest in the country and responsible for handling about a fourth of all container cargo traffic in the United States. The Port of Oakland, the fourth largest in the nation, also handles trade entering from the Pacific Rim to the rest of the country. The Port of Stockton is the farthest inland port on the west coast of the United States.

  • California Marine Transport

    Works Cited

    “California”. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California. Accessed November 25, 2019.
    “California”. History.com Editors, Updated: March 13, 2019 – Original: November 9, 2009, https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/california. Accessed November 25, 2019.

    California also has several important seaports. The giant seaport complex formed by the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach in Southern California is the largest in the country and responsible for handling about a fourth of all container cargo traffic in the United States. The Port of Oakland, fourth largest in the nation, also handles trade entering from the Pacific Rim to the rest of the country. The Port of Stockton is the farthest inland port on the west coast of the United States.

As rated by our clients and

What do our clients say?

5
Rating
Company
As rated by our clients (from 1139 testimonials)
5.0
Thank you, Gary... You were terrific from the moment that I called you until the delivery of my car, which arrived before it was scheduled. When Shipped to LA last year the car was three to four weeks late, assume because they had different drivers. You organization only uses one driver and that is the difference...driver kept in touch with me that made delivery so easy. Would recommend you and your organization to anyone.
Bernard S. West Hollywood, CA
5.0
Just shipped my car and trust me they provide the best shipping service in town! Hassle-free, fast, and my is in safe hand! Thanks!
Perry Krueger
5.0
Pricey, but came thru when others wouldn't. Timely pick up and delivery.
Djr
5.0
First I wanted to say Thank you Bob M. from ship a car. this company was the most professional of all of the companies I spoke with. I will be using this company ONLY in the future, this is definitely the company that I will trust. Thanks if i can give 10 stars I definitely will.
Chun T.
5.0
I'm giving SAC a 1 Star due to the transporter they assigned me (guilty by association). SAC (itself) were professional and courteous. Unfortunately, if they assign "Dones Auto Transport Inc:" to you, MAKE SURE you refuse them! The driver was nice enough but didn't speak english - per the dispatcher. And the dispatcher was anything but professional. I'm all for supporting small businesses but this husband/wife team were the absolute worse in professionalism and communication! This is why they probably don't have a profile under Google or Yelp! I was promised 5 star service but received the most bootlegged service ever experienced! Wednesday, March 23: Received a call from the dispatcher "the driver (Javier) is confirmed to pick up my car on Friday (March 25) & would call me 3 hours out." Friday, March 25 Driver was a no call/no show. Attempted to make contact via text and cell to no avail. Dispatcher finally calls back late afternoon - Driver stuck at DMV all morning renewing his registration & would pick up the car  Saturday morning by approximately 8am. Saturday, March 24: 9 am, No word from driver/dispatcher. Several calls/texts made & at 12.30 pm, dispatcher text's back stating her son had the phone & she didn't realize I called. Almost an hour later I'm told the driver caught a flat but was approximately 45 miles away. 3pm, driver arrives & picks up the car. Tuesday, March 29 5 pm, dispatcher texts me - driver needs to drop off "tonight" as another driver injured his finger. I asked for a time, she provided a two hour window which I refused due to the inconsistent communication & lack of confidence. She then became obnoxious and even sent me a photo of the injury (see attached - NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH) & demanded I make arrangements for a late drop off. After A LOT of back and forth, she agreed to a Wednesday morning drop off. Wednesday, March 30 The driver makes contact stating he was onsite & unloaded the car only to find out he was at the wrong location. It took him another hour to get to the right destination. Two hours later, I finally got my car. I know as a broker, there is little SAC can do but this needed to be said! STAY AWAY FROM DONES AUTO TRANSPORT, INC!
Steven V.
5.0
Best car shipping service I have ever experienced. I know my car was in good hands. Highly recommend them to all!
Nicholas Tucker
5.0
My van made it here in one piece thank you so much for all your help. The carrier was very helpful and friendly. One happy customer!
Janette N. Meridian, ID
5.0
Great company to work with for shipping my car from Oakland to Honolulu. Rita was a pleasure to work with and made the entire process as easy as possible. No hangups and I received my vehicle earlier than I anticipated. Will be using Ship a Car again in the future for my vehicle transport needs.
Nikoles M.
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