Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may earn a commission if you employ the services of the car shipping providers outlined here. These commissions come to us at no additional cost to you. Our research team has carefully vetted dozens of car shipping providers. See our Privacy Policy to learn more.
Featured Car Shipping Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top car shipping providers. Here are our featured picks:
Our #1 Rated Provider
Montway
Best for Locked-In Pricing
Sherpa
Best for Affordable Services
Nexus
If you’re looking to ship a car to or from San Diego, it’s good to know what to expect before making any arrangements. That’s why our team has reviewed the best car shipping companies in the transport industry, looking at services, delivery costs, and more to help you make the right decision for your needs.
In this article, we’ll go over what items you’ll need to book your car shipment, how much you can expect to pay, and how to make the process as hassle free as possible. To get the best deal for car shipping in San Diego, we also recommend comparing car shipping quotes online.
5 Best San Diego Car Shipping Companies
To determine the five best car shipping companies in San Diego, we researched providers’ prices, transport options, and customer service. See our top picks below.
Montway Auto Transport: Best Overall
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+
Cost of open car transport for 1,500 miles: $979
Founded in 2006, Montway Auto Transport has grown into an experienced leader in the car shipping industry. An extensive network of more than 15,000 carriers has helped the shipping broker maintain strong customer relationships, which is reflected in its 4.6-star customer review rating average on the BBB’s website.
Read more: Montway Auto Transport review
Our #1 Rated Provider
Sherpa Auto Transport: Locked-In Prices
BBB rating: A+
Cost of open car transport for 1,500 miles: $1,000
While Sherpa Auto Transport only launched in 2017, it has quickly built a reputation for excellent customer service and reliability. The company can sometimes have above-average rates, but its Price Lock Promise means the rate you’re quoted is the rate you’ll pay. This means customers could save money with Sherpa, especially if they need long-distance San Diego car shipping.
Read more: Sherpa Auto Transport review
Best for Locked-In Pricing
AmeriFreight: Best Discounts
BBB rating: A+
Cost of open car transport for 1,500 miles: $884
AmeriFreight has been in business since 2004 and offers the following discounts:
- Senior citizens
- Students
- First responders
- Active military
- Healthcare workers
- Return customers
Since AmeriFreight is one of our cheapest top providers, it’s an excellent choice for cross-country car shipping to or from San Diego.
Read more: AmeriFreight review
Easy Auto Ship: Best For A Quick Pickup
BBB rating: A+
Cost of open car transport for 1,500 miles: $1,198
Easy Auto Ship has more vehicle tracking options than most other car shipping companies, offering peace of mind for car shipping in San Diego. You can track your shipment’s progress online 24/7 and chat with an agent if you have any questions.
Read more: Easy Auto Ship review
Best For a Quick Pickup
uShip: Best Car Shipping Marketplace
BBB rating: A+
Cost of open car transport for 1,500 miles: $1,059
With uShip, independent moving companies bid on your vehicle shipping job. It’s easy to compare free quotes and get the best possible price using uShip’s online marketplace.
Read more: uShip review
Other San Diego Car Shipping Companies
There are several reputable auto shipping companies based in San Diego, including the following:
San Diego Auto Shipping
San Diego Auto Shipping has nearly a decade of experience and ships a variety of vehicles, including boats, buses, and motorcycles. The company provides nationwide auto shipping services – even to Hawaii and Alaska – and offers door-to-door service and enclosed transport for luxury and classic cars.
For more information, visit the San Diego Auto Shipping website.
Hyperdel Auto Shipping
Hyperdel Auto Shipping offers open and enclosed auto transport, as well as single-car shipping and other custom options. The company has a network of over 10,000 movers, along with a money-back guarantee for extra peace of mind.
To learn more, visit the Hyperdel Auto Shipping website.
How Much Does Car Shipping Cost In San Diego?
Car shipping in San Diego can be pricey depending on your route. Comparing quotes from car shipping companies is your best strategy for locking in the lowest rate.
San Diego Car Shipping Cost Estimates
Here are some common auto shipping routes to and from San Diego, along with cost estimates for each car shipment.
| From | To | Mileage | Average Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | Las Vegas | 330 | $688 |
| San Diego | Denver | 1,070 | $1,233 |
| San Diego | Houston | 1,470 | $1,510 |
| New Orleans | San Diego | 1,800 | $1,478 |
| San Diego | Philadelphia | 2,745 | $1,695 |
| New York City | San Diego | 2,800 | $1,823 |
*The average cost estimate combines quotes from Montway Auto Transport and uShip.
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
Car shipping costs vary depending on several factors, including the ones below.
- Distance: A longer shipping route, such as San Diego to Miami, will have a lower per-mile rate but a higher overall price.
- Transport type: An enclosed car shipping container costs more than a traditional open carrier.
- Time of year: January and the summer tend to see higher rates for car shipping services, as there is more demand during these times of the year.
- Vehicle condition: Inoperable cars take more work to load and unload, so they’re more expensive to ship.
- Type of vehicle: Larger vehicles take up more room in carriers, so they often cost more to ship.
Expedited service, additional insurance coverage, and other add-ons will raise the price for car shipping.
What To Expect When Shipping A Car In San Diego
San Diego is the second-largest city in California by population and the eighth most populous in the entire country. With that in mind, it’s a good bet that heavy traffic around major cities in southern California or beyond could impact your car shipment to or from the area. We recommend being flexible in terms of pickup and delivery dates to make your vehicle transport as stress-free as possible.
There are a few basic requirements for how to ship a car in San Diego. Most auto transport providers will require the following information before you can ship your vehicle:
- Photo ID
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of car insurance
- Information about who will be present for pickup and delivery
San Diego Car Shipping: FAQ
What is the cheapest company to ship your car?
Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, and AmeriFreight are good options for cheap car shipping. To get the best rate, compare quotes from companies and be flexible with pickup and delivery dates.
Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?
Many car shipping companies don’t allow you to put personal items in your vehicle before shipping it. The extra weight could lead to a higher shipping cost, and auto transport companies generally aren’t legally responsible for damaged or lost personal possessions.
How much does it cost to ship your car to San Diego?
Based on estimates we received from Montway Auto Transport and uShip, it can cost an average of about $1,500 to ship a car to San Diego from 1,800 miles away and about $1,800 to ship one from 2,800 miles away. Shipments from shorter distances could be cheaper. Shipping costs depend on many factors, including your vehicle type and selected delivery time.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car shipping companies.
- Prices: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, services, and shipping routes to give this rating.
- Services: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that an auto transport company offers an array of services. We take into account the availability of services, ability to guarantee pickup and drop-off dates, and insurance coverage options.
- Reputation: Our team considers BBB ratings, a company’s history of service, and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Service: Reputable car shippers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
