Auto shipping to or from San Francisco is fairly simple, though the city does have its quirks that affect auto transports. San Francisco proper has almost 900,000 residents within city limits. The Bay Area (which includes Oakland and San Jose) has over seven million residents and is the fifth most populous metropolitan area in the country.
With all those people, there are plenty of options for auto shipping in San Francisco. We’ve reviewed the best car shipping companies on the market to help you find a good rate from a reputable provider. Compare free quotes from our top recommendations below.
Best Car Shipping Companies
The Detroit Bureau reviewed the top car shipping companies to find the best.
What to Expect When Shipping a Car in San Francisco
Known for cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge and steep hills, San Francisco is home to an eclectic culture and plenty of sights to see. The city’s mild weather and extensive infrastructure make auto shipping to and from San Francisco easy year-round.
The most common way to ship a car is by open transport trailer. Be aware that you might have to modify your drop-off or pick-up location to accommodate for a long trailer in the city. The driver wouldn’t want to bottom out on one of those hills or get stuck around a tight corner.
Car transporters usually carry a minimum level of insurance, and brokerage companies guarantee a certain amount. If you use a marketplace like uShip, you’ll need to verify insurance coverage for the carriers you find.
Cost of Shipping to and from San Francisco
Car shipping costs are a bit like gas prices. They go up and down depending on the provider, your vehicle, the distance, the type of service and more. The best way to find a cheap car shipping service is to compare rates from multiple providers.
We’ve included some sample quotes below from Montway Auto Transport, our overall top pick for car shipping. You can learn more about the provider in our Montway Auto Transport review.
| Origin/Destination City | Distance | Cost of Auto Shipping to San Francisco | Cost of Auto Shipping from San Francisco |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento, CA | 100 miles | $369 | $289 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 400 miles | $559 | $559 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 600 miles | $499 | $649 |
| Denver, CO | 1,250 miles | $789 | $1,159 |
| Houston, TX | 1,900 miles | $959 | $1,279 |
| Miami, FL | 3,000 miles | $1,239 | $1,599 |
These quotes apply to a 2020 Honda Civic. That means the vehicle is a manageable size and weight and is easy to ship. You’ll find higher prices when shipping an SUV or truck. These quotes are also for open auto transport service, not enclosed. If you need an enclosed trailer, you’ll pay at least a few hundred dollars more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Transport
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
According to our research, it costs about $600 to ship a standard sedan from San Francisco to Los Angeles on an open transport trailer. You’ll pay more to ship a heavy or large vehicle. You’ll also pay more if you want to use an enclosed car shipping service.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car?
The cheapest way to ship a car safely is to use an open car transport service. Most auto transport companies offer door-to-door services, but you might be able to save some more money by dropping off or picking up at a shipping terminal instead.
How much is it to ship a car from California?
According to rates from Montway Auto Transport, auto shipping from California to the neighboring state of Nevada can cost about $600 or more. On the other hand, a 3,000-mile cross-country shipment to Miami can cost $1,600 or higher.
What is the best car shipping company?
We chose Montway Auto Transport as the best car shipping company for its combination of industry reputation, customer experience and low prices. Rounding out our top five picks are AmeriFreight, Sherpa Auto Transport, uShip and Bargain Auto Transport.
Methodology
The Detroit Bureau collects data from every major car shipping provider to formulate rankings of the best auto transport companies. Our in-depth rating system takes into account pricing, services, customer satisfaction and ratings from industry experts. Each provider is given a weighted score in four categories, as well as an overall score out of 10.0.
We recommend car shipping companies based on these rankings, but we also encourage you to perform your own research and compare quotes to find the best service.
