Los Angeles is famous for sunshine, celebrity sightings, and… traffic. Lots of traffic. With more than 3.8 million people calling LA home and millions more traveling through each year, it’s no surprise the city has become a hub for car shipping services. Whether you’re moving into the city, heading out, buying a vehicle online, or sending a car to a student across the state, shipping your vehicle is often the smarter, faster, and more cost-effective choice over driving it yourself.
In a city this large, with so many moving parts, it helps to know how to make car shipping seamless. This guide gives you everything you need: who uses car shipping, what it costs, common routes, shipping methods, and expert tips to save money and time.
WHO NEEDS CAR SHIPPING IN LOS ANGELES?
Car shipping isn’t just for cross-country moves or dealerships. It’s for everyday people in everyday situations—especially in LA.
✅ Movers
Relocating within California or across the country? Auto transport helps simplify the moving puzzle. It can save you mileage, fuel costs, and the stress of a long drive.
✅ Online Car Buyers
Are you buying a car from another state or listing one for sale? Car shipping bridges the gap between where your vehicle is and where it needs to be.
✅ Students
Students at UCLA, USC, and other LA schools often ship cars from their home states instead of making the cross-country drive.
✅ Dealerships
Dealers frequently rely on transport services to move inventory, send vehicles to auctions, or deliver cars to out-of-area customers.
HOW CAR SHIPPING WORKS: STEP‑BY‑STEP
Here’s what the typical car shipping process looks like:
- Choose a provider: Use a marketplace like uShip to compare quotes from multiple carriers.
- Share your vehicle info: Make, model, year, condition, and any modifications.
- Book the transport: Choose the best carrier based on price, timing, and reviews.
- Schedule pickup: The carrier confirms your pickup window and provides instructions.
- Vehicle inspection: Before loading, the driver inspects the vehicle and notes pre-existing damage.
- Prep your vehicle: Remove personal items, deactivate toll tags, and leave 1/4 tank of fuel.
- Transit and updates: Your vehicle is loaded, secured, and transported. Some carriers offer GPS tracking.
- Delivery and final inspection: Upon arrival, inspect the vehicle and sign the bill of lading.
✅ uShip makes this entire process easy and straightforward—you can compare quotes, communicate with carriers, and book securely, all in one place. No endless phone calls or surprises.
COMMON ROUTES FOR LA VEHICLE SHIPPING
🚗 Local California Routes
| Route | Miles | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles → San Diego | 120 | A high-traffic route with frequent demand |
| Los Angeles → San Francisco | 380 | Popular for long weekend relocations |
| Fresno → San Jose | 170 | Central California to tech corridor |
| Long Beach → Oakland | 360 | Coastal route used by ports and dealers |
| LA → Sacramento | 380 | Government/business route for mid-state |
🚚 Long-Distance or Out-of-State
- LA → Phoenix (370 miles)
- LA → Las Vegas (270 miles)
- LA → Houston (1,550 miles)
- LA → New York (2,800+ miles)
Longer routes typically take 7–10 days and are great candidates for door-to-door or enclosed transport if you’re shipping a valuable vehicle.
SHIPPING OPTIONS: OPEN, ENCLOSED, AND SERVICE TYPES
OPEN TRANSPORT
- What it is: Your car travels on a multi-vehicle open trailer
- Cost: Most affordable option
- Best for: Standard vehicles
- Trade-off: Exposed to road debris and weather
ENCLOSED TRANSPORT
- What it is: Vehicles ship in a covered trailer
- Cost: 30–60% more than open
- Best for: Luxury, exotic, or classic cars
- Trade-off: Fewer carriers, higher price, but better protection
SERVICE TYPES: DOOR-TO-DOOR VS. TERMINAL-TO-TERMINAL
| Feature | Door-to-Door | Terminal-to-Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup/Drop-off | At your address | At local shipping terminals |
| Convenience | High | Moderate |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Timeframe | Often faster | May involve longer wait windows |
| Ideal For | Personal moves, luxury cars | Budget-conscious or rural users |
uShip lets you choose the service type that best matches your budget, schedule, and convenience.
AVERAGE COST OF CAR SHIPPING IN LOS ANGELES
🚗 Local (Under 200 miles)
- Open trailer: $350–$600
- Enclosed: $700–$1,000
🚚 In-State (300–600 miles)
- Open: $600–$1,200
- Enclosed: $1,000–$1,800
🚛 Cross-Country (1,000+ miles)
- Open: $1,200–$1,800
- Enclosed: $1,800–$2,500+
Prices can shift with market demand, gas prices, and carrier availability. Always request detailed quotes to understand what’s included.
WHAT INFLUENCES SHIPPING COSTS?
- Distance: The longer the trip, the more you’ll pay.
- Vehicle Type: Oversized or heavy vehicles cost more to ship.
- Transport Type: Enclosed transport is premium-priced for protection.
- Vehicle Condition: Inoperable cars require winches or forklifts.
- Pickup/Delivery Location: Urban access is easier (and cheaper) than rural.
- Seasonality: Prices rise in summer and around holidays.
ADDITIONAL FEES TO WATCH FOR
- Fuel Surcharges: Often built into quotes, but ask to confirm
- Expedited Shipping: $200–$500 more for fast delivery
- Insurance Upgrades: Optional add-ons for high-value vehicles
- Storage Fees: Delays on pickup or delivery can incur daily charges
- Cancellation Fees: Read the cancellation policy before booking
HOW TO GET THE BEST DEAL ON CAR SHIPPING
✅ Book Early
You’ll lock in lower rates and better carrier selection, especially during peak months.
✅ Be Flexible with Timing
If you can provide a pickup window of 3–5 days, you’ll save money and help carriers optimize routes.
✅ Compare Quotes Wisely
uShip lets you receive multiple carrier offers in one place—no back-and-forth calls or hidden fees.
✅ Read Reviews
On uShip, you can see verified reviews from past customers to ensure quality and reliability.
WHY CHOOSE A LOCAL LA CARRIER?
While national shipping networks cover broad areas, local Los Angeles carriers offer:
- Faster service: Local carriers can often pick up same-day or next-day.
- Expertise in LA traffic and zoning: They know how to navigate strict city regulations.
- Better communication: You get more personalized support from a local dispatcher.
uSHIP: YOUR LA CAR SHIPPING MARKETPLACE
Here’s what sets uShip apart:
- Compare instantly: Get real-time quotes from vetted transporters.
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or bait-and-switch offers.
- Protection options: Add insurance for peace of mind.
- Carrier feedback: See what other shippers say before you book.
- Support team: We’re here if anything doesn’t go as planned.
Whether you’re shipping across the 101 or across the country, uShip makes it simple, secure, and convenient.
TOP TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SHIPPING EXPERIENCE
- 📝 Document the condition of your vehicle with photos
- 🚫 Remove toll tags and personal items
- 📞 Keep your phone on for updates from your driver
- 🕐 Allow time for delays, especially around holidays
- 🔍 Inspect your car on delivery before signing paperwork
COMPARING QUOTES? ASK THESE QUESTIONS
- Is this quote binding or estimated?
- What type of carrier will transport my vehicle?
- Is insurance included? If so, how much?
- What’s the pickup window?
- Are there cancellation or delay fees?
With uShip, you can message carriers directly and get answers quickly without leaving the platform.
PEOPLE ALSO ASK
How much does it cost to ship a car to Los Angeles?
Anywhere from $300 to $2,500, depending on distance, vehicle type, and transport option.
What’s the safest way to ship a car in California?
Enclosed transport is best for high-value vehicles, while open transport works well for everyday cars.
Can I ship a car from Southern California to Northern California?
Yes, and it’s common. Depending on the route and timing, expect pricing between $500 and $1,200.
How long does car shipping take in California?
Anywhere from 1 to 7 days, depending on distance, weather, and season.
