Colorado to California
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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COLORADO TO CALIFORNIA
Shipping from Colorado to California
Planning to move your vehicle from the Rocky Mountains to the Golden State? Colorado to California car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport between these states, including real costs, delivery timeframes, and insider tips. Whether you’re relocating for work or buying a car across state lines, we’ll help you navigate the car shipping process with confidence.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
CO
Colorado
CA
California
Popular Routes from Colorado to California
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Colorado to California
Colorado to California car shipping typically costs $750-$1,250 and takes 1-4 days to travel the 1,113-mile distance between states.
Our Colorado & California Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing, a Price Lock Promise, and 4.9-star ratings from over 8,000 satisfied customers.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Colorado to California shipping, with the 1,000+ mile journey requiring more fuel and driver time than shorter routes.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Ship during off-peak winter months and choose flexible pickup dates to save the most money on your Colorado to California car transport.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is properly preparing your vehicle by removing personal items, cleaning it thoroughly, and documenting its condition before pickup.
State Insights
California requires stricter emissions testing and higher insurance minimums than Colorado, so prepare for these regulatory differences before your car arrives.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 7,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from Colorado to California
Factors that Affect Colorado to California Shipping Prices
Distance
The 1,000+ mile journey from Colorado to California significantly impacts shipping costs. Longer distances require more fuel, driver time, and truck wear, making this cross-country route more expensive than shorter trips.
Route
Major highways like I-70 to I-15 offer cost-effective shipping from Colorado to California. These well-traveled routes have better carrier availability and lower costs compared to remote mountain or desert detours.
Season
Winter months typically offer cheaper Colorado to California shipping rates due to lower demand. Summer and fall see higher prices as more people relocate, especially students and snowbirds heading west.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars ship cheapest from Colorado to California, while large trucks and SUVs cost significantly more. Oversized vehicles require special handling, use more trailer space, and increase fuel consumption substantially.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during Thanksgiving week or major holidays when highways between Colorado and California experience heavy traffic. Peak travel times cause delays and increase carrier costs, raising your shipping price.
Carrier Availability
Summer months may require 1-2 weeks for carrier pickup from Colorado due to high demand. Off-season shipping typically offers faster service with carriers available within 3-5 days for California delivery.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost 20-30% less for Colorado to California shipping and work well for most vehicles. Enclosed transport protects luxury cars from mountain weather and desert dust but increases costs.
Population Density
Shipping to major California cities like Los Angeles costs more than suburban areas. Consider pickup locations outside dense urban centers in both Colorado and California to reduce delivery fees.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season when demand spikes. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant cost savings.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery dates gives them scheduling freedom, which translates to lower shipping rates for you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways in Colorado and California. Highway-accessible cities offer more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to remote rural locations that require additional travel time.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection. Most everyday vehicles ship safely on open trailers at lower rates.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Colorado to California Work?
Car shipping from Colorado to California is a straightforward process that covers approximately 1,113 miles across multiple states. This popular auto transport route connects the Rocky Mountain region to the West Coast, making it one of the most frequently traveled corridors for vehicle shipping. The process begins when you request a quote and book your Colorado to California car shipping service with a licensed auto transport company.
Several factors make this interstate route unique for car shipping. The journey crosses diverse terrain including mountain passes, desert regions, and urban areas. Weather conditions can vary significantly, especially during winter months when Colorado experiences snow and ice. Professional auto transport carriers are well-equipped to handle these challenges and typically use covered trailers for additional vehicle protection during harsh weather conditions.
The car shipping process involves several key steps. First, you’ll schedule a pickup date and prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its current condition. Your assigned carrier will inspect the car and load it onto their transport trailer. During transit, you can track your vehicle’s progress as it travels the 1,113-mile route. Upon arrival in California, you’ll complete a final inspection and sign off on the delivery.
The typical timeline for Colorado to California auto transport ranges from 1-4 days, depending on your specific pickup and delivery locations. Major cities like Denver to Los Angeles often see faster service, while rural areas may require additional time. Pricing for this route generally falls between $750-$1250, influenced by factors such as vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand. Planning ahead and booking early can help secure better rates and preferred delivery dates.
Colorado to California Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Colorado to California car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between states helps ensure a smooth transition. California has stricter vehicle emission standards than Colorado, requiring smog checks for most vehicles during registration. Your car must pass California’s emissions test within 20 days of establishing residency, which can be challenging for older vehicles or those with modifications.
Vehicle registration processes differ significantly between the two states. Colorado requires annual registration renewals, while California uses a staggered system based on your vehicle’s initial registration date. California’s registration fees are typically higher, and you’ll need to provide additional documentation including a completed Application for Title or Registration and proof of insurance meeting California’s minimum requirements.
Before your auto transport arrives in California, consider weather-related modifications. Remove winter equipment like snow tires, chains, and block heaters that were essential in Colorado but unnecessary in California’s milder climate. California has specific window tinting laws limiting front side windows to 70% light transmission, which may be more restrictive than Colorado’s regulations. Additionally, California prohibits certain vehicle modifications common in Colorado, including specific lift kit heights and exhaust modifications.
Insurance considerations are crucial when moving between states. California requires higher minimum liability coverage than Colorado, so contact your insurance provider before your car shipping delivery to adjust your policy. Some insurers offer better rates in California due to different risk factors, while others may increase premiums. Research California-specific insurance requirements and compare quotes from local providers. Remember that you have 20 days after establishing California residency to register your vehicle and update your insurance, making proper preparation essential for your Colorado to California car shipping experience.
Colorado to California Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Colorado to California is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including items in the glove box, trunk, and console. Carriers are not responsible for personal property.
Clean your car: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos before pickup.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and brake fluid. Make sure the battery is secure and charged.
Remove or secure loose parts: Take off custom accessories, spoilers, bike racks, or anything that could fall off during transport. Remove toll passes and GPS devices.
Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to prevent issues during loading and transport.
Have keys ready: Provide one set of working keys to the driver at pickup.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures your car arrives safely in California and helps avoid any delays or extra fees.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Colorado to California. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your car ships, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to list Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
This coverage protects your vehicle from pickup in Colorado all the way to delivery in California. You can ship with confidence knowing your car is protected throughout the entire journey.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from Colorado to California at least 2-3 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you better options and pricing.
Here’s why advance booking helps:
- Better carrier availability – More drivers can fit your shipment into their routes
- Lower costs – Carriers can bundle multiple vehicles together
- Flexible pickup dates – You’ll have more scheduling options
- Less stress – No last-minute rushing or premium fees
If you need rush shipping, we can arrange pickup within 2-7 days, but expect higher costs. For the best experience shipping your car from Colorado to California, plan ahead and book early.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.
Open transport is the most common and budget-friendly option. Your car rides on an open trailer with other vehicles, exposed to weather and road debris. It’s safe for most cars and costs much less.
Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but shields your car from weather, dust, and debris during the long trip from Colorado to California.
Choose open transport if you want to save money and have a standard daily-driver vehicle. Pick enclosed transport if you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, or any car you want extra protection for. Both options are safe and reliable for Colorado to California routes.
Need help deciding? Check our complete open vs enclosed transport guide for more details.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Colorado to California. This means we pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose and deliver it directly to your destination.
When you book with Sherpa Auto Transport, simply provide your pickup address in Colorado and delivery address in California. Our carrier will come to both locations to handle your vehicle. This saves you time and hassle – no need to drive to terminals or drop-off points.
In some cases, large trucks cannot access certain streets due to low bridges, narrow roads, or neighborhood restrictions. If this happens, our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station. We always communicate with you beforehand to ensure a smooth pickup and delivery process.
Door-to-door service is included in our standard Colorado to California auto transport quotes at no extra charge.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!