Los Angeles, CA to Atlanta, GA Car Shipping
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Car Shipping from Los Angeles to Atlanta
Planning a move from the West Coast to the Southeast? Car shipping from Los Angeles to Atlanta doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a vehicle online, or snowbirding between coasts, understanding auto transport costs and timelines is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Los Angeles to Atlanta car shipping, including pricing, transit times, and expert tips to ensure a smooth delivery.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
CA
Los Angeles, CA
GA
Atlanta, GA
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 554 shipments from Los Angeles to Atlanta, SUVs typically cost $74 more than standard cars, while pickups add $288. If you need enclosed transport for extra protection, expect to pay 64% more than open trailers.
By Vehicle Type
By Trailer Type
Note: Updated 2026 pricing. Prices shown are averages based on actual Sherpa shipments over the last 12 months. Your quote may vary based on specific pickup/delivery locations, vehicle condition, current market demand, and time of year. Get an instant quote for accurate pricing.
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from California to Georgia
Shipping a car from Los Angeles to Atlanta costs $1,150-$1,450 on average and takes 3-7 days to cover the 2,174-mile distance across the southern United States.
Our California & Georgia Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport has completed over 550 shipments on the LA-to-Atlanta route with transparent pricing, $1 million insurance coverage, and a 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ customer reviews.
Factors that Impact Cost
The LA-to-Atlanta route follows major highways like I-40 and I-20, which helps keep costs reasonable compared to remote routes, though seasonal demand in summer and winter can increase prices.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your shipment 1-2 weeks in advance during off-peak seasons like spring or fall to secure the best rates and faster carrier availability for your cross-country transport.
How Car Shipping Works
Prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, keeping gas at 1/4 tank, documenting its condition with photos, and having a working key ready for the driver at pickup.
State Insights
Georgia requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days and obtain a Georgia driver’s license, with emissions testing required only in certain metro Atlanta counties.
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.
Factors that Affect California to Georgia Shipping Prices
Distance
The approximately 2,000-mile journey from Los Angeles to Atlanta significantly impacts shipping costs. This cross-country distance requires more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, making it more expensive than shorter regional routes.
Route
The LA-to-Atlanta corridor follows major interstates like I-40 and I-20, which helps keep costs reasonable. These well-traveled highways offer better carrier availability and efficiency compared to remote routes requiring detours.
Season
Summer months and winter holidays see increased demand for LA-to-Atlanta shipping, raising prices. Spring and fall typically offer better rates with shorter wait times, as fewer people relocate during these periods.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars and sedans cost less to ship than SUVs or trucks on this route. Larger vehicles add weight, consume trailer space, and require more fuel across the 2,000-mile journey, increasing your total cost.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods like Thanksgiving week create congestion along I-40 and I-20, potentially delaying delivery. Scheduling your shipment during off-peak times ensures faster transit and may reduce costs through better carrier efficiency.
Carrier Availability
Peak summer and winter seasons may require 1-2 weeks to secure a carrier for LA-to-Atlanta transport. Off-season shipping often provides carrier availability within days, offering more flexibility and competitive pricing.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport is the economical choice for standard vehicles on this cross-country route. Enclosed trailers cost significantly more but protect luxury or classic cars from weather and road debris during the long journey.
Population Density
Both Los Angeles and Atlanta are major metros with accessible suburbs. Consider pickup or delivery in surrounding areas like Pasadena or Marietta to avoid downtown congestion, potentially reducing costs and simplifying logistics.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing your shipment during off-peak periods can significantly reduce costs. Avoid busy seasons like summer and snowbird migration months (October-November and March-April). Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks outside peak demand periods can result in substantial savings on your Los Angeles to Atlanta route.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offering flexible pickup and delivery windows helps carriers optimize their routes and schedules. By choosing a five-day window instead of exact dates for both pickup in Los Angeles and delivery in Atlanta, you’ll likely receive lower quotes. This flexibility allows carriers to consolidate loads more efficiently.
Hub City Advantages
Selecting pickup and delivery locations near major highways like I-10 in Los Angeles or I-85 in Atlanta increases carrier availability and competition. More accessible locations mean lower costs compared to remote areas. If shipping to rural destinations, consider meeting carriers at nearby highway-adjacent cities to reduce fees.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options and work perfectly for most standard vehicles. Your car receives the same professional care while being exposed to weather elements like any highway drive. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles requiring maximum protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from California to Georgia Work?
Shipping your car from Los Angeles to Atlanta is a straightforward process that covers approximately 2,174 miles across the southern United States. This popular auto transport route connects two major metropolitan areas, making it a well-traveled corridor for car shipping companies. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we’ve completed over 550 deliveries on this route, with typical costs ranging from $1,150 to $1,450 depending on your vehicle type and service preferences.
The Los Angeles to Atlanta car shipping process begins with requesting a quote and booking your transport. Once you schedule your service, we’ll assign a professional carrier and provide pickup details. Our drivers typically collect vehicles from anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area, including surrounding neighborhoods, and deliver directly to your specified Atlanta location. You’ll want to remove personal items, ensure your vehicle has less than a quarter tank of gas, and document its current condition with photos before pickup.
The cross-country journey from California to Georgia typically takes 3-7 days for delivery. This timeline accounts for the substantial distance and allows carriers to transport multiple vehicles efficiently along the route. Weather conditions, particularly during winter months when crossing through Texas and the Deep South, can occasionally impact delivery schedules. However, this route generally experiences favorable conditions year-round, making it reliable for auto transport services.
One unique consideration for Los Angeles to Atlanta car shipping is the route flexibility. Carriers may travel through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana, or take a more northern path depending on their schedule. Both routes are efficient and well-maintained. Upon arrival in Atlanta, you’ll inspect your vehicle with the driver, sign the bill of lading, and pay any remaining balance. Our door-to-door service ensures a convenient experience from the West Coast to the Southeast.
California to Georgia Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning your Los Angeles to Atlanta car shipping move, understanding the differences between California and Georgia vehicle regulations is essential. Georgia requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. You’ll need your California title, proof of insurance, and a passed emissions test if your vehicle is model year 2012 or newer. Unlike California’s strict emissions standards, Georgia only requires testing in certain metro Atlanta counties, which may simplify the process for some vehicles.
California and Georgia have notably different vehicle laws. Georgia permits window tinting down to 32% VLT on front side windows, darker than California’s regulations. However, Georgia enforces specific frame height restrictions for modified vehicles. If you’ve customized your car in Los Angeles, verify it meets Georgia standards before your auto transport. Georgia also doesn’t require front license plates, unlike California, so you can remove yours upon registration.
Weather preparation is crucial when moving from Los Angeles to Atlanta. While Atlanta rarely needs winter tires, summer storms bring heavy rain and occasional ice. Ensure your vehicle has good all-season tires and functional windshield wipers before or after car shipping. Georgia’s humidity and temperature swings differ greatly from Southern California’s dry climate, so check your cooling system and consider rust-proofing if your vehicle will face harsh weather conditions.
Insurance considerations matter significantly for your Los Angeles to Atlanta car shipping transition. Georgia requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25, similar to California’s requirements. However, insurance rates in Atlanta typically run lower than Los Angeles premiums. Contact your insurance provider before your auto transport to ensure continuous coverage during the move and to update your policy once you establish Georgia residency. Many insurers offer multi-state coverage during relocation periods, protecting your vehicle throughout the shipping process.
Los Angeles, CA to Atlanta, GA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Los Angeles to Atlanta is straightforward. Follow these key steps:
Clean your car: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos. This creates a clear record for inspection.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and loose items. Carriers typically don’t insure personal property, and extra weight can incur fees.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your gas tank is about 1/4 full, and your battery is charged. Fix any leaks before shipping.
Disable alarms: Turn off your car alarm to prevent issues during transport.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off custom antennas, spoilers, or bike racks that could get damaged.
Document everything: Take photos from all angles and note existing scratches or dents.
Provide a key: Have a working key ready for the driver.
For complete preparation guidelines, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Proper preparation ensures a smooth Los Angeles to Atlanta transport experience.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Los Angeles to Atlanta. Every carrier in the Sherpa Auto Transport network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your vehicle ships, we verify that the carrier’s insurance policy is active and valid for your entire LA to Atlanta route. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their insurance policy for added protection.
You’ll receive a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup, so you have complete peace of mind during your cross-country shipment.
We recommend scheduling your car shipment from Los Angeles to Atlanta at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why advance notice helps:
- Better carrier availability: The LA to Atlanta route is popular, but carriers need time to plan their routes and group shipments
- Lower costs: Last-minute bookings often cost more due to limited options
- Flexible pickup dates: More time means you can choose dates that work best for your schedule
If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping options with pickup possible in as little as 24-48 hours, though this comes at a premium price.
Bottom line: Book 2+ weeks out for the best rates and service. Need help right away? We can still accommodate rush orders.
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 auto transport uses an open-air trailer (like the ones you see on highways) and is the most popular and affordable option. Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris, but it’s perfectly safe for most cars. This is what 90% of customers choose for their LA to Atlanta shipment.
Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather, dust, and road debris. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but is worth it for luxury cars, classics, or exotic vehicles.
For most standard vehicles shipping from Los Angeles to Atlanta, open transport is the smart choice. You’ll save money and still get reliable service. Choose enclosed transport if your vehicle is worth over $100,000, has custom paint, or you want maximum protection for the 2,000+ mile journey. Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Los Angeles to Atlanta.
Door-to-door service means our carrier will pick up your vehicle at your home or office in Los Angeles and deliver it directly to your specified address in Atlanta. This is our standard service and the most convenient option for shipping your car across the country.
In most cases, the carrier can access residential streets without any issues. However, if your location has narrow roads, low-hanging trees, or tight turns that a large car carrier cannot safely navigate, our driver will contact you to arrange a nearby meeting spot. This might be a parking lot, shopping center, or main street that’s just a short distance away.
We’ll confirm your exact pickup and delivery addresses when you book your shipment, and our team will let you know right away if there are any access concerns for your Los Angeles or Atlanta location.
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!
Welcome to Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia’s capital and largest city, is home to nearly 500,000 residents with over 6 million in the metro area. Known as the “City in a Forest” for its abundant tree canopy, Atlanta combines Southern charm with big-city opportunities. The city serves as a major business hub, hosting numerous Fortune 500 companies and the world’s busiest airport. Atlanta’s rich history, diverse culture, and growing job market make it an attractive destination for relocating families and professionals.
Popular Neighborhoods
Buckhead offers upscale living with luxury shopping, fine dining, and high-rise condos, making it popular with young professionals. Virginia-Highland features charming bungalows, walkable streets, and a vibrant arts scene perfect for families and creatives. Midtown provides urban living with parks, museums, and a strong LGBTQ+ community, while maintaining easy access to downtown. Decatur, technically a separate city, offers a small-town feel with excellent schools, local restaurants, and historic charm just minutes from Atlanta proper.
Practical Moving Tips
Georgia requires new residents to obtain a Georgia driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. You’ll need to register your vehicle within 30 days as well, bringing your current title, proof of insurance, and completed application to your local county tag office. Georgia requires annual emissions testing for vehicles in metro Atlanta counties, and you’ll need to pass this inspection before registration. The state also requires liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. Keep your current registration valid until you complete the Georgia registration process to avoid any gaps in legal vehicle operation.
Climate & Lifestyle
Atlanta enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures often reach the 80s and 90s with high humidity, while winter lows rarely drop below freezing. The city receives moderate rainfall year-round, which helps maintain its lush greenery but means regular car washes to remove pollen and debris. Spring brings heavy pollen that can coat vehicles in yellow dust. Atlanta’s outdoor lifestyle includes numerous parks, hiking trails, and festivals throughout the year, making it easy to enjoy the generally pleasant weather.
Getting Around Atlanta
Atlanta is a car-dependent city where personal transportation is essential for most residents. The metro area revolves around I-285 (the Perimeter), with major highways like I-75, I-85, and I-20 creating a hub-and-spoke pattern. Traffic congestion is significant during rush hours, particularly on the notorious “Spaghetti Junction” interchange. While MARTA provides some public transit, its coverage is limited compared to other major cities. Having your own vehicle provides the flexibility to explore Atlanta’s sprawling suburbs and navigate the city efficiently.