Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA Car Shipping
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Car Shipping from Philadelphia to Los Angeles
Planning a move from the City of Brotherly Love to the City of Angels? Shipping your car from Philadelphia to Los Angeles doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or a fresh start, understanding auto transport costs, timelines, and options is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Philadelphia to Los Angeles car shipping, helping you make an informed decision for your cross-country vehicle transport.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
PA
Philadelphia, PA
CA
Los Angeles, CA
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
On the Philadelphia to Los Angeles route, SUVs cost about $91 more than standard cars based on 366 shipments analyzed. Need enclosed transport? You’ll pay a significant 75% premium ($784 more) over open trailers for that added protection.
By Vehicle Type
Pickup trucks typically cost $50-$150 more than SUVs due to their larger size and heavier weight. The exact premium depends on truck size (midsize vs full-size) and bed configuration. Contact us for a personalized quote.
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 Pennsylvania to California
Shipping your car from Philadelphia to Los Angeles costs between $1,150-$1,375 and takes 4-9 days, covering approximately 2,711 miles across the country with reliable door-to-door service available.
Our Pennsylvania & California Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with our Price Lock Promise—no hidden fees or surprise costs—backed by 4.9 stars from over 8,000 reviews and a BBB A+ rating for transparent, reliable service.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor on this 2,711-mile route, but choosing open transport over enclosed and shipping during off-peak winter months can significantly reduce your total price.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Philadelphia to Los Angeles shipment 1-2 weeks in advance during off-peak seasons to secure the best rates and fastest carrier assignment for your cross-country transport.
How Car Shipping Works
Prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, documenting its condition with photos, and ensuring it has less than a quarter tank of fuel before the carrier arrives for pickup.
State Insights
California requires vehicle registration within 20 days and a smog check for most out-of-state cars, so plan ahead to meet these requirements after your car arrives in Los Angeles.
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 Pennsylvania to California Shipping Prices
Distance
The Philadelphia to Los Angeles route spans approximately 2,750 miles coast-to-coast, making it one of the longer domestic shipping distances. This cross-country journey significantly impacts your shipping costs, as carriers factor in fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear across multiple states.
Route
This transcontinental route primarily follows major interstate highways like I-76, I-70, and I-15, connecting two major metropolitan areas. The well-traveled path with abundant truck stops and services typically results in competitive pricing compared to remote or rural delivery locations.
Season
Summer months and early fall see increased demand for Philadelphia to Los Angeles car shipping as students relocate and families move. Winter offers better rates and availability, though weather delays through mountain passes may occasionally extend transit times.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars and sedans ship most affordably on this route, while SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles cost more due to additional weight and trailer space requirements. Luxury and modified vehicles may need special handling, further increasing your shipping quote.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during Thanksgiving week, Christmas holidays, and Labor Day weekend when highways experience peak congestion. Planning your transport during off-peak periods helps carriers maintain schedules and can reduce your overall costs through better availability.
Carrier Availability
The Philadelphia-Los Angeles corridor is heavily serviced year-round, but summer demand can extend booking times to two weeks. Off-season winter months typically offer faster carrier assignment, often within three to five business days of your requested pickup date.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport is the economical choice for this route, costing significantly less while safely transporting most vehicles. Enclosed trailers provide weather and road debris protection for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles but command premium pricing.
Population Density
Both Philadelphia and Los Angeles are dense urban centers where tight streets and traffic complicate carrier access. Consider meeting your carrier at a suburban location with easier truck access to potentially reduce costs and simplify the pickup or delivery process.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing matters when shipping your vehicle cross-country. Avoid peak seasons like summer and snowbird migration periods (October-November and March-April) when demand drives prices up. Booking just a few weeks outside these busy windows can significantly reduce your Philadelphia to Los Angeles shipping costs.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offering carriers a five-day pickup and delivery window instead of fixed dates can lower your quote substantially. This flexibility allows transporters to optimize their routes and consolidate shipments more efficiently, passing savings directly to you while ensuring reliable service between Philadelphia and Los Angeles.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways like I-76 in Philadelphia or I-10 in Los Angeles. These hub areas attract more carriers, increasing competition and lowering rates. If shipping to rural destinations, consider meeting your carrier at a nearby highway-accessible city to reduce costs.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed transport and safely handle most vehicles. Your car ships exposed to weather but remains secure during the cross-country journey. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles requiring maximum protection from road debris and elements.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Pennsylvania to California Work?
Shipping a car from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, California is a popular cross-country route covering approximately 2,711 miles. Our auto transport service connects these major metropolitan areas with reliable carriers who specialize in long-distance vehicle shipping. Philadelphia to Los Angeles car shipping typically costs between $1,150 and $1,375, depending on your vehicle type, transport method, and seasonal demand.
The car shipping process begins with requesting a quote and booking your transport. Once you schedule your pickup in Philadelphia, we assign a qualified carrier to your route. You’ll prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, documenting its condition with photos, and ensuring it has less than a quarter tank of fuel. Our driver will conduct a thorough inspection before loading your car onto the transport trailer.
During transit, your vehicle travels westward across Pennsylvania, through the Midwest, and across the southwestern states before reaching Los Angeles. This Philadelphia to Los Angeles auto transport route typically takes 4-9 days, depending on weather conditions, carrier schedules, and the specific service you choose. Open transport is the most economical option, while enclosed transport provides additional protection for luxury or classic vehicles.
Upon arrival in Los Angeles, you’ll coordinate with the driver for delivery at your specified location. The driver will unload your vehicle and complete a final inspection with you. You’ll sign the bill of lading confirming delivery, and you should carefully check your car’s condition against the original inspection report. With over 366 successful deliveries on this route, Sherpa Auto Transport ensures your car shipping experience from Philadelphia to Los Angeles is smooth, transparent, and stress-free from coast to coast.
Pennsylvania to California Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, understanding the regulatory differences between Pennsylvania and California is essential. California has some of the strictest vehicle requirements in the nation, particularly regarding emissions standards. Your vehicle must pass a smog check within 90 days of registration unless it’s brand new or less than four years old. Pennsylvania doesn’t require emissions testing in all counties, so this may be a new requirement for your relocated vehicle.
Vehicle registration processes differ significantly between states. After your auto transport arrives in Los Angeles, you have 20 days to register your vehicle with the California DMV. You’ll need a completed smog certification, proof of ownership, and proof of insurance. California registration fees are typically higher than Pennsylvania’s, often ranging from $200-$400 depending on your vehicle’s value. Window tinting laws also vary—California allows 70% light transmission on front side windows, while Pennsylvania permits 70% as well, though enforcement and interpretation may differ.
Preparing your vehicle for the climate change is crucial when shipping from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. You can remove winter tires and snow equipment, as Los Angeles rarely experiences freezing temperatures. However, consider that California’s intense sun and heat require attention to your cooling system and air conditioning. UV protection for your interior becomes more important in the consistently sunny Southern California climate.
Insurance considerations are significant for Philadelphia to Los Angeles car shipping. California requires minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5 (compared to Pennsylvania’s 15/30/5), but the cost of insurance in Los Angeles is typically 20-40% higher due to traffic density and higher repair costs. Contact your insurance provider before your auto transport departs to ensure continuous coverage during the move and to update your policy upon arrival. Many carriers offer gap insurance during transit for additional protection during the shipping process.
Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for the cross-country journey from Philadelphia to Los Angeles is straightforward. Here are the key steps:
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos. This creates a clear record for your inspection report.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and loose items from the interior. Carriers typically don’t insure personal property left in vehicles.
Check fluids and tire pressure: Ensure your car is in good running condition with proper fluid levels and inflated tires. This helps with safe loading and unloading.
Disable alarms: Turn off your car alarm to prevent it from going off during transport.
Secure or remove accessories: Take off or secure any custom parts, antennas, spoilers, or bike racks that could be damaged on the highway.
Leave a quarter tank of gas: Keep fuel levels low to reduce weight while ensuring enough gas for loading and unloading.
Provide a working key: Make sure you have a spare key ready for the driver.
For complete preparation guidelines, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Proper preparation ensures a smooth shipping experience from Philadelphia to Los Angeles.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. Every carrier in our network must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment begins, we verify that your assigned carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to list Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy, giving you an extra layer of protection.
Your carrier will provide you with their insurance certificate and policy details before pickup. We recommend reviewing this documentation and taking photos of your vehicle’s condition before transport begins.
While damage during transport is rare, you’re covered if anything happens on the road from Philadelphia to Los Angeles.
We recommend scheduling your car shipment from Philadelphia to Los Angeles at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why advance notice helps:
- Better carrier availability: More drivers can bid on your shipment
- Lower prices: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle shipments
- Flexible timing: You’ll have more control over your pickup date
Need to ship last minute? We can often arrange pickup within 2-5 days, though rates may be higher and availability more limited.
Best practice: Book as soon as you know your moving date. This 2,700+ mile route is popular, so early scheduling helps ensure smooth service.
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 open-air trailers that carry multiple vehicles at once, leaving your car exposed to weather and road elements. This is the most common and affordable option, used for about 90% of all vehicle shipments from Philadelphia to Los Angeles.
Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and dust during the cross-country journey. This premium service typically costs 40-60% more than open transport.
For most standard vehicles traveling from Philadelphia to LA, open transport is perfectly safe and cost-effective. Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car with custom modifications. Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes! We offer convenient door-to-door auto transport service from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle at your home or office in Philadelphia and deliver it directly to your specified address in Los Angeles.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule both pickup and delivery at these locations.
Important to know: In some cases, large car carriers may not be able to access certain residential streets due to low-hanging trees, narrow roads, or tight turns. If this happens, don’t worry—your driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center parking lot or gas station. This is rare, but we want you to be prepared.
Door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of driving to a terminal, saving you time and effort on your Philadelphia to Los Angeles vehicle shipment.
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 Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to nearly 4 million people, making it the second-largest city in the United States. Known as the entertainment capital of the world, LA offers year-round sunshine, diverse cultural neighborhoods, and endless opportunities. From Hollywood’s glamour to Venice Beach’s bohemian spirit, the city blends creativity, innovation, and laid-back California living. Whether you’re drawn by career prospects, the weather, or the vibrant arts scene, LA provides a unique urban experience unlike anywhere else.
Popular Neighborhoods
Santa Monica offers beachside living with excellent dining and shopping, plus easy access to the coast. West Hollywood is known for its nightlife, restaurants, and central location between Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Silver Lake attracts young professionals and creatives with its hip cafes, vintage shops, and artistic community. Manhattan Beach provides a more suburban feel with top-rated schools and family-friendly amenities. Each neighborhood has distinct character and price points, so research thoroughly to find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Practical Moving Tips
California requires new residents to register their vehicles within 20 days of establishing residency. You’ll need to obtain a California driver’s license within 10 days of becoming a resident. Visit a DMV office with your current registration, proof of insurance, and completed application forms. California has strict emissions standards, so your vehicle must pass a smog check unless it’s brand new or from another state with similar standards. Some modifications legal in other states may not meet California requirements. Schedule your DMV appointment online to avoid long wait times, and gather all required documents beforehand. Consider getting a REAL ID-compliant license if you plan to fly domestically, as standard licenses won’t be accepted for air travel after May 2025.
Climate & Lifestyle
Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures rarely drop below 50°F or exceed 85°F near the coast, though inland areas can be significantly hotter. The consistent sunshine means less wear on your vehicle’s exterior, but UV exposure can fade interiors over time. Consider window tinting and dashboard covers for protection. The outdoor lifestyle means you’ll likely drive more for recreational activities like beach trips, hiking, and exploring the city’s sprawling attractions. Rain is minimal but can make roads slippery when it does occur.
Getting Around Los Angeles
Los Angeles is built for cars, and having your own vehicle is essential for most residents. The city spans 500 square miles with limited public transportation coverage. Major freeways include the 405, 101, and 110, but expect heavy traffic during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM). Traffic apps like Waze are invaluable for finding alternate routes. While the Metro system is expanding, most daily activities require driving. Plan extra time for commutes and consider flexible work arrangements if possible.