Pasadena, CA Car Shipping
Certified by
Auto Transport Expert
WHY CHOOSE SHERPA?
With 4.9 Stars out of 8,000+ reviews and a BBB A+ rating: Sherpa Auto Transport stands out as the premier auto transport company in the United States, offering upfront, transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise.
Our Price Lock PromiseTransport My Vehicle From…
Pasadena, CA Car Shipping
Planning to move your vehicle to or from Pasadena, CA? Car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport in Pasadena, including real pricing data, shipping timeframes, and expert tips. Whether you’re relocating across the country or buying a car online, we’ll help you navigate the car shipping process with confidence and ease.
Popular Routes from Pasadena, CA
Key Takeaways From This Article
Pasadena, CA Auto Transport
Auto transport from Pasadena typically costs $975-$1,750 depending on distance, with delivery taking 1-10 days based on your destination.
Our Pasadena and California Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing, 4.9-star ratings, and our Price Lock Promise that eliminates surprise fees.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Pasadena shipping, with nearby states costing $300-500 while cross-country moves run $1,200-1,800.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Getting an accurate quote early is the most important step when shipping from Pasadena, as it helps you secure better rates and preferred pickup dates.
How Car Shipping Works
California requires smog tests within 90 days of registration, so ensure your vehicle meets state emissions standards before shipping to Pasadena.
State Insights
Pasadena’s urban location and proximity to major highways like I-5 and I-10 help keep shipping costs competitive compared to remote areas.
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 Pasadena, CA
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pasadena
to New York City
|
2,781 mi
|
$1250–1725
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Dallas
|
1,436 mi
|
$975–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Miami
|
2,735 mi
|
$1225–1500
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Washington
|
2,668 mi
|
$1175–1550
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Rome
|
2,174 mi
|
$1125–1450
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Michigan City
|
2,016 mi
|
$1100–1400
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Boston
|
2,986 mi
|
$1275–1750
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Houston
|
1,547 mi
|
$1025–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Seattle
|
1,135 mi
|
$975–1200
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Vineland
|
2,709 mi
|
$1175–1550
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Austin
|
1,377 mi
|
$1025–1275
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Lewisburg
|
2,004 mi
|
$1125–1450
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to The Villages
|
2,509 mi
|
$1175–1425
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Tampa
|
2,526 mi
|
$1200–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Pasadena
to Charlotte
|
2,420 mi
|
$1125–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Factors that Affect Pasadena, CA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays the biggest role in your car shipping cost to or from Pasadena. Shipping across the country costs much more than moving within California. For example, shipping from Pasadena to nearby cities like San Diego runs $300-500, while cross-country moves to New York can cost $1,200-1,800.
Route
Pasadena sits near major highways like I-5 and I-10, which helps keep costs down. Routes along these busy corridors cost less because carriers run them regularly. If you’re shipping to or from remote areas without highway access, expect to pay 10-20% more due to the extra time and fuel needed.
Season
Summer months (June-August) are peak season for car shipping, driving prices up 15-25%. Winter offers the best rates, while spring sees moderate pricing. If you’re flexible with timing, shipping during off-peak months can save you hundreds of dollars.
Vehicle Type
Standard cars cost the least to ship from Pasadena. SUVs and trucks cost 20-30% more due to their size and weight. Large vehicles take up more trailer space and burn more fuel. Some carriers can’t handle oversized trucks, limiting your options and increasing prices.
Traffic Patterns
Avoid shipping during busy travel times like the week before Thanksgiving or summer holiday weekends. Heavy traffic delays carriers and increases fuel costs. These delays often get passed on to customers through higher prices or longer delivery times.
Carrier Availability
During peak season, you might wait 1-2 weeks for a carrier from Pasadena. Off-season typically means 3-7 day waits. Book early during busy periods to secure better rates and faster pickup. Last-minute bookings often cost 20-30% more.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost 40-60% less than enclosed options when shipping from Pasadena. Most cars ship safely on open trailers. Choose enclosed transport for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles that need extra protection from weather and road debris.
Population Density
Pasadena’s urban location can increase costs compared to suburban areas. Narrow streets and traffic make pickup challenging. Consider meeting your carrier at a nearby location with easier access, like a large parking lot, to potentially reduce your shipping cost.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season and summer moves when demand peaks. Even shifting your shipping date by a few weeks can reduce costs significantly.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to lower shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery gives them scheduling freedom, resulting in better rates for you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup locations near major highways in Pasadena for better rates. Highway-accessible areas attract more carriers, creating competition that drives down prices compared to remote or hard-to-reach locations.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. While enclosed trailers protect luxury cars from weather and road debris, open transport works perfectly for most everyday vehicles.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Pasadena, CA Work?
Car shipping from Pasadena, CA is a straightforward process that typically takes 3-7 days to complete. The average distance for auto transport from Pasadena ranges around 2,189 miles, with costs between $975-$1750 depending on your destination and service type. Our car shipping process begins with getting a free quote, followed by scheduling pickup at your preferred Pasadena location.
Shipping cars to or from Pasadena, CA requires special consideration due to the city’s busy traffic patterns and urban layout. Our drivers are experienced with navigating Pasadena’s streets and can arrange pickup from residential areas or business locations. The auto transport process involves vehicle inspection, secure loading onto our carriers, and real-time tracking throughout the journey.
To ship your car from Pasadena, CA, simply request a quote, book your service, and prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and ensuring it’s in running condition. Our professional drivers will handle pickup, transportation, and delivery with full insurance coverage. Whether you’re moving across the country or shipping a vehicle for seasonal use, our Pasadena car shipping services provide reliable, affordable auto transport solutions.
Pasadena, CA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to Pasadena, CA, understanding California’s unique vehicle requirements is essential. The state requires all vehicles to pass a smog emissions test within 90 days of registration, except for vehicles newer than 8 years [CARB]. This applies to both new residents and those receiving auto transport services to California.
California has strict vehicle modification laws that differ from other states. Window tinting must allow at least 70% light transmission on front side windows, and aftermarket modifications affecting emissions are heavily regulated [DMV]. Vehicle frame height restrictions also apply, making lifted trucks potentially non-compliant.
For those moving to Pasadena, CA, weather modifications are minimal due to the Mediterranean climate. However, California requires minimum liability insurance coverage of 15/30/5, which may be higher than your current state [DOI]. Consider comprehensive coverage for wildfire protection, as Pasadena sits near fire-prone areas.
New residents have 20 days to register their vehicle after establishing residency [DMV]. When using auto transport services, ensure your vehicle meets California standards before shipping to avoid registration delays. Consider scheduling your smog test immediately upon arrival to streamline the registration process in Pasadena.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Pasadena, California that we Serve
Comprehensive Auto Transport Coverage Areas in Pasadena, CA
Central Pasadena: 91101, 91103, 91105
Old Pasadena: 91101
South Pasadena: 91030, 91031
East Pasadena: 91107
Northwest Pasadena: 91103, 91104
Altadena: 91001, 91003
San Marino: 91108, 91118
Arcadia: 91006, 91007
Sierra Madre: 91024
La Cañada Flintridge: 91011, 91012
We serves the entire Pasadena region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Pasadena, CA
Students planning car shipping to Pasadena, CA should understand local university parking policies before arrival. At Caltech, students must register for parking permits through the Parking and Transportation Office, with limited on-campus spots available [Caltech Parking Services]. Pasadena City College offers student parking permits but operates on a first-come basis [PCC Student Services]. Most student apartments near campus don’t include guaranteed parking, so securing a spot should be arranged before your car transport arrives.
Winter break storage varies by institution – some universities allow registered vehicles to remain on campus, while others require removal [University Housing Policies]. Students should verify their auto insurance covers California driving and update their roadside assistance coverage area. Consider scheduling your car shipping services well before semester starts, as Pasadena car shipping demand peaks during move-in periods.
Pasadena, CA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Pasadena, CA 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 your vehicle inside and out. This makes it easier to spot any damage during inspection.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and coolant. Make sure the battery is charged.
Remove or secure loose parts: Take off custom accessories, spoilers, or anything that could fall off. Retract antennas and fold in mirrors.
Document existing damage: Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup.
Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to avoid issues during transport.
For complete preparation details, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure a smooth pickup and delivery process for your Pasadena car shipment.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Pasadena, CA. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry minimum insurance coverage of $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 in cargo protection.
Before your Pasadena shipment begins, we verify that your assigned carrier’s insurance is current and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy, giving you extra protection.
This insurance covers your vehicle from pickup in Pasadena through delivery at your destination. You’ll receive carrier insurance details before transport begins, so you have complete peace of mind during your car shipment.
For car shipping from Pasadena, CA, we recommend booking your pickup service at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and preferred pickup dates.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can bundle your vehicle with other shipments in the Pasadena area
- More availability: Popular routes from Southern California fill up quickly
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
If you need last-minute shipping (less than one week), we can still help, but expect higher costs and limited carrier availability. For the smoothest experience shipping your car from Pasadena, book as early as possible once you know your moving timeline.
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 cost-effective option. Your car travels on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road debris. This method is safe for most vehicles and costs significantly less.
Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road debris. This premium service costs 40-60% more than open transport but is ideal for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.
For most Pasadena residents shipping standard vehicles, open transport offers excellent value and reliability. Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping a high-value car or want maximum protection. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for detailed comparisons and pricing.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service in Pasadena, CA. This means we pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or preferred location and deliver it directly to your destination address.
When you book with us, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses. Our experienced carriers will handle the rest. However, Pasadena’s narrow residential streets and parking restrictions may sometimes require pickup from a nearby accessible location like a shopping center or main street. Don’t worry – we’ll work with you to find the most convenient spot within a few blocks of your home.
Door-to-door service saves you time and eliminates the hassle of driving to a terminal. It’s our most popular option for Pasadena residents because it offers maximum convenience while keeping your vehicle safe throughout the shipping process.
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!