Lakewood, CA Car Shipping
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Lakewood, CA Car Shipping
Looking for reliable car shipping in Lakewood, CA? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re moving across the country or sending a vehicle to a family member, auto transport doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping a car from Lakewood, CA—including costs, timelines, and expert tips to ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.
Popular Routes from Lakewood, CA
Key Takeaways From This Article
Lakewood, CA Auto Transport
Shipping a car from Lakewood, CA typically costs $975-$1,675 depending on distance, with most vehicles delivered within 3-7 days to destinations averaging 2,224 miles away.
Our Lakewood and California Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, backed by 4.9 stars from over 8,000 reviews and an A+ BBB rating, ensuring no hidden fees or surprises.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor when shipping from Lakewood, though your route, vehicle type, trailer choice (open vs enclosed), season, and carrier availability all impact your final price.
Tips and Tricks to Save
The most important step is properly preparing your vehicle before pickup—remove personal items, clean the exterior, document existing damage with photos, and ensure less than a quarter tank of gas.
How Car Shipping Works
California requires new residents to register their vehicle within 20 days and obtain smog certification for most vehicles over four years old before registration can be completed.
State Insights
Book your Lakewood car shipping 1-2 weeks in advance for the best rates and carrier availability, though expedited service is available with 24-48 hours notice at higher costs.
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 8,000 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 Lakewood, CA
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lakewood
to New York City
|
2,794 mi
|
$1300–1675
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Dallas
|
1,433 mi
|
$1025–1275
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Miami
|
2,733 mi
|
$1250–1500
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Washington
|
2,673 mi
|
$1200–1550
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Atlanta
|
2,185 mi
|
$1150–1450
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Chicago
|
2,020 mi
|
$1125–1400
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Boston
|
2,986 mi
|
$1275–1675
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Houston
|
1,544 mi
|
$1075–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Seattle
|
1,156 mi
|
$975–1200
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Philadelphia
|
2,713 mi
|
$1200–1575
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Austin
|
1,374 mi
|
$1050–1275
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Nashville
|
2,008 mi
|
$1125–1425
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Orlando
|
2,506 mi
|
$1175–1425
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Tampa
|
2,523 mi
|
$1200–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Lakewood
to Charlotte
|
2,430 mi
|
$1175–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 26,517 actual shipments involving Lakewood, here’s how pricing varies by vehicle size and trailer type.
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.
Factors that Affect Lakewood, CA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays a major role in your shipping costs. The further your vehicle needs to travel to or from Lakewood, the higher the price. A cross-country shipment from Lakewood to the East Coast will cost significantly more than a regional move within California.
Route
Your route matters just as much as distance. Lakewood’s proximity to major highways like I-405 and I-605 works in your favor. Shipments along major interstate routes cost less because carriers travel these paths regularly. If you’re shipping to or from a remote area with limited highway access, expect to pay more.
Season
Timing affects your bottom line. Summer months and winter holidays see higher demand for car shipping, which drives up prices. If you have flexibility, consider shipping during the off-season (late fall or early spring) when rates typically drop.
Vehicle Type
What you’re shipping matters. Standard sedans are the most affordable to transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans cost more because they’re heavier, take up more trailer space, and consume more fuel. Some oversized trucks may require special trailers, adding to the expense.
Traffic Patterns
Peak travel times can delay your shipment and increase costs. The week before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other major holidays see heavy road traffic. Planning your shipment during quieter periods helps carriers move more efficiently and may save you money.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability fluctuates with demand. During peak season, you might wait several weeks for an available carrier. During slower periods, carriers are often ready within days. Booking early gives you more options and better rates.
Open vs Enclosed
You have two main trailer options. Open trailers are the most common and affordable choice for standard vehicles. Enclosed trailers offer protection from weather and road debris but cost 30-50% more. Most customers choose open transport unless they’re shipping luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
Population Density
Lakewood’s location in Los Angeles County is generally favorable for shipping. The area has good carrier traffic and accessible roads. However, if you need door-to-door service in a congested neighborhood with narrow streets, carriers may charge extra or ask you to meet at a nearby open location. Meeting at a convenient spot with easy truck access can reduce your costs.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing matters when shipping your vehicle. Off-season transport typically costs less than peak periods like summer or snowbird season. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant savings, as demand drops and carriers offer more competitive rates during slower months.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexible scheduling can reduce your shipping costs. By offering a five-day window for both pickup and delivery instead of exact dates, you give carriers more routing options. This flexibility allows them to optimize their schedules, and they pass those savings directly to you.
Hub City Advantages
Location choice impacts your shipping rate. Select pickup points in Lakewood near major highways for better access and more carrier options. Highway-accessible locations attract more competitive bids. If shipping to rural areas, consider meeting your carrier in a nearby highway city to reduce costs.
Open Trailers
Open trailers offer substantial savings compared to enclosed options. Most standard vehicles ship safely on open carriers, which cost significantly less. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-end vehicles that need extra protection. For everyday cars, open transport provides excellent value and reliability.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Lakewood, CA Work?
Car shipping from Lakewood, CA is a straightforward process with Sherpa Auto Transport. First, request a quote and book your shipment online or by phone. Once confirmed, we’ll assign a trusted carrier to pick up your vehicle from Lakewood, CA within 1-5 business days. Our auto transport service covers an average distance of 2,224 miles, with most vehicles arriving at their destination in 3-7 days. You’ll receive regular updates throughout the journey, and our team is always available to answer questions.
When shipping cars from Lakewood, CA, consider the city’s proximity to major highways like I-405 and I-605, which makes pickup and delivery convenient. Before your scheduled pickup, remove personal items and ensure your vehicle has less than a quarter tank of gas. Document your car’s condition with photos. Typical car shipping costs from Lakewood, CA range from $975 to $1,675, depending on your destination, vehicle type, and transport method. Choose between open or enclosed auto transport based on your budget and vehicle protection needs. Our door-to-door service ensures a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Lakewood, CA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to Lakewood, CA, it’s important to understand California’s vehicle requirements. Within 20 days of establishing residency, you must register your vehicle with the California DMV and obtain a CA title [DMV]. New residents should budget for registration fees, which vary based on vehicle value. California requires smog certification for most vehicles over four years old before registration, though diesel vehicles model year 1997 and older are exempt [DMV]. This emission testing ensures your auto transport meets the state’s strict air quality standards.
California has specific vehicle regulations to consider. Window tinting must allow over 70% light transmission on front side windows and windshields [DMV]. The state also regulates vehicle height modifications and requires vehicles to meet specific bumper height requirements. For insurance, California mandates minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5, meaning $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage [DMV]. Many insurers offer higher rates in California compared to other states.
Lakewood, CA enjoys mild weather year-round, so winter tires aren’t necessary for local driving. However, if you plan mountain trips, keep chains accessible during winter months. When arranging auto transport to Lakewood, CA, ensure your vehicle passes smog testing beforehand to streamline your registration process upon arrival.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Lakewood, California that we Serve
Lakewood: 90711, 90712, 90713, 90714, 90715
Long Beach: 90801, 90802, 90803, 90804, 90805, 90806, 90807, 90808, 90809, 90810, 90813, 90814, 90815, 90822, 90831, 90840
Bellflower: 90706, 90707
Cerritos: 90703
Norwalk: 90650, 90651, 90652
Downey: 90239, 90240, 90241, 90242
Paramount: 90723
Hawaiian Gardens: 90716
Cypress: 90630
La Mirada: 90637, 90638
We serves the entire Lakewood region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
Military Car Shipping in Lakewood, CA
While Lakewood itself doesn’t host a military base, it’s conveniently located near Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, approximately 5 miles away, and Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, about 8 miles south [DoD]. Military personnel should obtain a base access pass through their sponsoring command before arrival, as visitor parking requires proper credentials [JFTB Los Alamitos]. Most junior enlisted personnel in barracks have limited parking allocations, so verify availability with your housing office beforehand [DoD]. California’s mild climate means snow tires aren’t necessary, but ensure your vehicle registration is updated within 20 days of establishing residency [California DMV]. Before relocating, confirm your roadside assistance and insurance coverage extends to California, as some policies have geographic restrictions [USAA]. For deployments or extended leave, inquire about long-term parking options through your unit’s transportation office.
Lakewood, CA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Lakewood, CA is simple. Follow these key steps:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and loose items from your car. Carriers aren’t insured for personal property.
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos before shipping.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has less than a quarter tank of gas, and the battery is charged so the carrier can load and unload it.
Secure or remove accessories: Take off or secure antennas, spoilers, bike racks, and any custom parts that could get damaged.
Disable alarms: Turn off your car alarm to avoid issues during transport.
Provide a key: Have a spare key ready for the driver.
For complete preparation guidelines, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Taking these simple steps ensures a smooth pickup from Lakewood and safe delivery of your vehicle.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when transporting from Lakewood, CA. Sherpa Auto Transport takes insurance seriously to protect your vehicle throughout the entire shipping process.
Here’s what’s included:
- Minimum $1,000,000 in liability insurance – All carriers must carry this coverage
- Minimum $100,000 in cargo insurance – This protects your vehicle during transport
- Verified coverage – We confirm each carrier’s insurance is valid and current before your shipment begins
- Additional protection – All carriers add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy
These insurance requirements are the same whether you’re shipping from Lakewood, CA to another state or receiving a vehicle in Lakewood. Your quotes include this coverage at no extra cost.
Before your vehicle is picked up, you’ll receive the carrier’s insurance details for your records. This gives you peace of mind knowing your vehicle is protected from Lakewood to its destination.
We recommend scheduling your car pickup from Lakewood, CA at least 1-2 weeks in advance for the best results. However, booking earlier gives you more options and better rates.
Here’s why advance notice helps:
- Better carrier availability: More time allows carriers to plan efficient routes through Lakewood
- Lower costs: Carriers can bundle your vehicle with other shipments, reducing your price
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
Need faster service? We also offer expedited shipping with as little as 24-48 hours notice, though this typically costs more. For standard shipping during peak seasons (summer and early fall), booking 2-3 weeks ahead is ideal.
Bottom line: Book as early as you can. Even if your moving date isn’t set in stone, reserving your spot early ensures smoother, more affordable car shipping from Lakewood.
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 is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle is shipped on an open-air trailer alongside other cars, similar to what you see on highways. It’s safe, reliable, and costs significantly less than enclosed transport.
Enclosed auto transport provides full protection inside a covered trailer. Your vehicle is shielded from weather, road debris, and dust during transit. This option costs 50-60% more than open transport but offers maximum security.
Which should you choose? Most Lakewood residents choose open transport for everyday vehicles—it’s budget-friendly and perfectly safe. Consider enclosed transport if you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car with custom paint or modifications that need extra protection.
Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service for Lakewood, CA residents. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home or business and deliver it directly to your destination address.
Here’s how it works:
- Convenient pickup: Our carrier will come to your specified address in Lakewood to load your vehicle
- Direct delivery: Your car will be delivered right to your door at the destination
- Flexible locations: If your street has low-hanging trees, tight turns, or parking restrictions, we’ll arrange a nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or parking lot
Most Lakewood neighborhoods are accessible for our carriers. However, some residential areas may have restrictions on large trucks. If this applies to your location, we’ll work with you to find a safe, convenient alternative just a short distance away.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle—no need to drive to a terminal or drop-off location. We handle the logistics so you can focus on your move.
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!