Los Angeles, CA Car Shipping

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Los Angeles, CA Car Shipping
Planning to move your vehicle to or from Los Angeles, CA? Car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating across the country or buying a car online, finding reliable auto transport in Los Angeles is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping costs, timelines, and tips to ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
Popular Routes from Los Angeles, CA

Key Takeaways From This Article
Los Angeles, CA Auto Transport
Car shipping from Los Angeles typically costs $975-$1,750 and takes 1-10 days depending on your destination, with popular routes like LA to Phoenix averaging $975-$1,200 in 1-4 days.
Our Los Angeles and California Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for LA car shipping, but you can save money by choosing open transport over enclosed, booking during off-peak winter months, and offering flexible pickup dates.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Los Angeles car shipping 2-3 weeks in advance for the best rates, or 4-6 weeks ahead during busy summer and holiday seasons to avoid delays and higher prices.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is proper vehicle preparation – clean your car, remove personal items, keep gas under 1/4 tank, and take photos of any existing damage before pickup.
State Insights
California requires strict emissions testing and smog certification for out-of-state vehicles, so ensure your car meets these standards before shipping to 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.
Popular Routes from Los Angeles, CA
Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles
to New York City
|
2,789 mi
|
$1250–1725
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Dallas
|
1,436 mi
|
$975–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Miami
|
2,735 mi
|
$1225–1500
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Washington
|
2,668 mi
|
$1175–1550
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Atlanta
|
2,174 mi
|
$1125–1450
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Chicago
|
2,016 mi
|
$1100–1400
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Boston
|
2,982 mi
|
$1275–1750
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Houston
|
1,547 mi
|
$1025–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Seattle
|
1,135 mi
|
$975–1200
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Vineland
|
2,709 mi
|
$1175–1550
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Austin
|
1,377 mi
|
$1025–1275
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Nashville
|
2,004 mi
|
$1125–1450
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Orlando
|
2,509 mi
|
$1175–1425
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Tampa
|
2,526 mi
|
$1200–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Los Angeles
to Charlotte
|
2,420 mi
|
$1125–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Factors that Affect Los Angeles, CA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance is the biggest factor in car shipping costs. Shipping from Los Angeles to nearby states like Arizona or Nevada costs much less than shipping cross-country to New York or Florida. Every extra mile adds to fuel, driver time, and wear on the carrier truck.
Route
Los Angeles sits on major interstate highways like I-5, I-10, and I-405, making it cheaper to ship cars here than to remote areas. Popular routes from LA to cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, or San Francisco cost less because carriers run these routes regularly with full loads.
Season
Summer and fall are peak moving seasons, making car shipping more expensive. Winter months (December-February) typically offer the lowest rates to and from Los Angeles. Spring rates fall somewhere in the middle as people start planning moves.
Vehicle Type
Standard cars cost the least to ship. SUVs, trucks, and vans cost 10-15% more due to extra weight and size. Oversized vehicles like large pickup trucks may need special trailers, adding even more to the cost. Luxury and classic cars often require enclosed transport.
Traffic Patterns
Avoid shipping during busy travel times like Thanksgiving week, Memorial Day, or Labor Day weekend. LA’s heavy traffic can delay pickups and deliveries, especially during rush hours. Flexible scheduling helps carriers work around traffic and keeps costs down.
Carrier Availability
Los Angeles has plenty of car carriers year-round due to high demand. However, during peak season (summer/fall), you may wait 1-2 weeks for pickup. Off-season shipping usually means faster service within 3-7 days, plus lower prices.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost 20-40% less than enclosed ones and work fine for most vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles worth over $50,000. Open transport is safe and used for 90% of all car shipments, including new cars from dealerships.
Population Density
Dense LA neighborhoods with narrow streets and limited parking cost more for pickup and delivery. Consider meeting your carrier at a nearby shopping center or wide street to save money. Some areas may require smaller trucks, which can increase costs.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Save money by shipping during off-peak seasons when demand is lower. Avoid busy periods like snowbird season (fall/spring) when rates spike. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant cost savings.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offer flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce costs. Carriers reward customers who provide 5-day windows instead of exact dates. This flexibility allows drivers to optimize routes and pass savings directly to you.
Hub City Advantages
Choose pickup locations near major highways in Los Angeles for better rates. Highway-accessible areas attract more carriers, creating competition that drives prices down. This strategy works especially well when shipping to rural destinations.
Open Trailers
Select open trailers over enclosed ones to cut shipping costs significantly. Open transport works perfectly for most vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers only for luxury, classic, or high-value cars needing extra protection from weather and road debris.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Los Angeles, CA Work?

Car shipping from Los Angeles, CA follows a simple process that typically takes 3-7 days to complete. First, you’ll get a quote from Sherpa Auto Transport based on your destination and vehicle type. Once you book, we’ll assign a carrier and provide pickup details. The average distance for routes from Los Angeles, CA is 2,194 miles, with pricing ranging from $975-$1750 depending on your specific destination and service options.
Los Angeles presents unique advantages for auto transport due to its major port and highway access. As a key shipping hub, Los Angeles, CA offers frequent carrier availability and competitive rates. The process involves vehicle inspection, secure loading onto a carrier truck, transportation to your destination, and final delivery with another inspection. Our drivers handle all logistics while you track your shipment’s progress.
To ship your car from Los Angeles, CA, start by requesting a free quote online or by phone. After booking, prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition. On pickup day, be present for the inspection and handover. Your car will then travel safely to its destination, where you’ll complete the final inspection and take possession. This streamlined car shipping process ensures your vehicle arrives safely and on time.
Los Angeles, CA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

When planning car shipping to Los Angeles, CA, understanding California’s unique vehicle requirements is essential. The state requires all vehicles to pass strict emissions testing through the Smog Check Program, which must be completed within 20 days of registration [CARB]. For auto transport customers, this means ensuring your vehicle meets California’s stringent emission standards before shipping.
California’s vehicle registration process differs from other states, requiring a VIN verification and smog certification for most out-of-state vehicles [DMV]. Los Angeles residents must also comply with specific regulations including window tinting limits of 70% light transmission on front windows and vehicle height restrictions for modified cars [CVC]. These rules affect car shipping preparation and post-delivery compliance.
Moving to Los Angeles, CA brings unique considerations for vehicle preparation. The mild Mediterranean climate means winter tires aren’t necessary, but UV protection becomes crucial due to intense sun exposure. Consider ceramic window tinting within legal limits to protect interiors during auto transport and daily use [CVC]. California also requires minimum liability insurance coverage of 15/30/5, which is lower than many states but often insufficient for LA’s high-cost accident environment [CDI]. Most experts recommend higher coverage limits given the area’s expensive vehicles and medical costs.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Los Angeles, California that we Serve
Comprehensive Auto Transport Coverage Areas in Los Angeles, CA
Downtown Los Angeles: 90012, 90013, 90014, 90015, 90017, 90071
Hollywood: 90028, 90038, 90046, 90068, 90069
Beverly Hills & West Hollywood: 90210, 90211, 90212, 90069, 90048
Santa Monica & Venice: 90401, 90402, 90403, 90404, 90405, 90291
Westside (Brentwood, Westwood, Century City): 90024, 90025, 90049, 90064, 90067, 90073, 90077, 90095
San Fernando Valley: 91301, 91302, 91303, 91304, 91306, 91307, 91316, 91324, 91325, 91326, 91330, 91331, 91335, 91340, 91343, 91344, 91345, 91352, 91356, 91364, 91367, 91401, 91402, 91403, 91406, 91411, 91423, 91436, 91501, 91502, 91504, 91505, 91506, 91601, 91602, 91604, 91605, 91606, 91607, 91608
South Bay (Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach): 90245, 90254, 90266, 90277, 90278, 90501, 90502, 90503, 90504, 90505, 90506, 90507, 90508, 90509, 90510
East Los Angeles & Pasadena: 90022, 90032, 90063, 91006, 91007, 91030, 91101, 91103, 91104, 91105, 91106, 91107, 91108, 91109, 91114, 91115, 91116, 91117, 91118, 91121, 91123, 91124, 91125, 91126, 91129, 91131, 91182, 91184, 91185, 91188, 91189, 91199
Long Beach: 90801, 90802, 90803, 90804, 90805, 90806, 90807, 90808, 90809, 90810, 90813, 90814, 90815, 90822, 90831, 90832, 90833, 90834, 90835, 90840, 90842, 90844, 90846, 90847, 90848, 90853, 90888, 90899
Central & Mid-City Los Angeles: 90004, 90005, 90006, 90010, 90016, 90018, 90019, 90020, 90035, 90036, 90039, 90048, 90056, 90057, 90058, 90062, 90065, 90210
We serves the entire Los Angeles region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles hosts numerous prestigious universities where parking considerations are crucial for students using car shipping services. At UCLA, students must register for parking permits through BruinCard Services, with residential parking costing $300-500 per quarter [UCLA Transportation]. USC requires parking registration and offers limited overnight guest parking [USC Transportation]. Many dorms don’t include parking, so students should secure permits early. During winter break, most campuses allow registered vehicles to remain parked. While snow tires aren’t necessary in Los Angeles, students should verify their roadside assistance coverage extends to California. Before using Los Angeles car shipping services, confirm your insurance transfers properly. Popular universities like Cal State LA and Loyola Marymount also require advance parking registration, making early planning essential when shipping a car to campus.
Military Car Shipping in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles area military personnel at Los Angeles Air Force Base and Naval Base Ventura County should prepare for specific parking and vehicle requirements. Most installations require a valid military ID and vehicle registration to bring cars on base [DoD]. Barracks typically don’t include guaranteed parking spaces, so check availability with your housing office beforehand [USArmy]. For extended deployments or leave, contact the base transportation office about long-term vehicle storage options, as policies vary by installation [USNavy]. California’s year-round mild climate means snow tires aren’t necessary, but ensure your vehicle meets California emissions standards [CARB]. Verify your auto insurance and roadside assistance coverage extends to California, as some policies have geographic limitations [DMV]. Consider registering your vehicle in California if stationed there permanently to avoid complications.
Los Angeles, CA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for shipping from Los Angeles is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Clean and inspect your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. Take photos of any existing damage for your records.
Remove personal items: Clear out all belongings, including items in the glove box and trunk. Remove toll passes, GPS devices, and any loose accessories.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has less than a quarter tank of gas. Check that the battery is secure and fluids aren’t leaking.
Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to prevent issues during transport.
Provide working keys: Have a spare key ready for the driver.
For complete preparation details, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures your car ships safely from Los Angeles to its destination.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Los Angeles, CA. All our carriers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your Los Angeles pickup, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is current and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
This coverage protects your vehicle during loading, transport, and delivery. You can request a copy of the insurance certificate before your shipment begins for your peace of mind.
For car shipping from Los Angeles, CA, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and preferred pickup dates.
Los Angeles is a major shipping hub with high demand, so early booking helps carriers plan efficient routes and bundle shipments. During peak seasons (summer months and winter holidays), consider booking 4-6 weeks ahead to avoid delays and higher prices.
Last-minute bookings (less than one week) are possible but typically cost more and offer fewer scheduling options. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you’ll have with pickup times and carrier selection.
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 trailers where your car is exposed to weather and road debris. It’s the most common and affordable option, costing about 50% less than enclosed transport. Most vehicles ship this way safely every day.
Enclosed auto transport protects your car inside a covered trailer. It shields your vehicle from weather, dust, and road debris. This option costs more but is worth it for luxury cars, classic vehicles, or cars with custom paint jobs.
Which should you choose for your LA move? Open transport works great for most everyday vehicles. Choose enclosed if your car is worth over $50,000, has sentimental value, or needs extra protection. See our complete open vs enclosed guide for more details.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle 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 us with your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule a convenient time for both pickup and delivery.
However, in some Los Angeles neighborhoods, large car carriers may face challenges due to:
- Narrow streets or low-hanging branches
- Parking restrictions or permit requirements
- Steep hills or tight turns
If your exact address isn’t accessible, don’t worry. Our experienced drivers will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center, gas station, or open parking lot – usually within a few blocks of your location.
This door-to-door service is included in your quote at no extra charge, making your Los Angeles car shipping experience as convenient as possible.
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!