Redwood City, CA Car Shipping
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Redwood City, CA Car Shipping
Looking for reliable car shipping in Redwood City, CA? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re relocating across the country or sending a vehicle to a loved one, auto transport doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping from Redwood City, including costs, timelines, and expert tips to ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on budget.
Popular Routes from Redwood City, CA
Key Takeaways From This Article
Redwood City, CA Auto Transport
Car shipping from Redwood City typically costs $1,075-$1,700 and takes 3-7 days, with pricing varying based on distance, vehicle type, and season.
Our Redwood City and California Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with a Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star ratings from 8,000+ reviews, and thoroughly vetted carriers for reliable service.
Factors that Impact Cost
Route accessibility matters most for Redwood City shipments—the city’s proximity to major highways like US-101 and I-280 provides better pricing and more carrier options than rural destinations.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your pickup 1-2 weeks in advance to secure the best rates and carrier availability, though Redwood City’s busy shipping hub allows for more flexibility than most areas.
How Car Shipping Works
California requires smog checks within 90 days of vehicle transfer, vehicle registration within 20 days of establishing residency, and minimum liability insurance of 15/30/5 for all drivers.
State Insights
Prepare your vehicle by cleaning it thoroughly, removing personal items, ensuring less than a quarter tank of gas, disabling alarms, and documenting its condition with photos before pickup.
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 Redwood City, CA
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Redwood City
to New York City
|
2,930 mi
|
$1350–1675
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Boston
|
3,123 mi
|
$1350–1700
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Washington
|
2,837 mi
|
$1250–1550
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Dallas
|
1,712 mi
|
$1075–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Chicago
|
2,156 mi
|
$1125–1375
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Houston
|
1,908 mi
|
$1125–1375
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Atlanta
|
2,452 mi
|
$1200–1500
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Austin
|
1,738 mi
|
$1100–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Miami
|
3,022 mi
|
$1275–1550
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Los Angeles
|
363 mi
|
$675–850
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Philadelphia
|
2,899 mi
|
$1250–1550
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Seattle
|
832 mi
|
$925–1050
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Raleigh
|
2,820 mi
|
$1275–1500
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Nashville
|
2,282 mi
|
$1250–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Redwood City
to Charlotte
|
2,697 mi
|
$1250–1550
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 11,570 actual shipments involving Redwood City, 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 Redwood City, CA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays a major role in your shipping costs. The further your vehicle travels, the more you’ll pay. Shipping from Redwood City to nearby Sacramento will cost significantly less than shipping cross-country to New York or Florida.
Route
Your route matters just as much as the distance. Redwood City sits near major highways like I-280 and US-101, which means better pricing for most routes. Shipments along major interstates cost less because carriers run these routes regularly. Remote or rural destinations require special trips, which increases your cost.
Season
Timing affects your price. Summer months (May through September) see the highest demand and prices. Winter and early spring typically offer better rates. If you have flexibility, shipping during off-peak months can save you money.
Vehicle Type
What you ship matters. Standard sedans cost less to transport than SUVs, trucks, or larger vehicles. Bigger vehicles weigh more, consume more fuel, and take up more trailer space. Some carriers can’t accommodate oversized trucks or lifted vehicles at all, which limits your options and raises costs.
Traffic Patterns
Peak travel times increase costs. The week before Thanksgiving, spring break, and major holidays see heavy traffic nationwide. This slows down deliveries and raises carrier expenses. Book around these busy periods when possible to get better rates and faster service.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability fluctuates throughout the year. During peak season, you might wait two to three weeks for pickup. Off-season shipments often get picked up within a few days. Planning ahead gives you more carrier options and better pricing.
Open vs Enclosed
Trailer type impacts your cost significantly. Open trailers are the standard option and cost less. They work perfectly for most vehicles. Enclosed trailers protect luxury, classic, or exotic cars from weather and road debris but cost 40-60% more. For most Redwood City residents, open transport provides excellent value.
Population Density
Redwood City’s location in the San Francisco Bay Area works in your favor. The region’s high population density means plenty of carriers service the area regularly. However, tight city streets and limited parking can complicate pickups. Consider meeting your carrier at a location with easy truck access. This simple step can reduce your costs and speed up the process.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing matters when shipping your vehicle. Off-season transport costs significantly less than peak periods like summer or snowbird season. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in substantial savings, as demand drops and carriers offer more competitive rates during slower months.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexible pickup and delivery schedules can reduce your shipping costs. By offering carriers a five-day window instead of specific dates, you increase their routing efficiency. This flexibility allows drivers to optimize their schedules, and those savings get passed directly to you through lower rates.
Hub City Advantages
Redwood City’s proximity to major highways like US-101 provides excellent shipping access. Choose pickup locations near these main routes for better rates and more carrier options. If shipping to rural areas, consider meeting your carrier in a nearby highway-accessible city to reduce costs.
Open Trailers
Open trailers offer the most affordable shipping option and work well for most vehicles. They cost significantly less than enclosed transport. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-value cars needing extra protection. For standard vehicles, open transport provides safe, economical delivery.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Redwood City, CA Work?
Car shipping from Redwood City, CA is a straightforward process that typically takes 3-7 days to complete. When you book auto transport with Sherpa Auto Transport, we handle everything from pickup to delivery. The average distance covered is 2,461 miles, with pricing ranging from $1075-$1700 depending on your specific route and vehicle type. Our carriers use both open and enclosed transport options to safely move your vehicle.
Shipping a car to or from Redwood City, CA starts with getting a quote and booking your transport. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Redwood City offers easy access to major highways like US-101, making pickup and delivery convenient. Once scheduled, a professional driver will inspect your vehicle and load it onto the carrier. You’ll receive updates throughout the journey. Upon arrival, conduct a final inspection and sign off on delivery. The process is simple and stress-free, allowing you to focus on your move while we handle your auto transport needs.
Redwood City, CA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to Redwood City, CA, understanding California’s vehicle regulations is essential. California requires all vehicles to undergo a smog check within 90 days of purchase or transfer, with biennial testing thereafter for most vehicles [DMV]. New residents must register their out-of-state vehicle within 20 days of establishing residency and obtain California license plates [DMV]. The state maintains strict emission standards that may require modifications to older vehicles before registration [CARB].
California law regulates window tinting, requiring front side windows to allow at least 70% light transmission, while rear windows can be darker [DMV]. Vehicle frame height modifications must comply with specific clearance requirements to pass inspection [CVC]. For auto transport to Redwood City, consider that California requires minimum liability insurance of 15/30/5 ($15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, $5,000 property damage) [DMV]. Many residents opt for higher coverage due to expensive repair costs in the Bay Area.
Redwood City enjoys mild weather year-round, so winter tires are unnecessary. However, if you plan mountain trips to Tahoe, keep chains accessible during winter months [Caltrans]. When arranging car shipping from Redwood City, ensure your auto transport company provides adequate insurance coverage for the vehicle’s value during transit.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Redwood City, California that we Serve
Redwood City: 94061, 94062, 94063, 94064, 94065
Redwood Shores: 94065
Emerald Hills: 94062
Woodside: 94062
North Fair Oaks: 94063
Atherton: 94027
Menlo Park: 94025, 94026, 94028, 94029
San Carlos: 94070
Belmont: 94002
Foster City: 94404
We serves the entire Redwood City region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Redwood City, CA
Redwood City is conveniently located near several major universities, including Stanford University (just 10 minutes away) and the College of San Mateo. If you’re shipping a car to campus, understanding parking logistics is essential. Stanford requires all students to register vehicles and purchase parking permits, with freshmen typically restricted from bringing cars [Stanford Transportation]. Most on-campus housing doesn’t include guaranteed parking, so factor this into your auto transport planning. The College of San Mateo offers permit-based parking with semester passes available [CSM Parking Services]. Before using car shipping services to Redwood City, confirm your insurance and roadside assistance coverage extends to California. The Bay Area’s mild climate means no snow tire requirements, but students should plan for limited storage during breaks—many campuses don’t allow long-term vehicle storage. Coordinate your car transport arrival with move-in dates for smoother campus access.
Redwood City, CA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Redwood City is simple. Follow these key steps:
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing scratches or dents with photos.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes (like FasTrak), and fragile items. These aren’t covered by carrier insurance.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has less than a quarter tank of gas. Check that the battery is charged and there are no leaks.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, or custom antennas. Secure or remove any loose parts.
Disable alarms: Turn off your car alarm to avoid issues during transport.
Provide a key: Have a working key ready for the driver.
For more detailed guidance, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Proper preparation ensures a smooth pickup from Redwood City and safe delivery to your destination.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Redwood City, CA. Every carrier in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment begins, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is valid and current. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection and peace of mind.
You’ll receive a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup. If you have questions about coverage, our team is happy to walk you through the details.
We recommend scheduling your pickup from Redwood City 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 booking helps:
- Better carrier availability: Carriers can plan routes and bundle your vehicle with others heading in the same direction
- More competitive pricing: Last-minute bookings often cost more due to limited availability
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
That said, we can often accommodate shorter notice. If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping options that can arrange pickup in as little as 24-48 hours, though this comes at a premium price.
Pro tip: Redwood City’s location in the San Francisco Bay Area works in your favor. This busy shipping hub sees frequent carrier traffic, which means more flexibility than rural areas. Still, booking early ensures the smoothest experience.
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. Your car is exposed to weather and road conditions during transit. This is the most common and affordable shipping method, costing significantly less than enclosed transport.
Enclosed auto transport uses fully covered trailers that protect your vehicle from weather, debris, and road elements. This premium service typically costs 50-60% more than open transport.
Which should you choose? Most Redwood City residents choose open transport for standard vehicles—it’s safe, reliable, and cost-effective. Consider enclosed transport if you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car with custom modifications. The extra protection is worth it for high-value vehicles.
Learn more in our detailed open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Redwood City, CA. This is our most popular shipping option because it’s convenient and hassle-free.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will come directly to your location in Redwood City to pick up your vehicle and deliver it right to your destination address.
In some cases, large car carriers may have difficulty accessing narrow residential streets or areas with low-hanging trees and tight turns. If this happens in your Redwood City neighborhood, our driver will contact you to arrange a nearby meeting point, such as a shopping center parking lot or main street. This ensures safe pickup without any damage to your vehicle or property.
Most customers in Redwood City experience true door-to-door service with no issues. Our team will work with you every step of the way to make your car shipping experience as smooth 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!