Sacramento, 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…
Sacramento, CA Car Shipping
Planning to move your vehicle to or from Sacramento, 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA
Key Takeaways From This Article
Sacramento, CA Auto Transport
Car shipping from Sacramento, CA typically costs $625-$1,675 depending on distance, with local California moves starting around $625 and cross-country transport reaching $1,675, taking 0-10 days for delivery.
Our Sacramento and California Customers
Sacramento customers choose Sherpa Auto Transport for 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 Sacramento car shipping, with Sacramento’s central location on I-5 and I-80 providing excellent carrier access and competitive rates year-round.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Save money on Sacramento car shipping by booking 2-3 weeks ahead, choosing flexible pickup dates, and selecting open transport for standard vehicles instead of enclosed trailers.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is vehicle preparation – remove personal items, clean your car, document existing damage with photos, and ensure you have a working key for the carrier.
State Insights
Sacramento’s location on major highways like I-5 and I-80 makes it a carrier-friendly hub with good availability, though summer months see higher demand and prices.
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 Sacramento, CA
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sacramento
to Dallas
|
1,726 mi
|
$1075–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to New York City
|
2,819 mi
|
$1300–1675
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to Washington
|
2,726 mi
|
$1200–1550
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to Rome
|
2,467 mi
|
$1200–1575
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to Houston
|
1,931 mi
|
$1100–1375
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to Miami
|
3,037 mi
|
$1250–1575
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to Los Angeles
|
385 mi
|
$625–775
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to Lewisburg
|
2,276 mi
|
$1225–1500
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to Boston
|
3,016 mi
|
$1400–1675
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to Austin
|
1,760 mi
|
$1125–1425
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to Michigan City
|
2,046 mi
|
$1150–1325
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to Baltimore
|
2,733 mi
|
$1375–1750
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to Phoenix
|
755 mi
|
$775–950
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to The Villages
|
2,811 mi
|
$1250–1525
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Sacramento
to Vineland
|
2,789 mi
|
$1200–1725
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Factors that Affect Sacramento, CA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays the biggest role in your car shipping costs to and from Sacramento. Shipping your car from Sacramento to nearby cities like San Francisco or Reno will cost much less than cross-country moves to New York or Florida. Local California moves typically range from $300-600, while coast-to-coast shipping can cost $1,000-1,500 or more.
Route
Sacramento sits perfectly on major highways like I-5 and I-80, making it cheaper to ship cars here than to remote areas. These busy routes have regular carrier traffic, which keeps costs down. If you’re moving to a small town off the beaten path, expect to pay 10-20% more than standard Sacramento rates.
Season
Summer months (June-August) are peak season for car shipping in Sacramento due to college moves and vacation relocations. Winter offers the best rates, often 15-25% cheaper than summer. Spring and fall provide moderate pricing with good availability.
Vehicle Type
Standard cars are always cheapest to ship from Sacramento. SUVs and trucks cost 20-30% more due to their size and weight. Large pickup trucks or oversized vehicles may require special trailers, significantly increasing costs. Luxury or modified vehicles often need enclosed transport for protection.
Traffic Patterns
Avoid shipping during major travel periods like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, and Labor Day when carriers face heavy traffic delays. Sacramento’s location near major California destinations means holiday traffic can slow deliveries and increase costs by 10-15%.
Carrier Availability
Sacramento’s central location means good carrier availability year-round. During peak summer season, book 2-3 weeks ahead for best rates. Off-season bookings can often be arranged within a few days, giving you more flexibility and potentially lower prices.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport works great for most Sacramento shipments and costs 40-60% less than enclosed. Sacramento’s mild climate makes open transport safe for regular vehicles. Choose enclosed transport only for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles worth over $50,000.
Population Density
Sacramento’s well-planned streets and suburban layout make it carrier-friendly, keeping costs reasonable. Downtown pickups may cost slightly more due to parking restrictions. Consider meeting your carrier at a nearby shopping center or suburb to save money on delivery fees.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money on Sacramento transport. Avoid busy snowbird season and summer moving periods. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can reduce costs significantly.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to lower your Sacramento shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery gives them more scheduling options and better rates.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup locations near major highways around Sacramento for better rates and carrier options. Highway-accessible spots offer more competitive pricing than remote areas, so consider meeting carriers at convenient highway locations.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for Sacramento car shipping. Standard vehicles ship safely on open trailers, while luxury or classic cars may benefit from enclosed transport’s extra protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Sacramento, CA Work?
Car shipping from Sacramento, CA follows a simple process that typically takes 3-7 days to complete. First, you’ll get a quote based on your destination, with distances averaging 2,198 miles and prices ranging from $625-$1675. After booking your auto transport service, a carrier will pick up your vehicle at your Sacramento location or a nearby terminal. Your car will then be loaded onto an open or enclosed trailer for transport to its destination.
Sacramento’s central California location offers excellent access to major highways like I-5 and I-80, making it a popular hub for auto transport companies. This means faster pickup times and competitive pricing for car shipping services. The process involves vehicle inspection, secure loading, GPS tracking during transit, and final delivery with another inspection. Weather conditions and traffic in the Sacramento area are generally favorable year-round, though winter mountain passes may affect certain routes.
To ship your car from Sacramento, CA, simply request a quote, schedule pickup, prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, and be present for both pickup and delivery inspections. The entire auto transport process is designed to be hassle-free while ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
Sacramento, CA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to Sacramento, CA, understanding California’s unique vehicle requirements is essential. The state requires smog checks for most vehicles during registration, which can affect your auto transport timeline [CARB]. New residents have 20 days to register their vehicle after establishing residency, and out-of-state vehicles must pass California’s emissions standards [CA DMV].
California has strict vehicle modification laws that Sacramento residents must follow. Window tinting cannot exceed 70% light transmission on front windows, and vehicle height modifications have specific limits [CA Vehicle Code]. These regulations may require adjustments before or after your car shipping arrives in Sacramento, CA.
Sacramento’s Mediterranean climate means minimal weather modifications are needed compared to other regions. However, summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, making cooling system maintenance important [NWS]. For auto transport customers, California requires minimum liability insurance of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $5,000 for property damage [CA DMV]. Consider comprehensive coverage during car shipping to protect against transport-related incidents.
Before scheduling auto transport to Sacramento, CA, ensure your vehicle meets California’s environmental standards and prepare for the state’s insurance requirements to avoid delays in registration and legal compliance.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Sacramento, California that we Serve
Sacramento Auto Transport Service Areas
Our comprehensive auto transport services cover all Sacramento metropolitan areas and surrounding regions. We provide reliable vehicle shipping to and from the following zip codes:
Downtown Sacramento: 95814, 95815, 95816, 95817, 95818, 95819, 95820, 95821, 95822, 95823, 95824, 95825, 95826, 95827, 95828, 95829, 95830, 95831, 95832, 95833, 95834, 95835, 95837, 95838, 95841, 95842, 95851, 95852, 95853, 95860
North Sacramento: 95660, 95661, 95662, 95663, 95673, 95678, 95683, 95690, 95691, 95692, 95693, 95694, 95695, 95696, 95697, 95698
South Sacramento: 95757, 95758, 95759, 95823, 95824, 95828, 95829, 95832, 95841, 95842, 95851, 95852, 95853
East Sacramento: 95816, 95819, 95820, 95864, 95865, 95866, 95867, 95670, 95671, 95672, 95677, 95679, 95681, 95682
West Sacramento: 95605, 95691, 95692, 95693, 95694, 95695, 95696, 95697, 95798, 95799
Elk Grove: 95624, 95757, 95758, 95759, 95828, 95829, 95830, 95831, 95832, 95833, 95834, 95835, 95836, 95837, 95838
Folsom: 95630, 95633, 95670, 95671, 95672, 95673, 95674, 95675, 95676, 95677, 95678, 95679, 95680, 95681, 95682
Roseville: 95661, 95662, 95663, 95664, 95665, 95666, 95667, 95668, 95669, 95678, 95746, 95747, 95748, 95749, 95661
Citrus Heights: 95610, 95611, 95621, 95628, 95660, 95662, 95663, 95864, 95865, 95866, 95867, 95868, 95869
Rancho Cordova: 95655, 95656, 95657, 95670, 95671, 95672, 95673, 95674, 95675, 95676, 95677, 95678, 95679, 95680, 95681, 95682, 95683, 95684, 95685, 95686, 95687, 95688, 95689, 95690, 95691, 95692, 95693, 95694, 95695, 95696, 95697, 95698, 95699
We serves the entire Sacramento region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento’s college students face unique parking challenges that impact car shipping decisions. At Sacramento State University, parking permits cost $300+ annually with limited overnight guest parking [CSUS Parking Services]. UC Davis, just 20 minutes away, requires parking registration and offers winter break storage for $25/month [UC Davis Transportation]. Most student apartments don’t include parking, so factor in $50-100 monthly costs when planning your car transport to Sacramento, CA.
Winter weather rarely requires snow tires, but verify your roadside assistance coverage transfers to California [AAA]. Many students find shipping a car more practical than driving cross-country, especially considering Sacramento’s limited campus parking. If you’re using car shipping services, coordinate delivery timing with move-in dates since temporary parking is restricted during peak periods [City of Sacramento].
Sacramento, CA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for shipping from Sacramento, 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 door pockets. Carriers are not responsible for personal items left in your car.
Clean your vehicle: Wash your car inside and out. This helps with the inspection process and makes it easier to spot any damage.
Document existing damage: Take photos of your vehicle from all angles before shipping. Note any scratches, dents, or other issues.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and other fluids. Make sure your battery is charged and working.
Remove or secure loose items: Take off toll passes, GPS devices, and any aftermarket accessories. Secure or remove anything that could fall off during transport.
Provide a working key: Have a spare key ready for the driver. Your car needs to be driven on and off the carrier.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure a smooth pickup from Sacramento.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Sacramento, CA. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry minimum $1,000,000 liability insurance and $100,000 cargo insurance to protect your vehicle during transport.
Before your Sacramento shipment begins, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
This comprehensive coverage is included in your quote at no extra cost. Your vehicle is protected from pickup in Sacramento through delivery at your destination.
For car shipping from Sacramento, CA, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. However, the earlier you schedule, the better your chances of securing preferred dates and competitive pricing.
Here’s why advance booking matters:
- Better carrier availability: Sacramento is a major shipping hub, but popular routes fill up quickly
- Cost savings: Last-minute bookings often cost 20-30% more
- Flexible scheduling: More time allows carriers to bundle your car with others, reducing costs
If you’re moving during peak season (summer months or winter snowbird migration), consider booking 4-6 weeks ahead. For urgent shipments, we can often accommodate 3-7 day notice, though expect higher rates and limited carrier options.
Pro tip: Sacramento’s central California location makes it easier to find carriers year-round compared to remote areas, but planning ahead still 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 transport is the most common and cost-effective option. Your car rides on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road debris. This works great for everyday vehicles and offers reliable protection during transport.
Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more but provides complete protection inside a covered trailer. Choose this for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs that need extra care.
For most Sacramento residents shipping standard vehicles, open transport offers excellent value and safety. However, if you’re moving a high-value car to or from Sacramento, enclosed transport gives you peace of mind. See our detailed comparison guide to help you decide which option fits your needs and budget.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door auto transport service for Sacramento residents and those moving to the area. This convenient service means we pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or preferred location and deliver it directly to your destination address.
When you book your Sacramento car shipping service, simply provide us with your pickup and delivery addresses. Our professional carriers will coordinate with you to schedule pickup and delivery times that work with your schedule.
In some cases, large car carriers may not be able to access certain residential streets due to low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or parking restrictions. If this happens in your Sacramento neighborhood, don’t worry – our carrier will work with you to find a nearby safe location like a shopping center parking lot or gas station for pickup or delivery.
Door-to-door service is included in most of our Sacramento auto transport quotes at no extra charge, making it both convenient and cost-effective for your vehicle shipping needs.
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!