San Jose, 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…
San Jose, CA Car Shipping
Need reliable car shipping from San Jose, CA? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re relocating across the country or sending a vehicle to a loved one, finding trustworthy auto transport shouldn’t be stressful. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your car from San Jose, CA—including costs, timelines, and expert tips to ensure a smooth experience.
Popular Routes from San Jose, CA
Key Takeaways From This Article
San Jose, CA Auto Transport
Car shipping from San Jose typically costs $925-$1,650 depending on distance, with most shipments taking 2-10 days to reach destinations across the country.
Our San Jose 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 a BBB A+ rating.
Factors that Impact Cost
Your route matters most—San Jose’s location along major highways like I-5 and I-80 keeps costs down, while shipping to remote areas off main corridors increases prices due to limited carrier access.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your San Jose car shipping 1-2 weeks in advance for the best rates and availability, especially during peak summer months when demand is highest.
How Car Shipping Works
Within 20 days of moving to San Jose, you must register your vehicle with the California DMV and obtain smog certification for most vehicles manufactured after 1975.
State Insights
Save money by shipping during off-peak seasons (October-April), offering flexible pickup dates, and choosing open trailers over enclosed options for standard vehicles.
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 San Jose, CA
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
San Jose
to New York City
|
2,938 mi
|
$1300–1575
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Dallas
|
1,689 mi
|
$1075–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Austin
|
1,715 mi
|
$1100–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Boston
|
3,131 mi
|
$1375–1650
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Seattle
|
840 mi
|
$925–1075
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Washington
|
2,845 mi
|
$1225–1525
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Atlanta
|
2,429 mi
|
$1175–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Chicago
|
2,164 mi
|
$1125–1350
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Houston
|
1,886 mi
|
$1100–1350
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Miami
|
2,999 mi
|
$1300–1575
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Miami
|
2,999 mi
|
$1300–1575
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Philadelphia
|
2,907 mi
|
$1375–1575
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Minneapolis
|
2,009 mi
|
$1200–1400
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Raleigh
|
2,797 mi
|
$1250–1550
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Jose
to Denver
|
1,272 mi
|
$1025–1300
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 6,795 actual shipments involving San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays a key role in shipping costs. The farther your vehicle travels, the higher the price. For example, shipping from San Jose to Los Angeles will cost less than shipping to New York City. Longer routes mean more fuel, more time, and higher carrier expenses.
Route
Your route matters just as much as distance. San Jose sits along major highways like I-5 and I-80, which helps keep costs down. Shipments along these busy corridors are cheaper because carriers run them regularly. If you’re shipping to or from a remote area off the main routes, expect to pay more due to the extra effort required.
Season
Timing affects your wallet. Summer months (May through September) are peak season for car shipping, which drives prices up. Winter and early spring typically offer better rates and faster service. If you have flexibility, consider shipping during off-peak months to save money.
Vehicle Type
What you ship matters. Standard sedans are the most affordable to transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans cost more because they take up more space on the trailer, add weight (increasing fuel costs), and can be harder to load. Some carriers can’t even accommodate oversized vehicles, which limits your options and raises prices.
Traffic Patterns
Heavy travel periods can delay shipments and increase costs. The week before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other major holidays see packed highways. If possible, avoid these windows. Scheduling your shipment during quieter periods means faster delivery and potentially lower rates.
Carrier Availability
Carrier supply fluctuates throughout the year. During peak season, you might wait two to three weeks for an available carrier. In the off-season, carriers are often ready within a few days. Planning ahead gives you more options and better pricing, especially if you’re shipping during busy months.
Open vs Enclosed
You have two trailer options. Open trailers are the standard choice and cost less—most vehicles ship this way without issues. Enclosed trailers offer protection from weather and road debris but cost 40-60% more. If you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or exotic car, the extra protection may be worth it. For everyday vehicles, open transport works perfectly fine.
Population Density
San Jose’s location in the Bay Area affects pricing. Dense urban areas with narrow streets, heavy traffic, and parking restrictions make pickups and deliveries more challenging. Large car carriers struggle in tight city spaces. To save money, consider meeting your carrier in a nearby suburb with easier access. This simple step can reduce your costs and make the process smoother for everyone.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Shipping during off-peak seasons can significantly reduce your costs. Avoid busy periods like snowbird season when demand peaks. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can lead to substantial savings, as carriers offer lower rates during slower months.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexible pickup and delivery dates help you save money. By offering carriers a five-day window instead of exact dates, you give them routing flexibility. This makes your shipment easier to schedule, resulting in more competitive rates and lower costs.
Hub City Advantages
Choose pickup locations near major highways in San Jose for better rates. Highway-accessible areas attract more carriers, creating competitive pricing. If shipping to rural destinations, consider meeting carriers at nearby highway hub cities to reduce costs and increase carrier availability.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work well for most vehicles. They’re the standard choice for everyday cars. However, if you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or high-end vehicle, enclosed trailers provide extra protection worth the premium.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from San Jose, CA Work?
Car shipping from San Jose, CA is a straightforward process that typically takes 3-7 days to complete. When you book auto transport services, a carrier will pick up your vehicle from your specified location in San Jose and deliver it directly to your destination. The average shipping distance from San Jose is approximately 2,247 miles, with costs ranging from $925 to $1650 depending on your specific route and vehicle type.
The car shipping process begins with requesting a quote and booking your transport. Next, you’ll prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition. San Jose’s location in the Bay Area provides excellent access to major highways, making pickup and delivery convenient. However, some residential areas may require meeting your driver at a nearby accessible location due to large transport trucks.
Once scheduled, your assigned carrier will contact you to confirm pickup details. After loading your vehicle, you’ll receive updates throughout transit. Upon delivery, inspect your car carefully and sign the bill of lading. Auto transport from San Jose, CA offers both open and enclosed carrier options to protect your vehicle during its journey across the country.
San Jose, CA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to San Jose, CA, understanding California’s unique vehicle regulations is essential. Within 20 days of establishing residency, you must register your vehicle with the California DMV and obtain a CA title [DMV]. California requires smog certification for most vehicles, excluding diesel vehicles manufactured before 1998 and gasoline vehicles from 1975 or older [DMV]. Your auto transport company can deliver your vehicle, but you’ll need this emissions test before registration.
California has strict vehicle modification laws. Window tinting must allow over 70% light transmission on front side windows, while windshields can only have tinting on the top four inches [DMV]. Frame height modifications are regulated, with passenger vehicles limited to specific bumper heights based on vehicle weight. San Jose’s mild climate means winter tires aren’t necessary, but the Bay Area’s frequent rain makes good tire tread important year-round.
California requires minimum liability insurance of 15/30/5 coverage, which tends to cost more than many states due to higher claim rates [DMV]. When arranging auto transport to San Jose, CA, ensure your vehicle is prepared for inspection upon arrival. Keep maintenance records handy, as California’s strict environmental standards may require documentation. These regulations protect air quality but require planning when relocating to San Jose, CA.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of San Jose, California that we Serve
Downtown San Jose: 95110, 95112, 95113, 95126
North San Jose: 95131, 95132, 95133, 95134
East San Jose: 95116, 95122, 95127, 95148
South San Jose: 95123, 95135, 95136, 95138, 95139
West San Jose: 95117, 95118, 95119, 95125, 95128
Almaden Valley: 95120, 95124
Evergreen: 95121, 95135, 95148
Willow Glen: 95125, 95126
Cambrian Park: 95124, 95129
Berryessa: 95130, 95132, 95133
We serves the entire San Jose region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in San Jose, CA
San Jose is home to San Jose State University (SJSU), where parking can be challenging for students considering car transport to campus. SJSU requires all students parking on campus to purchase a parking permit through the Transportation Solutions office, with costs ranging from $216-$396 per semester depending on lot type [SJSU Transportation Solutions]. Freshmen living on campus are generally discouraged from bringing vehicles, as most residence halls don’t include dedicated parking spaces. If you’re shipping a car to San Jose for college, plan ahead—permits sell out quickly, and street parking near campus requires careful attention to posted restrictions [City of San Jose]. During winter break, students can leave vehicles in their assigned lots, though San Jose’s mild climate means no snow tire concerns. Before using car shipping services, verify your insurance coverage and roadside assistance extend to California, as some policies have geographic limitations [DMV].
San Jose, CA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from San Jose, CA is simple. Follow these key steps:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes (like FasTrak), electronics, and loose items. Carriers typically don’t insure 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 gas tank is only 1/4 full, and verify the battery is charged and fluids are at proper levels.
Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to prevent issues during transport.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off custom antennas, spoilers, bike racks, and other exterior accessories that could be damaged.
Provide a key: Have a working key ready for the driver to load and unload your vehicle.
For complete details, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Proper preparation ensures a smooth, safe transport experience from San Jose.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when transporting from San Jose, CA. All carriers in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment leaves San Jose, 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.
Your vehicle is covered from pickup in San Jose through delivery at your destination. If you’d like a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate, just ask—we’re happy to provide it.
We recommend booking your car shipping service from San Jose at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, scheduling earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why advance notice helps:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction
- More availability: You’ll have more carrier options during peak seasons
- Flexible scheduling: You can choose pickup dates that work best for your timeline
If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping options with pickup possible in as little as 24-48 hours. Keep in mind this typically costs more than standard service.
Pro tip: San Jose is a major metro area with high shipping demand. Book 2-3 weeks ahead during summer months (May-September) when auto transport is busiest.
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 elements during transit. This is the most common and affordable option—about 90% of vehicles shipped in and out of San Jose use open transport.
Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle in a fully covered trailer, protecting it from weather, dust, and road debris. This costs 50-60% more than open transport but provides maximum protection.
Choose open transport if: You have a standard daily-driver vehicle and want to save money. It’s safe, reliable, and perfect for most cars.
Choose enclosed transport if: You’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car with custom paint or modifications. The extra cost is worth the peace of mind.
For more details, see our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes! We offer convenient door-to-door auto transport service for San Jose residents. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or any address you specify in San Jose, and deliver it directly to your destination address.
When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your preferred pickup and delivery locations. Our assigned carrier will come right to your door, making the process as easy as possible for you.
Important to know: Some San Jose neighborhoods have narrow streets, low-hanging trees, or parking restrictions that may prevent large car carriers from accessing your exact address. If this happens, don’t worry—our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center parking lot or main street. This is common in areas with tight residential streets.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. You won’t need to drive to a terminal or drop-off location. We bring the service to you!
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!