San Rafael, CA Car Shipping
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San Rafael, CA Car Shipping
Need reliable car shipping from San Rafael, 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 doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your car from San Rafael, CA—including costs, timelines, and insider tips to ensure a smooth experience.
Popular Routes from San Rafael, CA
Key Takeaways From This Article
San Rafael, CA Auto Transport
Shipping from San Rafael typically costs $675-$1,700 and takes 0-10 days depending on distance, with cross-country routes averaging $1,250-$1,675 and 4-10 days transit time.
Our San Rafael and California Customers
Sherpa customers in San Rafael and California appreciate our Price Lock Promise—no hidden fees or surprise costs—backed by 8,000+ five-star reviews and a BBB A+ rating.
Factors that Impact Cost
San Rafael’s location near major highways like US-101 keeps costs reasonable, though some narrow residential streets may require meeting carriers at nearby accessible locations like parking lots.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, keeping fuel at 1/4 tank, documenting its condition with photos, and providing a working key to the carrier for smooth pickup and delivery.
How Car Shipping Works
California requires new residents to register vehicles within 20 days and obtain a California license within 10 days, plus smog certification for most vehicles over four years old.
State Insights
Book your San Rafael shipment 1-2 weeks in advance for better rates and carrier availability, especially during peak summer months when demand is highest.
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 Rafael, CA
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
San Rafael
to New York City
|
2,902 mi
|
$1350–1675
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Boston
|
3,094 mi
|
$1350–1700
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Washington
|
2,809 mi
|
$1250–1550
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Dallas
|
1,741 mi
|
$1075–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Chicago
|
2,128 mi
|
$1125–1375
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Houston
|
1,938 mi
|
$1125–1375
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Atlanta
|
2,482 mi
|
$1200–1500
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Austin
|
1,767 mi
|
$1100–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Miami
|
3,052 mi
|
$1275–1550
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Philadelphia
|
2,871 mi
|
$1250–1550
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Los Angeles
|
393 mi
|
$675–850
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Seattle
|
803 mi
|
$925–1050
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Raleigh
|
2,849 mi
|
$1275–1500
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Nashville
|
2,312 mi
|
$1250–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
San Rafael
to Charlotte
|
2,726 mi
|
$1250–1550
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 11,570 actual shipments involving San Rafael, 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 Rafael, CA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays a major role in your shipping costs. The further your car needs to travel to or from San Rafael, the higher the price. A cross-country shipment will naturally cost more than a regional move within California.
Route
San Rafael’s location just north of San Francisco gives it excellent highway access via US-101. Routes along major highways like I-5 or US-101 typically cost less than shipments to remote areas. If you’re shipping to or from a smaller coastal town, expect higher rates due to limited carrier traffic.
Season
Shipping costs fluctuate throughout the year. Summer months (May through September) see higher demand and prices as families relocate. Winter and early spring typically offer better rates and more flexibility for San Rafael shipments.
Vehicle Type
Your vehicle size directly impacts cost. Sedans and compact cars are the most affordable to ship. SUVs, trucks, and larger vehicles cost more due to their weight (which increases fuel costs) and the extra space they occupy on the trailer. Some carriers can’t accommodate oversized vehicles at all.
Traffic Patterns
Timing matters. Avoid peak travel periods like the week before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and major holidays when roads are congested. Shipping during quieter windows can reduce delays and sometimes lower costs.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability varies by season. During peak summer months, you might wait 1-3 weeks for a carrier to San Rafael. Off-season shipments often have carriers available within just a few days, giving you more options and potentially better prices.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers are the most economical choice and work well for most vehicles. Enclosed trailers cost significantly more but provide protection from weather and road debris—ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value cars. Most San Rafael shipments use open transport.
Population Density
San Rafael sits in a moderately dense area of Marin County. While it’s more accessible than downtown San Francisco, narrow streets in some neighborhoods can pose challenges for large car carriers. Consider arranging pickup or delivery at a location with easier truck access, like a nearby parking lot or wider street, to potentially reduce costs and complications.
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.
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 often translates to lower rates, as drivers can optimize their schedules more efficiently.
Hub City Advantages
Location selection impacts your shipping price. Choose pickup points near major highways in San Rafael for better rates and more carrier options. If shipping to rural areas, consider meeting your carrier in a nearby hub city along main routes to reduce costs.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work well for most vehicles. They safely transport standard cars while keeping prices down. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-end vehicles requiring extra protection from weather and road debris during transit.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from San Rafael, CA Work?
Car shipping from San Rafael, 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 directly from your location in San Rafael, CA and deliver it safely to your destination. The average shipping distance from San Rafael is approximately 2,478 miles, with costs ranging from $1075-$1700 depending on your specific route and service options.
The car shipping process begins with getting a quote and booking your transport. Next, you’ll prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition. A professional driver will then load your car onto a carrier truck for transport. San Rafael’s location in Marin County offers easy access to major highways, making pickup and delivery convenient. However, some residential areas may have narrow streets that require meeting the carrier at a nearby accessible location. Once your vehicle arrives at its destination, you’ll inspect it and sign off on delivery. Throughout the entire auto transport process, you’ll receive updates on your shipment’s progress, ensuring peace of mind from start to finish.
San Rafael, CA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to San Rafael, CA, understanding California’s vehicle regulations is essential. Upon arrival, you have 20 days to register your vehicle with the California DMV and 10 days to obtain a California driver’s license [DMV]. New residents must complete a VIN verification and pay registration fees based on the vehicle’s value. California requires smog certification for most vehicles over four years old, though diesel vehicles follow different rules [DMV].
California enforces strict emission standards that may require modifications to out-of-state vehicles [CARB]. Window tinting laws allow 70% light transmission on front side windows, while aftermarket tint on the windshield is prohibited [DMV]. Vehicle frame height and bumper regulations vary by weight class to ensure safety compliance.
Auto transport to San Rafael offers mild weather year-round, so winter tires aren’t typically necessary. However, California requires minimum liability insurance of 15/30/5, which may differ from your previous state [DMV]. Consider comprehensive coverage due to higher vehicle values and theft rates in the Bay Area. When using car shipping services, verify your auto transport carrier provides adequate insurance coverage during transit. San Rafael’s Mediterranean climate means minimal weather-related vehicle modifications are needed, making the transition straightforward for most drivers relocating to this Marin County city.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of San Rafael, California that we Serve
San Rafael: 94901, 94903, 94912, 94913, 94915
Marinwood: 94903
Terra Linda: 94903
San Anselmo: 94960, 94979
Fairfax: 94930, 94978
Novato: 94945, 94947, 94948, 94949, 94998
Mill Valley: 94941, 94942
Corte Madera: 94925, 94976
Larkspur: 94939, 94977
San Quentin: 94964, 94974
We serves the entire San Rafael region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in San Rafael, CA
San Rafael is home to Dominican University of California, where parking can be a critical consideration when planning your car shipping to campus. Students need to purchase parking permits through the university’s Campus Safety office, with limited spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis [Dominican University Campus Safety]. Many on-campus housing options don’t include guaranteed parking, so it’s essential to arrange permits early or explore off-campus alternatives. If you’re shipping a car to San Rafael, consider whether you’ll need your vehicle year-round—some students opt to have their car transport back home during winter and summer breaks to avoid permit costs. Before using auto transport services, verify your insurance coverage extends to California and confirm your roadside assistance plan is valid statewide [Insurance Provider]. The mild Bay Area climate means snow tires aren’t necessary, making San Rafael car shipping straightforward for students from any region.
San Rafael, CA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from San Rafael, CA is simple. Follow these key steps:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes (like FasTrak), GPS devices, and loose items. Carriers typically don’t insure personal belongings left in the vehicle.
Clean your car: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos before shipping.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your vehicle is in good running condition with adequate fluid levels and a charged battery.
Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to prevent issues during transport.
Note fuel level: Keep your gas tank at about 1/4 full. This reduces weight while ensuring the driver can load and unload your vehicle.
Provide a key: Have a working key ready for the carrier.
Remove accessories: Take off or secure any aftermarket items like bike racks, spoilers, or antennas that could be damaged.
For complete details, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Our team is here to help make your San Rafael car shipping experience smooth and stress-free.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from San Rafael, CA. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we require all our carriers to maintain robust insurance coverage to protect your vehicle throughout the entire journey.
Here’s what’s included:
- Liability Insurance: Minimum of $1,000,000
- Cargo Insurance: Minimum of $100,000
Before your shipment begins, we verify that the carrier’s insurance policy is valid and in good standing. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for added security.
Our all-inclusive quotes mean you won’t face any hidden fees or surprise insurance costs. Your vehicle is protected from pickup in San Rafael to delivery at your destination.
We recommend scheduling your car shipment from San Rafael, CA at least 1-2 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan efficient routes and match your vehicle with others heading in the same direction.
Booking early offers several benefits:
- Better pricing: More time means more carrier options and competitive rates
- Flexible scheduling: You can choose pickup dates that work best for you
- Higher availability: Carriers can coordinate multiple shipments from the San Rafael area
Need to ship sooner? We can often arrange pickups within 3-5 days, though rates may be higher for rush services. If you have a specific deadline, let us know when you book so we can find the best solution for your timeline.
Pro tip: If you’re shipping during peak season (summer months or end of month), book even earlier to secure your preferred dates.
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, where your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air trailer alongside other cars. This is how most vehicles are shipped and is perfectly safe for everyday cars. Your vehicle will be exposed to weather and road conditions, just like when you drive it normally.
Enclosed auto transport provides full protection inside a covered trailer, shielding your vehicle from weather, dust, and road debris. This option typically costs 50-60% more than open transport.
Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping:
- Luxury or exotic vehicles
- Classic or antique cars
- Vehicles with custom paint jobs or modifications
- High-value cars where maximum protection is worth the extra cost
For most San Rafael residents shipping standard vehicles, open transport is the practical choice. It’s reliable, cost-effective, and used for over 90% of all car shipments nationwide. Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service for customers in San Rafael, CA. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home or business and deliver it directly to your destination address.
When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery locations. Our carrier will come to you, making the process as convenient as possible.
Important considerations for San Rafael:
- Some San Rafael neighborhoods have narrow streets, steep hills, or tight turns that large car carriers cannot safely navigate
- If your location isn’t accessible for a full-size carrier, we’ll arrange a nearby meeting spot like a parking lot or shopping center
- Our team will work with you to find the most convenient alternative if needed
We always prioritize safety and accessibility. If there are any restrictions at your address, we’ll contact you in advance to coordinate a solution that works for 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!