New Jersey to California
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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NEW JERSEY TO CALIFORNIA
Shipping from New Jersey to California
Planning to move your vehicle across the country? Car shipping from New Jersey to California doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or moving permanently, professional auto transport services make the 3,000-mile journey simple. This complete guide covers everything about New Jersey to California car shipping – from costs and timelines to choosing the right carrier for your needs.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
NJ
New Jersey
CA
California
Popular Routes from New Jersey to California
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from New Jersey to California
Shipping a car from New Jersey to California costs $1,125-$1,600 and takes 4-9 days to travel the 2,780-mile cross-country distance.
Our New Jersey & California Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star ratings from 8,000+ reviews, and a BBB A+ rating.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for New Jersey to California shipping, as the 2,800-mile journey requires more fuel, driver time, and equipment wear than shorter routes.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows of five days instead of exact dates to help carriers optimize routes and pass savings directly to you.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is preparing your vehicle properly by removing personal items, cleaning it thoroughly, and documenting its condition with photos before pickup.
State Insights
California requires higher minimum liability coverage and biennial smog checks, so contact your insurance provider and prepare for emissions testing after your vehicle arrives.
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 New Jersey to California
Factors that Affect New Jersey to California Shipping Prices
Distance
The 2,800-mile journey from New Jersey to California significantly impacts shipping costs. This cross-country distance requires more fuel, driver time, and equipment wear, making it one of the pricier routes.
Route
Shipping along major interstates like I-80 keeps costs lower than remote routes. New Jersey to California follows well-traveled highways, ensuring competitive pricing and reliable carrier availability throughout the journey.
Season
Summer months see higher demand as families relocate, increasing prices. Winter offers better rates but potential weather delays. Spring and fall provide the best balance of reasonable costs and reliable service.
Vehicle Type
Standard sedans cost less to ship than SUVs or trucks from New Jersey to California. Larger vehicles require more trailer space, add weight for fuel costs, and need specialized equipment.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods like Thanksgiving week create road congestion, potentially delaying your shipment. Scheduling outside peak travel times ensures smoother transport and may reduce costs from New Jersey to California.
Carrier Availability
Summer demand can extend wait times to several weeks for New Jersey to California routes. Off-season shipping typically secures carriers within days, offering faster service and better scheduling flexibility.
Open vs Enclosed
Open carriers cost significantly less for New Jersey to California shipping and handle most vehicles safely. Enclosed transport protects luxury cars from weather and road debris but increases costs considerably.
Population Density
Pickup in dense New Jersey areas or delivery to crowded California cities increases costs. Consider suburban pickup/delivery locations to reduce fees and provide easier access for large transport trucks.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Avoid peak shipping seasons like summer and snowbird migration periods to secure lower rates. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant savings during busy seasons.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offer flexible pickup and delivery windows of five days instead of exact dates. This flexibility allows carriers to optimize their routes and pass savings directly to you.
Hub City Advantages
Choose pickup locations near major New Jersey highways and delivery spots close to California interstates. Highway-accessible locations attract more carriers, creating competitive pricing and faster service options.
Open Trailers
Select open trailers over enclosed options for standard vehicles to reduce shipping costs significantly. Reserve enclosed trailers only for luxury, classic, or high-value cars requiring extra protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from New Jersey to California Work?
New Jersey to California car shipping covers approximately 2,780 miles across the continental United States, making it one of the most popular cross-country auto transport routes. This coast-to-coast journey requires careful planning and coordination between pickup and delivery locations. The car shipping process begins when you request a quote and book your transport service with a licensed carrier.
Several factors make New Jersey to California car shipping unique compared to shorter routes. The distance requires carriers to navigate multiple states with varying regulations and weather conditions. Major highways like I-80 and I-40 are commonly used for this route, connecting major metropolitan areas including New York, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Seasonal weather patterns can affect transport times, especially during winter months in mountainous regions.
The auto transport process involves several key steps for this interstate route. First, you’ll schedule pickup at your New Jersey location, where an inspection documents your vehicle’s condition. Your car is then loaded onto a carrier truck and transported across the country. Throughout the journey, you can track your shipment’s progress. Upon arrival in California, a final inspection ensures your vehicle’s condition before delivery to your specified location.
New Jersey to California car shipping typically takes 4-9 days, depending on factors like pickup location, delivery destination, and carrier schedule. Urban areas like Newark or Los Angeles often have faster service due to higher demand and better carrier availability. Pricing for this route generally ranges from $1,125 to $1,600, influenced by vehicle size, transport type (open or enclosed), and seasonal demand. Planning ahead helps secure better rates and preferred delivery dates for your cross-country auto transport needs.
New Jersey to California Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning New Jersey to California car shipping, understanding the registration differences between states is crucial. New Jersey requires annual vehicle inspections, while California mandates biennial smog checks for most vehicles. After your auto transport arrives in California, you’ll have 20 days to register your vehicle with the DMV and obtain California plates.
California has stricter emission standards than New Jersey, which may affect older vehicles during car shipping preparation. Your vehicle must pass a smog test unless it’s brand new or diesel-powered under 14,000 pounds. Additionally, California’s window tinting laws are more restrictive, allowing only 70% light transmission on front side windows, compared to New Jersey’s 70% requirement for all windows.
Since you’re moving from a colder climate to a warmer one, consider weather-related modifications before your auto transport. Remove winter tires and snow chains, as they’re unnecessary in most California regions. However, keep emergency supplies for mountain areas if you plan to drive in the Sierra Nevada or other elevated regions. Your car shipping company can advise on preparing your vehicle for California’s diverse climate zones.
Insurance considerations differ significantly between states. California requires higher minimum liability coverage than New Jersey, including $15,000 for injury or death of one person versus New Jersey’s $15,000. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is mandatory in New Jersey but not required in California. Contact your insurance provider before New Jersey to California car shipping to ensure continuous coverage and compliance with California’s requirements. Some insurers offer discounts for safe driving records when establishing new California policies.
New Jersey to California Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for shipping from New Jersey to California is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove Personal Items: Take out all personal belongings, including toll passes (like E-ZPass), GPS devices, and any loose items. Car carriers are not insured for personal property.
Clean Your Vehicle: Wash your car inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the inspection process.
Check Fluids and Battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and coolant. Make sure your battery is charged and working.
Remove Accessories: Take off or secure any loose parts like bike racks, spoilers, or custom mirrors that could get damaged during transport.
Document Everything: Take photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup. This protects you if any damage occurs.
Have Keys Ready: Provide one set of working keys to the driver. Keep a spare set for yourself.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures a smooth shipping experience from New Jersey to California.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from New Jersey to California. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your car ships, 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 means your vehicle is covered from pickup in New Jersey all the way to delivery in California. You can ship with confidence knowing your car is protected throughout the entire cross-country journey.
For car shipping from New Jersey to California, we recommend scheduling your pickup at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and flexible pickup times.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can group your car with other vehicles heading west
- More options: You’ll have access to more available carriers and transport dates
- Less stress: Avoid last-minute rush fees and limited availability
Peak season tip: During busy months (summer and early fall), book 3-4 weeks ahead. Winter bookings can often be made with shorter notice.
Need to ship sooner? We can still help with expedited service, though rates may be higher for rush orders.
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 budget-friendly option. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside other vehicles. It’s safe and reliable for most cars, but your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris during the New Jersey to California journey.
Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more but provides complete protection. Your car travels inside a covered trailer, shielded from weather, dust, and debris. This is ideal for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.
For most standard vehicles shipping from New Jersey to California, open transport works perfectly fine. Choose enclosed transport if your car is worth over $50,000 or has special value to you. See our complete open vs enclosed guide for more details.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door auto transport service from New Jersey to California. This means we pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in New Jersey and deliver it directly to your specified location in California.
Here’s how our door-to-door service works:
- Pickup: Our carrier comes to your chosen address in New Jersey
- Delivery: We deliver your vehicle to your new address in California
- Flexible locations: If your street has restrictions (like narrow roads or low bridges), we’ll arrange pickup at a nearby safe location like a shopping center or gas station
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. You won’t need to drive to a terminal or arrange extra transportation. Most customers shipping from New Jersey to California choose this option because it’s the most convenient way to transport their vehicle across the country.
When you book with us, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. We’ll handle the rest and keep you updated throughout your car’s journey from the East Coast to the West Coast.
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!