Orlando, FL to Los Angeles, CA Car Shipping
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Car Shipping from Orlando to Los Angeles
Planning a move from Orlando to Los Angeles? Shipping your car cross-country doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Orlando to Los Angeles car shipping, including accurate auto transport costs, delivery timelines, and insider tips. Whether you’re relocating for work or sending a vehicle to family, we’ll help you navigate the car shipping process with confidence and ease.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
FL
Orlando, FL
CA
Los Angeles, CA
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Shipping from Orlando to Los Angeles, SUVs cost about $181 more than standard cars based on 220 shipments analyzed. Want enclosed transport for extra protection? You’ll pay a 59% premium (around $590 more) compared to open trailers.
By Vehicle Type
Pickup trucks typically cost $50-$150 more than SUVs due to their larger size and heavier weight. The exact premium depends on truck size (midsize vs full-size) and bed configuration. Contact us for a personalized quote.
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.
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Florida to California
Shipping a car from Orlando to Los Angeles costs between $1,075 and $1,400, covering 2,508 miles with delivery typically taking 3-7 days via major interstate routes.
Our Florida & California Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and carefully vetted carriers who meet our strict quality standards.
Factors that Impact Cost
The route you take significantly impacts your shipping cost—the Orlando to Los Angeles route follows high-traffic Interstate 10, offering competitive pricing due to excellent carrier availability along this well-traveled transcontinental highway.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your shipment during spring or fall shoulder seasons to avoid peak demand periods and secure better rates, as winter snowbirds and summer movers create higher prices and longer wait times.
How Car Shipping Works
Being present for both pickup and delivery is essential—you’ll document your vehicle’s condition, sign the Bill of Lading, and ensure a smooth handoff with the carrier at both ends of your cross-country transport.
State Insights
California requires all out-of-state vehicles to pass a smog inspection within 20 days of establishing residency, so Orlando vehicles may need emissions-related repairs to meet California’s stricter environmental standards.
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.
Factors that Affect Florida to California Shipping Prices
Distance
The Orlando to Los Angeles route spans approximately 2,500 miles across the country. This cross-country distance significantly impacts shipping costs, as carriers must account for fuel, driver wages, and time invested in this multi-day journey.
Route
This transcontinental route primarily follows major interstates like I-10, offering competitive pricing due to high carrier traffic. The well-traveled highway system between these major cities ensures reliable service and lower costs compared to remote routing options.
Season
Winter months see increased demand as snowbirds relocate west, while summer attracts families moving between school years. Booking during spring or fall shoulder seasons typically yields better rates and faster service for Orlando-Los Angeles shipments.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars and sedans ship most affordably on this route. Larger SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles incur higher costs due to increased weight, fuel consumption, and limited trailer space availability for cross-country transport.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods, especially Thanksgiving week and late December, create congestion along this route. Planning your shipment outside these peak travel times helps avoid delays and potential premium pricing from increased demand on carriers.
Carrier Availability
Summer and winter months experience high demand, potentially extending wait times to two weeks. Off-season shipping in spring or fall typically offers quicker carrier matching, often within just a few days of booking.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport offers the most economical option for this cross-country route and suits most vehicles well. Enclosed trailers provide weather and road debris protection, ideal for luxury or classic cars, at premium pricing.
Population Density
Both Orlando and Los Angeles offer excellent accessibility as major metropolitan areas. However, coordinating pickup or delivery in suburban locations rather than congested downtown areas can reduce costs and simplify the logistics process significantly.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing your shipment during off-peak periods can significantly reduce costs. Avoid busy snowbird season when demand spikes. Even shifting your move by a few weeks can result in substantial savings, as carriers offer better rates when demand is lower.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offering flexible pickup and delivery windows helps you secure lower rates. By allowing a five-day window instead of demanding exact dates, carriers can optimize their routes more efficiently. This flexibility translates directly into cost savings for your Orlando to Los Angeles shipment.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways in both Orlando and Los Angeles. Highway-accessible areas attract more carriers, increasing competition and lowering prices. If shipping to rural destinations, consider meeting your carrier at a nearby hub city to reduce costs.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work well for most vehicles. Your car ships safely exposed to weather, similar to highway driving. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection from elements during the cross-country journey.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Florida to California Work?
Shipping a car from Orlando, Florida to Los Angeles, California is a straightforward process with Sherpa Auto Transport. This cross-country route covers approximately 2,508 miles and typically takes 3-7 days for delivery. Our Orlando to Los Angeles car shipping service connects Florida’s east coast with California’s west coast, making it one of the most popular long-distance auto transport routes in the United States.
The car shipping process begins with requesting a quote online or by phone. Once you book your service, we’ll assign a professional carrier to transport your vehicle. You’ll receive pickup details 24-48 hours before your scheduled date. Our drivers will perform a thorough vehicle inspection with you, documenting the car’s condition before loading it onto the carrier. Most customers choose open transport for this route, though enclosed auto transport is available for luxury or classic vehicles needing extra protection.
For Orlando to Los Angeles car shipping, the route typically follows Interstate 10 westbound through the southern states, passing through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before reaching California. Based on our delivery data from 220 completed shipments, the price range for this route falls between $1,075 and $1,400, depending on your vehicle type, transport method, and seasonal demand. Factors like vehicle size, operational condition, and delivery timeline flexibility can affect your final quote.
When shipping between these two major metropolitan areas, scheduling is generally flexible due to high carrier availability. However, booking 1-2 weeks in advance ensures better rates and pickup times. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, you’ll meet the driver for final inspection and vehicle handoff. Our auto transport service includes insurance coverage throughout the journey, giving you peace of mind during your cross-country car shipping experience.
Florida to California Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping from Orlando to Los Angeles, understanding the regulatory differences between Florida and California is essential. California has some of the strictest vehicle requirements in the nation, which may affect your auto transport preparation and post-arrival registration process.
California requires all out-of-state vehicles to pass a smog inspection within 20 days of establishing residency, with exemptions only for vehicles less than four years old. Florida has no state emissions testing, so your Orlando vehicle may need repairs to meet California’s standards. Additionally, California has stricter window tinting laws—front side windows must allow 70% light transmission, compared to Florida’s 28%. You’ll need to register your vehicle with the California DMV within 20 days of arrival, which requires proof of ownership, smog certification, and payment of registration fees that are typically higher than Florida’s.
For Orlando to Los Angeles car shipping, consider that your vehicle won’t need winter weather modifications, as both climates are relatively mild. However, Los Angeles traffic and parking conditions differ significantly from Orlando. Your insurance rates will likely change—California requires minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5 (compared to Florida’s 10/20/10), and Los Angeles premiums are generally higher due to traffic density and theft rates. Contact your insurance provider before your auto transport arrives to ensure continuous coverage and compliance with California requirements.
Before scheduling your car shipping service, remove any aftermarket modifications that might violate California regulations, such as illegal exhaust systems or frame height alterations. Gather all vehicle documentation, including title, registration, and maintenance records showing recent emissions-related repairs. These preparations will streamline your transition and help you avoid delays or penalties after your Orlando to Los Angeles car shipping is complete.
Orlando, FL to Los Angeles, CA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for the cross-country journey from Orlando to Los Angeles is straightforward. Here are the key steps:
Clean your car inside and out. This helps you document its condition with photos before shipping.
Remove personal items. Carriers aren’t insured for belongings left inside. Take out toll passes, garage door openers, and any loose items.
Check fluid levels and tire pressure. Your vehicle needs to be in running condition for loading and unloading.
Disable alarms. This prevents issues during transit.
Leave only a quarter tank of gas. This reduces weight while ensuring enough fuel for loading.
Document existing damage. Take dated photos from all angles before the carrier arrives.
Provide a working key. The driver will need it to load and unload your vehicle.
For a complete checklist, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures a smooth shipping experience from Florida to California.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Orlando to Los Angeles. Every carrier in our network must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before we assign your shipment, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you an extra layer of protection throughout your cross-country move.
You’ll receive a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup. We recommend reviewing your personal auto insurance policy as well, since some policies provide additional coverage during transport.
If you have questions about insurance coverage for your Orlando to Los Angeles shipment, our team is here to help explain the details.
For shipping your car from Orlando to Los Angeles, we recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, scheduling 3-4 weeks ahead is ideal for this cross-country route.
Booking early gives you several advantages:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle shipments
- More flexibility: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
- Less stress: You won’t be rushed to find last-minute availability
That said, we understand plans change. If you need expedited service, we can often accommodate pickups within 2-5 days, though rush bookings may cost more.
Pro tip: If you’re moving during peak season (May-September) or around holidays, add an extra week to your planning timeline.
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 carriers that hold multiple vehicles at once—it’s the same type of truck you see hauling cars on the highway. This is the most popular and affordable option for shipping from Orlando to Los Angeles, typically costing 40-60% less than enclosed transport.
Enclosed auto transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, road debris, and dust during the cross-country journey. While more expensive, it’s the smart choice for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any car with custom paint or modifications.
For most standard vehicles traveling from Orlando to LA, open transport works perfectly fine. Your car will be exposed to the elements like it would be during normal highway driving, but carriers are insured and experienced. However, if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle or simply want maximum protection for the 2,500+ mile trip, enclosed transport offers peace of mind.
Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide to help you decide which option is right for your Orlando to Los Angeles car shipment.
Yes! Sherpa Auto Transport offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service from Orlando to Los Angeles. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle directly from your home, office, or preferred location in Orlando and deliver it right to your destination in Los Angeles.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide your pickup address in Orlando and your delivery address in LA. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to arrange pickup and delivery times that work with your schedule.
Important to know: In some cases, large car carriers cannot access certain residential streets due to low-hanging trees, narrow roads, or tight turns. If this happens on your Orlando to Los Angeles route, don’t worry—your driver will work with you to choose a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or parking lot. This is still considered door-to-door service and ensures your vehicle stays protected throughout the journey.
Most customers shipping from Orlando to Los Angeles experience true door-to-door pickup and delivery without any issues. Our team will assess your specific addresses during booking to let you know what to expect.
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!
Welcome to Los Angeles
Los Angeles, home to nearly 4 million residents, is the second-largest city in the United States and the heart of Southern California. Known for its entertainment industry, diverse culture, and year-round sunshine, LA offers everything from beaches to mountains within driving distance. The city spans 469 square miles across multiple communities, each with its own distinct personality. From Hollywood glamour to tech innovation, Los Angeles provides endless opportunities for career growth and lifestyle experiences.
Popular Neighborhoods
Santa Monica offers beachside living with excellent public transportation and walkable streets, perfect for those who want coastal lifestyle with urban amenities. West Hollywood provides vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and a central location between Beverly Hills and Hollywood. For families, Pasadena features tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and a more suburban feel while remaining close to downtown LA. Silver Lake attracts young professionals and creatives with its hip coffee shops, vintage stores, and artistic community vibe.
Practical Moving Tips
California requires new residents to register their vehicles within 20 days of establishing residency and obtain a California driver’s license within 10 days. You’ll need to visit a DMV office with your current registration, proof of insurance, and smog certification for vehicles over four years old. California has strict emissions standards, so some out-of-state vehicles may need modifications to pass inspection. Registration fees vary by vehicle value and can be significantly higher than other states. Schedule your DMV appointment online in advance, as wait times can be lengthy. You’ll also need to provide proof of California residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, when updating your license and registration.
Climate & Lifestyle
Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Temperatures rarely drop below 50°F or exceed 85°F near the coast, though inland areas can be significantly hotter. The consistent sunshine means less weather-related wear on your vehicle, but UV exposure can fade paint and interiors over time. Consider window tinting and regular waxing to protect your car. The outdoor lifestyle is year-round here, with hiking, beaches, and al fresco dining always available. Water conservation is important, so many residents opt for professional car washes rather than home washing.
Getting Around Los Angeles
Los Angeles is built for cars, and having your own vehicle is essential for most residents. The freeway system includes major routes like the 405, 101, and 110, but expect heavy traffic during rush hours from 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM. Metro rail and bus systems exist but have limited coverage compared to other major cities. Plan extra time for commutes and consider flexible work schedules if possible. Popular navigation apps are crucial for avoiding traffic jams and finding alternate routes through the city’s complex highway network.