Best Car Shipping Companies in San Francisco, CA (July 2026)
Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick in San Francisco because they make the entire car shipping process feel surprisingly smooth, especially when it comes to booking and getting timely updates. Most car shipments in the area fall in the range of $764-$1,100.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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The Best Car Shipping Companies in San Francisco
Car shipping companies with nationwide coverage tend to offer better pricing, broader service options, and greater availability. We’ve reviewed the most reliable providers currently serving San Francisco.
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport started after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car. Unlike most of the auto transport industry, the company is deeply customer focused and prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise, personalized support, and multiple discounts are just a few reasons the company is raising the customer service bar when it comes to auto shipping.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company’s transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a highly-rated car shipping broker that works with more than 25,000 carriers to transport vehicles. They offer long-distance car shipping to 49 states. With the exception of Hawaii, all services are door-to-door and you can choose from open or enclosed shipping options. Get free quotes online in minutes and book an exact pick-up date for a seamless vehicle move.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Other Auto Transport Options in San Francisco
We’ve taken the time to review these local car shippers in San Francisco, but keep in mind they may not offer the same level of service or availability as the top-rated options listed above.
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.
McCollister’s Transportation Group, Inc. (DOT: 289344) is a reputable car shipping company known for its comprehensive range of services and high ratings. Customers can trust them for classic car shipping, interstate deliveries, and trailer shipping. McCollister’s is fully insured, providing a damage-free guarantee, and they offer open and enclosed transport options to suit various needs.
While they excel with a Google rating of 4.2 and a BBB rating of A+, their Yelp rating stands at 3.2. A potential downside for some customers is their lack of service for inoperable cars, as well as the absence of international shipping and certain discounts like military or student discounts. Despite this, their commitment to quality is evident through features like shipment tracking and a deposit-free service, which many customers find appealing.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Car Shipping Carriers
Car Shipping Carriers (DOT: DOT# 2249744) specializes in providing a wide range of services, including shipping inoperable cars, classic cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles, and offering both open and enclosed transport options. They stand out for their impressive Google rating of 5.0 and a BBB rating of A+, though their Yelp rating is significantly lower at 1.0, reflecting mixed customer experiences.
The company excels in providing guaranteed delivery, detailed inspection reports, and comprehensive insurance coverage to ensure peace of mind for their clients. While they offer international shipping and terminal-to-terminal delivery, a potential downside for some customers is the lack of boat, trailer, and RV shipping services. Additionally, although they provide military discounts, other discounts like those for students and seniors are not available.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Direct Express Auto Transport
Direct Express Auto Transport (DOT: 2231879) is a well-regarded car shipping company offering a variety of services tailored to diverse client needs. Despite a modest Yelp rating of 2.0, the company shines with a remarkable Google rating of 4.6 and an excellent A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), indicating strong customer satisfaction and business reliability.
The company provides a range of services, including interstate shipping, classic car transportation, and shipping for cars that don’t run. They cater to international needs and offer both open and enclosed transport options. They provide student and military discounts but do not support cryptocurrency payments, which may inconvenience some customers.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Viper Transportation
Viper Transportation (DOT: 1509528) is a car shipping company that offers a range of services, including boat, classic car, and motorcycle shipping, alongside heavy equipment and international shipping. They hold a solid Yelp rating of 4.0, although their Google rating is slightly lower at 3.6, and they do not have a rating on the Better Business Bureau.
Customers can enjoy peace of mind with fully insured shipments and both open and enclosed transport options. However, a potential downside is that Viper Transportation does not offer shipment tracking or transport for inoperable vehicles. They also do not provide various discounts, such as senior or military discounts.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Pasha Hawaii ship your car
Pasha Hawaii ship your car (DOT: 2861558) offers a variety of car shipping services, including interstate, boat, and motorcycle shipping with fully insured transport options. They also provide convenient features like terminal-to-terminal delivery and guaranteed delivery, making them a reliable choice for many customers.
Despite these advantages, they do not offer inoperable car transport, which may be a downside for those needing such services. The company’s Yelp rating is 2.3, Google rating is 3.2, and they hold a BBB rating of A-, reflecting a mix of customer experiences with their services.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
See the top car shippers serving California.
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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San Francisco Car Shipping Costs
Here are some sample prices when shipping a car in or out of California:
| Shipping Route | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| From San Francisco in California to Texas | 1660 | 2158 |
| From San Francisco in California to Colorado | 1402 | 1823 |
| From San Francisco in California to Georgia | 2231 | 2900 |
| From San Francisco in California to Illinois | 2119 | 2755 |
| From San Francisco in California to Arizona | 1222 | 1589 |
| From San Francisco in New York to California | 2422 | 3149 |
| From San Francisco in Florida to California | 2279 | 2963 |
| From San Francisco in Michigan to California | 2136 | 2777 |
| From San Francisco in North Carolina to California | 2216 | 2881 |
| From San Francisco in Ohio to California | 2146 | 2790 |
Cost Factors
Pricing for the shipping your car from San Francisco can change depending on mileage, your vehicle’s size, the transport style you pick, the time of year, and any extra help you need.
We suggest requesting quotes from multiple car shipping companies in San Francisco to ensure you’re making a well-informed and cost-effective choice.
Distance & Location
How far your car has to travel from San Francisco makes a big difference in price, and the same goes for how easy it is for the driver to reach the pickup and drop-off spots. Hard-to-access areas usually add a little extra to the total.
Vehicle Type & Condition
What you pay to ship a car from San Francisco often comes down to the shape it’s in and how large it is. Oversized or non-operational vehicles tend to run higher since they need more handling.
Transport Type
Cars leaving San Francisco, California are typically moved in one of two ways. Some travel on open carriers while others ride in enclosed trailers for added protection.
- Open transport is the go-to method for car shipping out of San Francisco. It involves loading your vehicle onto a trailer with several others, which makes it more affordable thanks to shared costs. Just keep in mind that cars on open carriers are exposed to California’s elements — including rain, sun, and road debris.
- Enclosed transport is the safer, more protective option for moving your vehicle. It rides in a covered truck, shielding it from California’s weather, debris, and visibility. From the time it leaves San Francisco to when it’s delivered, it stays fully enclosed — which is why this method is popular for classic, rare, or expensive cars. Just note that this extra protection typically comes with a higher price tag.
Seasonality
San Francisco’s mild, consistent weather means fewer delays and potential damage during car transport, which can help keep shipping costs stable year-round. However, foggy conditions might slow down operations slightly, potentially adding minor expenses.
Additional Services
Door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping for car transport in San Francisco make shipping more expensive. These services offer convenience and faster delivery, increasing overall costs.
How We Chose the Best San Francisco Auto Transport Companies
Our selection process for the top car shipping companies in San Francisco involves a detailed analysis of five crucial factors: licensing, customer satisfaction, service range, pricing, and online reputation.
- Licensing confirms that companies meet all required regulations in San Francisco, California, and at the federal level, giving you added confidence.
- Customer satisfaction is measured through real reviews from San Francisco residents, helping to highlight overall service quality.
- Service range is evaluated based on versatility — from standard open carriers to enclosed trailers for high-value vehicles and specialty equipment.
- We examine pricing to ensure companies offer fair, competitive, and clearly communicated rates in San Francisco.
- Strong online reputations across platforms like the BBB and social media reflect trustworthiness and a commitment to customer care.
FAQ
How can I tell if a car shipping company in California is legit?
The safest way to confirm a company’s legitimacy is to look up their USDOT or MC number in the FMCSA SAFER database. The report shows their licensing status, insurance, and complaint history, which gives you a clear picture of how they operate. It only takes a moment and can save you from choosing a carrier that is not properly vetted.
Can I track a car shipment in California?
Many carriers offer GPS tracking or regular text updates so you know where your car is during the trip. Even if live tracking is not available, most companies keep you posted at pickup, along the route, and shortly before delivery. These updates can help you plan your schedule more easily.
What should I expect on pickup day in California?
The driver will inspect your car, note any existing marks, complete the bill of lading, and load your vehicle onto the trailer. If your street is tight or difficult to access, the driver may ask to meet in a nearby open area. The whole process usually moves quickly once the inspection is finished.
San Francisco, CA Relocation Resources
