10 Best Car Shipping Companies in San Francisco, CA - USA Today (2024)

Shipping your car during a move can become a headache. But your car is an important investment, so you want to find the most reputable car shipping company to take care of the job.

Car shipping can help you avoid putting hundreds of miles and unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle.

To assist in transporting your car securely to your new home, we've compiled a list of the best car shipping companies in San Francisco.

Find the best local auto transport companies for you in San Francisco

Look for car shipping companies in San Francisco with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

How much does car shipping cost in San Francisco?

The average car shipping cost in the Golden State is $3,303, according to data we collected from 94 participants in California in our nationwide survey of 1,000 respondents in January 2024. You may pay more in San Francisco due to local economic factors. Nationally, American homeowners spend $2,304 on average to ship a vehicle. You can look into cheap car shipping, but your car shipping costs will ultimately be determined by shipping type, location and distance. Here's an explanation of how car shipping works when it comes to cost.

• Current fuel prices: Fuel prices can be variable, making it hard to time your move. If you are able to transport your car when fuel prices are lower, you may save some money.
• Type of shipping: You can opt for either open or enclosed auto transport. Enclosed transport costs more but offers more protection from environmental factors along the journey.
• The size and weight of your vehicle: The cost of shipping a motorcycle is usually less than transporting a truck. Bigger vehicles weigh more and take up more space, so you'll need to spend more. You may also pay more to ship an antique or luxury vehicle. Our survey found that Americans spent $4,040, on average, to ship a vehicle of this type.
• Distance of your move: Increased fuel costs and more hours mean that the farther your move, the more you'll pay for shipping.
• Where your car is being picked up and dropped off: You may opt to have your car picked up and dropped off at a shipping center to save money. Having your car moved door-to-door is more convenient, but it will cost you more.
• Time of year: Summertime is peak moving season, and car shipping is generally more expensive in these months as well.

To reduce costs for car shipping, plan your transport during the off-season when shipping demand and fuel prices are lower. Booking far enough in advance can also save you money.

What is the difference between a carrier and a broker?

Car shipping carriers own their fleet of vehicles. Because a carrier owns its own transport trucks, they typically offer comprehensive insurance coverage compared to a broker. The downside of using a carrier is that your transport needs to align with the company's schedule, and you may have no choice but to deliver your car to a terminal. Scheduling issues, breakdowns, delays and other logistical factors could influence when you can ship your car and may influence whether it's shipped in open or enclosed transport. Auto shipping brokers are companies that coordinate transportation but do not own their own fleets. Instead, they identify local vehicle shipping companies and guide you through the car shipping process, including locating a carrier and arranging door-to-door service. Unlike carriers, brokers aren't obligated to hold their own auto shipping insurance. Some car shipping services provide basic liability or gap coverage as an add-on.

Do car shipping companies need to be licensed in California?

Car shipping companies need to register at the federal level. They must obtain a USDOT number from the United States Department of Transportation, along with and valid permits to transport vehicles from point A to point B. Any reliable auto shipping company should readily provide its USDOT number. In addition, check the company's status with the FMCSA to ensure it's in good standing and prevent unpleasant surprises. Always do your research and check a company's proof of insurance before hiring.

Will your auto shipping company provide insurance?

Insurance protection varies from provider to provider, so don't forget to ask about the coverage your car shipper offers. Carriers need to offer basic liability insurance, which typically covers theft, fire and accidents but may not cover natural disasters such as hurricanes. Your provider might also offer cargo insurance, which protects the vehicles on the truck. Auto transport brokers don't usually carry their own insurance, though a few may have brokerage insurance that applies if the carrier's insurance is insufficient. Other brokers provide add-on liability coverage through third-party companies.

How do you choose the best car shipping company in San Francisco?

Use the steps below to ensure you pick the best car shipping company for you.

Calculate distance and determine your schedule

For interstate moves, make sure you select a carrier that is appropriately licensed for interstate car transport. For any move, use a map to determine how many miles it is from your current home to your new one. Car shipping companies will use the total distance to calculate shipping costs.

Decide if you’re looking for a carrier or a broker

Carriers and brokers come with plenty of pros and cons. A carrier owns its trucks and provides insurance to safeguard your vehicle during transport, which is particularly important if you're hiring a cross-country car shipper. A broker serves as the middleman between you and the carrier, organizing transport from one place to another, usually without added insurance.

Choose between open and closed-car shipping

Open car shipping is popular and cost-effective, typically priced a couple of hundred dollars less than closed. Vehicles are positioned securely on a trailer but are subject to debris and weather. Closed shipping is more expensive but offers your vehicle an extra layer of protection. The best motorcycle shipping companies often suggest putting your bike in a closed container. Some companies may have both options and can help you choose which is best for your vehicle.

Assess the company’s insurance coverage

Don't end up underinsured. Verify that your carrier offers both liability and cargo insurance, and check that the coverage amounts correspond to the value of your car.

Our methodology for selecting auto-shipping companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score. We compare national providers against our full car shipping company methodology. We evaluate companies based on their market standing and registration status, services offered, cost and customer satisfaction.