Car Shipping in Los Angeles, California

Shipping a car to or from Los Angeles, CA costs roughly $665 to $1,815 on an open carrier, depending on distance. Vehicles are usually collected one to three days after dispatch and delivered in two to seven days once loaded. Los Angeles is the single busiest vehicle shipping market in the United States, so carriers are loading here every day on every major lane.

How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Los Angeles, CA?

Most long-distance moves run about $665 to $1,815 on an open carrier. That reflects roughly $0.65 per mile above 1,000 miles and about $0.80 per mile below it. The route table further down this page prices the destinations people actually ship to from Los Angeles. Enclosed transport costs more on the same route.

How long does car shipping take from Los Angeles?

Pickup happens one to three days after dispatch. From there, expect one to two days under 700 miles, two to four days up to 1,200 miles, and five to seven days coast to coast. Transit is measured from pickup, not from the day you book.

Can a car carrier reach my address in Los Angeles?

Usually yes. Los Angeles is the highest-volume auto transport market in the country, so there is almost always a carrier running your lane. A loaded open trailer runs 75 to 80 feet and needs overhead clearance and room to turn, so a narrow residential street or a low-clearance parking structure may mean meeting the driver at a nearby lot instead. Give us the exact street address when you request a quote.

Is open or enclosed transport better for Los Angeles?

Open transport suits the large majority of vehicles and costs considerably less, because an open carrier moves seven to ten cars at once. Choose enclosed for a collector or classic car, a low-clearance vehicle that needs a lift gate, or anything where road grime and weather exposure on arrival would not be acceptable.

Can you ship a car from Los Angeles that does not run?

Yes, with a winch-equipped carrier. The vehicle still has to roll, steer and brake so it can be pulled onto the trailer safely. Tell us when you request the quote, because non-running vehicles cost more and fewer carriers can take the load.

Is it cheaper to ship a car from Los Angeles or drive out of the city first?

No. Los Angeles has the deepest carrier supply in the country and prices better than anywhere you could reasonably drive to. The only reason to meet a driver outside the city is access, not cost.

Why are eastbound rates from Los Angeles often higher than westbound?

Because of load balance. More vehicles move into California than out of it on many lanes, so carriers heading east sometimes run with space to fill and price to attract it, while at other times of year the reverse applies. Ask for your specific route rather than assuming a direction is always cheaper.

Can a carrier reach my address in Los Angeles?

Often not at the door, and that is normal here. A loaded carrier is 75 to 80 feet long, and hillside streets in the Hollywood Hills, Silver Lake and Echo Park, narrow blocks in Santa Monica and Venice, and low-clearance garages across the city all rule out a door pickup. Meeting at a nearby lot takes a few minutes and avoids a failed collection.