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Route guide · CA → MO
Car shipping from California to Missouri
Car transport from California to Missouri runs 1,610 road miles between the biggest metros. Shipping a running sedan from Los Angeles to Kansas City costs about $1,050–$1,500 on an open carrier and $1,575–$2,250 in an enclosed trailer, with 4–6 days in transit. It ranks #117 among the 250 busiest car-shipping lanes, based on Census moving data.
- Open carrier, sedan
- $1,275
- Road miles
- 1,610
- Days in transit
- 4–6
- People moving a year
- 8.5K
- Companies at both ends
- 112
City to city
Cost to ship a car from California to Missouri, city to city
Open-carrier prices for a running sedan between Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose and Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and Columbia — 1,570 to 2,090 road miles apart.
| From | Kansas City | St. Louis | Springfield | Columbia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $1,050–$1,5001,610 mi · 4–6 days | $1,125–$1,6001,880 mi · 4–7 days | $1,075–$1,5251,680 mi · 4–7 days | $1,075–$1,5501,750 mi · 4–7 days |
| San Francisco | $1,100–$1,5751,820 mi · 4–7 days | $1,175–$1,7002,090 mi · 5–8 days | $1,125–$1,6251,920 mi · 4–7 days | $1,150–$1,6251,960 mi · 4–7 days |
| San Diego | $1,025–$1,4751,570 mi · 4–6 days | $1,100–$1,5751,830 mi · 4–7 days | $1,050–$1,5001,630 mi · 4–6 days | $1,075–$1,5251,710 mi · 4–7 days |
| San Jose | $1,075–$1,5501,750 mi · 4–7 days | $1,150–$1,6502,020 mi · 5–8 days | $1,100–$1,5751,840 mi · 4–7 days | $1,125–$1,6001,890 mi · 4–7 days |
Estimate, not a quote
A pickup or delivery far from these metros usually adds $75–$150. Quotes move with fuel prices and truck space, so treat these as a yardstick. Price your own addresses →
By vehicle
Price by vehicle type
Los Angeles to Kansas City, 1,610 miles. Bigger and heavier vehicles take more room and weight on the trailer, so they cost more.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan or small car | $1,050–$1,500 | $1,575–$2,250 |
| Midsize SUV or crossover | $1,175–$1,675 | $1,750–$2,500 |
| Large SUV (Tahoe, Expedition) | $1,300–$1,875 | $1,950–$2,800 |
| Pickup truck | $1,350–$1,950 | $2,050–$2,925 |
| Motorcycle | $625–$900 | $950–$1,350 |
By month
Best time to ship
Prices on this lane peak in June–August (the summer moving peak), running about 8% above the quietest months. The cheapest time to ship from California to Missouri is January–May and September–November.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cheapest: about $1,275 Peak: about $1,375
About this route
Why so many cars go from California to Missouri
About 8,466 people moved from California to Missouri in each of the last two years, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (8,146 in 2023, 8,786 in 2024). That is 1.3% of everyone who left California for another state.
Traffic is lopsided: only about 5,772 people a year go the other way, Missouri to California. Trucks heading into Missouri fill up quickly, so pickups are usually fast — but carriers have less reason to discount in peak months.
How the price compares
At a typical $1,275, shipping from California to Missouri costs more than sending a car to Texas ($1,225) and Oklahoma ($1,200) but less than to Minnesota ($1,325) and Illinois ($1,425). That works out to about 79¢ a mile — long hauls cost less per mile because loading and paperwork are spread over more distance.
Distance and transit time
Expect about 1,610 road miles from Los Angeles to Kansas City — 4–6 days on the truck after pickup. Carriers usually load several cars before heading out, so the pickup window matters as much as transit time. The car heads east-northeast and crosses 2 time zones — from Pacific to Central time — so confirm whether the delivery window you are given is in local time.
On the road
- The route crosses mountain passes in the West; from November to March, snow and chain laws can hold trucks for a day or two.
Companies
Car transport companies from California to Missouri
Companies headquartered at either end of the route usually run this lane often. Filter by services, company type and safety record — every listing is matched to its FMCSA record.
- Pickup end California 88 companies · 67 carriers · 24 brokers · 1,921 trucks · 12 yrs avg.
- Delivery end Missouri 24 companies · 24 carriers · 0 brokers · 515 trucks · 18 yrs avg.
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Auto Express Inc. started in Long Island, NY—a market most drivers avoided. We fearlessly traversed the entire country, accustomed to every challenge we faced…
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in North Hollywood, California, BAH Logistics LLC is a federally licensed auto transport broker. We connect customers with a…
In 2004, Direct Express Auto Transport changed the vehicle logistics industry forever. Before we launched, getting a car shipping quote meant hours of phone…
San Jose auto transport broker operating as CarHauler247, with instant online quotes and booking.
LISCA Auto Transport is your trusted nationwide shipping solution. We specialize in transporting cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and RVs safely and…
We are a family owned and operated business. Our goal is to get your vehicle to its destination safely and on time. With our several years of pertinence we…
Relocate with ease! Moveauto transports vehicles across North America for individuals, families, and businesses. With 30 years of experience, you can trust us…
At Nationwide United Auto Transport our goal is simple, provide fast, safe and reliable vehicle transport.
Revoway was founded for one reason: to revolutionize the industry and address existing gaps. Committed to constant growth, we have developed outstanding and…
At Send It Car Shippers, we offer a diverse range of auto transport services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our comprehensive vehicle…
Shelby Auto Transport – the difference. In an industry as expansive as auto transport, a company’s reputation isn’t just built on efficiency but on a deeper…
Tempus Logix has a vast network of mandatory insured and bonded carriers with whom we continually work.
Cross-border car shipping between the USA and Canada with customs handling, in business since 1985.
H&
Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport Inc
FMCSA verifiedLarge Los Alamitos, CA auto carrier with 30+ years of experience, moving new and remarketed vehicles coast to coast.
DA
Deluxe Auto Carriers
FMCSA verifiedSouthern California car carrier in the Proficient Auto Logistics group, moving finished vehicles to dealerships.
MC
Mid-Western Car Carriers
FMCSA verifiedKansas City car carrier founded in 1976, hauling for dealers, auctions, manufacturers and remarketers nationwide.
DA
DBN Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedWoman-owned Anaheim car carrier established in 2012, with soft-tie trailers and camera/GPS on every truck.
QC
Quality Car Shippers LLC
FMCSA verifiedFamily-owned Murrieta, CA car carrier serving dealers, rental companies, auctions and OEMs across the lower 48.
AL
Auto Line Express Inc
FMCSA verifiedGardena, CA car carrier moving thousands of finished vehicles a year across the U.S. and Canada since 2013.
IL
Intercity Lines, Inc
FMCSA verifiedPT
Passport Transport
FMCSA verifiedEnclosed-only auto transport for luxury, classic, exotic and race cars, with door-to-door service since 1970.
AP
A Plus Auto Shippers LLC
FMCSA verifiedLicensed and bonded auto carrier from the Phoenix and Palm Desert area shipping cars and trucks nationwide.
AS
All Star Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedChino, California auto carrier moving vehicles in California and Texas since 2005.
IL
Irontiger Logistics Inc
FMCSA verifiedIndependence, Missouri truck driveaway company (TruckMovers) moving trucks for manufacturers and dealers since 1983.
CA
CA Auto Express Inc
FMCSA verifiedSouthern California motor carrier shipping vehicles on its own trucks, coast to coast and within California.
GK
Golden Key Express
FMCSA verifiedLS
Lucky Star Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedFamily-owned San Jose car carrier offering open, door-to-door auto transport nationwide since 2012.
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Related routes
Nearby alternatives
Moving close to Missouri but not into it — or coming from somewhere near California? These guides cover the neighbouring lanes.
From California to states near Missouri
To Missouri from states near California
FAQ
California to Missouri car shipping: questions
Numbers on this page come from our price model, Census moving data and Missouri's DMV.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Missouri?
For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $1,050–$1,500 from Los Angeles to Kansas City (1,610 road miles). Between other big cities in the two states prices range from $1,025–$1,700. An SUV costs about $1,175–$1,675, a pickup $1,350–$1,950, and an enclosed trailer $1,575–$2,250 for a sedan.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Missouri?
Transit is usually 4–6 days after pickup for the 1,610-mile trip from Los Angeles to Kansas City. Getting the car picked up takes another 1–5 days on a standard booking; expedited pickup within 1–2 days costs about 30% more.
When is the cheapest time to ship a car from California to Missouri?
January–May and September–November is the cheapest window on this lane. Prices are highest in June–August, up to about 8% more. Whatever the month, a flexible pickup date booked 2–3 weeks out gets the best price.
How soon do I have to register my car in Missouri after moving?
Missouri requires new residents to register within 30 days of becoming a resident. Title and register at any Missouri license office or by mail.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car from California to Missouri?
Driving 1,610 miles takes about 4 days: roughly $210 in gas and 3 nights of hotels and meals (about $420). Shipping a sedan costs about $1,050–$1,500. Add wear on the car and 4 days off work, and the two come out close.
Which car shipping companies go from California to Missouri?
Our directory lists 88 companies based in California and 24 based in Missouri, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 191 that ship nationwide.