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Route guide · CA → PA
Car shipping from California to Pennsylvania
Car transport from California to Pennsylvania runs 2,830 road miles between the biggest metros. Shipping a running sedan from Los Angeles to Philadelphia costs about $1,400–$2,000 on an open carrier and $2,125–$3,025 in an enclosed trailer, with 6–10 days in transit. It ranks #79 among the 250 busiest car-shipping lanes, based on Census moving data.
- Open carrier, sedan
- $1,700
- Road miles
- 2,830
- Days in transit
- 6–10
- People moving a year
- 11.2K
- Companies at both ends
- 192
City to city
Cost to ship a car from California to Pennsylvania, city to city
Open-carrier prices for a running sedan between Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose and Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown and Erie — 2,490 to 3,010 road miles apart.
| From | Philadelphia | Pittsburgh | Allentown | Erie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $1,400–$2,0002,830 mi · 6–10 days | $1,325–$1,8752,530 mi · 6–9 days | $1,400–$2,0002,810 mi · 6–10 days | $1,325–$1,8752,520 mi · 6–9 days |
| San Francisco | $1,475–$2,0753,010 mi · 7–11 days | $1,375–$1,9502,710 mi · 6–10 days | $1,450–$2,0752,980 mi · 6–11 days | $1,375–$1,9502,680 mi · 6–10 days |
| San Diego | $1,400–$2,0002,790 mi · 6–10 days | $1,300–$1,8752,490 mi · 5–9 days | $1,400–$1,9752,770 mi · 6–10 days | $1,300–$1,8752,490 mi · 5–9 days |
| San Jose | $1,450–$2,0502,950 mi · 6–10 days | $1,350–$1,9252,640 mi · 6–9 days | $1,425–$2,0502,920 mi · 6–10 days | $1,350–$1,9252,620 mi · 6–9 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 Philadelphia, 2,830 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 | $1,400–$2,000 | $2,125–$3,025 |
| Midsize SUV or crossover | $1,575–$2,250 | $2,375–$3,375 |
| Large SUV (Tahoe, Expedition) | $1,750–$2,525 | $2,650–$3,775 |
| Pickup truck | $1,825–$2,625 | $2,750–$3,925 |
| Motorcycle | $850–$1,200 | $1,275–$1,800 |
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 Pennsylvania is January–May and September–November.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cheapest: about $1,700 Peak: about $1,850
About this route
Why so many cars go from California to Pennsylvania
About 11,184 people moved from California to Pennsylvania in each of the last two years, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (11,590 in 2023, 10,777 in 2024). That is 1.7% of everyone who left California for another state.
Traffic runs both ways — about 8,998 people a year move from Pennsylvania back to California — so carriers run this lane year-round and quotes tend to be steady.
How the price compares
At a typical $1,700, shipping from California to Pennsylvania costs more than sending a car to Maryland ($1,675) and South Carolina ($1,625) but less than to New York ($1,725) and New Jersey ($1,725). That works out to about 60¢ a mile — long hauls cost less per mile because loading and paperwork are spread over more distance.
Distance and transit time
Count on 6–10 days on the truck for the 2,830 road miles from Los Angeles to Philadelphia — federal rules cap drivers at 11 hours a day behind the wheel, and a full carrier makes several stops on the way. The car heads east-northeast and crosses 3 time zones — from Pacific to Eastern 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 Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania 104 companies · 95 carriers · 10 brokers · 689 trucks · 9 yrs avg.
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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…
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At Nationwide United Auto Transport our goal is simple, provide fast, safe and reliable vehicle transport.
Navi Auto Transport is a nationwide, FMCSA-licensed vehicle shipping broker that connects customers with a network of over 20,000 vetted carriers. The company…
At Onyx Auto Transport, we provide reliable, nationwide vehicle shipping with a focus on safety, transparency, and customer satisfaction.
We are your trusted Auto shipping partner you can rely on and we give you quick fixes. Use our uncomplicated online express car shipping calculator for an…
Revoway was founded for one reason: to revolutionize the industry and address existing gaps. Committed to constant growth, we have developed outstanding and…
Royal Auto Ship, your trusted partner for seamless auto transportation services across the United States. At Royal Auto Ship, we take pride in offering…
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.
We, United Freeway Transportation, a 5-star rated, BBB-accredited auto transport company, founded in 2021, and in just a few years, we've shipped over…
Cross-border car shipping between the USA and Canada with customs handling, in business since 1985.
From our dedicated car transport coordinators to our certified fleet of shippers, our entire team is committed to ensuring every vehicle shipment is fast…
Yorka Auto Transport connects you with vetted carriers for safe, timely vehicle shipping anywhere in the US. Whether you're moving across town or across…
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.
BA
Brothers Auto Transport LLC
FMCSA verifiedPennsylvania car carrier in the Proficient Auto Logistics group, moving finished vehicles to dealerships nationwide.
DA
DBN Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedWoman-owned Anaheim car carrier established in 2012, with soft-tie trailers and camera/GPS on every truck.
QE
QGM Express
FMCSA verifiedPennsylvania carrier that began in 2011 as auto hauler US AutoTransport and now also runs truckload freight.
QC
Quality Car Shippers LLC
FMCSA verifiedFamily-owned Murrieta, CA car carrier serving dealers, rental companies, auctions and OEMs across the lower 48.
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Related routes
Nearby alternatives
Moving close to Pennsylvania but not into it — or coming from somewhere near California? These guides cover the neighbouring lanes.
From California to states near Pennsylvania
To Pennsylvania from states near California
FAQ
California to Pennsylvania car shipping: questions
Numbers on this page come from our price model, Census moving data and Pennsylvania's DMV.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Pennsylvania?
For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $1,400–$2,000 from Los Angeles to Philadelphia (2,830 road miles). Between other big cities in the two states prices range from $1,300–$2,075. An SUV costs about $1,575–$2,250, a pickup $1,825–$2,625, and an enclosed trailer $2,125–$3,025 for a sedan.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Pennsylvania?
Transit is usually 6–10 days after pickup for the 2,830-mile trip from Los Angeles to Philadelphia. The wait for pickup is separate: typically 1–5 days, or 1–2 days if you pay about 30% more for expedited service.
When is the cheapest time to ship a car from California to Pennsylvania?
January–May and September–November is the cheapest window on this lane. Prices are highest in June–August, up to about 8% more. If you must ship in peak months, book three to four weeks ahead.
How soon do I have to register my car in Pennsylvania after moving?
Pennsylvania requires new residents to register within 20 days of becoming a resident. Apply with form MV-1 through a notary or tag agent, then pass a Pennsylvania safety inspection within 10 days.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car from California to Pennsylvania?
Driving 2,830 miles takes about 6 days: roughly $360 in gas and 5 nights of hotels and meals (about $700). Shipping a sedan costs about $1,400–$2,000. Add wear on the car and 6 days off work, and the two come out close.
Which car shipping companies go from California to Pennsylvania?
Our directory lists 88 companies based in California and 104 based in Pennsylvania, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 190 that ship nationwide.