How much does it cost to ship a car from Pennsylvania to California?

For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $1,400–$2,000 from Philadelphia to Los Angeles (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 Pennsylvania to California?

Transit is usually 6–10 days after pickup for the 2,830-mile trip from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. Before that, allow 1–5 days for a carrier to be assigned — or pay roughly 30% extra to have it collected within 48 hours.

When is the cheapest time to ship a car from Pennsylvania to California?

January–May and September–November is the cheapest window on this lane. Prices are highest in June–August, up to about 8% more. In any month, giving the carrier a wide pickup window lowers the quote.

How soon do I have to register my car in California after moving?

California requires new residents to register within 20 days of becoming a resident. The car must pass a California smog check, and it has to meet California emission standards to be registered at all.

Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car from Pennsylvania to California?

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 Pennsylvania to California?

Our directory lists 105 companies based in Pennsylvania and 88 based in California, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 190 that ship nationwide.

Ship a Car Pennsylvania to California: Cost & Time (2026)

From	Los Angeles	San Francisco	San Diego	San Jose
Philadelphia	$1,400–$2,0002,830 mi · 6–10 days	$1,475–$2,0753,010 mi · 7–11 days	$1,400–$2,0002,790 mi · 6–10 days	$1,450–$2,0502,950 mi · 6–10 days
Pittsburgh	$1,325–$1,8752,530 mi · 6–9 days	$1,375–$1,9502,710 mi · 6–10 days	$1,300–$1,8752,490 mi · 5–9 days	$1,350–$1,9252,640 mi · 6–9 days
Allentown	$1,400–$2,0002,810 mi · 6–10 days	$1,450–$2,0752,980 mi · 6–11 days	$1,400–$1,9752,770 mi · 6–10 days	$1,425–$2,0502,920 mi · 6–10 days
Erie	$1,325–$1,8752,520 mi · 6–9 days	$1,375–$1,9502,680 mi · 6–10 days	$1,300–$1,8752,490 mi · 5–9 days	$1,350–$1,9252,620 mi · 6–9 days

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

Peach Transport LLC

Featured FMCSA verified

Allentown, PA · Carrier · 1 truck · 8 yrs in business · USDOT 3087839

I am the owner and sole operator. I provide direct, open-trailer vehicle shipping exclusively on a dedicated route between Florida and the Pennsylvania/New…

Open car transport
Dealer transport
Auction transport
+1 more

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Navi Auto Transport

Featured FMCSA verified

Pittsburgh, PA · Broker · 2 yrs in business · USDOT 4248916

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…

Open car transport
Enclosed car transport
Door-to-door delivery
+12 more

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Onyx Auto Transport

Featured FMCSA verified

Allentown, PA · Broker · 3 yrs in business · USDOT 4171020

At Onyx Auto Transport, we provide reliable, nationwide vehicle shipping with a focus on safety, transparency, and customer satisfaction.

Open car transport
Enclosed car transport
Door-to-door delivery
+8 more

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RAPID AUTO SHIPPING

Featured FMCSA verified

Pittsburgh, PA · Broker · 2 yrs in business · USDOT 4320359

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…

Open car transport
Enclosed car transport
Door-to-door delivery
+12 more

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Royal Auto Ship

Featured FMCSA verified

Philadelphia, PA · Broker · 3 yrs in business · USDOT 4094097

Royal Auto Ship, your trusted partner for seamless auto transportation services across the United States. At Royal Auto Ship, we take pride in offering…

Open car transport
Enclosed car transport
Door-to-door delivery
+7 more

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United Freeway Transportation

Featured FMCSA verified

Allentown, PA · Broker · 5 yrs in business · USDOT 3713977

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…

Open car transport
Enclosed car transport
Door-to-door delivery
+9 more

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Uzhaul Transportation LLC

Featured FMCSA verified

Philadelphia, PA · Broker · 4 yrs in business · USDOT 3914166

From our dedicated car transport coordinators to our certified fleet of shippers, our entire team is committed to ensuring every vehicle shipment is fast…

Open car transport
Enclosed car transport
Door-to-door delivery
+5 more

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Yorka Auto Transport

Featured FMCSA verified

Philadelphia, PA · Broker · 1 yrs in business · USDOT 4504214

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…

International car shipping
Open car transport
Enclosed car transport
+13 more

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BA

Brothers Auto Transport LLC

FMCSA verified

Wind Gap, PA · Carrier · 92 trucks · 31 yrs in business · USDOT 621208

Pennsylvania car carrier in the Proficient Auto Logistics group, moving finished vehicles to dealerships nationwide.

Satisfactory safety rating
Open car transport
Dealer transport
Cross-country shipping

Shipping a car from Pennsylvania to California

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