California to North Dakota Car Shipping You Can Trust
Ship your Automobile from California to North Dakota
Estimated Cost for Moving
Hauling a car costs $1100-$1800 on average.
North Dakota is a midwestern state in the United States of America. Geographically, it is the center of the North American continent and the Great Plains. The state has a population of 760,000 people.
California has a population of almost 40 million, which is five times the population of North Dakota. It is home to the popular Los Angeles, which has the country's second-highest GDP and the city's third-highest GDP.
If you are dispatching a vehicle from California to North Dakota, the cost of hauling will vary greatly. It will depend on the shipping method and the exact distance to travel. Moving across both states might be between $1200 and $1900.
Cost and Delivery Time Estimates
Shipping a car from California to North Dakota typically ranges between $1,462 and $2,273, depending on factors such as the specific cities involved, vehicle type, and the time of year. For example, transporting a car from Fresno to Fargo may cost between $1,507 and $2,258, covering approximately 1,853 miles with an estimated transit time of 3 to 11 days. Similarly, shipping from Long Beach to Bismarck could range from $1,470 to $2,033, spanning about 1,617 miles and taking 3 to 9 days.
Choosing Between Open and Enclosed Transport
When selecting a shipping method, you must decide between open and enclosed transport options. Open transport is the most common and cost-effective method, suitable for most vehicles. However, if you're transporting a luxury, classic, or high-value car, enclosed transport offers added protection from weather and road debris, albeit at a higher cost. Assess your vehicle's needs and your budget to determine the most appropriate option.
Preparing for Seasonal Weather Challenges
North Dakota's weather can be unpredictable, especially during the winter months. Snow, ice, and road closures are common and can affect transport schedules. Planning your shipment during milder seasons, like late spring or early fall, can help avoid weather-related delays and ensure a smoother delivery process.
By considering these factors—cost and delivery estimates, transport options, and seasonal weather challenges—you can better prepare for shipping your vehicle from California to North Dakota, ensuring a cost-effective and efficient experience.
Approximate Distance and Time for Delivery
North Dakota is approximately 1700 plus miles away from California. The exact distance will depend on the cities involved.
The road distance between San Francisco and Fargo is 1770 miles.
The delivery time will depend on the shipping terms. Express shifting will be faster. It will also depend on things like the weather and the number of stops that must be made. Expect delivery to take between 3 and 5 days.
Approximate Pricing & Time for Delivery - California to North Dakota
Last Updated: 3 hours ago
Quick Answer: Shipping a car from California to North Dakota averages $1,637 and typically takes 4 to 6 days.
See route-specific prices and distances in the table below.
| To / From California to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
| Sacramento, CA to Bismarck, ND | $2701.8 - $3302.2 | 1501 | 6 - 8 days |
| Fargo, ND from Los Angeles, CA | $3180.6 - $3889.4 | 1767 | 6 - 8 days |
| San Diego, CA to Grand Forks, ND | $3393 - $4147 | 1885 | 6 - 8 days |
| Minot, ND from San Jose, CA | $2964.6 - $3623.4 | 1647 | 6 - 8 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Williston, ND | $2680.2 - $3275.8 | 1489 | 5 - 7 days |
| Dickinson, ND from Fresno, CA | $2829.6 - $3459.4 | 1572 | 6 - 8 days |
| Long Beach, CA to Mandan, ND | $2844 - $3476 | 1580 | 6 - 8 days |
| Jamestown, ND from Oakland, CA | $3027.6 - $3700.4 | 1682 | 6 - 8 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Watford City, ND | $2793.6 - $3414.4 | 1552 | 6 - 8 days |
| West Fargo, ND from Anaheim, CA | $3155.4 - $3856.6 | 1753 | 6 - 8 days |
What Are the Major Delivery Hubs?
The major auto shipping hubs include:
- Fargo
- Bismarck
- Grand Forks
- Watford City
- Dickison
Affordable Way of Hauling
The cheapest method of shipping a vehicle is open-air shipping. Here, the vehicle used to haul the cars has an open truck bed. It can carry more vehicles than an enclosed vehicle.
While this is cheaper than an enclosed vehicle, it is less secure because you might be exposed to the weather.
We Can Also Help You Send the Following Items
- Heavy Equipment
- Boats
- ATVs
Scheduling Your Auto Pickup
- Los Angeles
- San Jose
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- Oakland
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does car shipping from California to North Dakota usually take?
Most carriers complete the route in 4 to 8 days, depending on pickup location, weather across mountain passes, and how full the truck is when leaving California. Traffic around Los Angeles and the Bay Area can add time, while pickups near Sacramento or northern California often load faster. Winter storms entering North Dakota can slow final delivery. For planning, request door to door timing details when booking and use a carrier with reliable routing updates such as a car shipping tracker.
Can I request a set delivery window for California to North Dakota auto transport?
You can request a preferred window, but exact day and hour delivery cannot be guaranteed due to long-distance routing, weather across multiple states, and federal driver-hour rules. Providing a 2 to 4-day flexible window improves scheduling and reduces cost. Communicate any deadlines during booking so the dispatcher prioritizes your pickup and plans the route accordingly.
What does it cost to ship a car from California to North Dakota?
Most customers pay $1,200 to $1,900 for an operable sedan on an open carrier. Prices rise for SUVs, lifted trucks, enclosed transport, or urgent pickup. Longer California pickups such as San Diego or Bay Area to Fargo add mileage and cost. Seasonal factors also matter: demand spikes in late summer and early winter when more relocations occur. For planning ranges, check updated car shipping rates.
Is my vehicle insured during the trip from California to North Dakota?
Yes. FMCSA-regulated carriers must carry liability and cargo coverage during transport. Policies generally protect against carrier-caused damage, though coverage amounts vary by truck and carrier type. Before pickup, confirm limits, deductible requirements, and the inspection process. Keeping photos at pickup and delivery helps streamline any claim. A1 also offers guidance on what coverage typically includes on its auto transport insurance page.
Is open or enclosed transport better for this route?
Open transport is the standard and works for most vehicles because it offers faster availability and the lowest price on long routes like California to North Dakota. Enclosed carriers provide full exterior protection, which helps owners moving classic or high-value models through Nevada, Utah, or Montana weather systems. Choose enclosed when avoiding dust, gravel, or heavy winter conditions is a priority. More details on enclosed transport are available.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle on this route?
Yes. Carriers transport inoperable vehicles as long as they can roll, steer, and be winched onto the trailer. Non-running shipments usually cost $100 to $200 more because they require extra labor and equipment. Inform the carrier during booking so they assign a truck equipped for safe loading and unloading. Rural drop-offs in North Dakota may require meeting the truck in an accessible area.
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