
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
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 - $3887.4 | 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 - $3458.4 | 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 it take to ship a car from California to North Dakota?
Transit times typically range from 3 to 11 days, depending on factors like pickup and delivery locations, carrier availability, and weather conditions. For example, shipping from Los Angeles, CA to Fargo, ND (approximately 1,799 miles) may take around 3 to 11 days.
What’s the average cost to ship a car from California to North Dakota?
Shipping costs generally fall between $1,417 and $2,280, influenced by factors such as vehicle size, transport type (open or enclosed), and seasonal demand. For instance, transporting a sedan via open carrier might cost around $1,417, whereas an SUV using enclosed transport could exceed $2,280.
Should I choose open or enclosed transport for my vehicle?
Open transport is cost-effective and suitable for most standard vehicles, offering quicker scheduling. Enclosed transport provides added protection against weather and road debris, making it ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value cars. While enclosed shipping costs more, it offers peace of mind for valuable vehicles.
Is my vehicle insured during transport from California to North Dakota?
Yes, reputable auto transport companies provide insurance coverage for your vehicle during transit. However, coverage limits can vary, so it's advisable to verify the specifics of the carrier's insurance policy and consider additional coverage if transporting a high-value vehicle.
Can I ship a non-running car from California to North Dakota?
Absolutely. Non-operational vehicles can be transported, but they require special equipment like winches for loading and unloading. Be sure to inform the transport company about the vehicle's condition upfront, as this may affect the cost and logistics of the shipment.