Enclosed Car Transport California | Secure Vehicle Shipping Made Easy

yellow A1 Auto Transport carrier on highway

Local Considerations

  • Enclosed auto shipping in California costs $1.30–$2.50 per mile, depending on vehicle type, route length, and seasonal demand.
  • Ideal for classic, luxury, or low-clearance vehicles; carriers use soft tie-downs, lift gates, and climate-protected trailers.
  • All enclosed carriers must meet FMCSA safety standards, maintain cargo insurance, and perform detailed vehicle inspections before and after transit.
United States Flag
Ship to or from California (CA), USA
4.7 Star Rating4.7 (67,926 reviews)
96.3% positive
Best price guarantee: save 20% compared to other companies with our local California (CA), USA partner carriers!
Open-Air or Enclosed Transport
Door-to-Door Delivery
Terminal-to-Terminal
Specialty Vehicle
Globe
190+
Countries
Served
Car
2M+
Delivered
Services
Car
97%
Customer
Recommended
Enclosed Car Transport California | Secure Vehicle Shipping Made Easy

How to Go About Enclosed Auto Shipping California?

California is one of the western U.S. states and is located between the Mexican borders and the Pacific. It stretches for almost 900 miles and has a rather versatile terrain that includes sandy beaches, redwood forests, mountains, and, of course, the Mojave Desert.

Remember that regardless of whether you need to move vehicles across the state, internationally, or across the country itself, A-1 Auto Transport service will offer you convenient and hassle-free enclosed auto shipping to California. The enclosed car shipping option comes with an additional layer of protection.

Your vehicle is critical, and you must know that shipping can be overwhelming. This is especially true if you are doing it for the first time. With this in mind, if you have an expensive, retro, or high-end luxury car, it is best if you consider choosing enclosed auto shipping to California and work with A-1 Auto Transport service.

A-1 Auto Transport Ships Worldwide.
Get a Free, No Obligation to Buy, Auto Shipping Quote.
Get my free quote now
or call us to do it for you:

There are several advantages to using the option of enclosed auto shipping to California. Still, the most important is that it delivers the highest protection. The vehicle has a proper safeguard against weather conditions, debris, and rocks as you ship across cities, but it’s also viewable directly from the driving cabin. Furthermore, an enclosed trailer provides you with a peace of mind that the vehicle won’t be unnecessarily touched or tampered with by unwanted passes during the process. If your car is rare or classic, this is incredibly important.

However, if you decide to get your vehicle to be insured privately, using a car shipping service is likely to decrease the amount of the premium. Insurance companies are informed enough to know that everything is safer with an enclosed container so that they will lower the premium accordingly. A lot of companies are actually going to provide discounts to shippers and customers who use enclosed trucks for vehicle shipping.

a man stand in front of a truck

The cost of shipping

The following factors affect the cost of the transportation:

  • The time of the shipping
  • The distance of the transportation service between the pickup and delivery location
  • The method of shipping
  • Car shipping routes

There are companies such as the A-1 Auto Transport which are going to offer door-to-door methods, which means that your vehicle will be picked up from your doorstep and delivered wherever it is that you wish. If your car is in good condition, you will only have to pay for the gas price. However, if it’s not, you might want to let the car shipping company handle the entire transport itself.

a red automobile is being loaded into a vessel container

Relevant Statistics

  • Over 90% of luxury car owners in California choose enclosed car transport for added protection and security.
  • The average cost of enclosed auto transport in California is $1,500 per vehicle.
  • Enclosed transportation services in California experience less than a 1% rate of vehicle damage during transit.
  • Approximately 80% of classic car collectors prefer enclosed car transport for its climate-controlled environment.
  • Enclosed car transport companies in California typically have a fleet of 50 or more specialized trailers to efficiently fulfill customer demands.
a sleek black sports vehicle parked in front of a blue semi truck

General Facts

  • Enclosed auto transport is a vehicle transport method using specialized trailers that protect them from external elements.
  • California is a popular destination for enclosed car transport due to its luxury car market and collector car events.
  • Enclosed carriers have fully enclosed sides, roofs, and floors, ensuring maximum vehicle protection during transit.
  • This type of transport is preferred for high-value or classic cars, as it provides increased security against weather, road debris, and potential damage.
  • Enclosed auto transport offers additional benefits, such as reduced exposure to UV rays and preventing fading or damage to paint and upholstery.
a vehicle parked inside a vessel container

Insurance Coverage

Now, the coverage is going to be nominal, and it’s going to cover everything. Furthermore, if you want to get marine transport insurance, the rates are likely between 1.1% and 2.5% of the total shipping cost. However, this is important to get because the regular insurance provided by shipping companies will only cover $500 worth of damage. The other type of insurance is total-loss-only insurance, which would allow you to recover the vehicle's total value if your truck disappears overboard.

Do you still have questions about shipping to or from California? Contact A1 Auto Transport. We have standard shipping equipment, experienced staff, professionals with expertise, and qualified drivers and links nationwide. We have shipped different types of cars, trucks, and motorcycles from coast to coast in the United States. Call our customer support team at the phone number at the top of this page.

Planning for Delivery Flexibility

Enclosed auto transport offers superior protection for your vehicle, but planning for some flexibility in delivery times is essential. Traffic congestion, weather conditions, and logistical challenges can affect schedules. For instance, navigating narrow streets or coordinating with multiple carriers may introduce delays. To mitigate potential issues, consider arranging for pickup and delivery at accessible locations and maintain open communication with your transport provider throughout the process.

Understanding Enclosed Transport Costs

The cost of enclosed auto transport in California varies based on several factors, including distance, vehicle type, and specific service requirements. On average, rates range from $1.00 to $1.25 per mile for long-distance shipments, with shorter routes potentially incurring higher per-mile costs due to fixed expenses. For example, transporting a vehicle from Los Angeles to San Francisco (approximately 380 miles) might cost between $1,200 and $1,500. It's advisable to obtain multiple quotes and ensure all services are clearly outlined to avoid unexpected charges.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Enclosed Shipping

Proper preparation of your vehicle can ensure a smooth enclosed shipping experience. Remove all personal items, as they are typically not covered by carrier insurance and can add unnecessary weight. Ensure the fuel tank is about a quarter full to facilitate loading and unloading. Document the vehicle's condition with photographs from various angles, including close-ups of any existing damage. This documentation is a reference in the unlikely event of a dispute regarding the vehicle's condition upon delivery.

a man holds cash in front of a vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions

Dave loved the fast deliveryDave C.
★★★★★
Dave loved the fast delivery
My relocation to Chicago was fast, smooth and without any delay thanks to A1 Auto.
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidanceCourtney J.
★★★★★
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance
Just what you need when trusting someone with your wheels! Kudos to this company!
Jeff enjoyed the fair priceJeff D.
★★★★★
Jeff enjoyed the fair price
Moved my ride hassle-free with these folks.Fair pricing, no surprises. Definitely recommend them!
Maria enjoyed the special care and safetyMaria L.
★★★★★
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety
Huge thanks to the movers – they were meticulous with my car. Love these guys.
Recently featured on USA Today

“A1 Auto Transport became synonymous with top-notch service delivery, unfailing punctuality and constantly preoccupied with customer satisfaction.

See Article— USA Today
Share this content on social media for a chance to get up to 20% off your next shipment.
Copy link
Joe Webster
Written ByJoe Webster
Connect with Joe Webster on facebookConnect with Joe Webster on linkedin
Laura Mendez
Damaged Hauler, Lost Key Fob
★★★★★

The enclosed carrier arrived with visible damage to its front wheel, which immediately made me nervous. While our car made it without a scratch, items inside had clearly shifted during transit. To make matters worse, the key fob went missing, and no one could locate it even after a long search on delivery. Replacing it isn’t cheap. I'm still waiting to hear how they plan to handle it.

Brent Callahan
Easy Shipping, No Middleman Hassles
★★★★★

We had a truck shipped in an enclosed trailer from Tennessee to North Dakota, and the whole process was simple. I entered the info online, got a quote, and got scheduled without any of the usual broker chaos. The driver was prompt and professional, and everything ran on time. I will definitely use them again when I need a vehicle moved.

Michelle Varela
Price Jumped with No Real Explanation
★★★★★

I’ve shipped with them before, and things went fine, so I used them again to bring my daughter’s car back from Texas. The quote was clear at first, but then they tacked on over $200 with vague claims about road conditions when there weren’t any. On top of that, they added a weight charge even though nothing had changed. It felt like a bait-and-switch the second time around.

Adam Novak
Canceled on Me—Twice
★★★★★

I scheduled my enclosed car shipment a month in advance with a clear delivery date. They missed the original pickup window, didn’t communicate the delay, and only responded after I called multiple times. The driver canceled last minute, then they confirmed a new date—only to cancel again a couple of hours later. In the end, I had to drive the car myself. Total mess from start to finish.

Visit our social, and see what our clients are saying about us:

Ship Your Vehicle With A-1 Auto Today
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Scratch-Free Guarantee
Vetted Carriers
Transparent Costs

Our Partners:

Better Business Bureau Accredited
FMCSA Member
INC. 500 Member
VeriSign Secured
AMSA Member

A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
Copyright © 1988-2025, A-1 Auto Transport Inc. - All Rights Reserved.