Shipping Cars To or From the Port of San Diego, California
U.S.U.S. West Coast boasts quite an impressive number of commercial ports that offer international shipping services to the more significant part of the Western Hemisphere. The states of Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska offer seaports and entry points to the U.S.A. They serve the neighboring states of Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Arizona, and Wyoming. Among the West Coast ports that offer exceptional high-tonnage shipping is the Port of San Diego, California.
A-1 AT Inc. prides itself on offering services for shipping cars to or from the Port of San Diego, California.
Port of San Diego Auto Transport Pricing & Time To Ship Your Car Examples
Last Updated: a few hours ago
Quick Answer: Shipping a car in San Diego Port, CA costs around $340 for local or short‑distance moves, taking 2–4 days.
Local trend: Demand for enclosed auto transport here increases in spring and summer as vehicles arrive on container ships.
See detailed local and long‑distance transport rates and delivery estimates in the table below.
| Shipping To/From Port of San Diego | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Limit to Phoenix | $219 | 357 miles | 3 - 4 days |
| Local Delivery to San Francisco | $304 | 507 miles | 3 - 5 days |
| Cheyenne to the Area | $701 | 1169 miles | 4 - 6 days |
| City Limit to Seattle | $756 | 1260 miles | 4 - 6 days |
| Kansas City to the Area | $936 | 1560 miles | 5 - 7 days |
| Local Delivery to New York | $1258 | 2764 miles | 6 - 8 days |
| Jacksonville to the Area | $1405 | 2342 miles | 6 - 8 days |
| City Limit to Minneapolis | $1199 | 1988 miles | 5 - 6 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle you are shipping.
Features
The dock of America's Finest City lies on the shores of San Diego Bay adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, just about 12 kilometers north of the United States border with Mexico. The San Diego Bay is a deep water harbor that acts as an entry point. It is just a few miles from the most enormous dock in the entire U.S., the Port of Los Angeles. It enjoys affiliated privileges from the Los Angeles dock, including acquiring resources that facilitate car shipping services. The port's proximity to the Great Pacific Ocean offers a direct route to international markets, including the closest: Russia and Asia. Global Asian car manufacturers, including Toyota, Hyundai, and Tata, export their vehicles to the United States through the West Coast ports. This includes the harbor of the Area, California.
The dock of San Diego is a crescent-shaped landlocked bay with a narrow sand split separating it from the Pacific Ocean. The entrance to the bay is between the North Island to the East and Point Loma to the West.
Commercial Advantages
The harbor is run and managed by the San Diego Unified Port District. This management group is in charge of all operations, including offering shipping rights to car transporting firms. A-1 Auto Transport Inc. receives the right to provide services to clients by shipping cars to or from the port of San Diego, California, services to clients. The harbor facilities and equipment facilitate these services.
Marine Cargo Terminal
The Port of the Area enjoys a 50-hectare marine cargo terminal, with eight berths dedicated to automobiles and lumber. The berths are all equipped with world-class machinery, including Ro-Ro equipment, pedestal cranes, mobile cranes, flat racks, loading and offloading equipment, exclusive container shipping facilities, and vehicle storage warehouses.
Access to road networks
The area's harbor is easily accessible from the neighboring states of Nevada, Arizona, and Utah through the interstates. This facilitates shipping cars to or from the port of San Diego, CA, from different pickup and delivery locations,even from clients in these states. It thus opens up the harbor to larger markets.
Neighborhood Areas We Serve
Our auto transport services and car shipping team are proud to help with your move or vehicle delivery in any of the neighborhoods listed below. And if you don't see your neighborhood listed here, don't worry—we can most likely provide our auto transport service there.
| Sassafras Street | Columbia Street | India Street |
| Spruce Street | Redwood Street | Quince Street |
Get access to our services
Are you seeking professional car shipping services in San Diego County? We would be happy to hear from you. Contact us for a free, no-obligation cost estimate for the entire transportation process. We guarantee an affordable car shipping cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my vehicle insured during transport from or to San Diego?
Yes reputable San Diego car shipping companies, including A1 Auto Transport, provide insurance coverage for every vehicle in transit. The policy typically covers damage caused by accidents, weather, or handling during loading and unloading. Always review the carrier’s certificate of insurance and clarify coverage limits before booking. Learn more about protection options through our enclosed auto transport service guide.
Can I ship a non-running (inoperable) vehicle from the Port of San Diego?
Yes. A1 Auto Transport can safely move inoperable cars using specialized equipment such as winches or lift-gates. Because these vehicles can’t be driven on or off a trailer, expect an additional fee of $100–$150 on average. Always disclose the vehicle’s condition in advance so we can assign the proper carrier and schedule.
How long does car shipping take from San Diego to other U.S. cities?
Delivery times vary by route and carrier availability. On average, San Diego to Los Angeles takes 1–2 days, San Diego to Texas about 4–6 days, and San Diego to New York roughly 7–10 days. Weather, traffic, and seasonal demand can slightly extend these estimates. Booking early helps ensure pickup windows that fit your schedule. For convenient scheduling, explore our door-to-door transport service.
Which is cheaper open or enclosed transport from San Diego?
Open transport is the most affordable option, generally 25–40% cheaper than enclosed carriers. It’s ideal for standard sedans, SUVs, or daily-use vehicles. Enclosed transport offers extra protection from weather and debris, making it preferred for classic or luxury models. Both services are fully insured and handled by licensed carriers.
How should I prepare my car for shipping from the Port of San Diego?
Wash your vehicle, remove personal items, document its condition with photos, and leave about one-quarter tank of fuel. Disable alarms and ensure the car is in good mechanical shape. If shipping internationally, verify that all fluids are secured and paperwork is complete. Proper preparation ensures faster check-in and a smoother pickup process.
What documents are required for San Diego auto shipping?
You’ll need proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and a valid photo ID. For international exports, you may also need a bill of sale, U.S. Customs forms, and authorization for the recipient. Having these documents ready helps avoid port delays and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations.
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