A1 Auto Transport: Compare Licensed Car Shipping Companies

Safe And Reliable Santa Monica Car Shipping Services By A-1 Auto Transport

This guide is designed for anyone who's considering shipping a vehicle to or from Santa Monica, CA. We've put together a series of tips that you'll find helpful whether you're shipping a motorcycle, boat, car, or RV in Los Angeles County. In the second section, you'll find a directory of local vehicle shipping companies along with contact information and a brief description of their car transport services.

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Auto Hauling Pricing & Time Examples To Move Your Vehicle

Last Updated: 2 days ago
Quick Answer: Shipping a car in Santa Monica, CA costs around $600 for short‑distance moves and takes 2–5 days.
Local trend: Demand for enclosed auto transport here is notably higher in spring and summer.
See detailed local and long‑distance transport rates and delivery estimates in the table below.

Shipping To/From Santa Monica	Cost	Distance	Estimated Time In Transit
Santa Monica to San Diego	$80	133 miles	2 - 3 days
Local Area to Phoenix	$250	387 miles	3 - 4 days
Salt Lake City to Santa Monica	$432	704 miles	4 - 5 days
City Limits to Albuquerque	$480	803 miles	3 - 5 days
Santa Monica to Omaha	$1010	1568 miles	5 - 7 days
Chicago to The Area	$1220	2031 miles	6 - 8 days
Miami to Santa Monica	$1648	2747 miles	7 - 8 days
New York to City Limits	$1683	2805 miles	6 - 8 days

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of vehicle you are shipping.

Using Vehicle Transport Companies

Get It In Writing

Whatever cost estimate or service you're offered from a company, make sure you get it in writing before agreeing to anything. If something is not clearly spelled out in the contract you have with the auto carrier--regardless of verbal promises or specials listed on their website--they are not required to honor it. Ultimately, the contract will be the main tool used to resolve a dispute or complaint so it's important to look it over carefully to ensure that it is consistent with what you've been told by the carrier. If anything in the contract is unclear, including the wording or industry terminology, you should absolutely ask for some clarification.

Luxury & Classic Cars

If you need an expensive, vintage or one-of-a-kind vehicle shipped, there are some precautions you should take and specific services you should request from an auto carrier. For most luxury or exotic cars, enclosed hauling is recommended since it offers the highest level of safety during shipping, as well as an added level of discretion that owners appreciate. Enclosed transport is recommended not just because it protects the vehicle, but also because it's easier to accommodate door-to-door shifting, which is often preferred by customers with high-end vehicles.

Status Updates

Checking on the status of your vehicle while it's being shipped is easier than ever now thanks to advancements in GPS technology. Not only do customers have access to real-time status updates, but some companies even have an online order tracking system that allows you to check on your vehicle anytime you want. Some car shipping companies have been quicker to implement the technology than others, so you should ask what sort of order tracking a car shipper has if it's something you would like to have access to. Direct Connect Auto Transport, mentioned in the directory below, is one such company that has integrated real-time order tracking as part of its transport services.

Visit the City of Santa Monica’s official website to discover other services offered by local businesses in the area.

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Auto Transport Company Directory

Global Auto Transportation

A nationwide car shipping company in Santa Monica, they relocate vehicles to all 50 states and offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. They ship everything from motorcycles to boats and will match or beat prices from competitors.

2001 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA

(424) 625-7070

Montway Auto Transport

Montway is a Los Angeles based car shipper that's been serving the Santa Monica area since 2006. They offer a wide variety of services, have excellent customer reviews, and offer instant price quotes through their website.

5405 Wilshire Blvd #250, Los Angeles, CA

(323) 900-0522

Direct Connect Auto Transportation

Direct Connect has more than 20 years of experience as a car shipper and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They move vehicles both in the U.S. and internationally and offer instant updates through their vehicle tracking system.

8605 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

(818) 661-4455

Neighborhood Areas We Serve

Our auto-hauling services are proud to help with your move in any of the neighborhoods you see below. And if you don't see your neighborhood listed here, don't worry because we can most likely provide our auto-shifting service there.

Dogtown	Ocean Park	Wilshire Montana
North of Montana	Mid-City West	Pico
Sunset Park	Downtown

red semi truck traveling along a highway

Santa Monica long-distance moving services
Cheapest Santa Monica moving companies

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Santa Monica, CA?

As of August 23, 2026, Santa Monica car shipping by open carrier runs about $500-$700 for 200-500 miles, $950-$1,300 for 1,000-1,500 miles, and $1,200-$1,600 for 2,400-3,000 miles. These planning bands fit current market pricing for a standard operable car. SUVs, pickups, non-running vehicles, enclosed trailers, and tight pickup windows can push the quote higher. A1's car shipping rates guide explains the main pricing inputs.

How long does car shipping take from Santa Monica to other states?

Loaded transit from Santa Monica is typically 1-3 days for about 200-500 miles, 3-7 days for 1,000-1,500 miles, and 6-10 days for 2,400-3,000 miles. Pickup scheduling happens before loaded transit, so the date a carrier is assigned is separate from the travel time on the truck. Traffic, weather, and planned carrier stops can extend delivery, particularly on cross-country shipments.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car to or from Santa Monica?

The cheapest way to ship a standard car to or from Santa Monica is usually open transport with flexible pickup dates. Open multi-car trailers carry several vehicles on one trip, so they generally cost less per vehicle than enclosed transport. An accessible pickup point near the carrier's route can also avoid extra time when a large truck cannot conveniently reach the exact address. Expedited pickup, enclosed trailers, oversized vehicles, and non-running cars usually cost more.

Is enclosed car shipping worth it in Santa Monica?

Enclosed car shipping is worth considering in Santa Monica when you are moving a classic, exotic, collector, or high-value vehicle and want extra shielding from weather and road debris. Current market pricing commonly places enclosed transport about 40-60% above open service, although the exact premium varies by route and vehicle. For an everyday sedan, open transport is usually the practical choice unless the vehicle's value or condition justifies the added protection. A1's enclosed auto transport service explains the trailer type.

Can I ship a car from Santa Monica without driving it to a terminal?

Yes. Door-to-door car shipping in Santa Monica means the driver gets as close to your address as legally and safely practical instead of requiring a terminal. Santa Monica Municipal Code §3.12.680 limits vehicles over three tons to designated primary and secondary truck routes, with specified pickup and delivery exceptions. The city's primary routes include the Santa Monica Freeway, Olympic Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway, and Lincoln Boulevard from Olympic Boulevard to the southern city limit. If the carrier cannot stop at your address, the driver can arrange a nearby legal meeting point. See A1's door-to-door auto transport service.

How do I choose a reliable car shipping company in Santa Monica?

A reliable Santa Monica car shipping company should have verifiable FMCSA registration and active operating authority for the role it performs. FMCSA says interstate auto transport brokers and carriers must be registered, and its Licensing and Insurance system lets you check an MC or USDOT number, authority, and insurance filings. Match those records to the company named in your contract before paying or releasing the vehicle. Also ask the assigned carrier to state its cargo coverage, deductible, and exclusions in writing because coverage terms vary by policy.

Santa Monica, CA Car Shipping