✔ Distance: The farther your vehicle travels, the higher the overall price. Auto transport companies typically charge per mile, with the rate per mile decreasing for longer routes.
Here are some sample rates to help estimate costs:
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San Francisco, CA to Portland, OR (635 miles) costs around $649
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San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO (1250 miles) costs around $879
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San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX (1930 miles) costs around $1099
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San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL (2130 miles) costs around $1149
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San Francisco, CA to New York City, NY (2900 miles) costs around $1299
These examples represent average market prices that can fluctuate based on season, route demand, and carrier availability.
✔ Vehicle make and model: Vehicle size, weight, and condition play a major role in pricing. Larger or heavier vehicles, such as SUVs, vans, or trucks, occupy more trailer space and consume more fuel, which increases the cost. Compact sedans or small electric vehicles are generally cheaper to ship.
If you need to move a high-value vehicle, such as a luxury, exotic, or classic car, enclosed transport is strongly recommended. It offers full protection from dust, debris, and weather, though it costs about 40–60% more than open car transport.
Shipping an inoperable vehicle costs more as well, since special loading tools like winches or forklifts are required.
✔ Transport method: Two main shipping options are available for San Francisco auto transport:
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Open car transport is the most affordable and widely available option. It's ideal for standard cars and offers faster scheduling.
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Enclosed auto transport provides maximum protection for valuable or delicate vehicles. This service is more costly and may take longer to schedule, as fewer enclosed trailers are in operation.
✔ Service level: Additional services can influence your overall price. Common upgrades include expedited delivery, top-load placement, guaranteed pick-up (GPU), or allowing limited personal items in the vehicle. These options add convenience but require extra coordination and resources, which slightly increase total cost.
✔ Pick-up and delivery locations: Where your car begins and ends its journey affects pricing. Within the San Francisco Bay Area, carriers frequently travel major corridors such as I-80, I-5, and US-101, keeping rates competitive. However, shipping to or from rural or less accessible areas can increase the price because carriers must travel off main routes or make additional arrangements to reach these locations. Meeting your carrier at a nearby city hub, such as Oakland or San Jose, may help reduce costs.
✔ Time of year: Seasonal demand impacts auto shipping to and from San Francisco, CA. Rates typically rise from late spring through early fall when moving activity peaks. During winter, fewer carriers operate nationwide, which can limit scheduling flexibility and occasionally lead to higher prices. Adverse weather in mountain passes or other regions can also affect timing and cost.
Booking your shipment early, especially in high-demand months, helps you secure better rates and preferred dates. During off-peak seasons, flexibility with pick-up and delivery can lead to cost savings.
✔ Fuel prices: Fuel costs have a direct impact on transport pricing. When diesel prices rise, carriers adjust rates to cover expenses. Conversely, when fuel prices fall, you may benefit from lower overall shipping costs.
✔ Available discounts: As one of the trusted San Francisco car transport companies, we offer customers a variety of seasonal and multi-vehicle discounts. Students, military members, and repeat customers can often access special pricing. Always ask about current offers when booking your San Francisco auto transport to ensure you get the best possible rate.
• Military car shipping discount• Snowbird car shipping discount• Student car shipping discount• Sunday car shipping discount• Loyalty car shipping discount• Multi-vehicle shipping discount
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