($1,627) Cost to ship a car from Manchester, NH to Santa Ana, CA
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 3,014 miles from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Santa Ana, California, will run you about $1,627 to $2,568. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Ana to Manchester car shipping guide.
The best Manchester to Santa Ana car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Manchester to Santa Ana:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Manchester
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Manchester, NH:
- Intercity Lines Inc: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Fisher Shipping Company: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Rust Auto Shippers: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Preowned Auto Logistics: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Chip's Transport Service: 3.78 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from NH to CA
Relocating from Manchester to Santa Ana means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Manchester to Santa Ana, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 3,014-mile trip from Manchester to Santa Ana could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from New Hampshire to California. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Manchester to Santa Ana carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Santa Ana, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Manchester to Santa Ana car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Manchester to Santa Ana, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Manchester to Santa Ana, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Manchester tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Santa Ana, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Manchester has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Santa Ana will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 3,014 miles from Manchester to Santa Ana will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in New Hampshire.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Manchester and Santa Ana.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Manchester, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
Santa Ana has hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Manchester to Santa Ana during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 3,014-mile trip from Manchester to Santa Ana, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Manchester to Santa Ana usually takes seven–fifteen days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Manchester and Santa Ana vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Manchester: The City of Manchester regulates some areas of the city for parking. Make sure you inquire the necessary requirements for the neighborhood you're moving into.
- Santa Ana: Guest parking permits must be filled in ink by the resident and placed on the left-hand side of the dashboard. Each guest permit is valid until noon the following day. Each guest permit can only be used once and the date may NOT be changed. Not every district has guest permits. Only residents of single family homes are eligible for guest permits.
Car insurance requirements
- Manchester: While auto insurance isn't obligatory in New Hampshire, drivers must prove financial capability to cover at-fault accident damages, with failure potentially leading to driving privileges suspension. Stay financially prepared on the road in New Hampshire.
- Santa Ana: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
Vehicle inspections
- Manchester: Vehicles in New Hampshire can be inspected and OBD tested at any state-licensed inspection station or authorized car dealership; these stations are required to display a notice of authorization. Inspection prices may vary and typically range from $20 to $50.
- Santa Ana: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
Driver’s license
- Manchester: New Hampshire residents must obtain a NH driver license within 60 days of establishing residency. Out-of-state license holders over 18 can transfer their license by scheduling an appointment at a DMV office.
- Santa Ana: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Manchester to Santa Ana?
The cost to ship a car from Manchester, NH to Santa Ana, CA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Manchester to Santa Ana will range from $1,627 to $2,568.
How long will it take to ship my car from Manchester to Santa Ana?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 3,014 miles from Manchester to Santa Ana. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Manchester to Santa Ana?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Manchester to Santa Ana. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Manchester to Santa Ana?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Manchester to Santa Ana than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 3,014-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
552 Old West Brookfield Rd, Warren, MA 01083 US
27B Midstate Dr Suite 106, Auburn, MA 01501 US
140 Epping Rd #6, Exeter, NH 03833 US
222 Jubilee Dr., Peabody, MA 01960 US
2 Summer St, Foxborough, MA 02035 US