($1,401) Cost to ship a car from Albany, NY to Santa Ana, CA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,814 miles from Albany, New York, to Santa Ana, California, generally falls between $1,401 and $2,351. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
rating
4.7 / 5
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
rating
4.5 / 5
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
rating
4.4 / 5
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Ana to Albany car shipping guide.
The best Albany to Santa Ana car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Albany 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 Albany
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Albany, NY:
- Plycon Transportation Group: 3.98 out of 5 stars
- Fox Auto Transport: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Broadway Auto Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Quickship LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Loyal Transportation Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Plycon Transportation Group
280 Indian Head Rd, Kings Park, NY 11754 US
plycongroup.com
3.98 / 5.0
Plycon Transportation Group receives high praise for its exceptional service and professionalism when moving household items as well as vehicles. Customers appreciate the seamless, stress-free process and the care taken with belongings, often highlighting the excellent communication and responsiveness of the customer service team. While one review mentioned an issue with cars arriving dirty, the overall sentiment showcases a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- AAA
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 331582
Alternative Business Names
- Plycon Van Lines Inc.
Fox Auto Transport
150 Pleasant St Suite 209, Easthampton, MA 01027 US
foxautotransport.com
3.86 / 5.0
Fox Auto Transport is praised for its excellent customer service, efficient transportation, and reliable communication throughout the process. Many customers have specifically highlighted Patrick and Paul for their professionalism and attention to detail. However, some users reported fluctuating prices and occasional scheduling issues, leading to frustration for a few customers.
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2237933
Broadway Auto Transport
1 Maiden Ln FL 5, New York, NY 10038 US
broadwayautotransport.com
3.72 / 5.0
Broadway Auto Transport excels in customer service and timely vehicle transportation. Many clients commend the professionalism, communication, and efficiency of their agents, specifically naming Luis, Chris, Sophia, and Robert for exceptional service. Most vehicles are reported to arrive on time and in pristine condition, enhancing overall customer satisfaction. However, there are notable complaints regarding price fluctuations, surprise fees, and challenges with communication during the scheduling process. Some customers encountered issues with last-minute cost increases, which detracted from their overall experience.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3990000
Quickship LLC
299 Wahconah St, Pittsfield, MA 01201 US
quickshipcars.com
3.5 / 5.0
Quickship LLC has received a mix of extremely positive feedback praising its excellent customer service, quick responses, and reliable delivery times. Many customers highlighted specific employees like Neil Collins and Victor Miller for their professional assistance throughout the shipping process. However, numerous negative reviews described significant issues, including bait-and-switch pricing tactics, poor communication, and unrefunded deposits. Many customers reported being overcharged after the initial quote and experiencing delays or complete failure to pick up their vehicles. These major complaints overshadow the few positive experiences with this company.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3785111
Loyal Transportation Inc
1764 State Route 52, Walden, NY 12586 US
loyaltransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2242233
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 NY to CA
Relocating from Albany 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 Albany 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 lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 2,814-mile drive from Albany to Santa Ana into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from New York to California, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Albany to Santa Ana safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Santa Ana—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Albany to Santa Ana car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Albany to Santa Ana can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Albany to Santa Ana, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Santa Ana, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Albany 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 2,814 miles from Albany to Santa Ana will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in New York.
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
The time of year and weather conditions in Albany and Santa Ana play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
August, June and July are the best months to consider moving into Albany as weather during these months are very favorable. During October to January, Albany experiences a cold weather where it can get snow and rain and could be colder than the rest of the New York States.
Santa Ana has hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Albany to Santa Ana in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 2,814 miles between Albany and Santa Ana, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Albany to Santa Ana typically takes between seven and fifteen days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Albany and Santa Ana vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Albany: Check with the City of Albany for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Albany.
- 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
- Albany: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
- 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
- Albany: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
- 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
- Albany: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
- 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 Albany to Santa Ana?
The cost to ship a car from Albany, NY 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 Albany to Santa Ana will range from $1,401 to $2,351.
How long will it take to ship my car from Albany to Santa Ana?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,814 miles from Albany to Santa Ana. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Albany to Santa Ana?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Albany 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 Albany to Santa Ana?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Albany 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 2,814-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.