Are you planning to make a major move from Beantown to The Golden State? You're not the only one.
Research shows nearly six million people relocated from various parts of America to California between 2010 and 2021.
As part of your move, you may need to ship a car from Boston to California. How does car shipping from Boston to California work?
Let's explore how to ship a car from California to Boston, and vice versa, as well as how to choose the right company to transport your car from Boston to California.
Ship a Car From Boston to California
You may be tempted to drive your car from Boston to California yourself. You might also want to haul your car using a trailer and hitch. These two methods have some drawbacks.
First, making the 3,000-mile trek is time-consuming, which means you might have to take time off work. You'll also have to spend money on transportation-related expenses, like lodging and gas.
Let's take a look at a few better options for transporting your vehicle to California.
Transporting By Train
A popular option for transporting your car is to use a passenger or freight train service.
Transporting a car to a different state by train can seem like a fun and scenic way to relocate your car. It's among the cheapest shipping methods, but it's also a lengthy one.
Transporting By Plane
You may also ship a car from Boston to California by plane. This is the costliest domestic shipping method, but it's also the quickest, making it a viable option for anyone in a pinch.
Transporting By Truck
The best way to ship a car from Boston to California is generally by truck. It's an efficient and cost-effective alternative to plane and train transport services (more on this later).
Car Shipping From Boston to California
The most cost-effective method for shipping a car by truck is to use open auto transport, also called hot shot car transport. An open hauler carries multiple secured cars.
Your car will be exposed to the weather with this method, but it's rare for damage to happen to cars transported in this way.
A different type of auto transport is needed to ship a luxury car. Use classic car shipping to transport an exotic, high-end, or custom car.
This type of transport, which is more expensive than open transport, is called enclosed auto transport. An enclosed hauler will protect your car from weather and debris.
Consider using door-to-door auto transport, too. A transport company can conveniently pick up and drop off your car at your chosen location. It's generally the most affordable and safest way to ship your vehicle in the US.
Cross-country car shipping is also available for those shipping cars at least 2,000 miles. This includes shipping a car from west to east or north to south.
Cost to Ship Car From California to Boston
Car shipping costs between $700 and more than $1,000 on average for a short distance. For a distance of 2,000 miles to 3,000 miles from Boston to California, the cost may be between $1,500 and $2,000.
California car shipping prices will depend on the following factors:
- Consumer demand
- Season of the year
- Enclosed vs. open transport
Use a car shipping calculator to determine how much transporting your car across state lines will cost based on these factors.
Cheapest Way to Ship
As we mentioned earlier, the cheapest method for car transport to Boston is open transport. You can save money by not choosing expedited transport, too.
Use expedited transport to ship a car from Boston to California only if you need your car to arrive at its destination within a tight timeframe.
How Long Will the Transport Process Take?
Massachusetts auto transport may take between 7 to 12 days if California is your destination.
If you want to ship a car to another state only a few hundred miles away, the process may take only one to two days.
Benefits of Car Shipping
Trying to ship a car from Boston to California? The main benefit of doing this by truck with a reputable transport service is that it is cost-efficient.
This method isn't as cheap as train shipping. It's also not as fast as plane shipping. However, it provides the benefits of both options when you pick a reputable transport company.
The right transport service will give you the personalized attention you need to ensure a quality transport experience.
The first step in working with a transport service is to schedule your shipment. Choose whether you want enclosed or open transport. An expert transporter will then pick up your vehicle.
Before your car ships, clean the inside to prep it for the journey. Make sure the car's gas tank is also at least 25% to 50% full. The car will be inspected before it's loaded onto a car hauler.
Your car should reach its destination safely when you choose a reliable company. Note that reputable transport services offer insurance to cover any damage your car might experience on the road due to debris.
Transport a Car From Boston to California
To ship a car from Boston to California, consider using a truck versus a plane or train. Car shipping from Boston to California by truck is most cost-effective if you use open transport versus enclosed auto transport.
At Nexus Auto Transport, we can help you ship a car from California to Boston, and vice versa. Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can transport your car from Boston to California and get a quote today!
