Are you looking for the cheapest way to ship a car to California?
While car shipping rates can vary significantly depending on your car size and model and on the distance travelled, another essential factor that can impact price is the transportation method.
In this guide, we are going to reveal what the four main modes of transport are, and which one is your best bet for car shipping.
Road Transport
If you choose to ship your car by road transport, you are probably looking at paying a fairly affordable fee.
Road transport is one of the oldest, most accessible, and most convenient ways to transport goods of any size and weight, and is also relatively fast.
You can contact an auto transport company that will ship your car on trailers in a safe and efficient way.
Maritime Transport
Shipping a car by water transport is an even cheaper way of transporting your car to California.
This is particularly true if you are looking at shipping your car from a location that is quite far from the Golden State.
Maritime transport includes both inland water and ocean water transport.
Inland water transport is formed of rivers, lakes, and artificial canals that are all navigable and suitable to transport goods safely.
Ocean waterways, on the other hand, tend to be used to ship much bulkier items across the globe.
Air Transport
As you probably imagine, air transport is the newest, fastest, and most efficient method to ship goods – but it is also one of the most expensive.
Choose this transport mode only if you genuinely can’t ship your car by road or maritime transport, as it carries fees that could go up to $100,000.
Railway Transport
Another commonly used transport mode is railway transport. Its major benefit is that it can ship goods quickly, efficiently, and reliably.
Shipping a car choosing this transport method involves loading it onto a train. The actual cost that you will end up paying highly depends on which route the train takes.
Some routes, in fact, are quicker and more affordable, while others are too pricey. In general, you should expect to be charged $1,000 or less, but only if you stick to the quick and cost-effective routes.
The Takeaway
If you want – or need – to ship a car to California, you can choose between road, railway, air, or maritime transport.
The cheapest ones tend to be road and maritime, followed by railway and train.
Want even more information and help with your car shipping enquiries? Contact our expert and friendly team today