San Diego County Auto Transport
“Everything about my car shipping experience with Metti was fantastic! I was very nervous about shipping my car to Alabama but Metti went above and beyond and exceeded all my expectations.”
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Safe and Reliable San Diego Auto Transport Services
San Diego is home to more than 1.3 million people, primarily due to its peachy year-round weather. Asides this, it is a bustling environment with several attractions for tourists. So it isn’t surprising that over 80% of residents have an automobile to transport them around the city for their San Diego Auto Transport.
Are you relocating to or from San Diego? You can’t afford to leave your car behind when moving to San Diego. That’s why you need a San Diego Auto Transport company to take care of your car shipment. Whether you’re relocating, planning to visit the city for business or just for a break, let Metti International help you transport your car.
How to Choose a San Diego Auto Transport Company
Auto transport companies help shippers move their cars from one place to another, especially over long distances. They relieve customers of the hassle of having to drive to such locations by themselves. So when you are relocating to San Diego County, you first need to find an auto company that suits your needs. You need a company that you can trust to provide a seamless and smooth delivery of your car.
If you need professional carriers for your car, your first contact is an auto transport broker. They are always industry professionals that act as the link between you and the carrier. When choosing an auto transport company, the first consideration is that it must be registered with a regulatory body – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Additionally, check the company’s review online to see what other customers say about them. Lastly, you also want to verify from your auto shipping broker that the car carriers are insured.
However, you have to be careful now that there are lots of companies out there, due to the ease the internet affords. Likewise, refrain from companies with too-good-to-be-true deals, especially after you compare multiple shipping option quotes. Those are the kinds of auto transport companies to avoid. A low shipping cost doesn’t always translate to quality service.
San Diego Auto Transport Companies Near Me
San Diego is a vast and populous city, making it a bit tedious task to find a suitable shipping company by yourself. We can help you find the best nearest auto transport company in San Diego. Metti International works with an extensive network of qualified and reliable carriers. Whether you are just relocating to/out of San Diego and you don’t want to subject your car to wear and tear, we can help you.
San Diego Auto Transport to/from a Long Distance
Shipping your car remains your best option if you plan to move to or from San Diego, especially from a long distance. Driving your car by yourself is costly, time-demanding, stressful and requires very long hours on road. Therefore, you shouldn’t leave your car behind as well, at least, not without a significant excuse. The reason is apparent – San Diego is a very large state (the eighth-most populous city in the U.S).
However, you should consider the shipping cost when moving over a great distance. There are factors that the auto shipping company considers before giving you a quote, which we will discuss below.
We advise our customers at Metti International to make their pickup and drop-off locations major hubs instead of remote areas. This is because truck drivers may not get another car to ship back from such remote areas, which makes it less cost-effective. Moving to remote areas is also time-consuming for carriers. So, always choose central locations as your pickup and delivery locations.
International Vehicle Transport to/from San Diego
Overseas shipping is not as hard as it might seem but, it is a little more complex than domestic car shipping. However, we are always prepared to take your shipping order. You can speak to our representative today to ship your car, motorcycle or even military vehicle to San Diego. After the necessary considerations, we’d have the carrier pick up your vehicle and move it to your desired destination.
International auto shipping costs more than interstate shipping. Meanwhile, the cost of shipping internationally through the port of San Diego will depend on the method of transportation you choose – either RoRo shipping or Container shipping.
This method is used to ship wheeled cargo such as cars. This method makes it easy to drive your vehicle on and off the ship, hence, it only works best for operable vehicles. RoRo is also best for vehicles that cannot fit into a regular container.
However, RoRo shipping covers all kinds of vehicles including cars, recreational vehicles (RVs), bulldozers, trailers etc. It is the most cost-effective shipping method and has a very simple loading process. Hence, it is an affordable and fast means of shipping vehicles.
It allows your vehicle to be shipped in containers. This is an expensive method of shipping your car, but you can save costs by sharing the container with other cars going to your destination. When you share with other vehicles (usually 4 or 6), they are loaded into the container to be shipped at once. The shipping method is referred to as Shared Container Shipping. Conversely, when you do not share a container with any other car, it is referred to as Exclusive Container shipping.
Container shipping protects your vehicle from harsh weather conditions and debris. So, your vehicle is kept in perfect condition throughout shipping. It is best for vehicles that do not run or for customers that may want to ship their personal belongings with their car.
To avoid additional fees, such as storage fees and delays at the port, make sure to have arranged for a truck driver to ship your vehicle to your destination. We can arrange for a reliable truck driver to pick up your car and transport it to your destination once it arrives at the Port of San Diego.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to San Diego
Auto shipping costs for moving your car to San Diego varies with the drop-off location and several other factors. For instance, inoperable cars will cost more to ship than a running car because they require professionalism to load and unload. Other factors that influence auto transport rates include:
Vehicle Size and Weight
The size of your vehicle (length, height, and weight) greatly impacts shipping costs. Therefore, the heavier or larger the car, the greater the cost. There is a maximum permitted weight and height for trailers, so, carriers may charge more for heavier vehicles to make up for the space they occupy. For instance, shipping a modified pickup truck will definitely cost more than a compact car. The pickup truck may not fit easily into the regular trailers and may require a flatbed truck to transport.
Type of Transport
There are two kinds of auto transport – enclosed carrier auto transport and open carrier auto transport. Given your chosen method, the cost of shipping will vary. Nevertheless, the open carrier is the most cost-effective as it shares a trailer with about nine cars. With this method, there are chances that your car, will be affected by debris or weather conditions during shipment, although very minimal.
The enclosed carrier offers maximum protection to your vehicle against arid weather conditions, dirt and debris. Since fewer cars are in the enclosed carrier, auto transport cost is always higher.
Distance Between Destination and Pickup Locations
The distance to be traveled by the carrier while transporting your vehicle also affects the car shipping price. Traveling longer distances cost the carrier more in terms of gas fees and trucker’s pay. So, these costs will determine how much they will charge for shipping your vehicle to your destination.
Year and Model
Shipping a luxury or classic car will cost more than a regular vehicle because it will require additional attention and expertise, especially during loading and unloading. So, when calculating shipping costs, carriers consider the type of car you want to ship.
Estimated costs and transit times for major San Diego auto shipping trips.
| SHIPPING TO/FROM | COST | DISTANCE | ESTIMATED TIME IN TRANSIT |
|---|---|---|---|
New York City to San Diego | $1,650 | 2839 miles | 7 – 9 days |
Seattle to San Diego | $859 | 1258 miles | 3 – 4 days |
Virginia Beach to San Diego | $1,350 | 2773 miles | 7 – 9 days |
Dallas to San Diego | $799 | 1356 miles | 4 – 5 days |
Orlando to San Diego | $1,150 | 2433 miles | 7 – 9 days |
San Diego to Miami | $1,350 | 2665 miles | 8 – 9 days |
Houston to San Diego | $850 | 1487 miles | 4 – 5 days |
Las Vegas to San Diego | $399 | 323 miles | 1 – 2 days |
Ship My Car from San Diego Car Dealerships
San Diego is one of America’s top 30 U.S. containership ports, and it brings in approx. 3 million metric tons. The port is a significant entry point for car brands like Honda, Accra, Audi, Mazda, Isuzu, Nissan into America. Several used/new car dealerships in the city offer deals for these cars. Here are some top car dealerships in San Diego: Mossy Ford, San Diego Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, San Diego Auto Finder, Car Czar Auto sales.
Metti International offers safe and on-time delivery services to car dealerships across all U.S. states, even San Diego County. You can trust us to connect you with the best carriers in San Diego while offering competitive prices that suit your needs. Our core commitment to customers remains unchanged – to help them achieve safe and smooth transportation of their vehicles to and from any location.
How to Ship my Car from San Diego County?
As mentioned earlier, you must consider several factors when planning to move your vehicle to/from San Diego. First, ensure you do your part by preparing ahead, which includes finding the right pickup and drop-off location. Also, you need to find a company that rightly suits your car shipping needs. Here’s a quick rundown of how to ship your car to San Diego or prepare your car for shipping to another state:
Find a trustworthy San Diego auto transport company
Even though you plan to employ the services of an auto transport company to avoid the hassle of driving yourself, you have to be cautious. Not all companies out there have honest intentions. So, you have to ensure that the company you choose to ship with is registered with the FMCSA. Ensure that it is also bonded and licensed to cover future unseen liabilities.
Consider the shipping cost
Some factors affect shipping costs, such as peak seasons, destination between pickup and drop-off locations, car size, shipping method, and car type. To save cost, always consider shipping using the open carrier auto transport. Also, RoRo auto shipping is the most cost-effective shipping method for international shipping although, its not always available at some ports.
Compare multiple quotes
To secure the best shipping quote from reputable auto companies, you have to compare nothing less than 3 to 5 price quotes. This will help you decide which one truly offers the most competitive price. You also have to know that not all low quotes translate to a quality service. However, comparing quotes can help you fish out any suspicious auto company offering ridiculous deals.
Method of shipping
Choose the shipping method of your choice early when moving your car to San Diego – open carrier auto shipping or enclosed carrier auto shipping. Make sure you choose one that is suitable or best suits your need. For instance, if you plan to ship a luxury car, your best option would be enclosed shipping, but the cost will be slightly higher.
Most shipping companies may offer you either terminal-to-terminal shipping or door-to-door shipping. Consider the one that best suits you to know which method to opt for, but here’s the difference between the two:
Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Shipping
Terminals are in large cities and metropolitan areas across the United States. So carriers prefer terminal-to-terminal shipping because terminals are easier to find than remote areas and require less labor.
Hence, vehicle transporters can ship up to ten cars at once to economize fuel and oil. However, when opting for terminal-to-terminal shipping, make sure you have designated someone ahead for pickup and/ or drop-off, if you won’t be available.
Door-to-Door Auto Shipping
Your carrier will bring the car straight to your doorstep with this shipping method. However, not many truckers would want to opt for this method because trucks may be difficult to maneuver on the streets.
However, delivery would be faster because the car doesn’t have to pass through or wait at terminals. Likewise, it could also be the cheapest if there are storage fees for terminal-to-terminal shipping.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for San Diego Auto Transport?
Once you have decided to ship your car to or from San Diego, here are a few quick tips on how to prepare your vehicle for San Diego Auto Transport:
- Remove all personal items from your car
- Inform your transport company broker on time if your car is inoperable
- Conduct an inspection
- Ensure that the vehicle has no more than a quarter full of gas in the vehicle
- Be involved in the pre-shipping inspection process
- Do not cancel insurance
- Make sure your driver has one key, and you hold the other.
Can I Live in San Diego County Without my Car?
Although San Diego is a large and spaced-out city – the eighth-most populous city in America, you will survive without a car. However, it can be challenging to move around the city without one because people consider the city more car-friendly.
While you can commute to your destination on buses, owning a car saves you a lot of time and cost, especially if you have kids. So, if you are just moving into San Diego, you should make plans to ship your car with you.
Is There Anyone Who Regulates San Diego Auto Transport Companies?
You should always verify whatever auto transport company you plan to use. There is a regulatory body for auto transport companies. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety and Administration (FMCSA) is an agency of the Department of Transportation that improves the safety of commercial motor vehicles. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) also enforces adherence of companies to state laws and guidelines.
It is best to avoid any company that isn’t registered with the (FMCSA). In case you have trouble with a mover, you can file a complaint against the mover with the FMCSA.
How to Request a Quote
Requesting a quote from auto shipping companies requires no effort at all. Just put a call through to our representative to get a quote or to make other inquiries. You can also visit our website at www.mettiintl.com to get an online quote. Lastly, you can our online quote calculator to know the car shipping costs.
What Do I Need to Have My Car Picked up from Port of San Diego?
Once you trust us to handle the shipping of your vehicle from the port to your destination, you do not need to worry. When your vehicle arrives at the port, two essential requirements are your vehicle’s booking number and VIN.
Military Bases in San Diego
San Diego is known for its various tourist attractions and is also very military friendly. Unlike many other bases, San Diego’s military bases are located in the city’s hub, making it far more interesting. The city has military bases like Marine Corps at station Miramar Marine corps base camp Pendleton.
For instance, most people choose to stay in San Diego because of its warm climate. Hence, many military members consider the city a great place to be stationed, which pushes them to want to retire there.
While San Diego’s public transportation system is quite affordable and improving, the best way to get around is to have a car. So if you have received a Permanent Change of Station Order (PCS) or you want to buy a car from dealerships, we are here to serve you as you also serve the country. Some car dealerships covers military vehicles and often gives discounts.
The military should cover the expenses of transporting your car if you have been assigned to a new post. However, depending on your new duty post, you may be charged for shipping additional vehicles. You may also have to choose a suitable transportation method for your San Diego Auto Transport.
Not only is military car shipping cost-effective for military personnel, but it also saves a great amount of time. Likewise, you are not required to put any mileage on the car to avoid early wear and tear. Are you an active military member? Metti International has you covered for your auto shipping plans to or from San Diego.
Ship Your Car with Metti International
At Metti International, you will be connected with quality and reliable carriers, given your budget, desired method of transportation, and time frame. We provide a seamless auto shipping experience for our clients, even for those in “America’s Finest City,” San Diego.
Metti International is your trusted and reliable car shipping company with an A+ rating and excellent customer reviews. We are a three-time finalist with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a licensed and bonded car shipping broker with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. We only work with carriers with a service rating of at least 95% for our customers who provide excellent and satisfactory shipping experience.
Contact Metti International at 866-620-1776 today to schedule your auto transport or to speak to our customer care representative. You will get an instant quote. For more information on San Diego auto transport, visit our website at www.mettiintl.com
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What Others Are Saying About Us
I recently moved to San Diego and needed to find a transporter. I have used Mike three times now and have had zero disappointments. He always answers the phone and is willing to get the job done and at a great price.
Kenny M.
San Diego, CA | 02/15/2016
The car arrived in a very accessible space and the delivery by Eric, the driver, was made easily.
Unfortunately, the car had to travel through some ice and snow storms, which caused a little delay. I was very pleased with the service and communications.
Deborah C.
Arlington Heights, IL | 01/08/2015
My experience with Metti International Vehicle Transporters was great. They shipped my car across the country and made it as smooth as possible. I would absolutely do it again and use this company because they know what they're doing.
Ona H.
El Cajon, CA | 07/01/2016