How to Ship a Car Out of California

How to Ship a Car Out of California

In recent years, people have been moving out of California in drones due to rising taxes, a high cost of living, expense property costs and various other reasons. Many major California companies are packing their bags and relocating elsewhere to avoid high taxes of their own, with employees and families following along. 

To ensure your move from California goes smoothly, schedule auto transport for your vehicle when you know your moving dates. This will help you avoid the address stress of having to drive your car to your new home with many days spent on the road. It may come as a surprise that you may even save money in the process. There are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare to ship a car from California.

Choose Your Method of Transportation

Open Carrier: Open carrier auto transport is the most common type of domestic transport and is considered the most affordable option. Your car will be loaded on and off the carrier with ease and transported along with 7-9 other vehicles. 

Enclosed Carrier: If you ship a car from California that is considered classic or vintage, enclosed auto transport is your best option to ensure it’s protected from the elements. Keep in mind that it’s more expensive than using an open carrier, so this may not be the most cost-effective option.

Identify a Pick a Drop off and Delivery Point

Door-to-Door Shipping: This method offers you the most convenience when you’re planning a move out of California. Your car will be picked up and dropped off at your home or a nearby location. 

Terminal Shipping: Terminal shipping is a good option if you’re looking to save money or don’t have a permanent address at your new location. You’ll schedule a predetermined location, typically a terminal or public place, to have your car picked up. There may be additional fees if the location is not in a metro/city area.

Ship a Car From California with Metti International 

We use our expertise and experience to ship cars from California to popular metropolitan areas, including Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Miami, Palm Beach, and many others across the United States. As a two-time finalist for the “Torch Award” by the Better Business Bureau for Ethics (BBB), we have proven that we will go above and above to provide you with an outstanding experience. 

Call Metti International for a free quote today at 866.620.1776!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.