Car shipping from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for the cross-country journey from Boston to Los Angeles is straightforward but important. Here's what you need to do:

Clean and Inspect: Wash your car thoroughly so you can document its current condition with photos. This creates a clear record before transit begins.

Remove Personal Items: Take out all personal belongings, toll passes (like E-ZPass), and any loose items from the interior. Carriers typically aren't insured for personal property, and extra weight can affect shipping costs.

Remove or Secure Accessories: Detach external accessories like bike racks, roof boxes, or custom spoilers that could be damaged during transport. Retract or remove antennas, and make sure your side mirrors are secure.

Check Fluid Levels and Battery: Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel (about a quarter tank) and that the battery is fully charged. Your car needs to be in running condition for loading and unloading.

Disable Alarms: Turn off your car alarm to prevent it from going off during transit and draining your battery.

Provide a Key: Have a spare key ready for the driver—you'll get it back upon delivery in Los Angeles.

For a complete step-by-step guide, check out our how to ship a car resource. You'll also want to review the car shipping documents you'll need to have ready for pickup and delivery.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Boston to Los Angeles. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all carriers in our network to maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your cross-country shipment begins, we verify that the carrier's insurance policy is current, valid, and in good standing.

This coverage protects your vehicle against damage caused by accidents, carrier negligence, or other unforeseen incidents during transit. When your driver arrives for pickup, they'll provide you with a copy of their insurance certificate and Bill of Lading—important car shipping documents you should review and keep for your records.

Important note: While carrier insurance covers transport-related damage, it typically doesn't cover pre-existing damage or personal items left inside the vehicle. We recommend documenting your vehicle's condition with photos before shipping and removing all personal belongings. Whether you choose open transport or enclosed car shipping, your vehicle is protected by comprehensive insurance coverage throughout the entire journey from Boston to Los Angeles.

We recommend scheduling your pickup service from Boston at least 1-2 weeks in advance, though booking earlier gives you more flexibility and often better pricing. The cross-country route from Boston to Los Angeles is well-traveled, but advance notice allows carriers to efficiently bundle your vehicle with others heading west, which helps keep costs down.

If you have flexible dates, booking 2-3 weeks out is ideal. However, if you need faster service, we offer expedited car shipping services that can arrange pickup within 24-48 hours, though this comes at a premium price.

Keep in mind that timing can vary based on the season—summer months and early fall tend to be busier in the auto transport industry, so booking further in advance during these peak periods is wise. Winter weather can also impact schedules, so plan accordingly if you're shipping during those months.

The bottom line: book as soon as you know your moving dates. Early scheduling gives carriers more time to coordinate efficient routes and gives you peace of mind that your vehicle transport is arranged.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our car shipping guide for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle's condition.

When shipping your car from Boston to Los Angeles, you'll choose between two main transport methods: open transport and enclosed car shipping. Here's what sets them apart:

Open Transport is the most popular and affordable option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier (the same type you see hauling new cars on highways). While your car is exposed to weather and road conditions during the 2,900+ mile journey across the country, it's perfectly safe for most vehicles. This method typically costs 40-60% less than enclosed transport.

Enclosed Transport shields your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting it from rain, snow, road debris, and dust. This premium service usually costs 50-60% more than open transport, but it's worth considering if you're shipping a luxury vehicle, classic car, exotic sports car, or any vehicle with custom paint or modifications. The extra protection provides peace of mind for high-value automobiles.

Which Should You Choose? For most everyday vehicles—sedans, SUVs, and trucks in good condition—open transport offers excellent value and reliability. Reserve enclosed transport for vehicles where even minor cosmetic damage would be costly or heartbreaking. Both methods are fully insured, so your choice ultimately depends on your vehicle's value and your budget.

Yes! We offer door-to-door car shipping from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA. This is our most popular service because it's incredibly convenient—the carrier picks up your vehicle at your home, office, or any address you specify in Boston, and delivers it directly to your chosen location in Los Angeles.

When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will do their best to accommodate these exact locations. However, if there are any access restrictions—such as narrow streets, low-hanging trees, weight-restricted roads, or tight residential areas—the driver will contact you to arrange a nearby alternative like a shopping center parking lot or gas station. Large car carriers need adequate space to maneuver safely.

The cross-country route from Boston to Los Angeles typically takes 7-10 days, depending on the carrier's schedule and any stops along the way. Door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of driving to a terminal, saving you time and making the entire shipping process smoother from start to finish.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

See our car shipping guide to learn more about car shipping!