Car shipping from San Francisco, CA to New York City, NY

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 San Francisco to New York City is straightforward but important. Here's what you need to do:

Clean and Document: Wash your car thoroughly, inside and out. This makes it easier to document any existing damage with photos or video before shipping. Take clear pictures from all angles, including close-ups of any scratches or dents.

Remove Personal Items: Carriers are not insured to transport personal belongings, so remove all items from your vehicle. This includes toll passes (like FasTrak), GPS devices, garage door openers, and any valuables. You can leave floor mats and standard equipment, but remove anything loose or fragile.

Check Mechanical Condition: Ensure your car is in good running condition with adequate tire pressure and battery charge. If your vehicle has mechanical issues, inform your carrier in advance—this may affect pricing. Disable any alarms that could drain the battery during the 7-10 day transit.

Fuel and Fluids: Keep your gas tank at about ¼ full. This reduces weight while providing enough fuel for loading and unloading. Check for any fluid leaks that should be repaired before shipping.

Secure or Remove Accessories: Retract or remove antennas, fold in side mirrors, and secure or remove any aftermarket accessories like roof racks, spoilers, or bike racks that could be damaged in transit.

Provide a Key: You'll need to give the driver a working key for loading and unloading your vehicle.

For more comprehensive preparation tips, check out our cross country vehicle transport guide. If you're concerned about weather exposure during the transcontinental trip, consider enclosed trailer shipping for maximum protection.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during transport from San Francisco, CA to New York City, NY. 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 valid and in good standing.

This coverage protects your vehicle against damage that may occur during loading, transport, and unloading. While incidents are rare, having proper auto transport insurance gives you peace of mind for the 3,000-mile journey from the West Coast to the East Coast.

We recommend reviewing the carrier's insurance certificate before your shipment and documenting your vehicle's condition with photos at pickup. If you have questions about coverage or need additional protection for a high-value vehicle, our team can discuss options like enclosed trailer shipping for extra security.

We recommend scheduling your pickup service at least 1-2 weeks in advance for the San Francisco to New York route. However, booking earlier—ideally 3-4 weeks ahead—gives you the best chance of securing competitive rates and preferred pickup dates.

Here's why advance booking matters: carriers often bundle multiple vehicles heading in the same direction to maximize efficiency and keep costs down. When you post your shipment early, drivers have more time to plan their routes and include your vehicle in an existing trip. This cross-country route is popular, but availability can fluctuate based on seasonal demand and carrier schedules.

If you need enclosed trailer shipping for a luxury or classic vehicle, add even more lead time—these specialized carriers have limited availability. You can learn more about pricing factors in our Cross Country Vehicle Transport Guide.

Last-minute bookings (less than a week out) are sometimes possible, but expect higher prices and less flexibility with pickup windows. The bottom line: the sooner you schedule, the more control you'll have over timing and cost.

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 San Francisco to New York City, you'll choose between two main transport methods: open and enclosed trailers. Understanding the differences will help you make the right decision for your vehicle and budget.

Open Auto Transport is the most common 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 debris during the cross-country journey, this method is safe, reliable, and used for the vast majority of vehicle shipments. It's the practical choice for everyday vehicles in normal condition.

Enclosed Auto Transport provides premium protection by shipping your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. This shields your car from weather, dust, and road debris throughout the 3,000-mile trip. Enclosed trailer shipping typically costs 50-60% more than open transport, but it's worth considering for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle with custom paint, modifications, or high monetary or sentimental value.

For most standard vehicles making the San Francisco to New York route, open transport offers excellent value and protection. Reserve enclosed transport for high-value vehicles where the extra investment makes sense. Both options include carrier insurance, though you may want to review your auto transport insurance coverage before shipping. The cost to ship a car varies based on your choice, but Sakaem Logistics will help you find the best value for your specific needs.

Yes! We offer comprehensive door to door car shipping from San Francisco, CA to New York City, NY. This service is designed for maximum convenience—our carrier will pick up your vehicle directly from your home, office, or any address you specify in the San Francisco area, and deliver it right to your doorstep in New York City.

When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule a pickup time that works with your schedule. The same goes for delivery—we'll work around your availability to ensure a smooth handoff.

In some cases, large car carriers may have difficulty accessing certain residential streets due to low-hanging trees, narrow roads, or tight turns. If your location presents any access challenges, don't worry—the driver will contact you to arrange a convenient nearby meeting spot, such as a shopping center parking lot, gas station, or main intersection. This happens occasionally in dense urban areas or residential neighborhoods, but we always work with you to find the most convenient alternative.

This cross-country route from San Francisco to New York City is one of the most popular in the country, which means we have regular carrier availability and competitive pricing. Most shipments on this route take 7-10 days, depending on the carrier's schedule and any stops along the way.

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!