San Jose Car Shipping

Sherpa Auto Transport provides the premier auto transport experience with upfront, transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise.

What our San Jose customers say about Sherpa:

★★★★★

"My experience with Sherpa was seamless and smooth - there was excellent communication with the Sherpa team throughout the process. They honored the rate they provided. There were no transportation delays or damage to my vehicle - the driver was excellent who picked up and dropped my vehicle from Nashville TN to San Jose CA."

Apr 2022

Niharika Kishore

★★★★★

"Sherpa is the best. Trying to ship my car from San Jose to New Jersey. Among all the auto transport companies, not sure which one to choose. Read reviews on yelp and understood that they are all brokers so no guarantee. so decided to go with Sherpa which has high yelp ratings."

Sep 2023

Alex W.

★★★★★

"I was moving from coast to coast and I was shipping a BMW. I chose Sherpa among the four companies I looked into because they had better ratings. But initially, I went with another company. Their price was significantly lower but when it came down to scheduling someone, they charged $400 more that they essentially had the same price as Sherpa."

Sep 2018

Josephine of San Jose, CA

Key Takeaways

Certified by Tim DeMille, Auto Transport Expert

• Popular Shipping Routes:

  Popular shipping routes from San Jose include San Jose to New York City (2,939 mi, $1325-$1550, 4-10 days), San Jose to Washington DC (2,845 mi, $1250-$1525, 4-10 days), and San Jose to Dallas (1,690 mi, $975-$1250, 2-6 days).

• Factors that affect Shipping Costs:

  Key factors affecting San Jose car shipping costs include distance, trailer type, pickup/delivery locations, timing, vehicle size and condition, and seasonal demand. Open transport is generally more cost-effective, while enclosed trailers offer protection but at a higher price. Flexible scheduling and choosing locations near major highways can help reduce costs.

• What to Look for in a Car Shipping Company:

  Sherpa Auto Transport stands out as the premier auto transport service in the United States, offering upfront, transparent pricing backed by their Price Lock Promise. With an impressive 4.87 average customer rating and over 7,000 five-star reviews, Sherpa's commitment to customer service has earned them recognition as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023.

• How does San Jose Vehicle Shipping Work?:

  The car shipping process to or from San Jose involves getting a quote, booking your shipment, preparing your vehicle, meeting the carrier for pickup, tracking your shipment, and receiving your vehicle at the destination. Sherpa Auto Transport provides regular updates and guidance throughout the process, ensuring a smooth experience for customers in the Silicon Valley area.

• Local Guide to San Jose, California:

  San Jose requires vehicle registration within 20 days of establishing residency and smog checks every two years for most vehicles. The city uses FasTrak for electronic toll collection, and new residents should set up utilities with San Jose Clean Energy and San Jose Water Company.

Factors that affect San Jose Car Shipping Prices

• Distance: San Jose's location in the heart of Silicon Valley affects shipping costs. Longer distances, such as shipping to the East Coast, will be more expensive than shorter routes within California or neighboring states.
• Trailer Type: Open trailers are the most common and cost-effective option for most customers. Enclosed trailers, while offering protection from San Jose's mild climate and occasional rain, are about 50% more expensive and may have longer delivery times.
• Pickup and Delivery Locations: San Jose's urban setting makes it easier and cheaper for auto transport. However, if you're moving to a rural area, consider arranging pickup or delivery near major highways like I-280 or I-880 to reduce costs.
• Timing: Sherpa's most budget-friendly option is a five-day pickup window. Expedited services will cost more. Also, summer months and January tend to have higher rates due to increased demand.
• Vehicle Size: Larger, heavier vehicles cost more to ship. San Jose's tech industry often means shipping luxury or electric vehicles, which may require special handling and affect pricing.
• Vehicle Condition: Operable vehicles are cheaper to transport. If your car doesn't start or roll, expect higher costs for special equipment needed to load it.
• Season: While San Jose's weather is mild year-round, national seasonal trends still apply. Summer and January are peak times for auto transport, potentially increasing prices.

Understanding these factors can help you plan your auto transport to or from San Jose more effectively. For a detailed breakdown of costs, check out our car shipping calculator guide. If you're unsure whether to choose open or enclosed transport, learn more about the differences between open and enclosed car shipping.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

• Book early: Schedule your shipment at least two weeks in advance. This increases the chances of carriers bundling your vehicle with others in San Jose, potentially leading to discounted rates.
• Choose open transport: Open shipping offers the lowest rates and greatest flexibility for negotiating prices. While enclosed carriers are necessary for some vehicles, open transport is generally more cost-effective.
• Optimize pickup/drop-off locations: Consult with Sherpa advisors to find locations near major interstates like I-280, I-680, or US-101. This can significantly reduce fuel costs for carriers, potentially lowering your overall price.
• Empty your vehicle: Remove all personal items from your car before shipping. This reduces weight and eliminates potential liability issues.
• Be flexible with dates: The more flexible you are with pickup and delivery dates, the more options you'll have. This flexibility can lead to better pricing as carriers can optimize their routes more efficiently.
• Consider terminal-adjacent locations: While Sherpa doesn't offer terminal-to-terminal services, choosing locations near major transportation hubs in San Jose can sometimes lead to more competitive pricing.

What makes Sherpa different?

• Transparency:

  Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.

• Carrier Quality:

  We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.

• Customer-First Approach:

  Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 7,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.

• Nationwide Coverage:

  Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.

• Expert Handling:

  From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.

How does San Jose Car Shipping Work?

Navigating the car shipping process to or from San Jose, California, can be a breeze with the right guidance. Here's a step-by-step guide tailored for the Silicon Valley hub:

• Get an instant quote: Start by obtaining an instant quote from Sherpa Auto Transport. This will give you a clear idea of costs based on your specific needs.
• Book your shipment: Once you're happy with the quote, lock in your shipment. Sherpa's team will provide pickup and delivery windows to fit your schedule.
• Prepare your vehicle: Give your car a thorough wash and inspect it for existing damage. This is crucial, especially considering San Jose's dry climate which can make dust and minor scratches more noticeable.
• Consider local factors: San Jose's Mediterranean climate means mild winters and warm summers. If shipping during summer, ensure your car's cooling system is in good condition. For winter transport, check that antifreeze levels are adequate.
• Plan for traffic: San Jose is known for its traffic congestion, particularly on highways like I-280, I-680, and US 101. Factor this into your pickup and delivery expectations.
• Meet the carrier: On pickup day, you or an authorized representative will meet the carrier, hand over the keys, and perform an inspection.
• Track your shipment: While your car is in transit, Sherpa will provide regular updates. Use this time to prepare for your vehicle's arrival in the Bay Area.
• Receive your vehicle: Upon delivery, inspect your car thoroughly and pay any remaining balance.

Remember, San Jose's tech-savvy culture means you can manage most of this process online or via phone. For a comprehensive guide on how to ship your car, check out Sherpa's detailed car shipping guide. With proper planning and the right auto transport partner, moving your vehicle to or from the heart of Silicon Valley can be as smooth as cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway.

A Local Guide to Vehicle Transportion in San Jose, California

When moving to or from San Jose, California, it's crucial to understand the local vehicle requirements and regulations. FasTrak is the electronic toll collection system used in the Bay Area, including San Jose. If you're relocating, remember to remove your FasTrak transponder to avoid unexpected charges. For new residents, signing up for FasTrak is easy and can be done online.

California requires all vehicles to pass a smog check every two years, with some exceptions for newer or older models. When registering your vehicle in San Jose, you'll need to complete this inspection within 20 days of moving. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles vehicle registration, which must be done within 20 days of establishing residency.

San Jose's Mediterranean climate means mild winters and warm, dry summers. However, occasional heavy rains can occur, so ensure your vehicle is equipped with good windshield wipers and tires. The city is served by several major highways, including I-280, I-680, and US 101, making it easy to navigate the area.

When settling in San Jose, you'll need to set up utilities. San Jose Clean Energy is the city's electricity provider, while the San Jose Water Company handles water services. For internet, popular providers include Xfinity, AT&T, and Google Fiber.

Don't forget these important tasks:

• Update your voter registration with the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters
• Enroll children in the San Jose Unified School District
• Get a library card from the San Jose Public Library system
• If moving away, cancel local memberships and forward your mail through USPS

By taking care of these details, your move to or from San Jose will be smoother, allowing you to enjoy all that this vibrant Silicon Valley city has to offer.

San Jose, California Car Shipping FAQs

About San Jose, California

🌉 San Jose, California is a vibrant city with a rich history and thriving tech industry. As the largest city in Northern California, San Jose boasts a population of over 1 million residents [U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 estimate]. 🏙️ Known as the Capital of Silicon Valley, it's home to many tech giants and startups.

The city covers an area of about 180 square miles, making it the third-largest city in California by land area [City of San Jose]. San Jose enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with an average of 300 sunny days per year [U.S. Climate Data]. 🌞 This pleasant weather contributes to its high quality of life.

San Jose's economy is diverse and robust. The city's GDP was estimated at $134.4 billion in 2020 [Bureau of Economic Analysis], reflecting its economic strength. 💼 The tech sector is a major employer, with companies like Cisco Systems, Adobe, and eBay headquartered here.

Education is a priority in San Jose, with over 44% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher [U.S. Census Bureau, 2021]. The city is home to San Jose State University, the oldest public university on the West Coast [San Jose State University]. 🎓

For those who love culture and recreation, San Jose offers numerous attractions. The city boasts over 200 parks [City of San Jose], including the 720-acre Alum Rock Park. 🌳 The Tech Interactive and San Jose Museum of Art are popular cultural destinations, attracting thousands of visitors annually [Visit San Jose].

Areas of San Jose, California that we Serve

San Jose City Center: 95101, 95102, 95103, 95106, 95108, 95109, 95110, 95111, 95112, 95113, 95115, 95116, 95117, 95118, 95119, 95120, 95121, 95122, 95123, 95124, 95125, 95126, 95127, 95128, 95129, 95130, 95131, 95132, 95133, 95134, 95135, 95136, 95138, 95139, 95141, 95148, 95150, 95151, 95152, 95153, 95154, 95155, 95156, 95157, 95158, 95159, 95160, 95161, 95164, 95170, 95172, 95173, 95190, 95191, 95192, 95193, 95194, 95196
West San Jose: 95128, 95129, 95130
East San Jose: 95116, 95121, 95122, 95133, 95148
North San Jose: 95131, 95134
South San Jose: 95111, 95118, 95119, 95123, 95136, 95138
Almaden Valley: 95120
Alum Rock: 95127
Berryessa: 95132
Cambrian Park: 95124
Evergreen: 95135, 95138
Willow Glen: 95125
Campbell: 95008, 95009, 95011
Los Gatos: 95030, 95031, 95032
Milpitas: 95035, 95036
Santa Clara: 95050, 95051, 95052, 95053, 95054, 95055, 95056
Saratoga: 95070, 95071
Sunnyvale: 94085, 94086, 94087, 94088, 94089

Sherpa Auto Transport services the entire state of California and all 50 States. We look forward to serving you.