San Mateo Car Shipping

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

What our San Mateo customers say about Sherpa:

★★★★★

"I called Sherpa because they had such a high review. They arranged the transport on the same day on an emergency basis, got a driver, and picked the car up and took it to Boston. That bailed us out of a bad situation and it went well. They kept us informed. We couldn’t even get the other company to answer the phone, but Sherpa always answered the phone and they always knew where the car was and gave us updates."

Sep 2018

John of San Mateo, CA

★★★★★

"I used Sherpa's services again this time and everything went well. DC did not allow them to enter the city with their trucks so they really worked with me in finding a place where I could make the exchange and that was convenient for me. Their people were very nice. They insisted on making sure that I wrote the mileage down. Even though I knew that didn't really matter, at least they were very diligent."

Nov 2020

Patrice of San Diego, CA

★★★★★

"I was making a big move from Michigan to California fresh out of college. Young, scared, and confused, I often found myself overwhelmed with the many vehicle transport options available. Frantically, I googled "best auto transport companies for cross-country moves" and stumbled upon Sherpa in a Forbes article. After retrieving a quote for nearly every company in the article, I instantly put Sherpa at the top of my list because of their promised flat-rate policy."

Sep 2023

Gregory Miller II

Key Takeaways

Certified by Tim DeMille, Auto Transport Expert

• Popular Shipping Routes:

  Top 3 popular shipping routes from San Mateo, California: San Mateo to Dallas, TX (1,719 mi, $1050 - $1350, 2 to 6 days), San Mateo to Washington, DC (2,829 mi, $1125 - $1475, 4 to 10 days), and San Mateo to Chicago, IL (2,149 mi, $1175 - $1500, 3 to 7 days).

• Factors that affect Shipping Costs:

  Key factors affecting shipping costs to/from San Mateo include distance, trailer type (open vs. enclosed), pickup/drop-off locations, vehicle size and condition, time of year, and route popularity. San Mateo's urban setting and proximity to major highways can help keep costs down, while its location in the Bay Area makes it a fairly common shipping destination.

• 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 a 4.87 average customer rating from over 7,000 five-star reviews, Sherpa's commitment to customer service and quality has earned them recognition as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023.

• How does San Mateo Vehicle Shipping Work?:

  Vehicle shipping to or from San Mateo typically 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. The process is streamlined with door-to-door service and regular updates throughout transit.

• Local Guide to San Mateo, California:

  San Mateo's location offers easy access to major highways like US-101 and I-280, making it convenient for auto transport. New residents must register their vehicles within 20 days and pass a smog check. The city uses FasTrak for electronic toll collection, which should be considered when moving to or from the area.

Factors that affect San Mateo Car Shipping Prices

• Distance: The length of the journey from or to San Mateo affects shipping costs. Longer distances generally mean higher prices. San Mateo's location in the San Francisco Bay Area makes it accessible, but shipping to or from more distant locations will increase costs.
• Trailer Type: Open trailers are the most common and cost-effective option for most customers. Enclosed trailers offer extra protection but cost about 50% more and may have longer delivery times. They're typically only necessary for high-value or classic cars.
• Pickup and Drop-off Locations: San Mateo's urban setting and proximity to major highways like US-101 and I-280 can help keep costs down. Rural or hard-to-reach locations often incur higher fees.
• Pickup Window: Sherpa's most budget-friendly option is a five-day pickup window. Expedited services are available but will increase the price.
• Vehicle Size: Larger, heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Also, cars with low ground clearance may require special handling, increasing the price.
• Vehicle Condition: Operable vehicles are cheaper to ship. Non-running cars need special equipment for loading, which adds to the cost.
• Time of Year: San Mateo's mild climate means less seasonal variation in shipping costs. However, summer months and January are generally busier and more expensive for auto transport nationwide.
• Route Popularity: San Mateo's location near San Francisco makes it a fairly common shipping destination, which can help keep prices competitive.

To learn more about the factors affecting car shipping costs, check out our car shipping calculator guide. For details on choosing between open and enclosed trailers, visit our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

• Book early: Schedule your shipment at least two weeks in advance. This allows carriers to optimize routes and potentially offer discounts for bundling multiple vehicles from San Mateo.
• Choose open transport: Open shipping provides the most flexibility and lowest rates. While enclosed carriers are necessary for some vehicles, open transport is generally more cost-effective.
• Optimize pickup/dropoff locations: Work with Sherpa advisors to find convenient locations near major highways like US-101 or I-280. 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 adaptable you are with pickup and delivery timeframes, the more options you'll have for cost-effective transport. Consider allowing a window of several days for both pickup and delivery to increase your chances of finding the best rates.
• Consider seasonal timing: If possible, avoid peak moving seasons like summer or holidays when demand (and prices) tend to be higher. Spring or fall might offer more competitive rates for shipping to or from San Mateo.

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 Mateo Car Shipping Work?

Navigating the car shipping process in San Mateo, California, requires careful planning and consideration of local factors. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you smoothly transport your vehicle to or from this Bay Area gem:

• Get an instant quote: Start by obtaining a free, instant quote from Sherpa Auto Transport. Our Price Lock Promise ensures your quote remains unchanged.
• Book your shipment: Once you're satisfied with the quote, lock in your shipment. We'll provide pickup and delivery windows, with more specific timeframes once a carrier is assigned.
• Prepare your vehicle: Wash and inspect your car, documenting any existing damage. Remove personal items and valuables, and ensure your gas tank is no more than a quarter full. For San Mateo's mild climate, there's no need for special winterization.
• Consider local factors: San Mateo's proximity to major highways like US-101 and I-280 makes it easily accessible for auto transporters. However, be aware that Bay Area traffic can occasionally impact pickup and delivery times.
• Meet the carrier: Our door-to-door service means the carrier will pick up your vehicle as close to your specified address as possible. You or an authorized representative must be present for the inspection and key handover.
• Track your shipment: While your vehicle is in transit, we'll keep you updated on its progress. Relax and enjoy San Mateo's beautiful parks or vibrant downtown while we handle the logistics.
• Receive your vehicle: Upon delivery, inspect your vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading. Pay the remaining balance to complete the transaction.

For a more detailed guide on how to ship your car, check out our comprehensive How To Ship a Car page. With Sherpa Auto Transport, moving your vehicle to or from San Mateo is a breeze, allowing you to focus on enjoying all that this charming California city has to offer.

A Local Guide to Vehicle Transportion in San Mateo, California

When moving to or from San Mateo, 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 Mateo. If you're relocating, consider removing your FasTrak transponder to avoid unwanted 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo has a mild climate, but it's still important to prepare your vehicle for the occasional foggy or rainy day. When moving, consider these local tips:

• Set up utilities with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for electricity and gas
• Contact Cal Water for water services
• Choose from internet providers like Comcast, AT&T, or Wave
• Register to vote at the San Mateo County Elections Office
• Enroll children in the San Mateo-Foster City School District or San Mateo Union High School District
• Get a library card from the San Mateo Public Library

If you're moving away from San Mateo, remember to:

• Cancel local gym memberships
• Forward your mail through the USPS
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your move

San Mateo's location offers easy access to major highways like US-101 and I-280, making it convenient for auto transport. The city's proximity to San Francisco International Airport also provides options for those combining air and auto transport. Whether you're moving to enjoy the beautiful Bay Area weather or relocating for new opportunities, understanding these local requirements will help ensure a smooth transition to or from San Mateo.

San Mateo, California Car Shipping FAQs

About San Mateo, California

🌉 San Mateo, California is a vibrant city located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. With a population of 105,661 as of 2021, it's a mid-sized city with a lot to offer [U.S. Census Bureau]. The city covers an area of 15.9 square miles, providing a perfect blend of urban and suburban living [City of San Mateo].

📚 San Mateo boasts a well-educated population, with 52.7% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher [U.S. Census Bureau]. This contributes to the city's thriving economy, which is anchored by tech companies and startups. The median household income in San Mateo is an impressive $131,044, significantly higher than the national average [U.S. Census Bureau].

🌤️ Residents enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average annual temperature is a comfortable 62°F (16.7°C) [WeatherSpark]. This pleasant weather allows for year-round outdoor activities in the city's 35 parks and open spaces [City of San Mateo].

🚗 Transportation in San Mateo is diverse and efficient. The city is served by three major highways: U.S. Route 101, State Route 92, and Interstate 280. For those preferring public transit, Caltrain and SamTrans provide excellent connectivity within the Bay Area [City of San Mateo].

🏠 The housing market in San Mateo is competitive, with a median home value of $1,577,400 as of 2021 [Zillow]. This reflects the city's desirability and its proximity to major tech hubs like Silicon Valley.

From its rich history to its bright future, San Mateo continues to be a sought-after destination for residents and businesses alike. 🌟

Areas of San Mateo, California that we Serve

San Mateo City: 94401, 94402, 94403, 94404, 94497
Belmont: 94002
Burlingame: 94010, 94011
Foster City: 94404
Hillsborough: 94010
Millbrae: 94030
San Bruno: 94066
South San Francisco: 94080, 94083
Redwood City: 94061, 94062, 94063, 94064, 94065
Menlo Park: 94025, 94026
Atherton: 94027
Portola Valley: 94028
Half Moon Bay: 94019
Pacifica: 94044
Daly City: 94014, 94015, 94016, 94017
Brisbane: 94005
Colma: 94014
El Granada: 94018
La Honda: 94020
Loma Mar: 94021
Montara: 94037
Moss Beach: 94038
Pescadero: 94060
San Gregorio: 94074

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