When you need dependable car transport services in San Diego, CA, American Car Transporters is your trusted partner. Whether you’re moving to the beautiful coastal city or relocating your vehicle out of San Diego to another state, our team ensures a smooth, efficient, and stress-free shipping experience.

With our nationwide network of experienced drivers and transport specialists, we ensure your vehicle is delivered safely and on schedule. Offering both open and enclosed car transport options, we proudly serve San Diego residents, businesses, and car dealerships.

Professional Auto Transport in San Diego, CA

Shipping a vehicle to or from “America’s Finest City” requires a transport partner that understands the unique coastal and cross-border logistics of Southern California. San Diego is a primary economic engine and a critical gateway for Pacific trade and military operations. In 2026, the city is defined by a massive infrastructure modernization, headlined by the $3.8 billion New T1 (Terminal 1) expansion at San Diego International Airport and the historic Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project. Whether you are moving into a luxury condo in Little Italy, relocating for a career in the Torrey Pines life sciences hub, or shipping a vehicle for a student at UCSD or SDSU, American Car Transporters provides the specialized expertise needed to navigate the San Diego landscape safely and efficiently.

Comprehensive Car Shipping Services for San Diego

We offer a variety of car shipping options in San Diego to meet the diverse needs of our SoCal clients:

Open Auto Transport Open carrier transport is our most popular and cost-effective method for shipping vehicles in San Diego County. Your car is securely loaded onto an open-air trailer, a frequent sight navigating the I-5 and I-15 corridors. Because San Diego is a primary terminal for West Coast transit and a major delivery point for military relocations, open carriers are always available. This ensures highly competitive pricing and frequent pickup windows for daily drivers, SUVs, and the many electric vehicles (EVs) popular in California’s “Green” economy.

Enclosed Auto Transport For those shipping luxury exotics, high-performance supercars, or classic collectibles—staples of the La Jolla, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe lifestyles—enclosed auto transport is the premier choice. This service keeps your vehicle inside a fully protected trailer, safeguarding it from the intense Southern California UV rays, coastal salt air, and highway debris. It is the preferred method for protecting high-value investments and ensuring they arrive in showroom condition for events like the San Diego International Auto Show or local concours d’elegance.

Specialized and Priority Services

• Military Auto Transport: San Diego is home to the largest concentration of military personnel in the world, including Naval Base San Diego, MCAS Miramar, and Camp Pendleton. We specialize in hassle-free shipping for service members, providing reliable door-to-door service that aligns with 2026 PCS timelines.

• Port of San Diego & Cross-Border Logistics: We specialize in “terminal-to-door” service for vehicles arriving via the National City Marine Terminal. We also offer expert guidance for those shipping vehicles near the Otay Mesa and San Ysidro border crossings.

• Expedited Auto Transport: Need your car shipped fast for a last-minute job transfer to the Qualcomm headquarters or the Scripps Research campus? We prioritize your vehicle for the quickest possible pickup along the I-805 and SR-163 corridors.

Navigating San Diego Logistics and 2026 Infrastructure

Transporting a car in San Diego in 2026 involves navigating a landscape of record-level infrastructure transformation. Our drivers are experts at managing several high-impact projects:

• San Diego International Airport (New T1): With Phase 1A open, we are currently managing logistics around the Phase 1B construction, which began in early 2026. We utilize the new three-lane entrance route and dual-level roadways to ensure smooth vehicle access for airport-adjacent deliveries.

• Pure Water San Diego (Phase 1): In February 2026, we are accounting for ongoing pipeline construction in the Morena, Clairemont, and University City areas. We utilize real-time routing to bypass intermittent road closures as this critical water project reaches its final 2026 commissioning phase.

• I-5 North Coast Corridor (Build NCC): While major HOV lane construction is complete, we continue to monitor the final bridge and rail enhancements in the Encinitas and Carlsbad areas to ensure our carriers maintain their schedules.

• Otay Mesa East Port of Entry: We are monitoring the preliminary construction of the new SR-11 toll road and border crossing. Our carriers utilize the completed SR-125 and SR-905 connectors to maintain efficiency in the South Bay.

We understand the unique requirements for different San Diego districts:

• Downtown and Little Italy: Managing logistics in high-density urban areas where the new Le Méridien Pinnacle and other 2026 developments require precise timing for carrier arrival.

• Torrey Pines and La Jolla: Navigating scenic, hilly residential areas and the busy biotech corridor with specialized care.

• Mission Valley and Kearny Mesa: Serving the high-growth commercial and residential zones near the I-8/I-15 interchange with daily residential routes.

How Auto Transport Works

At American Car Transporters, we make San Diego auto shipping simple and stress-free:

1. Request a Free Quote: Fill out our online form or call 877.238.4718 to get a customized estimate for any of the 619, 858, or 442 zip codes.

2. Schedule Pickup: We arrange a pickup time that fits your schedule. Given San Diego’s layout, we often meet customers at accessible locations near landmarks like Balboa Park or Snapdragon Stadium for easier loading.

3. Vehicle Transport Begins: Your car is carefully loaded and begins its journey through the SoCal corridor.

4. Track Your Shipment: We provide real-time updates as your vehicle clears the I-5/I-8 interchange or heads north toward Riverside.

5. Vehicle Delivery: Your car is safely delivered to your destination, followed by a final inspection to ensure a professional handoff.

Tips for Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport

To ensure a seamless experience in the coastal California climate:

• Check the Fluids and Tires: San Diego’s geography involves significant hills and highway transit; ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition for safe loading.

• Wash Your Car: A clean vehicle allows for a more accurate inspection at landmarks like Point Loma or your own driveway.

• Remove Personal Items: For safety and weight compliance, ensure no household goods or surfing/beach gear are left inside.

• Disable Toll Tags: Remove your FasTrak transponder to avoid accidental charges while the carrier is moving along the I-15 Express Lanes or the new SR-11 toll sectors.

• Reduce Fuel Level: Keep your gas tank at roughly ¼ full to minimize weight and improve safety during transit.

• Document the Condition: Take clear photos of your vehicle in a well-lit area—perhaps with the Coronado Bridge in the background—before the carrier arrives for your records.

Get a Free Quote for San Diego Auto Transport

Looking for dependable car shipping in “America’s Finest City”? From the military hubs of National City to the high-tech streets of Sorrento Valley, trust American Car Transporters to handle your vehicle with professionalism and care. Call us today at 877.238.4718 or fill out our online form to receive a free, no-obligation quote and see why we are San Diego’s trusted choice for auto shipping.

Whether you’re shipping your vehicle to Florida, New York, Texas, or anywhere in the U.S., American Car Transporters provides reliable nationwide car shipping services to and from San Diego.

We regularly assist with:

• Vehicles purchased online or at auctions

• Seasonal snowbird relocations

• College student vehicle shipments

• Military and corporate moves

No matter where your vehicle is going, we handle every detail, from pick-up to delivery, ensuring a hassle-free experience.