Shipping a Car from Los Angeles, CA to Boise, ID
Los Angeles, CA to Boise, ID is a 797-mile northbound lane that runs through California, Nevada and Idaho. A carrier needs about two days on the road at the usual 500 miles a day, and we estimate 1–2 days in transit once the car is loaded. Volume is middling, so most customers find a carrier without much waiting.
What Los Angeles to Boise Costs
Over 797 miles, a standard sedan on open transport runs $480–$675 ($0.72 per mile). For a larger vehicle plan on $540–$755, and for enclosed carriage of a sedan plan on $695–$980 (about 45% above open). For scale, Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL is a similar 794-mile move at $475–$675.
| Service | Car Type | Price Range | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $480–$675 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $540–$755 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $540–$755 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $695–$980 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
The Route and Corridor
Along the way the route touches California, Nevada and Idaho. In Nevada, I-15 and I-80 span big gaps between services. California: I-5 and Highway 99 run the length of the Central Valley, and I-15 and I-10 cross the desert. Pickup is on Pacific time and delivery on Mountain time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Los Angeles. The West Coast's largest auto-import and relocation market, with I-5, I-10 and I-405 and very deep carrier supply. The main approaches to Los Angeles are I-10, I-405 and I-5. A working port in the Los Angeles area means customs and terminal release can affect timing for some vehicles.
Delivery in Boise. Treasure Valley hub on I-84, popular with West Coast movers and about 330 miles from the next large metro. The main approaches to Boise are I-84. Boise Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area.
Timing and Seasonality
Mountain passes along the way can close in winter storms, adding a day or two between December and March. Desert heat rarely stops trucks, but midday loading can be hard, so early-morning pickups are common. Start getting quotes roughly three weeks ahead for a move of 797 miles. Across California expect mild coastal weather but snow on the Sierra passes in winter; across Idaho, winter snow on I-84 and the mountain passes.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Keep the tank low. About a quarter tank is the usual advice for the trip to Boise.
- Mention port status. If the car arrives from or leaves through a port near Los Angeles, say so when you request quotes.
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up the evening before the truck reaches Boise.