Shipping a Car from Los Angeles, CA to Salt Lake City, UT
A 690-mile trip northeastbound, through California, Nevada and Utah: that is Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. Transit after dispatch is about 1–2 days (14 hours of driving, plus stops). Volume is middling, so most customers find a carrier without much waiting.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Los Angeles. Carriers usually load around I-10, I-405 and I-5. Los Angeles International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area. Los Angeles has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time.
Delivery in Salt Lake City. The nearest major airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver. Carriers typically arrive around I-15 and I-80. Cold-season storms around Salt Lake City can push pickup dates back by a day or two.
What Los Angeles to Salt Lake City Costs
Over 690 miles, a standard sedan on open transport runs $520–$760 ($0.93 per mile). Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($755–$1,100), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $580–$850. A comparable-length trip, Scottsdale, AZ to Boulder, CO (693 mi), is priced at $520–$760. Ending in Provo instead (34 mi from Salt Lake City) is estimated at $500–$735.
| Trailer | Vehicle | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $520–$760 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $580–$850 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $580–$850 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $755–$1,100 | High-value or low cars |
Figures assume a standard sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
The Route and Corridor
Along the way the route touches California, Nevada and Utah. Expect desert heat and Sierra snow near Reno in Nevada. Utah: I-15, I-80 and I-70 cross mountains and salt flats. Pickup is on Pacific time and delivery on Mountain time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock.
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. For a 690-mile trip, request quotes about two weeks before pickup. Across California expect mild coastal weather but snow on the Sierra passes in winter; across Utah, heavy snow on the Wasatch Front and mountain passes.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $520–$760 fits most cars; enclosed at $755–$1,100 suits luxury, classic or low cars.
- Vet the carrier. Check the MC number on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and get insurance terms in writing before paying a deposit.
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up several hours before the truck reaches Salt Lake City.