Shipping Cost from Ames, Iowa to San Diego, California
Get the best January 2026 prices to anywhere in the US or anywhere in the world. Looking for the cheapest way to ship from Ames, Iowa to San Diego, California? The distance is approximately 1,472 miles.
Select Item(s):
Mini Box
12" x 12" x 12"
Size Details
13 lbs / 6 kg
Small Box
15" x 15" x 15"
Size Details
25 lbs / 11 kg
Standard Box
18" x 18" x 18"
Size Details
42 lbs / 19 kg
Large Box
20" x 20" x 20"
Size Details
60 lbs / 27 kg
X Large Box
22" x 22" x 22"
Size Details
75 lbs / 34 kg
Enter Your Box Weight And Size
Width
Height
Length
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Distance
1,472 miles
Transit Time
3 business days via FedEx
Route Type
domestic
Available Shipping Options
Cheapest Option
$144.79 via UPS
Fastest Option
1 day via UPS
UPS
Ground
Transit Time
6 days
Price
$144.79
FedEx
RecommendedEconomy Air
Transit Time
3 days
Price
$210.39
Estes Express
LTL Economy
Transit Time
7 days
Price
$214.97
Old Dominion
LTL Freight
Transit Time
6 days
Price
$232.07
XPO Logistics
LTL Freight
Transit Time
5 days
Price
$244.28
FedEx
Express Air
Transit Time
1 day
Price
$304.96
UPS
Next Day Air
Transit Time
1 day
Price
$335.46
About Shipping from Ames, Iowa to San Diego, California
When shipping from Ames, Iowa to San Diego, California, you have several carrier options to choose from. The best choice depends on your priorities - whether you want the cheapest rate or the fastest delivery.
Drop-off Locations in Ames, Iowa
Find FedEx, UPS, and DHL drop-off locations near you for convenient package drop-off.
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Instant Pricing
What Can You Ship from Ames, Iowa to San Diego, California?
We offer specialized shipping services for a variety of items. Select a service below to get a customized quote.
Car Shipping
Auto transport services
Treadmill Moving
Gym equipment relocation
Piano Moving
Professional piano transport
Furniture Moving
Household furniture shipping
Appliance Shipping
Large appliance delivery
Hot Tub Moving
Spa and hot tub transport
Pool Table Moving
Billiard table relocation
Mattress Shipping
Mattress and bed delivery
Specialized Shipping from Ames, Iowa to San Diego, California
Auto Shipping Solutions
Q:Is it cheaper to drive or ship your car?
Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances (under 500 miles), but for long cross-country moves (over 1,000 miles), shipping can become comparable or even cheaper when factoring in your time, food, lodging, and significant vehicle wear-and-tear, making driving less cost-effective despite lower upfront gas costs. The decision balances direct fuel savings against the hidden costs and time commitment of a long drive, with shipping offering convenience and preserving your car's mileage and condition.
Q:Is it cheaper to ship a car by train or truck?
Shipping a car by train is generally cheaper, especially for long distances (500+ miles), because trains move large volumes more efficiently, lowering the cost per ton-mile compared to trucks. While trucks offer more flexibility and speed, rail is often significantly more affordable and eco-friendly, making it ideal for budget-conscious, long-haul moves on major routes, though it involves less convenient pickup points and slower transit.
Q:What is the cheapest way to ship a car across state?
The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is by using an open transport carrier, which hauls multiple vehicles on an exposed trailer, significantly lowering costs compared to enclosed options. To save even more, choose terminal-to-terminal service (dropping off/picking up at transport hubs), be flexible with pickup/delivery dates, book in advance, and use reputable carriers to compare quotes.
Home Furnishing Delivery
Q:How much to ship furniture across the US?
Cost of Shipping Furniture Across Country
On average, a single large item, like a couch or dresser, costs between $300 and $1,500 to ship cross-country. A queen mattress is usually $300–$600, while a large sectional sofa can run closer to $800–$1,500. The wide range makes sense once you see what goes into the cost.
Q:How can I ship a large piece of furniture?
Shipping furniture over 150 lbs.
LTL freight ships palletized products or packages that are too heavy for overnight or standard ground shipping. LTL is for shipments that only use part of the trailer space, so it's an economical option for shipping heavy furniture to another state or to Canada or Mexico.
Q:What is the cheapest way to ship to California?
If your parcel is over 15lbs, Ground Drop Off is the cheapest way to ship large or heavy items to California. Also available as a pick-up and delivery service. This popular USPS service is available to book at a discounted rate through Parcel Monkey and is ideal for shipping small packages.
Home Appliance Delivery
Q:How much does it cost to ship appliances?
How Much Does It Cost To Ship Appliances? In general, for an appliance shipping service, you can expect to pay around $1.81 per mile for shorter trips and $0.59 per mile for longer journeys.
Q:How much does a 50 lb box cost to ship?
50 lb package shipping costs: Summary
The cheapest way to ship a 50 lb package using Express services is the USPS Priority Mail Express 1-Day, which costs $374.75. The average cost to ship a 50 lb package using Ground services is $83.32. The average cost to ship a 50 lb package using Express services is $462.78.
Q:What is the cheapest way to ship to California?
If your parcel is over 15lbs, Ground Drop Off is the cheapest way to ship large or heavy items to California. Also available as a pick-up and delivery service. This popular USPS service is available to book at a discounted rate through Parcel Monkey and is ideal for shipping small packages.
Musical Instrument Transport
Q:How much on average does it cost to move a piano?
Moving a piano costs roughly $150-$650 locally and $500-$2,500+ for long distances, depending heavily on the piano's type (grand is more), weight, distance, and obstacles like stairs, which add significant fees. Expect to pay more for larger pianos (concert grands) and complex moves involving many steps or tight spaces, potentially increasing costs to several thousand dollars, while simple upright moves are at the lower end.
Q:What is the best time of year to move a piano?
The right time of year to move your piano depends on where you live. In general, cooler temperatures are best for moving a piano since extreme heat or cold can cause damage to the instrument.
Q:Are piano movers worth it?
Yes, professional piano movers are almost always worth the cost, especially for valuable pianos, as they possess the specialized equipment, training, and insurance to safely handle the instrument's immense weight and delicate internal parts, preventing costly damage to the piano, your home, and potential injuries that DIY moves risk. While a general mover might suffice for a short, flat move, experts specializing in pianos are crucial for complex situations like stairs or valuable instruments, making the upfront investment a significant saving on future repairs or replacements.
Fitness Equipment Shipping
Q:What is the best way to transport gym equipment?
But make sure they do not get exposed on the trunk. Moving tip protect any moving parts anything that could actually move when it's already put on the truck. Remember not following this tip.
Q:Who is the best out-of-state moving company?
Top interstate moving companies often cited include Allied Van Lines, United Van Lines, Mayflower, North American Van Lines, and JK Moving, offering full-service, self-service (like U-Pack), or container options with strengths in pricing, tracking, or specialty moves; research specific needs (storage, fragile items) and compare quotes from reputable carriers to avoid brokers for the best experience.
Q:What can I use to move heavy gym equipment?
Furniture sliders are great if you're just trying to get something from one end of a room to another. Moving dollies can be helpful if you're moving a lot of equipment, as this gives you more control and helps you limit damage.
Bed & Mattress Shipping
Q:What is the cheapest way to ship a mattress?
What is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Mattress? As we saw above, the cheapest way to ship is using ground services of UPS, USPS or FedEx. There is always a price fluctuation and it's better if you check each one of them individually.
Q:How much does it cost to ship a full-size mattress?
Shipping a mattress is more complex and expensive than standard deliveries. Whether you're moving, selling mattresses online, or buying from a retailer, you're looking at costs ranging from $130-280 for ground shipping across the U.S., with premium services reaching $1,500+ for cross-country delivery.
Q:How much does a 50 lb package cost to ship?
Shipping a 50 lb box typically costs $40 to $130+ for ground services, with FedEx and UPS Ground often being cheaper than USPS Ground Advantage, though costs vary significantly based on distance (zone), speed, and if you use discounted rates through third-party platforms. For short distances, expect lower costs (around $40-$80), while cross-country shipments will be higher.