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Route guide · CA → TN
Car shipping from California to Tennessee
Car transport from California to Tennessee runs 2,110 road miles between the biggest metros. Shipping a running sedan from Los Angeles to Nashville costs about $1,175–$1,700 on an open carrier and $1,775–$2,550 in an enclosed trailer, with 5–8 days in transit. It ranks #26 among the 250 busiest car-shipping lanes, based on Census moving data.
- Open carrier, sedan
- $1,450
- Road miles
- 2,110
- Days in transit
- 5–8
- People moving a year
- 21.8K
- Companies at both ends
- 102
City to city
Cost to ship a car from California to Tennessee, city to city
Open-carrier prices for a running sedan between Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose and Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga — 1,840 to 2,540 road miles apart.
| From | Nashville | Memphis | Knoxville | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $1,175–$1,7002,110 mi · 5–8 days | $1,125–$1,6251,910 mi · 4–7 days | $1,250–$1,7752,300 mi · 5–8 days | $1,225–$1,7502,220 mi · 5–8 days |
| San Francisco | $1,250–$1,8002,350 mi · 5–9 days | $1,200–$1,7252,170 mi · 5–8 days | $1,325–$1,8752,540 mi · 6–9 days | $1,300–$1,8502,470 mi · 5–9 days |
| San Diego | $1,175–$1,6752,050 mi · 5–8 days | $1,100–$1,5751,840 mi · 4–7 days | $1,225–$1,7502,240 mi · 5–8 days | $1,200–$1,7252,160 mi · 5–8 days |
| San Jose | $1,250–$1,7752,280 mi · 5–8 days | $1,175–$1,7002,090 mi · 5–8 days | $1,300–$1,8502,460 mi · 5–9 days | $1,275–$1,8252,400 mi · 5–9 days |
Estimate, not a quote
A pickup or delivery far from these metros usually adds $75–$150. Quotes move with fuel prices and truck space, so treat these as a yardstick. Price your own addresses →
By vehicle
Price by vehicle type
Los Angeles to Nashville, 2,110 miles. Bigger and heavier vehicles take more room and weight on the trailer, so they cost more.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan or small car | $1,175–$1,700 | $1,775–$2,550 |
| Midsize SUV or crossover | $1,325–$1,900 | $2,000–$2,850 |
| Large SUV (Tahoe, Expedition) | $1,475–$2,125 | $2,225–$3,175 |
| Pickup truck | $1,550–$2,200 | $2,300–$3,300 |
| Motorcycle | $700–$1,025 | $1,075–$1,525 |
By month
Best time to ship
Prices on this lane peak in June–August (the summer moving peak), running about 8% above the quietest months. The cheapest time to ship from California to Tennessee is January–May and September–November.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cheapest: about $1,450 Peak: about $1,550
About this route
Why so many cars go from California to Tennessee
About 21,816 people moved from California to Tennessee in each of the last two years, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (23,961 in 2023, 19,670 in 2024). That is 3.2% of everyone who left California for another state.
Traffic is lopsided: only about 6,658 people a year go the other way, Tennessee to California. Trucks heading into Tennessee fill up quickly, so pickups are usually fast — but carriers have less reason to discount in peak months.
How the price compares
At a typical $1,450, shipping from California to Tennessee costs more than sending a car to Illinois ($1,425) and Wisconsin ($1,425) but less than to Kentucky ($1,475) and Georgia ($1,500). That works out to about 69¢ a mile — long hauls cost less per mile because loading and paperwork are spread over more distance.
Distance and transit time
At roughly 2,110 road miles, Los Angeles to Nashville is a cross-country haul. Federal hours-of-service rules cap truck drivers at 11 hours behind the wheel a day, so plan on 5–8 days in transit once the car is loaded. The car heads east-northeast and crosses 2 time zones — from Pacific to Central time — so confirm whether the delivery window you are given is in local time.
On the road
- Trucks usually take the southern route across the desert Southwest, which stays open all winter — one reason this lane runs on schedule year-round.
Companies
Car transport companies from California to Tennessee
Companies headquartered at either end of the route usually run this lane often. Filter by services, company type and safety record — every listing is matched to its FMCSA record.
- Pickup end California 88 companies · 67 carriers · 24 brokers · 1,921 trucks · 12 yrs avg.
- Delivery end Tennessee 14 companies · 14 carriers · 2 brokers · 190 trucks · 13 yrs avg.
Each move is unique, factoring in variables like size, distance, and more. Moreover, each auto transport company or moving firm has its distinct pricing and…
At Andrew Auto Transport, we provide secure, stress-free vehicle shipping solutions tailored to your needs. Our door-to-door service makes transporting your…
Auto Express Inc. started in Long Island, NY—a market most drivers avoided. We fearlessly traversed the entire country, accustomed to every challenge we faced…
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in North Hollywood, California, BAH Logistics LLC is a federally licensed auto transport broker. We connect customers with a…
In 2004, Direct Express Auto Transport changed the vehicle logistics industry forever. Before we launched, getting a car shipping quote meant hours of phone…
San Jose auto transport broker operating as CarHauler247, with instant online quotes and booking.
LISCA Auto Transport is your trusted nationwide shipping solution. We specialize in transporting cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and RVs safely and…
We are a family owned and operated business. Our goal is to get your vehicle to its destination safely and on time. With our several years of pertinence we…
Relocate with ease! Moveauto transports vehicles across North America for individuals, families, and businesses. With 30 years of experience, you can trust us…
At Nationwide United Auto Transport our goal is simple, provide fast, safe and reliable vehicle transport.
Revoway was founded for one reason: to revolutionize the industry and address existing gaps. Committed to constant growth, we have developed outstanding and…
At Send It Car Shippers, we offer a diverse range of auto transport services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our comprehensive vehicle…
Shelby Auto Transport – the difference. In an industry as expansive as auto transport, a company’s reputation isn’t just built on efficiency but on a deeper…
Tempus Logix has a vast network of mandatory insured and bonded carriers with whom we continually work.
Cross-border car shipping between the USA and Canada with customs handling, in business since 1985.
H&
Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport Inc
FMCSA verifiedLarge Los Alamitos, CA auto carrier with 30+ years of experience, moving new and remarketed vehicles coast to coast.
DA
Deluxe Auto Carriers
FMCSA verifiedSouthern California car carrier in the Proficient Auto Logistics group, moving finished vehicles to dealerships.
AT
American Transportation Company
FMCSA verifiedVeteran- and family-owned Knoxville company providing nationwide commercial vehicle driveaway and heavy hauling.
DA
DBN Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedWoman-owned Anaheim car carrier established in 2012, with soft-tie trailers and camera/GPS on every truck.
HA
Heartbeat Auto Transport Inc
FMCSA verifiedAuto transport carrier founded in 1994 by an owner-driver, specializing in hauling vehicles for over 30 years.
QC
Quality Car Shippers LLC
FMCSA verifiedFamily-owned Murrieta, CA car carrier serving dealers, rental companies, auctions and OEMs across the lower 48.
AL
Auto Line Express Inc
FMCSA verifiedGardena, CA car carrier moving thousands of finished vehicles a year across the U.S. and Canada since 2013.
IL
Intercity Lines, Inc
FMCSA verifiedAP
A Plus Auto Shippers LLC
FMCSA verifiedLicensed and bonded auto carrier from the Phoenix and Palm Desert area shipping cars and trucks nationwide.
V
Vitacars
FMCSA verifiedKnoxville enclosed-only car carrier with liftgate trailers for luxury and exotic vehicles, booked direct without a broker.
AS
All Star Auto Transport
FMCSA verifiedChino, California auto carrier moving vehicles in California and Texas since 2005.
CA
CA Auto Express Inc
FMCSA verifiedSouthern California motor carrier shipping vehicles on its own trucks, coast to coast and within California.
AG
Avant Garde Auto Logistics
FMCSA verifiedSmyrna, Tennessee auto transport company offering open and enclosed coast-to-coast vehicle shipping.
GK
Golden Key Express
FMCSA verifiedNo companies match these filters
Try fewer filters, or include companies from other states that serve this route.
Related routes
Nearby alternatives
Moving close to Tennessee but not into it — or coming from somewhere near California? These guides cover the neighbouring lanes.
From California to states near Tennessee
To Tennessee from states near California
FAQ
California to Tennessee car shipping: questions
Numbers on this page come from our price model, Census moving data and Tennessee's DMV.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Tennessee?
For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $1,175–$1,700 from Los Angeles to Nashville (2,110 road miles). Between other big cities in the two states prices range from $1,100–$1,875. An SUV costs about $1,325–$1,900, a pickup $1,550–$2,200, and an enclosed trailer $1,775–$2,550 for a sedan.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Tennessee?
Transit is usually 5–8 days after pickup for the 2,110-mile trip from Los Angeles to Nashville. Getting the car picked up takes another 1–5 days on a standard booking; expedited pickup within 1–2 days costs about 30% more.
When is the cheapest time to ship a car from California to Tennessee?
January–May and September–November is the cheapest window on this lane. Prices are highest in June–August, up to about 8% more. Whatever the month, a flexible pickup date booked 2–3 weeks out gets the best price.
How soon do I have to register my car in Tennessee after moving?
Tennessee requires new residents to register within 30 days of becoming a resident. Apply for title and registration through your local county clerk.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car from California to Tennessee?
Driving 2,110 miles takes about 5 days: roughly $270 in gas and 4 nights of hotels and meals (about $560). Shipping a sedan costs about $1,175–$1,700. Add wear on the car and 5 days off work, and the two come out close.
Which car shipping companies go from California to Tennessee?
Our directory lists 88 companies based in California and 14 based in Tennessee, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 190 that ship nationwide.