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Route guide · TN → CA
Car shipping from Tennessee to California
Car transport from Tennessee to California runs 2,110 road miles between the biggest metros. Shipping a running sedan from Nashville to Los Angeles 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 #151 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
- 6.7K
- Companies at both ends
- 102
City to city
Cost to ship a car from Tennessee to California, city to city
Open-carrier prices for a running sedan between Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga and Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose — 1,840 to 2,540 road miles apart.
| From | Los Angeles | San Francisco | San Diego | San Jose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $1,175–$1,7002,110 mi · 5–8 days | $1,250–$1,8002,350 mi · 5–9 days | $1,175–$1,6752,050 mi · 5–8 days | $1,250–$1,7752,280 mi · 5–8 days |
| Memphis | $1,125–$1,6251,910 mi · 4–7 days | $1,200–$1,7252,170 mi · 5–8 days | $1,100–$1,5751,840 mi · 4–7 days | $1,175–$1,7002,090 mi · 5–8 days |
| Knoxville | $1,250–$1,7752,300 mi · 5–8 days | $1,325–$1,8752,540 mi · 6–9 days | $1,225–$1,7502,240 mi · 5–8 days | $1,300–$1,8502,460 mi · 5–9 days |
| Chattanooga | $1,225–$1,7502,220 mi · 5–8 days | $1,300–$1,8502,470 mi · 5–9 days | $1,200–$1,7252,160 mi · 5–8 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
Nashville to Los Angeles, 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 Tennessee to California 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 Tennessee to California
About 6,658 people moved from Tennessee to California in each of the last two years, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (5,343 in 2023, 7,972 in 2024). That is 4% of everyone who left Tennessee for another state.
This is the lighter direction: about 21,816 people a year move California to Tennessee. Carriers that bring cars into Tennessee need loads back toward California, so it's worth asking for a backhaul price on this leg.
How the price compares
At a typical $1,450, shipping from Tennessee to California is among the most expensive routes out of Tennessee; Colorado ($1,125) and Florida ($1,025) cost less. 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
Nashville to Los Angeles runs about 2,110 road miles. With drivers limited to 11 hours of driving a day and stops for other cars on the load, that is 5–8 days on the truck. The car heads west and crosses 2 time zones — from Central to Pacific 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 Tennessee to California
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 Tennessee 14 companies · 14 carriers · 2 brokers · 190 trucks · 13 yrs avg.
- Delivery end California 88 companies · 67 carriers · 24 brokers · 1,921 trucks · 12 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 California but not into it — or coming from somewhere near Tennessee? These guides cover the neighbouring lanes.
From Tennessee to states near California
To California from states near Tennessee
FAQ
Tennessee to California car shipping: questions
Numbers on this page come from our price model, Census moving data and California's DMV.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Tennessee to California?
For a running sedan on an open carrier, expect about $1,175–$1,700 from Nashville to Los Angeles (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 Tennessee to California?
Transit is usually 5–8 days after pickup for the 2,110-mile trip from Nashville to Los Angeles. Before that, allow 1–5 days for a carrier to be assigned — or pay roughly 30% extra to have it collected within 48 hours.
When is the cheapest time to ship a car from Tennessee to California?
January–May and September–November is the cheapest window on this lane. Prices are highest in June–August, up to about 8% more. In any month, giving the carrier a wide pickup window lowers the quote.
How soon do I have to register my car in California after moving?
California requires new residents to register within 20 days of becoming a resident. The car must pass a California smog check, and it has to meet California emission standards to be registered at all.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car from Tennessee to California?
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 Tennessee to California?
Our directory lists 14 companies based in Tennessee and 88 based in California, each checked against FMCSA records, plus 190 that ship nationwide.