Tennessee Auto Transport and Shipping

SouthWest Auto Transport is your trusted partner for Tennessee auto transport — serving Music City and beyond with reliable vehicle shipping across the Volunteer State. Tennessee's strategic position along major east-west freight corridors, thriving tourism and entertainment industries in Nashville and Memphis, and strong manufacturing base create consistent year-round demand for vehicle shipping. Our network of vetted carriers services Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Clarksville, with trucks running most major routes multiple times every week. Whether you are relocating to Nashville, shipping a vehicle to Memphis, or moving a classic car from Knoxville in an enclosed trailer, we have you covered. Auto transport rates can vary greatly between carriers. That is why it is important to get more than one quote. We provide 10 free quotes that will save you time and money. Complete the form on this page or call 1-800-590-6492 to get started today.

Tennessee Auto Transport — At a Glance

Primary Transport CorridorsI-40, I-24, I-65, I-75, I-81
Major Service CitiesNashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville
Service FrequencyDaily on I-40, I-24, I-65, and I-75; less often in rural East and West Tennessee
Transport Types AvailableOpen, Enclosed, Door-to-Door, Terminal-to-Terminal, Expedited
Military DiscountsAvailable — see below for installations served

Tennessee Auto Transport Shipping Rates

Tennessee Auto Transport Shipping Rates

Several key variables determine what you will pay to ship a vehicle to or from Tennessee. Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately and choose the right service for your shipment.

Distance & Route: A cross-country haul from Nashville to Los Angeles costs considerably more than a shorter move to Atlanta or Chicago. High-traffic corridors benefit from frequent carrier competition, keeping rates competitive on popular routes.

Transport Type: Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport provides full protection from weather and road debris — recommended for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.

Vehicle Size & Condition: Larger vehicles require more trailer space; inoperable vehicles need specialized equipment such as winches and dollies, both affecting pricing.

Pickup & Delivery Location: Terminal-to-terminal service is less expensive than door-to-door. Urban areas like Nashville and Memphis have better carrier availability than remote rural locations.

Seasonality: Spring and fall peak moving seasons see increased rates. Summer tourism season in Nashville and Memphis can also drive up demand. Winter weather delays are less common in Tennessee than northern states, but ice storms do occur.

For more ways to reduce your shipping cost, read Money Saving Tips for Your Auto Transport.

Average Cost & Time to Ship To and From Tennessee

Prices fluctuate with carrier availability, fuel costs, and seasonal demand. Use our quote form for real-time pricing tailored to your specific vehicle, dates, and cities.

Route Distance (Miles) Est. Transit Time Est. Price Range
Nashville, TN to Los Angeles, CA ~2,000 5 – 7 Days $1,150 - $1,925* Get Quote
Memphis, TN to Miami, FL ~1,050 3 – 5 Days $775 - $1,300* Get Quote
Knoxville, TN to New York, NY ~700 2 – 3 Days $625 - $1,050* Get Quote
Chattanooga, TN to Phoenix, AZ ~1,700 5 – 7 Days $1,050 - $1,750* Get Quote
Nashville, TN to Atlanta, GA~2501 – 2 Days$425 - $700*Get Quote
Memphis, TN to Dallas, TX~4501 – 3 Days$525 - $875*Get Quote
Knoxville, TN to Charlotte, NC~2301 – 2 Days$400 - $675*Get Quote
Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN~4701 – 3 Days$550 - $900*Get Quote
New York, NY to Nashville, TN~8902 – 4 Days$700 - $1,175*Get Quote
Los Angeles, CA to Memphis, TN~1,8005 – 7 Days$1,050 - $1,800*Get Quote

*Price estimates were updated in October 2026. Prices are estimates only and will vary based on your specific vehicle, pickup and delivery locations, transport type, and time of year. Complete the form above or call 1‑800‑590‑6492 to receive up to ten free, no-obligation quotes from licensed carriers — so you can compare real prices for your exact route before you book.

Short trips cost more per mile. As a rough guide, short regional moves under 500 miles often run about $1.00–$1.50 per mile, while cross-country shipments usually drop to roughly $0.50–$0.75 per mile. Pickup or delivery in rural areas, enclosed transport, and non-running vehicles all add to the price.

Shipping a Car to Tennessee

Tennessee is one of the most popular states in the country for people relocating, so many of our shipments are coming in — families and professionals moving to Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and the rest of Middle Tennessee, retirees settling in East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains area, military families arriving at Fort Campbell, and auto and manufacturing workers heading to plants around the state. Inbound shipping works the same way as outbound: you get up to 10 quotes, choose a carrier, and the truck delivers to your new address or a nearby meeting point. Trucks arrive from the north on I-65 and I-75, from Atlanta on I-24 and I-75, and from Texas and the West on I-40. Deliveries into Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the quickest to schedule. Mountain communities may need a meeting point on a main highway. Once your car arrives, see the section below on registering it in Tennessee.

Tennessee Auto Transport by City

We provide dedicated auto transport service to and from cities across Tennessee. Select your city below for local shipping information and quotes:

Nashville Auto Transport Memphis Auto Transport Knoxville Auto Transport Chattanooga Auto Transport Clarksville Auto Transport Murfreesboro Auto Transport Franklin Auto Transport Jackson Auto Transport

We also arrange shipping to and from communities across the state, including Brentwood, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Lebanon, Mount Juliet, Spring Hill, Columbia, Cookeville, Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Cleveland, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, and Dyersburg. Carriers serve these areas regularly, though pickup may be at a nearby main road rather than your door.

Who Ships Vehicles in Tennessee

  • Families and professionals relocating to Nashville and Middle Tennessee for jobs in health care, music, and technology.
  • Military families on PCS moves to or from Fort Campbell, Arnold Air Force Base, and Naval Support Activity Mid-South.
  • Auto industry workers moving for jobs at the Nissan, GM, Ford, and Volkswagen plants and their suppliers.
  • Retirees moving to East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains area.
  • College students and parents moving cars to and from Vanderbilt, the University of Tennessee, Belmont, MTSU, and the University of Memphis.
  • Musicians and touring professionals shipping vehicles to and from Nashville.

Tennessee Auto Transport — Challenges & Tips

Shipping a vehicle to or from Tennessee comes with unique considerations. Here is what you need to know before booking:

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Challenge: Spring Tornado Season Disruptions

Tennessee experiences peak tornado activity from March through May. Severe weather can temporarily close interstate routes and delay pickups or deliveries by 1–2 days. Carriers monitor storm systems closely and may hold vehicles at safe locations until conditions clear. Build in delivery flexibility during spring months.

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Challenge: Nashville Event Traffic & Road Closures

Major events in Nashville — CMA Fest, NFL games, marathons — create significant downtown congestion and temporary road closures. If your pickup or delivery coincides with a large event, coordinate closely with your carrier on access routes and meeting locations. Downtown access may require alternative arrangements.

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Challenge: Great Smoky Mountains Terrain

Eastern Tennessee's mountainous terrain requires carriers to navigate steep grades, winding roads, and narrow passes. Rural pickups in counties near the Smoky Mountains may require meeting the carrier at a more accessible location along a main highway. Confirm carrier experience with mountain routes when booking.

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Tip: Document Vehicle Condition Thoroughly

Before your vehicle is loaded, take timestamped photos of every angle and note all existing damage on the Bill of Lading. This protects you if a dispute arises at delivery. See Preparing Your Car for Transport.

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Tip: Book Early for Spring & Fall Peak Seasons

Tennessee sees increased relocation volume in spring (March–May) and fall (September–October). Book at least 7–10 days in advance during these periods to secure better rates and faster dispatch. Last-minute bookings during peak season often carry premium pricing.

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Tip: Always Compare Multiple Quotes

Rate differences between carriers on the same Tennessee route can easily range $200–$400. Our free 10-quote service removes the hassle of calling brokers individually. Never book the first quote without comparing alternatives. Get your 10 free quotes.

Ready to ship your vehicle in Tennessee?
Call 1‑800‑590‑6492 or complete the quote form to get up to 10 free quotes.

Moving to Tennessee? Registering Your Car

If your car is being shipped to Tennessee because you are moving here, plan for the paperwork before it arrives. New residents have 30 days to title and register their vehicle in Tennessee. Here is what is typically involved:

  • Go to your county clerk. Titles and registration are handled at the county clerk’s office in the county where you live.
  • Bring your paperwork. You will need your out-of-state title (or your lender’s name and address if a lender holds it), your current registration, identification, and proof of your Tennessee address, such as a lease or utility bill.
  • No emissions test. Tennessee ended vehicle emissions testing statewide in late 2022, and it does not require a safety inspection.
  • Local fees. Many Tennessee counties add a local wheel tax to the registration fee, so the total varies by county.

Requirements can change, so confirm the current details with the Tennessee Department of Revenue or your county clerk before your visit.

Tennessee Auto Transport — Frequently Asked Questions

Most Tennessee shipments cost between about $375 and $1,600, depending mainly on distance. Short regional moves, such as Nashville to Atlanta or Knoxville to Charlotte, usually fall at the low end of that range. Cross-country routes, such as Nashville to Los Angeles, fall at the high end. Enclosed transport typically adds 40–60% to the price, and non-running vehicles, oversized trucks, and rural pickup locations also cost more. Because rates on the same route can differ by several hundred dollars between carriers, comparing multiple quotes is the most reliable way to get a fair price.

Short regional trips of under 500 miles usually take 1–3 days once the vehicle is picked up. Coast-to-coast trips typically take 7–10 days, and most other long-distance routes take 3–7 days. Before that, allow a few days for a carrier to be assigned and arrive for pickup — usually faster in major metro areas and sometimes longer in the mountains of East Tennessee. Weather and peak seasons can add a day or two.

You or someone you trust, age 18 or older, needs to be there at both ends. That person walks around the vehicle with the driver, notes any existing damage on the inspection report (called the Bill of Lading), signs it, and hands over or receives the keys. If you cannot be there, a friend, family member, or dealership can stand in for you.

Open transport is the most common choice and is fine for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs. It costs less and has the most available trucks, so pickup is usually faster. Enclosed transport protects your vehicle from weather, road salt, and debris, and typically costs 40–60% more. For classic, luxury, or high-value vehicles, and during spring hail season, many owners choose enclosed.

Major Nashville events like CMA Fest, NFL games at Nissan Stadium, and the Nashville marathon create significant downtown congestion and temporary road closures. Large car carriers may be restricted from certain routes or require rescheduling pickups and deliveries around event dates. If your transport coincides with a major event, communicate this to your carrier in advance and be prepared to meet at an accessible location outside the congested area. Check Nashville event calendars when booking to avoid conflicts with your preferred dates.

Rural areas in eastern Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains have narrow, winding roads and steep terrain that large car carriers cannot safely navigate. Door-to-door service may not be possible in these locations. Many carriers will request meeting at a nearby accessible location along a main highway such as I-40 or I-75. When booking, provide detailed address information and discuss access limitations with your carrier. Most carriers are familiar with common meeting points in mountain communities and can suggest convenient locations. Read more about Door-to-Door vs Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Transport.

Tennessee's peak tornado season runs from March through May, with a secondary peak in November. Severe weather events can temporarily close interstate routes and cause delays of 1–2 days while carriers wait for safe conditions. Licensed carriers monitor weather forecasts closely and prioritize vehicle and driver safety over strict delivery schedules. During spring months, we recommend booking with flexible delivery windows and maintaining open communication with your carrier about weather-related delays. Despite seasonal storms, Tennessee shipping remains reliable year-round with proper planning. Learn more in our guide The Best Time to Ship Your Car.

Both Memphis and Nashville are major auto transport hubs with excellent carrier availability, so rates are typically competitive between the two cities for similar routes. Memphis sits along I-40 west of Nashville and may offer slightly faster dispatch times for shipments heading west to Texas, Oklahoma, or California. Nashville has stronger connections to the Southeast and Northeast via I-24 and I-65. For most routes, the rate difference between the two cities is usually small. The more important factors affecting your price are distance, transport type, and seasonal demand. To find the best rate for your specific route, request multiple quotes and compare options from different carriers serving both cities.

Ready to compare Tennessee auto transport quotes?
Get up to 10 free quotes from licensed carriers in minutes. Complete the quote form or call 1‑800‑590‑6492.

★ Military Auto Transport Discount

SouthWest Auto Transport proudly supports active-duty military, veterans, and their families with special discounted rates for vehicle shipping. We understand the challenges of PCS moves and deployments. Our military discount applies to shipments to or from Tennessee military installations including:

  • Fort Campbell — Clarksville area, on the Tennessee–Kentucky line (Army)
  • Arnold Air Force Base — Tullahoma
  • Naval Support Activity Mid-South — Millington
  • McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base (134th Air Refueling Wing) — Knoxville area
  • 118th Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard — Nashville
  • 164th Airlift Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard — Memphis
  • Volunteer Training Site Catoosa — Crossville

Mention your military affiliation when requesting quotes to receive your discount. We also work with service members on flexible scheduling to accommodate deployment timelines and PCS orders. Call 1-800-590-6492 or complete the quote form to get started.

All Tennessee State-to-State Auto Shipping Routes

Browse our complete list of Tennessee auto transport routes. Select your destination state to view detailed shipping information, transit times, and get instant quotes:

Additional Resources

Ready to ship your vehicle? SouthWest Auto Transport makes Tennessee auto shipping simple and stress-free. Our vetted carrier network, competitive multi-quote system, and dedicated support team ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time. Complete the form on this page or call 1-800-590-6492 to receive up to 10 free quotes and get started today.

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