Best Car Shipping Companies in Kentucky (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Nexus Auto Transport is our choice for best car shipping in Kentucky thanks to competitive pricing, dependable service, and strong reviews. We rate them 4.7 out of 5 stars. Shipping your car from Kentucky typically costs between $605 and $1,385, though your final price can vary based on several factors.
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Kentucky Car Shipping Facts
- 63% of Kentucky auto transport companies offer open transport options, which is the most popular — and budget-friendly — way to ship a car.
- 100% of car shipping companies in Kentucky offer enclosed transport delivery.
- Only 28% of car shipping companies nationwide offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in Kentucky
Over 400 hours of research have gone into reviewing services, pricing, and availability for 612 car shippers across the country, including 11 right here in KY. Our goal is to use that data to deliver trustworthy and unbiased recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
If you’re looking to ship a car from Louisville or anywhere else in Kentucky, check out our top car shipping picks below:
Local car shippers in Kentucky cities
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
- Standard services: Our evaluation focused on the variety and scope of services provided by each company. We checked if companies offered open and enclosed transport choices, or either. Additionally, we considered if they provide door-to-door service or only terminal-based service, along with the types of vehicles they can handle. Companies with the capacity to transport RVs, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles were rated higher than those specializing only in cars.
- Specialty services: Companies received extra recognition for providing optional services like faster shipping, scheduled pickup guarantees, vehicle cleaning, and compensation for rental cars.
- Customer satisfaction: We reviewed feedback from significant consumer platforms like Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to ascertain if a car shipping firm provides efficient service with clear communication and stays within budget. Moreover, we evaluated their overall industry reputation by verifying their USDOT certification and their participation in and standing with trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We analyzed how simple it is for customers to arrange services and determine their expenses with precise quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and more. Car shippers that offer binding quotes or a price-lock commitment were rated more favorably than those who lack pricing transparency.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Average cost of transporting a car out of KY
If you’re shipping a car out of Kentucky, expect the average price to land around $1,094. However, what you actually pay can change quite a bit depending on how far your car needs to go and whether you pick open or enclosed shipping.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $517 and $836
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $849 and $1,171
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,137 and $1,342
To give you a better idea, check out these example price ranges:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky to Texas | $821 | $1,367 |
| Kentucky to Ohio | $449 | $585 |
| Kentucky to Arizona | $1,137 | $1,788 |
| Kentucky to North Carolina | $639 | $826 |
| Kentucky to Florida | $828 | $1,201 |
| Michigan to Kentucky | $686 | $944 |
| California to Kentucky | $1,293 | $2,139 |
| New York to Kentucky | $760 | $1,056 |
| Georgia to Kentucky | $641 | $873 |
| Illinois to Kentucky | $590 | $816 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from Kentucky:
- Your move distance: How far your car needs to go plays a big part in the price. Shipping within Kentucky or nearby states is usually easier on your wallet than sending your vehicle across the country.
- Location: Whether you’re shipping from bustling Louisville to a quieter Kentucky town or out of state, location impacts cost. Urban areas might offer competitive rates, while remote Kentucky locales could add to the bill.
- Type of vehicle: The make, model, and year of your car play a big role. Smaller vehicles are less expensive to ship, but classic or specialty cars, especially those needing TLC, tend to cost more.
- Types of shipping in the Bluegrass State: You can pick between open-air and enclosed carriers. Open-air is cheaper, but enclosed shipping provides maximum protection from Kentucky’s unpredictable weather. Just know it comes at a premium. Learn more about enclosed car shipping.
- Fuel costs: Gas prices aren’t just annoying at the pump. They also impact car shipping costs, especially for longer trips. Keep an eye on Kentucky’s current fuel rates.
- Delivery time frame: Need your car by a specific date, or want it there ASAP? Expedited shipping or guaranteed dates will cost extra.
- Discounts: Some Kentucky auto transport companies offer discounts like military, student, and multiple vehicle discounts. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
Want a precise estimate? Try our car shipping calculator. And take a look at all the popular Kentucky car shipping routes for more details.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Kentucky?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Kentucky, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Kentucky?
The cheapest company to ship your car in Kentucky will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on your specific needs is to use our car shipping calculator. Remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also, most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top car shippers in Kentucky, AmeriFreight has the most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in Kentucky?
New residents in Kentucky must get a Kentucky driver’s license within 30 days.
Do Kentucky car shippers offer discounts?
In Kentucky, police and law enforcement discounts aren’t available from any car shippers. There are 1 car shippers with military discounts available to active service members and veterans in Kentucky. Student savings aren’t available from car shipping providers in the state. Car shippers in Kentucky do not provide discounts tied to AAA membership.
Does Kentucky require a vehicle inspection?
If you’re moving to Kentucky from another state, you need a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection. To do this, take your vehicle and its title to the Sheriff’s office in the county where you plan to register the car.
Does weather in Kentucky impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Kentucky. Kentucky has hot, humid, and rainy summers and moderately cold, rainy winters. It doesn’t usually get as cold as the northern states or as hot as the Deep South.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Kentucky?
The time it takes to deliver a car in Kentucky is determined by how far and along which route the vehicle travels. Shorter, in-state deliveries are generally fulfilled in one to three days. However, when transporting across multiple states, especially from one coast to the other, the timeframe increases to about seven to 14 days.
The time frames can fluctuate depending on traffic, weather conditions in Kentucky, and the exact locations involved. To ensure you have the most accurate information, check with your shipping provider to see how these factors apply to your specific circumstances.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in Kentucky?
The insurance coverage offers Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, with limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, plus $25,000 for property damage. There’s Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage, which is optional. It includes Personal Injury Protection up to $10,000 and offers optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repairs or replacement, but these are not mandatory.
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