10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Tennessee (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Nexus Auto Transport tops our list for car shipping in Tennessee thanks to their competitive pricing, solid service options, and standout reviews. Our team gave them a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars. While prices can vary based on several factors, you'll generally spend between $751 and $1,324 to ship your car from Tennessee.
Tennessee Car Shipping Facts
- 100% of auto transport companies in Tennessee ship vehicles using open carriers, the most popular and budget-friendly method.
- While 75% of Tennessee shippers provide enclosed transport services.
- Across the U.S., just 28% of companies offer guaranteed delivery. If timing is critical, we suggest 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 Tennessee
Our team has dedicated more than 400 hours to researching and evaluating 613 car shipping companies nationwide — including 12 based in TN. This work allows us to provide unbiased, trustworthy recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
Whether you're shipping from Nashville or another city in Tennessee, explore our top picks for reliable auto shippers below:
Average cost of transporting a car out of TN
The average cost to transport a car to another state if you live in Tennessee typically ranges from $751 to $1,324, though the exact amount could be more or less depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $506 and $847
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $835 and $1,194
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,133 and $1,307
To give you a better idea, here are some examples:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee to Arizona | $1,441 | $1,919 |
| Tennessee to New York | $1,008 | $1,485 |
| Tennessee to California | $1,584 | $2,667 |
| Tennessee to Georgia | $705 | $965 |
| Tennessee to Ohio | $804 | $1,104 |
| Illinois to Tennessee | $772 | $1,126 |
| Texas to Tennessee | $1,038 | $1,485 |
| North Carolina to Tennessee | $847 | $1,129 |
| Michigan to Tennessee | $966 | $1,276 |
| Florida to Tennessee | $999 | $1,371 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from Tennessee:
- How far are you moving? Distance makes a big difference. Shipping a car within Tennessee or to neighboring states is usually much cheaper than sending it cross-country.
- Pickup and drop-off spots: Where your car starts and ends its journey plays a big role in pricing. If you're shipping from busy Nashville or heading to a small town in Tennessee, urban locations often have better rates, while rural areas might drive costs up.
- Your car's make, model, and year: What you drive affects your quote. Compact cars cost less to move, but transporting a classic or specialty vehicle, especially one that needs extra protection in Tennessee, usually means a higher price tag.
- Shipping options in the Volunteer State: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is more budget-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for Tennessee's unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
- Fuel prices: Gas prices in Tennessee change often and can impact your final shipping cost, especially on long-distance moves.
- Timeline: Need your car delivered by a specific date or in a hurry? Expedited options cost extra, so be ready for a higher price tag if you're on a tight deadline.
- Savings and discounts: Check if you qualify for special deals. Many Tennessee auto shippers offer military, student, or multi-car discounts. For ways to save, see our discount guide.
Want the most accurate estimate? Use our car shipping calculator. For more details, browse all the top car shipping routes in Tennessee.
How to ship a car from Tennessee
Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Tennessee.
- Estimate your shipping cost — Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of Tennessee typically costs $751–$1,324, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
- Choose open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris — especially relevant given Tennessee's weather patterns.
- Verify MC/DOT licensing — Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes — Compare at least three of the 12 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Tennessee. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
- Book an off-peak ship date — Book off-peak when your timeline allows. Summer, holidays, and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. In Tennessee, in-state shipments typically deliver in 1–3 days; cross-country routes often take 7–14 days depending on distance and weather.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Tennessee?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee?
The cheapest company to ship your car in Tennessee 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee?
To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
Do Tennessee car shippers offer discounts?
In Tennessee, there are no car shippers that provide law enforcement discounts. Service members have 1 car shipper options with discounted pricing for active duty and veterans. Students won't find shipping discounts from any car shippers in Tennessee. AAA members won't find rebate programs from car shippers in Tennessee.
Does Tennessee require a vehicle inspection?
In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
Does weather in Tennessee impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Tennessee. Most of Tennessee has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters, with the exception of some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, which has mild summers and cool winters. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Tennessee?
Delivery times for car shipping in Tennessee depend on the distance and specific route. For in-state shipments, it typically ranges from one to three days. For longer interstate routes, especially those crossing the country, expect approximately seven to 14 days.
Consider elements such as traffic, the weather in Tennessee, and the specific start and end points, as they all play a role in affecting these time frames. It's always wise to consult your shipping provider for a more tailored estimate based on your individual requirements.
| 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
11803 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN, 37934
4235 Hillsboro Pike #300, Nashville, TN, 37215
314 Park View Cir, Pigeon Forge, TN, 37863
1391 Foxland Blvd, Gallatin, TN, 37066