10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Tennessee (2026 Cost Guide)

Best car shipping companies in Tennessee

We've carefully reviewed 612 car shippers across the U.S., dedicating more than 400 hours to comparing services, quotes, and availability. Among them are 12 car shippers operating within Tennessee. That's enough data to confidently point you toward the best car shipping companies near you.

If you need to ship a car out of Nashville or another location, here are our top picks for car shippers in Tennessee:

Average cost of transporting a car out of TN

If you're moving your car from Tennessee to another state, costs run between $763 and $1,284. Your actual price might be higher or lower based on things like the transport distance and whether you pick open or enclosed shipping.

Here are some estimated price ranges:

What affects car shipping costs from Tennessee

• Your move distance: Shipping within Tennessee or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
• Location: Shipping from a rural part of Tennessee often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Nashville or other well-traveled corridors usually mean a lower rate.
• Your car's make, model, and year: Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic or specialty vehicles from Tennessee cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 66% of Tennessee shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
• Shipping options in the Volunteer State: 100% of Tennessee auto transporters offer open transport, and 75% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from Tennessee's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
• Gas prices: Fuel costs in Tennessee factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $2.63 per gallon right now.
• Delivery time frame: You'll pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
• Seasonality: Prices tend to climb during peak car shipping season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather-related delays are more common during those months.
• Discounts: In Tennessee, 1 companies offer military discounts, 12 offer other discounts, and many also discount multi-vehicle shipments. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.

For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular Tennessee car shipping routes.

How to ship a car from Tennessee

Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Tennessee.

1. 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 $763 - $1,284, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
2. 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. This is especially relevant given Tennessee's weather patterns.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Book an off-peak ship date. Schedule outside peak season when possible. Summer weekends and month-end dates command premium rates. For Tennessee routes, expect 1 - 3 days for in-state delivery and roughly 7 - 14 days for long interstate hauls.

FAQs

What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Tennessee?

The cheapest company to ship your car in Tennessee depends on the services and transport type you choose, so use our car shipping calculator to compare rates for your specific move. Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best one. 13 car shippers in Tennessee offer discounts like military, student, or AAA savings that can help lower your total cost.

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.

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 range of services, pricing accuracy, 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 estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Tennessee?

Delivery times for car shipping in Tennessee depend on distance and route: in-state shipments typically take one to three days, while long interstate routes can take seven to 14 days. Traffic, weather, and your exact pickup and drop-off points can all affect these estimates, so confirm timing with your shipping provider.

Are Tennessee car shippers insured against damage?

91% of car shippers in Tennessee are fully insured, and 25% offer a damage-free guarantee. Always ask for proof of insurance before booking.