10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Lafayette, LA
Quick answer: Need reliable car shipping in Lafayette, LA? Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick. They've earned a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, offer a variety of services, and keep prices competitive. While prices can vary, you'll usually pay between $693 and $1,364 to ship your car from Lafayette.
- Discounts Available
- Refundable Deposit
- GPS Tracking
- Price Lock Promise
- Ships inoperable vehicles
- Multiple discounts
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Louisiana car shipping guide.
Top car shipping companies in Lafayette, LA
Whether you're shipping your car locally or out of Louisiana, these are the best auto transport companies serving Lafayette. Some are based in Lafayette itself and others operate in the surrounding region:
Compare Lafayette, LA car shippers
Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of car shipping providers across Louisiana and more than 612 nationwide, to compare service options and help you pick the best fit for Lafayette.
We don't yet have service data for the individual companies serving Lafayette, so here's how common key car shipping services are across Louisiana and nationwide:
| Service | LA | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Open transport | 100.0% | 84.48% |
| Enclosed transport | 100.0% | 80.88% |
| Inoperable car transport | 0.0% | 39.54% |
| Multi-car shipping | 50.0% | 67.65% |
| Real-time tracking | 50.0% | 55.23% |
Here's a closer look at the companies serving Lafayette and which of these services they offer:
| Company | Open | Enclosed | Inoperable | Multi-Car | Real-Time Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New World Auto Transport | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fast Motion Auto Transport | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Horizon Auto Shipping | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Auto Driveaway | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Speedy Car Shipping | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Average cost to ship a car out of Lafayette, LA
Though not officially a major city, Lafayette has a sizeable population of 121,374 and enough regional demand to attract auto transporters. That keeps car shipping rates from Lafayette relatively stable and competitive.
The average cost to move a car out of Lafayette, Louisiana is $693 - $1,364, though it can run higher depending on your route. Your final price depends on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping your vehicle from Lafayette, Louisiana to other states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Louisiana to Georgia | $722 - $969 |
| Louisiana to Arizona | $1,027 - $1,505 |
| Louisiana to Florida | $826 - $1,181 |
| Louisiana to Ohio | $840 - $1,357 |
| Louisiana to Texas | $724 - $1,079 |
| North Carolina to Louisiana | $863 - $1,274 |
| New York to Louisiana | $1,068 - $1,505 |
| Michigan to Louisiana | $870 - $1,404 |
| California to Louisiana | $1,311 - $1,971 |
| Illinois to Louisiana | $801 - $1,246 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Lafayette, LA
According to Lafayette's cost of living index, the Louisiana city is about 10% cheaper than the national average. That means car shipping prices here tend to be in line with typical rates across the country.
- Distance: Shipping your car within Lafayette or to a nearby city in Louisiana usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
- Location: Lafayette's smaller-town layout usually makes for easier pickup logistics, which can help keep car shipping costs a bit lower than in busier metro areas.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Lafayette might require special handling, increasing the price. No shippers in our Louisiana data handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Available shipping options in Lafayette: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards. Nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport.
- Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Lafayette can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average price in Louisiana is about $2.6 per gallon right now.
- Delivery speed and price: Open transport typically costs $0.60 - $1 per mile, while expedited delivery costs $1 - $1.50 per mile. Expect to pay $200 - $500 more, on average, for expedited or guaranteed delivery out of Lafayette.
- Seasonal pricing: Summer and month-end dates are the busiest time for car shippers, which pushes rates up. Book in the off-season instead, typically fall or early winter, and you could pay 10% - 30% less.
How to ship a car from Lafayette, LA
Use this checklist to compare auto transport companies serving Lafayette and book the right shipper for your move:
- Establish your route first. Know whether your move stays inside Louisiana or heads to another state. Shorter, regional routes cost less than long-distance ones, and the exact ZIP codes involved set your final quote.
- Understand the local market. Lafayette generally offers carrier availability that depends mostly on route density and local demand. Its cost of living lands 10% below the national average.
- Balance national and local carriers. National partners are a solid pick for long hauls, while the local shippers on this page (5 tracked here) often win on speed for nearby pickups.
- Pick your transport type: open vs. enclosed. Open transport is the more economical choice for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport better protects classic, luxury, or high-value cars in transit.
- Double-check MC/DOT numbers. Ask for the carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and run them through the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
- Request 3+ quotes and dodge peak pricing. Compare written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator, and aim to book outside summer and end-of-month windows when demand spikes. With summer highs reaching 92°F here, loading can slow down and peak-season demand can climb further.
FAQ
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company's license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) number and look it up on the USDOT's FMCSA website. This works for any provider based in Lafayette or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Lafayette?
Most carriers don't require an inspection to ship your car out of Lafayette. If you're shipping a classic or high-value vehicle, you may be asked to show proof of insurance. Always check the inspection requirements for the delivery state, as regulations vary.
Take Louisiana regulations as an example. In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Lafayette?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It's a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Lafayette to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in Lafayette?
Value-oriented car shipping companies in Lafayette that provide budget-friendly open transport options include New World Auto Transport (offers military, student, senior discounts), Fast Motion Auto Transport, and Horizon Auto Shipping (offers military discounts).
Who ships classic cars out of Lafayette?
Classic car shipping specialists in Lafayette that provide secure enclosed transport for vintage and collectible vehicles include New World Auto Transport, Fast Motion Auto Transport, and Horizon Auto Shipping.
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