California to Louisiana Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,958 miles from California to Louisiana usually costs between $1,314 and $1,976. Transit time is about three–eleven days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Louisiana to California car shipping guide.
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
The best California to Louisiana car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from California to Louisiana:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in California
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in California who can get your vehicle to Louisiana:
- Auto Express Inc.: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- A To Z Auto Shipping: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Golden Key Express: 3.72 out of 5 stars
Auto Express Inc.
501 W Broadway Ste. 800, San Diego, CA 92101 US
autoexpressinc-car-shipping-san-diego.com
3.88 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3428899
King Of The Road Transport Inc
7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US
kingoftheroadtransport.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
- Teacher
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: DOT#2248724
A To Z Auto Shipping
30101 Agoura Court, Suite 109, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 US
atozauto.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 675504
Alternative Business Names
- A to Z auto Shipping, Inc.
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US
mccollisters.com
3.78 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 289344
Alternative Business Names
- McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc
- McCollister's Transportation
Golden Key Express
7234 N Traverse Ave, Clovis, CA 93619 US
goldenkeyexpress.com/auto-transport
3.72 / 5.0
Golden Key Express provides highly reliable and professional service, frequently recommended by customers for their efficiency and support throughout the transport process. No major complaints have been evidenced.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- DOT #: 966726
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.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation 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 reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from California to Louisiana
Ship it with your movers
When moving from California to Louisiana, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,958 miles to your car on the trip from California to Louisiana. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from California to Louisiana. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
California to Louisiana auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in California and Louisiana. The average journey covers about 1,958 miles and takes roughly three to eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Louisiana
| From California to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to New Orleans, LA | $1,209 – $1,811 | 1,893 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Baton Rouge, LA | $1,209 – $1,920 | 1,811 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Shreveport, LA | $1,110 – $1,581 | 1,623 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Metairie, LA | $1,283 – $1,884 | 1,884 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Lafayette, LA | $1,232 – $1,754 | 1,759 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Louisiana
| From California to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to New Orleans, LA | $1,234 – $1,865 | 1,812 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Baton Rouge, LA | $1,220 – $1,719 | 1,737 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to Shreveport, LA | $1,067 – $1,540 | 1,545 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| San Diego, CA to Metairie, LA | $1,172 – $1,865 | 1,809 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Lafayette, LA | $1,156 – $1,581 | 1,681 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Louisiana
| From California to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to New Orleans, LA | $1,296 – $1,977 | 2,193 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Baton Rouge, LA | $1,309 – $1,957 | 2,112 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Shreveport, LA | $1,258 – $1,737 | 1,882 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Jose, CA to Metairie, LA | $1,258 – $1,957 | 2,195 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Lafayette, LA | $1,321 – $1,925 | 2,076 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Louisiana
| From California to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to New Orleans, LA | $1,264 – $1,900 | 1,951 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Baton Rouge, LA | $1,209 – $1,737 | 1,873 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Shreveport, LA | $1,110 – $1,647 | 1,643 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Metairie, LA | $1,264 – $1,976 | 1,955 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Lafayette, LA | $1,172 – $1,774 | 1,837 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Louisiana
| From California to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, LA | $1,292 – $1,982 | 2,233 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Baton Rouge, LA | $1,284 – $2,017 | 2,155 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Shreveport, LA | $1,239 – $1,976 | 1,925 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Metairie, LA | $1,357 – $2,084 | 2,230 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Lafayette, LA | $1,271 – $1,997 | 2,143 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Louisiana
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from California to Louisiana, the price usually falls between $1,643 and $2,470.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Louisiana
Transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Pelican State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from California to Louisiana.
- Distance and route: Traveling from California to Louisiana involves roughly 1,958 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of California in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between California and Louisiana may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes three–eleven days, while expedited service costs more.
Louisiana vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Louisiana, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
- Vehicle inspection: 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.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
- Additional taxes: In Louisiana, a 4% tax is levied on all car sales by the state, with additional taxes charged by individual counties and cities.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from California
More than 39.0 million people call California home. Nicknamed the Golden State. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
Transporting your vehicle to Louisiana
About 4.6 million people are living in the Pelican State. Louisiana has long hot humid summers and short mild winters. Rain is frequent throughout the year, although from April to September is slightly wetter than the rest of the year. Louisiana is often affected by tropical cyclones and is very vulnerable to major hurricanes, particularly around the New Orleans area. Lousiana averages about 27 tornadoes annually; they are most common from January through March in the south and from February through March in the North.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Louisiana?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in California and when dropping it off in Louisiana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Louisiana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Louisiana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Louisiana, which you should verify before loading your car in California.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Louisiana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Louisiana is about 1,958 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from California to Louisiana.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Louisiana?
New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Louisiana after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Louisiana after purchasing it.
In Louisiana, a 4% tax is levied on all car sales by the state, with additional taxes charged by individual counties and cities.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Louisiana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Louisiana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Louisiana is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Louisiana?
Shipping a car from California to Louisiana costs $1,314 to $1,976.
