California to Tennessee Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 2,159 miles from California to Tennessee ranges from $1,398 to $1,987. Expect the trip to take around four–twelve days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Tennessee 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 Tennessee car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from California to Tennessee:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- 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
Top local car shippers in California
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in California can deliver your vehicle to Tennessee:
- Jp Logistics & Motorsports: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- 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
Jp Logistics & Motorsports
11582 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352 US
jplogistics.net
3.94 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise JP Logistics for their excellent communication and reliable service. While there are no significant complaints, some note that pricing is slightly higher, which is justified by the quality of service received.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1975227
Alternative Business Names
- JP Logistics
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
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 Tennessee
Ship it with your movers
When moving from California to Tennessee, 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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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 2,159 miles to your vehicle on the route from California to Tennessee. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from California to Tennessee for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
California to Tennessee 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 Tennessee. The average journey covers about 2,159 miles and takes roughly four to twelve days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Tennessee
| From California to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Nashville, TN | $1,383 – $1,996 | 2,003 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Memphis, TN | $1,303 – $1,891 | 1,792 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Clarksville, TN | $1,246 – $2,010 | 1,998 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Knoxville, TN | $1,291 – $2,196 | 2,182 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Chattanooga, TN | $1,358 – $2,175 | 2,128 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Tennessee
| From California to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Nashville, TN | $1,350 – $2,050 | 1,987 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN | $1,191 – $1,819 | 1,775 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Clarksville, TN | $1,259 – $2,010 | 1,981 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| San Diego, CA to Knoxville, TN | $1,344 – $2,155 | 2,165 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Diego, CA to Chattanooga, TN | $1,291 – $2,050 | 2,141 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Tennessee
| From California to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Nashville, TN | $1,380 – $2,077 | 2,259 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Memphis, TN | $1,330 – $1,996 | 2,047 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Jose, CA to Clarksville, TN | $1,327 – $2,140 | 2,253 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Knoxville, TN | $1,317 – $2,153 | 2,437 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Jose, CA to Chattanooga, TN | $1,331 – $2,182 | 2,384 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Tennessee
| From California to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN | $1,304 – $1,955 | 2,019 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Memphis, TN | $1,254 – $1,973 | 1,808 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Clarksville, TN | $1,343 – $2,017 | 2,014 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Knoxville, TN | $1,265 – $1,987 | 2,198 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Chattanooga, TN | $1,278 – $2,092 | 2,144 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Tennessee
| From California to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Nashville, TN | $1,291 – $2,225 | 2,301 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN | $1,317 – $1,996 | 2,090 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Clarksville, TN | $1,367 – $2,034 | 2,296 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Knoxville, TN | $1,384 – $2,240 | 2,480 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Chattanooga, TN | $1,290 – $2,240 | 2,426 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Tennessee
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from California to Tennessee, expect costs to range from $1,748 to $2,484.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Tennessee
Transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Volunteer State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Tennessee.
- Distance and route: The route from California to Tennessee is about 2,159 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from California around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from California to Tennessee, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes four–twelve days, while expedited service costs more.
Tennessee vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Tennessee means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: 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.
- 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.
- Driver’s license: 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.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
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 Tennessee
About 7.1 million people are living in the Volunteer State. 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.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Tennessee?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Tennessee, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Tennessee, 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.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Tennessee?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Tennessee is about 2,159 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take four to twelve days to travel from California to Tennessee.
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 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.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one 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.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Tennessee after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from California to Tennessee after purchasing it.
When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Tennessee to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Tennessee?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Shipping a car from California to Tennessee costs $1,398 to $1,987.
