($1,318) Cost to ship a car from Santa Ana, CA to Knoxville, TN

Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,180 miles from Santa Ana, California, to Knoxville, Tennessee, typically costs between $1,318 and $2,134. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville to Santa Ana car shipping guide.

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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
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The best Santa Ana to Knoxville car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Santa Ana to Knoxville:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Santa Ana

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Santa Ana, CA:

  1. Nationwide Transport Services: 3.88 out of 5 stars
  2. Nationwide United Auto Transport: 3.7 out of 5 stars
  3. ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  4. Direct Connect Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  5. Hilton Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Nationwide Transport Services

1 World Trade Center #839, Long Beach, CA 90831 US

starstarstarstarstar3.88 / 5.0
Get a Quote (877) 278-3135

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2245458

Nationwide United Auto Transport

2202 S Figueroa St #506, Los Angeles, CA 90007 US

starstarstarstarstar3.7 / 5.0

Customers frequently praise Nationwide United Auto Transport for their excellent communication, professionalism, and timely deliveries, noting that their vehicles arrived safely and on schedule. However, a few negative reviews mention issues with unexpected price increases and a poor customer experience, underscoring the importance of clear communication and transparency.

Get a Quote (800) 311-8305

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
  • Trailers
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.

102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA 92618 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

ABC Auto Shipping, led by Arman, consistently receives high praise for its responsive customer service, effective communication, and reliable car transport services. Customers have reported positive experiences with timely deliveries, often ahead of schedule, and vehicles arriving in excellent condition. Though some reviewers noted slightly higher prices compared to competitors, many felt the service provided was worth the investment, especially considering the stress-free experience.

Get a Quote (877) 686-5611

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior
  • Student
  • Teacher
  • Law enforcement

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • EZ Auto Logistics Subsidiary

Direct Connect Auto Transport

8605 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0

Customers appreciate the professionalism, helpfulness, and timely delivery of vehicles by Direct Connect Auto Transport, particularly praising Richard for his assistance. However, several reviews highlight significant communication issues, including lack of updates and delays in service, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.

Get a Quote (818) 661-4455

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2244227

Hilton Auto Transport

1611 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Hilton Auto Transport is well-regarded for its excellent customer service, competitive pricing, and efficient communication throughout the vehicle transport process. While most reviews praise the responsiveness and professionalism of Nichole and her team, there are scattered complaints about poor communication and damages during transport, emphasizing the importance of thorough follow-up with the shipping company.

Get a Quote (310) 686-5318

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior
  • Student

Additional Information

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.

Car shipping alternatives from CA to TN

If you’re relocating from Santa Ana to Knoxville, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.

Coordinate with your movers

When relocating from Santa Ana to Knoxville, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.

Drive your car

There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,180-mile trip from Santa Ana to Knoxville could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.

Use a driving service

If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from California to Tennessee. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Santa Ana to Knoxville carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.

Ship your car via train

For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Knoxville. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.

Factors affecting Santa Ana to Knoxville car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Santa Ana to Knoxville, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

You have a few different options for shipping your car from Santa Ana to Knoxville, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.

Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Knoxville, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Santa Ana will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Knoxville than a compact car.

Distance and route

Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 2,180 miles from Santa Ana to Knoxville will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in California.

Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Santa Ana and Knoxville often affect the cost of auto transport.

Santa Ana has hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.

Best months to move into Knoxville are September, May and October as weather during are considered pleasant. Winters are generally much cooler and less stable, with occasional small amounts of snow.

When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Santa Ana to Knoxville in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 2,180-mile trip from Santa Ana to Knoxville, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Santa Ana to Knoxville typically takes between four and twelve days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Santa Ana and Knoxville vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Santa Ana: Guest parking permits must be filled in ink by the resident and placed on the left-hand side of the dashboard. Each guest permit is valid until noon the following day. Each guest permit can only be used once and the date may NOT be changed. Not every district has guest permits. Only residents of single family homes are eligible for guest permits.
  • Knoxville: Often there is a need within the downtown area to reserve or remove parking spaces for activities that may not abide by the posted parking regulations. Examples of these activities include, but are not limited to moving, delivery & removal of goods, construction activities, performance of specialized business tasks, locating of temporary storage units, locating of construction equipment, general construction, special event activities, etc. Without this type of permit the requestor would be seen as a violator and could be subject to ticketing or subsequently being towed. Make sure to secure the necessary permit upon moving.

Car insurance requirements

  • Santa Ana: 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.
  • Knoxville: 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 inspections

  • Santa Ana: 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.
  • Knoxville: 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

  • Santa Ana: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Knoxville: 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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Santa Ana to Knoxville?

The cost to ship a car from Santa Ana, CA to Knoxville, TN varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Santa Ana to Knoxville will range from $1,318 to $2,134.

How long will it take to ship my car from Santa Ana to Knoxville?

It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,180 miles from Santa Ana to Knoxville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Santa Ana to Knoxville?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Santa Ana to Knoxville. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Santa Ana to Knoxville?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Santa Ana to Knoxville than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 2,180-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful Santa Ana resources