($1,298) Cost to ship a car from New Orleans, LA to Oakland, CA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,298 to $2,136 to ship your car 2,225 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Oakland, California. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland to New Orleans 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 New Orleans to Oakland car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from New Orleans to Oakland:
- 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
- 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 New Orleans
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in New Orleans, LA:
- Ultimate Auto Transport: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 LA to CA
If you’re relocating from New Orleans to Oakland, 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 New Orleans to Oakland, 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 2,225 miles from New Orleans to Oakland might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Louisiana to California is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from New Orleans to Oakland. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Oakland, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting New Orleans to Oakland car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from New Orleans to Oakland, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from New Orleans to Oakland, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from New Orleans tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Oakland, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from New Orleans depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Oakland will cost significantly more to ship 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 2,225 miles from New Orleans to Oakland will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Louisiana.
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 New Orleans and Oakland often affect the cost of auto transport.
New Orleans has short, generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. The summer months are the wettest, while October is the driest month. Hurricanes pose a severe threat to the area, and the city is particularly at risk because of its low elevation, because it is surrounded by water from the north, east, and south and because of Louisiana's sinking coast.
Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from New Orleans to Oakland in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 2,225-mile journey from New Orleans to Oakland makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from New Orleans to Oakland takes four to twelve days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing New Orleans and Oakland vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- New Orleans: To ensure public safety, an Oversized Load permit is required for vehicles whose dimensions are larger than legally permissible by the Code of City of New Orleans Sections 154-1521 through 154-1525 and 154-1561. The permit may be granted for a singular trip or annually depending on the needs of the operator. $40 application fee $10 for singular trip (issued for specific vehicle, route, and date) $125 for annual permit (issued for specific vehicle and all city truck routes)
- Oakland: Visitor Permits (1-day and 2-week temporary permits for visitors) Residents may purchase temporary permits for visitors. Visitor permits are hanging permits valid for one day or two weeks. A resident may purchase up to five of both on any calendar day.
Car insurance requirements
- New Orleans: 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.
- Oakland: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- New Orleans: 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.
- Oakland: 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.
Driver’s license
- New Orleans: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
- Oakland: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from New Orleans to Oakland?
The cost to ship a car from New Orleans, LA to Oakland, CA 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 New Orleans to Oakland will range from $1,298 to $2,136.
How long will it take to ship my car from New Orleans to Oakland?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,225 miles from New Orleans to Oakland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from New Orleans to Oakland?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from New Orleans to Oakland. 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 New Orleans to Oakland?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from New Orleans to Oakland 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 2,225-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.
W Kingston St, Laurel, MS 39440 US
140 James Dr E Suite A, St Rose, LA 70087 US
141 Allen Toussaint Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 US
4450 Old Canton Rd #340, Jackson, MS 39211 US
155 E Porter St, Jackson, MS 39201 US