Louisiana to South Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,301 miles from Louisiana to South Dakota typically falls between $991 and $1,436. The process usually takes three–eight days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Dakota to Louisiana 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 Louisiana to South Dakota car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Louisiana to South Dakota:
- 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 Louisiana
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Louisiana that can transport your vehicle to South Dakota:
- Auto Driveaway: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Auto Driveaway
140 James Dr E Suite A, St Rose, LA 70087 US
autodriveaway.com/locations/new-orleans-auto-shipping
3.56 / 5.0
Customers report excellent service and communication when moving vehicles, highlighting value and friendliness from the staff. However, there are serious complaints regarding vehicle conditions, particularly concerning pest infestations in trucks used for transport, along with unprofessional behavior and lack of support for drivers. These contrasting experiences suggest a need for significant improvements in driver treatment and vehicle maintenance.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- Auto Driveaway Systems, LLC
- AD Acquisition, LLC
- Auto Driveaway Franchise Systems, LLC
Speedy Car Shipping
141 Allen Toussaint Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 US
speedycarshipping.com/car-shipping-service/auto-transport-new-orleans-la
3.5 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise Speedy Car Shipping New Orleans for their excellent customer service, easy and transparent pricing, and timely vehicle delivery. However, some experienced issues locating the premises due to unclear directions.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2297446
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 Louisiana to South Dakota
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Louisiana to South Dakota, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto 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 1,301 miles to your car on the trip from Louisiana to South Dakota. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Louisiana to South Dakota is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Louisiana to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Louisiana and South Dakota. The typical distance is about 1,301 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from New Orleans, LA to South Dakota
| From Louisiana to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA to Sioux Falls, SD | $971 – $1,372 | 1,211 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Rapid City, SD | $1,111 – $1,667 | 1,554 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,014 – $1,525 | 1,410 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Brookings, SD | $924 – $1,443 | 1,264 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Watertown, SD | $971 – $1,526 | 1,311 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Baton Rouge, LA to South Dakota
| From Louisiana to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA to Sioux Falls, SD | $908 – $1,313 | 1,127 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Rapid City, SD | $1,024 – $1,618 | 1,470 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,040 – $1,436 | 1,326 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Brookings, SD | $856 – $1,394 | 1,180 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Watertown, SD | $896 – $1,357 | 1,227 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Shreveport, LA to South Dakota
| From Louisiana to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shreveport, LA to Sioux Falls, SD | $832 – $1,192 | 914 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Shreveport, LA to Rapid City, SD | $887 – $1,457 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Shreveport, LA to Aberdeen, SD | $864 – $1,326 | 1,113 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Shreveport, LA to Brookings, SD | $783 – $1,214 | 967 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Shreveport, LA to Watertown, SD | $778 – $1,207 | 1,013 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Metairie, LA to South Dakota
| From Louisiana to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metairie, LA to Sioux Falls, SD | $896 – $1,372 | 1,206 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Metairie, LA to Rapid City, SD | $1,167 – $1,524 | 1,549 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Metairie, LA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,077 – $1,494 | 1,405 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Metairie, LA to Brookings, SD | $943 – $1,400 | 1,259 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Metairie, LA to Watertown, SD | $991 – $1,541 | 1,306 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lafayette, LA to South Dakota
| From Louisiana to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette, LA to Sioux Falls, SD | $839 – $1,340 | 1,128 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Rapid City, SD | $1,098 – $1,556 | 1,412 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Aberdeen, SD | $981 – $1,451 | 1,328 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Brookings, SD | $873 – $1,380 | 1,182 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Watertown, SD | $962 – $1,386 | 1,228 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Louisiana to South Dakota
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Louisiana to South Dakota, the price usually falls between $1,239 and $1,795.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Louisiana to South Dakota
Transporting your vehicle from the Pelican State to the Mount Rushmore State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on 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 South Dakota.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Louisiana to South Dakota involves roughly 1,301 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Louisiana, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Louisiana and South Dakota.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within three–eight days, but expedited options cost more.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to South Dakota, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
- Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Louisiana
More than 4.6 million people call Louisiana home. Nicknamed 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.
Transporting your vehicle to South Dakota
About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Louisiana and delivery in South Dakota?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Louisiana and when dropping it off in South Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Louisiana to South Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Louisiana to South Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Dakota, which you should verify before loading your car in Louisiana.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the 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.
In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
How long does it take to ship a car from Louisiana to South Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Louisiana to South Dakota is about 1,301 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Louisiana to South Dakota.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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.
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I have a driver’s license in Louisiana, will I need one in South Dakota?
If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in Louisiana, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Louisiana to South Dakota after purchasing it.
When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Louisiana and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Louisiana to South Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Louisiana to South Dakota 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 Louisiana to South Dakota?
Shipping a car from Louisiana to South Dakota costs $991 to $1,436.
