Louisiana to South Dakota Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,301 miles from Louisiana to South Dakota ranges from $976 to $1,505. Expect the trip to take around three–eight 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 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
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Louisiana to South Dakota:
- 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 Louisiana
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Louisiana ready to move 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
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,301 miles on your car to travel between Louisiana and South Dakota. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Louisiana to South Dakota, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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.
Louisiana to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Louisiana and South Dakota. The average travel distance is about 1,301 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from three to 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 | $1,016 – $1,408 | 1,211 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Rapid City, SD | $1,118 – $1,646 | 1,554 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,106 – $1,533 | 1,410 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Brookings, SD | $1,007 – $1,497 | 1,264 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Watertown, SD | $1,007 – $1,521 | 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 | $932 – $1,375 | 1,127 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Rapid City, SD | $1,117 – $1,630 | 1,470 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,068 – $1,490 | 1,326 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Brookings, SD | $914 – $1,361 | 1,180 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Watertown, SD | $920 – $1,422 | 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 | $871 – $1,223 | 914 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Shreveport, LA to Rapid City, SD | $987 – $1,437 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Shreveport, LA to Aberdeen, SD | $852 – $1,460 | 1,113 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Shreveport, LA to Brookings, SD | $812 – $1,285 | 967 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Shreveport, LA to Watertown, SD | $864 – $1,383 | 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 | $968 – $1,422 | 1,206 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Metairie, LA to Rapid City, SD | $1,199 – $1,729 | 1,549 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Metairie, LA to Aberdeen, SD | $1,128 – $1,613 | 1,405 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Metairie, LA to Brookings, SD | $958 – $1,556 | 1,259 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Metairie, LA to Watertown, SD | $976 – $1,474 | 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 | $896 – $1,361 | 1,128 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Rapid City, SD | $1,095 – $1,597 | 1,412 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Aberdeen, SD | $986 – $1,505 | 1,328 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Brookings, SD | $896 – $1,418 | 1,182 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Watertown, SD | $920 – $1,422 | 1,228 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Louisiana to South Dakota
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Louisiana to South Dakota you should expect to pay between $1,220 and $1,881.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Louisiana to South Dakota
When moving your vehicle from the Pelican State to the Mount Rushmore State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- 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: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to South Dakota.
- Distance and route: The journey from Louisiana to South Dakota spans about 1,301 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Louisiana in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Louisiana and South Dakota.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Louisiana to South Dakota should take between three and eight days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to South Dakota, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- 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 $976 to $1,505.
