($842) Cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Nashville, TN
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 665 miles from Washington DC, Maryland, to Nashville, Tennessee, generally falls between $842 and $1,198. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Nashville to Washington DC 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
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The best Washington DC to Nashville car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Washington DC to Nashville:
- 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
- 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 Washington DC
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Washington DC, MD:
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Capital Exports Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- All State to State Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Montage Transport & Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Washington DC Auto Transport: 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 MD to TN
When you’re moving from Washington DC to Nashville, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Washington DC to Nashville, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 665-mile trip from Washington DC to Nashville 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 Maryland to Tennessee. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Washington DC to Nashville 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 Nashville. 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 Washington DC to Nashville car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Washington DC to Nashville can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Washington DC to Nashville, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Washington DC 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 Nashville, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Washington DC 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 Nashville will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 665 miles from Washington DC to Nashville is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Maryland.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Washington DC and Nashville often affect the cost of auto transport.
Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
Nashville has humid summers and generally cool winters typical of the Upper South. Spring and fall are prone to severe thunderstorms, which may bring tornadoes, large hail, flash floods, and damaging wind. Be sure to check your weather app before your move to avoid inclement weather.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Washington DC to Nashville 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 665-mile journey from Washington DC to Nashville 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 Washington DC to Nashville takes one to six days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Washington DC and Nashville vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Washington DC: The City charges $55 per permit for up to 88 feet of parking space (about 3-4 car lengths). If metered, it can be an additional $24-48 per meter per day.
- Nashville: A Downtown Nashville Residential Parking Permit is issued once the completed Downtown Residential Parking Permit Application and the $25.00 fee is received by Nashville Department of Transportation. The staff will review the application to verify the location meets the requirement for Downtown Residential Permit Parking.
Car insurance requirements
- Washington DC: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
- Nashville: 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
- Washington DC: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
- Nashville: 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
- Washington DC: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
- Nashville: 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 Washington DC to Nashville?
The cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Nashville, 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 Washington DC to Nashville will range from $842 to $1,198.
How long will it take to ship my car from Washington DC to Nashville?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 665 miles from Washington DC to Nashville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Washington DC to Nashville?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Washington DC to Nashville. 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 Washington DC to Nashville?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Washington DC to Nashville 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 665-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.
210 E Lexington St #100, Baltimore, MD 21202 US
20559 Meadow Island Pl, Sterling, VA 20165 US
4 Dwelling House Ct, Catonsville, MD 21228 US
1530 Wilson Blvd # 650, Arlington, VA 22209 US
7300 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, MD 20012 US