Maine to Louisiana Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,836 miles from Maine to Louisiana typically falls between $1,170 and $1,734. The process usually takes three–eleven 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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  • Refundable deposit
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Louisiana to Maine car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Maine to Louisiana car shipping companies

After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Maine to Louisiana:

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
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Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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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
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
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Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Maine

Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Maine ready to move your vehicle to Louisiana:

  1. Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  2. Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. CraftsTransport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.

84 Airport Rd, Old Town, ME 04468

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (207) 827-2413

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Trailers
  • Heavy equipment
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Xpress Auto Transport

23 Water, St #340, Bangor, ME 04401

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

CraftsTransport

138 High, St Suite 172, Ellsworth, ME 04605

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote

Services Offered

  • Interstate shipping

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

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 Maine to Louisiana

Ship it with your movers

If you’re planning a move from Maine to Louisiana, 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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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,836 miles to your vehicle on the route from Maine to Louisiana. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.

Hire a driver

You can hire someone to drive your car from Maine to Louisiana, 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.

Maine to Louisiana auto transport costs and transit times

The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Maine and Louisiana. The trip typically spans 1,836 miles and takes about three–eleven days.

Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Louisiana

From Maine to Louisiana Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA $1,164 – $1,627 1,622 miles 3 – 9 days
Portland, ME to Baton Rouge, LA $1,119 – $1,693 1,679 miles 3 – 9 days
Portland, ME to Shreveport, LA $1,134 – $1,715 1,730 miles 3 – 9 days
Portland, ME to Metairie, LA $1,084 – $1,660 1,626 miles 3 – 9 days
Portland, ME to Lafayette, LA $1,158 – $1,663 1,733 miles 3 – 9 days

Cost to ship a car from Lewiston, ME to Louisiana

From Maine to Louisiana Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Lewiston, ME to New Orleans, LA $1,084 – $1,660 1,655 miles 3 – 9 days
Lewiston, ME to Baton Rouge, LA $1,146 – $1,629 1,711 miles 3 – 9 days
Lewiston, ME to Shreveport, LA $1,146 – $1,646 1,762 miles 3 – 11 days
Lewiston, ME to Metairie, LA $1,107 – $1,643 1,658 miles 3 – 9 days
Lewiston, ME to Lafayette, LA $1,146 – $1,646 1,765 miles 3 – 11 days

Cost to ship a car from Bangor, ME to Louisiana

From Maine to Louisiana Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Bangor, ME to New Orleans, LA $1,229 – $1,698 1,751 miles 3 – 11 days
Bangor, ME to Baton Rouge, LA $1,243 – $1,806 1,808 miles 3 – 11 days
Bangor, ME to Shreveport, LA $1,194 – $1,788 1,859 miles 3 – 11 days
Bangor, ME to Metairie, LA $1,146 – $1,681 1,755 miles 3 – 11 days
Bangor, ME to Lafayette, LA $1,231 – $1,861 1,862 miles 3 – 11 days

Cost to ship a car from South Portland, ME to Louisiana

From Maine to Louisiana Cost Distance Estimated transit time
South Portland, ME to New Orleans, LA $1,164 – $1,725 1,623 miles 3 – 9 days
South Portland, ME to Baton Rouge, LA $1,187 – $1,594 1,681 miles 3 – 9 days
South Portland, ME to Shreveport, LA $1,217 – $1,646 1,732 miles 3 – 9 days
South Portland, ME to Metairie, LA $1,119 – $1,561 1,627 miles 3 – 9 days
South Portland, ME to Lafayette, LA $1,194 – $1,766 1,734 miles 3 – 9 days

Cost to ship a car from Auburn, ME to Louisiana

From Maine to Louisiana Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Auburn, ME to New Orleans, LA $1,153 – $1,627 1,652 miles 3 – 9 days
Auburn, ME to Baton Rouge, LA $1,241 – $1,749 1,709 miles 3 – 9 days
Auburn, ME to Shreveport, LA $1,229 – $1,646 1,760 miles 3 – 11 days
Auburn, ME to Metairie, LA $1,176 – $1,660 1,656 miles 3 – 9 days
Auburn, ME to Lafayette, LA $1,134 – $1,629 1,763 miles 3 – 11 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Maine to Louisiana

Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.

For this route from Maine to Louisiana, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,463–$2,168.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maine to Louisiana

Transporting your vehicle from the Pine Tree State to the Pelican State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:

  • Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
  • Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Louisiana.
  • Distance and route: The route from Maine to Louisiana is about 1,836 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Maine in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
  • Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Maine and Louisiana.
  • Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within three–eleven days, but expedited options cost more.

Louisiana vehicle regulations you need to know

Moving to Louisiana means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.

  • Car insurance 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.
  • Vehicle inspection: 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.
  • Driver’s license: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
  • Additional taxes: In Louisiana, a 4% tax is levied on all car sales by the state, with additional taxes charged by individual counties and cities.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist.

Transporting your vehicle from Maine

More than 1.4 million people call Maine home. Nicknamed the Pine Tree State. Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.

Transporting your vehicle to Louisiana

About 4.6 million people are living in 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.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Maine and delivery in Louisiana?

Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Maine and when dropping it off in Louisiana.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maine to Louisiana?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maine to Louisiana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Louisiana, which you should verify before loading your car in Maine.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.

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.

How long does it take to ship a car from Maine to Louisiana?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maine to Louisiana is about 1,836 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from Maine to Louisiana.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.

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.

If I have a driver’s license in Maine, will I need one in Louisiana?

New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

If I bought a car in Maine, will I be required to pay sales tax in Louisiana after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Maine to Louisiana after purchasing it.

In Louisiana, a 4% tax is levied on all car sales by the state, with additional taxes charged by individual counties and cities.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Maine and Louisiana to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Louisiana?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Louisiana 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 Maine to Louisiana?

Shipping a car from Maine to Louisiana costs $1,170 to $1,734.

Helpful Maine resources