Maine to Tennessee Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,371 miles from Maine to Tennessee ranges from $978 to $1,463. 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 Tennessee to Maine 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 Maine to Tennessee car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Maine to Tennessee:
- 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 Maine
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Maine can deliver your vehicle to Tennessee:
- Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- CraftsTransport: 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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Maine to Tennessee
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Maine to Tennessee, 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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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,371 miles to your car on the trip from Maine to Tennessee. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Maine to Tennessee. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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!
Maine to Tennessee auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Maine and Tennessee. The typical distance is about 1,371 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Tennessee
| From Maine to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME to Nashville, TN | $940 – $1,482 | 1,203 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Memphis, TN | $1,074 – $1,583 | 1,414 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Clarksville, TN | $885 – $1,425 | 1,248 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Knoxville, TN | $808 – $1,292 | 1,024 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN | $837 – $1,390 | 1,135 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lewiston, ME to Tennessee
| From Maine to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston, ME to Nashville, TN | $968 – $1,355 | 1,237 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Memphis, TN | $1,001 – $1,552 | 1,447 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Clarksville, TN | $904 – $1,411 | 1,291 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Knoxville, TN | $760 – $1,317 | 1,057 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Chattanooga, TN | $854 – $1,390 | 1,167 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bangor, ME to Tennessee
| From Maine to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME to Nashville, TN | $1,008 – $1,522 | 1,332 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Memphis, TN | $1,087 – $1,631 | 1,543 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bangor, ME to Clarksville, TN | $1,027 – $1,522 | 1,377 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Knoxville, TN | $837 – $1,350 | 1,153 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Chattanooga, TN | $922 – $1,355 | 1,264 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Portland, ME to Tennessee
| From Maine to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, ME to Nashville, TN | $876 – $1,454 | 1,204 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Memphis, TN | $1,043 – $1,537 | 1,415 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Clarksville, TN | $913 – $1,439 | 1,249 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Knoxville, TN | $753 – $1,305 | 1,026 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Chattanooga, TN | $811 – $1,323 | 1,136 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Auburn, ME to Tennessee
| From Maine to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ME to Nashville, TN | $885 – $1,369 | 1,233 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Memphis, TN | $1,074 – $1,613 | 1,444 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Clarksville, TN | $894 – $1,369 | 1,278 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Knoxville, TN | $768 – $1,254 | 1,054 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Chattanooga, TN | $845 – $1,270 | 1,165 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Maine to Tennessee
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Maine to Tennessee usually runs between $1,223 and $1,829.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maine to Tennessee
When transporting your vehicle from the Pine Tree State to the Volunteer State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Tennessee than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The route from Maine to Tennessee is about 1,371 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Maine more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Maine and Tennessee and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Maine to Tennessee takes three–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Tennessee vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Tennessee, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: 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 inspection: 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: 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.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
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 Tennessee
About 7.1 million people are living in the Volunteer State. Most of Tennessee has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters, with the exception of some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, which has mild summers and cool winters. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Maine and delivery in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maine to Tennessee?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maine to Tennessee, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Tennessee, 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.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Maine to Tennessee?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maine to Tennessee is about 1,371 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Maine to Tennessee.
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 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.
If I have a driver’s license in Maine, will I need one in Tennessee?
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.
If I bought a car in Maine, will I be required to pay sales tax in Tennessee after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Maine to Tennessee after purchasing it.
When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Maine and Tennessee to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Tennessee?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Shipping a car from Maine to Tennessee costs $978 to $1,463.
84 Airport Rd, Old Town, ME 04468
23 Water, St #340, Bangor, ME 04401
138 High, St Suite 172, Ellsworth, ME 04605