($628) Cost to ship a car from Dayton, OH to Chattanooga, TN
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 411 miles from Dayton, Ohio, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, will run you about $628 to $913. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
rating
4.7 / 5
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
rating
4.5 / 5
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
rating
4.4 / 5
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga to Dayton car shipping guide.
The best Dayton to Chattanooga car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Dayton to Chattanooga:
- 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 Dayton
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Dayton, OH:
- Diesel Auto Express: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- American Auto Transport Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- USTA Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Tiger Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Diesel Auto Express
1823 Kentucky Ave, Springfield, OH 45505 US
dieselautoexpress.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1885300
Alternative Business Names
- Diesel Truck Shop
- DTS
- Diesel Auto Express LLC
American Auto Transport Inc.
1443 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 US
american-auto-transport.com
3.62 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
USTA Transport
606 Hillrose Ave, Dayton, OH 45404 US ustallc.com3.56 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the friendly staff and exceptional service provided by the company. However, there are concerns regarding pricing and unexpected charges.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
Additional Information
Tiger Auto Transport
1 W Corry St, Cincinnati, OH 45219 US
tigerautotransport.com
3.52 / 5.0
Fail to get reviews.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3417452
Xpress Auto Transport
810 Sycamore St #205, Cincinnati, OH 45202 US
xpressautoship.com/city/boca-raton-florida
3.5 / 5.0
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
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
Alternative Business Names
- Xpress Logistics
- Xpress Auto Transport
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 OH to TN
When you’re moving from Dayton to Chattanooga, 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
When relocating from Dayton to Chattanooga, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 411-mile trip from Dayton to Chattanooga 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
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Ohio to Tennessee. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Dayton. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Chattanooga.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Chattanooga. 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 Dayton to Chattanooga car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Dayton to Chattanooga, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Dayton to Chattanooga, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Chattanooga, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Dayton has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Chattanooga will cost more than moving a smaller 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 411 miles from Dayton to Chattanooga is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Ohio.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Dayton and Chattanooga can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.
May, September and October are the most suitable months for moving in Chattanooga, while you might reconsider your plans in January and July as these are the least comfortable months.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Dayton to Chattanooga during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 411-mile journey from Dayton to Chattanooga makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Dayton to Chattanooga typically takes between one and four days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Dayton and Chattanooga vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Dayton: Make sure to check with the City of Dayton for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Dayton.
- Chattanooga: Chattanooga city code requires that no person shall construct a driveway across any sidewalk or cut or drop any curb within the city without first obtaining a permit from the city engineer. And the location of all curb cuts, points of ingress and egress from all streets, parking and loading areas for all uses shall be approved by the traffic engineer before a building permit shall be issued. You may apply for a permit by completing this permit and emailing it to ldaniel@chattanoogaparking.org.
Car insurance requirements
- Dayton: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
- Chattanooga: 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
- Dayton: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
- Chattanooga: 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
- Dayton: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
- Chattanooga: 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 Dayton to Chattanooga?
The cost to ship a car from Dayton, OH to Chattanooga, 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 Dayton to Chattanooga will range from $628 to $913.
How long will it take to ship my car from Dayton to Chattanooga?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 411 miles from Dayton to Chattanooga. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Dayton to Chattanooga?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Dayton to Chattanooga. 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 Dayton to Chattanooga?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Dayton to Chattanooga 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 411-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.