South Dakota to Louisiana Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 1,288 miles from South Dakota to Louisiana falls between $915 and $1,486. Delivery typically takes three–eight days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Louisiana to South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Louisiana car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from South Dakota to Louisiana:
- 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 South Dakota
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in South Dakota ready to move your vehicle to Louisiana:
- Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Yada Enterprises Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Auto Transport by Stopwatch
3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD 57702 US
stopwatchusa.com
3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2965797
Yada Enterprises Inc
611 N Main St, Redfield, SD 57469 US
yadaenterprises.net
3.5 / 5.0
Yada Enterprises has received significant feedback regarding their vehicle transport services, highlighting both commendable customer interactions and notable issues with vehicle damage. While many customers appreciated the respectful conduct of drivers and timely delivery, there were serious concerns about vehicle mishandling and lack of accountability for damages during transport.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1255110
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 South Dakota to Louisiana
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from South Dakota to Louisiana, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,288 extra miles on your car to travel from South Dakota to Louisiana. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from South Dakota to Louisiana. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
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.
South Dakota to Louisiana auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in South Dakota and Louisiana. Average distances are close to 1,288 miles, with delivery usually taking three–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Louisiana
| From South Dakota to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to New Orleans, LA | $906 – $1,400 | 1,211 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Baton Rouge, LA | $899 – $1,408 | 1,128 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Shreveport, LA | $760 – $1,180 | 915 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Metairie, LA | $915 – $1,500 | 1,205 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Lafayette, LA | $899 – $1,313 | 1,129 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Louisiana
| From South Dakota to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to New Orleans, LA | $1,067 – $1,540 | 1,553 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Baton Rouge, LA | $1,066 – $1,478 | 1,470 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Shreveport, LA | $971 – $1,386 | 1,209 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Metairie, LA | $1,100 – $1,588 | 1,547 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Lafayette, LA | $1,056 – $1,634 | 1,410 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Louisiana
| From South Dakota to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to New Orleans, LA | $1,077 – $1,540 | 1,410 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Baton Rouge, LA | $991 – $1,571 | 1,327 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Shreveport, LA | $873 – $1,299 | 1,114 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Metairie, LA | $1,056 – $1,525 | 1,405 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Lafayette, LA | $941 – $1,436 | 1,328 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Louisiana
| From South Dakota to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to New Orleans, LA | $952 – $1,472 | 1,264 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Baton Rouge, LA | $830 – $1,326 | 1,180 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Shreveport, LA | $775 – $1,227 | 968 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Metairie, LA | $906 – $1,386 | 1,258 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Lafayette, LA | $908 – $1,340 | 1,182 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Louisiana
| From South Dakota to Louisiana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to New Orleans, LA | $961 – $1,481 | 1,310 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Baton Rouge, LA | $906 – $1,415 | 1,227 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Shreveport, LA | $810 – $1,334 | 1,014 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Metairie, LA | $981 – $1,466 | 1,305 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Lafayette, LA | $915 – $1,372 | 1,228 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Louisiana, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,144–$1,858.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Louisiana
Transporting your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore 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 and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from South Dakota to Louisiana.
- Distance and route: The trip from South Dakota to Louisiana covers roughly 1,288 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from South Dakota in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between South Dakota and Louisiana and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within three–eight days, but expedited options cost more.
Louisiana vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Louisiana, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- 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 South Dakota
More than 919,318 people call South Dakota home. Nicknamed 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.
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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota and when dropping it off in Louisiana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Louisiana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota 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 South Dakota.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the 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.
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 South Dakota to Louisiana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Louisiana is about 1,288 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from South Dakota to Louisiana.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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.
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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota and Louisiana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Louisiana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Louisiana?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Louisiana costs $915 to $1,486.
