South Dakota to Tennessee Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 1,140 miles from South Dakota to Tennessee falls between $921 and $1,428. Delivery typically takes two–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.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Tennessee 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 Tennessee car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from South Dakota to Tennessee:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- 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
Top local car shippers in South Dakota
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in South Dakota who can get your vehicle to Tennessee:
- 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 Tennessee
Ship it with your movers
When moving from South Dakota to Tennessee, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,140 miles to your car on the trip from South Dakota to Tennessee. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from South Dakota to Tennessee is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
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!
South Dakota to Tennessee auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in South Dakota and Tennessee. The typical distance is about 1,140 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Tennessee
| From South Dakota to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Nashville, TN | $795 – $1,209 | 916 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Memphis, TN | $767 – $1,233 | 813 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Clarksville, TN | $832 – $1,194 | 872 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Knoxville, TN | $805 – $1,288 | 1,093 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Chattanooga, TN | $830 – $1,275 | 1,046 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Tennessee
| From South Dakota to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Nashville, TN | $1,004 – $1,420 | 1,259 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Memphis, TN | $912 – $1,318 | 1,155 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Clarksville, TN | $909 – $1,537 | 1,215 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Knoxville, TN | $1,103 – $1,642 | 1,435 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Chattanooga, TN | $1,035 – $1,595 | 1,388 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Tennessee
| From South Dakota to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Nashville, TN | $912 – $1,345 | 1,116 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Memphis, TN | $830 – $1,275 | 1,012 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Clarksville, TN | $773 – $1,301 | 1,072 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Knoxville, TN | $966 – $1,449 | 1,242 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Chattanooga, TN | $937 – $1,479 | 1,245 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Tennessee
| From South Dakota to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Nashville, TN | $786 – $1,231 | 969 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Memphis, TN | $800 – $1,268 | 866 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Clarksville, TN | $828 – $1,297 | 925 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Brookings, SD to Knoxville, TN | $842 – $1,428 | 1,146 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Brookings, SD to Chattanooga, TN | $830 – $1,249 | 1,099 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Tennessee
| From South Dakota to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Nashville, TN | $846 – $1,367 | 1,016 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Memphis, TN | $804 – $1,234 | 912 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Clarksville, TN | $811 – $1,231 | 972 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Watertown, SD to Knoxville, TN | $859 – $1,401 | 1,150 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Watertown, SD to Chattanooga, TN | $877 – $1,331 | 1,145 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Tennessee
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from South Dakota to Tennessee, expect costs to range from $1,151 to $1,785.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Tennessee
When moving your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Volunteer State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- 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: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Tennessee.
- Distance and route: The journey from South Dakota to Tennessee spans approximately 1,140 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- 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 Tennessee and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–eight days, but expedited options cost more.
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 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 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota and when dropping it off in Tennessee.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Tennessee?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota 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 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.
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 South Dakota to Tennessee?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Tennessee is about 1,140 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from South Dakota to Tennessee.
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 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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota and Tennessee to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Tennessee?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Tennessee?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Tennessee costs $921 to $1,428.
