($1,267) Cost to ship a car from Knoxville, TN to Oakland, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,468 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Oakland, California, ranges from $1,267 to $2,071. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland to Knoxville 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 Knoxville to Oakland car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Knoxville to Oakland:
- 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 Knoxville
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Knoxville, TN:
- Us Star Trucking Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Us Star Trucking Llc
314 Park View Cir, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 US
usstartruckingllc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3205543
AMPM Auto Transport
11803 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934 US
ampmautotransport.com/knoxville-car-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Customers largely appreciate AmPm Auto Transport for their professional and friendly service, below market pricing, and prompt communication. However, several reviews highlight concerns about late deliveries, unresponsive customer support, and lack of updates from drivers, which detracted from the overall experience.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2247310
Alternative Business Names
- AMPM Auto Transport, Inc.
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 TN to CA
If you’re relocating from Knoxville to Oakland, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Knoxville to Oakland, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 2,468 miles from Knoxville to Oakland can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Tennessee to California is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Knoxville to Oakland. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Oakland is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Knoxville to Oakland car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Knoxville to Oakland, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Knoxville to Oakland, 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 Oakland, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Knoxville depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Oakland will cost significantly more to ship than a compact 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 2,468 miles from Knoxville to Oakland is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Tennessee.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Knoxville and Oakland can impact car shipping prices.
Best months to move into Knoxville are September, May and October as weather during are considered pleasant. Winters are generally much cooler and less stable, with occasional small amounts of snow.
Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Knoxville to Oakland during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,468-mile distance between Knoxville and Oakland and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Knoxville to Oakland typically takes between five and thirteen days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Knoxville and Oakland vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Knoxville: Often there is a need within the downtown area to reserve or remove parking spaces for activities that may not abide by the posted parking regulations. Examples of these activities include, but are not limited to moving, delivery & removal of goods, construction activities, performance of specialized business tasks, locating of temporary storage units, locating of construction equipment, general construction, special event activities, etc. Without this type of permit the requestor would be seen as a violator and could be subject to ticketing or subsequently being towed. Make sure to secure the necessary permit upon moving.
- Oakland: Visitor Permits (1-day and 2-week temporary permits for visitors) Residents may purchase temporary permits for visitors. Visitor permits are hanging permits valid for one day or two weeks. A resident may purchase up to five of both on any calendar day.
Car insurance requirements
- Knoxville: 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.
- Oakland: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
Vehicle inspections
- Knoxville: 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.
- Oakland: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
Driver’s license
- Knoxville: 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.
- Oakland: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Knoxville to Oakland?
The cost to ship a car from Knoxville, TN to Oakland, CA 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 Knoxville to Oakland will range from $1,267 to $2,071.
How long will it take to ship my car from Knoxville to Oakland?
It will take approximately five to thirteen days to ship your car the 2,468 miles from Knoxville to Oakland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Knoxville to Oakland?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Knoxville to Oakland. 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 Knoxville to Oakland?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Knoxville to Oakland 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 2,468-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.
