($1,277) Cost to ship a car from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,277 to $1,968 to ship your car 1,808 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, to Bakersfield, California. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to Memphis 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 Memphis to Bakersfield car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Memphis to Bakersfield:
- 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 Memphis
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Memphis, TN:
- Waddle Trucking Llc: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Mt. Olive Auto & Freight Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Waddle Trucking Llc
2448 McCullough Blvd., Belden, MS 38826 US
waddletrucking.com
3.52 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1386780
Mt. Olive Auto & Freight Transport
605 E German Ln, Conway, AR 72032 US
mtoliveautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Mt. Olive Auto Transport is praised for exceptional customer service, reliable and timely deliveries, and competitive pricing, making it a preferred choice for many clients. However, there are significant complaints regarding unprofessional behavior, unexpected price increases, and poor communication that led to frustrating experiences for some customers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 89327
Alternative Business Names
- Brian Martin DBA Mt. Olive Auto Transport
Nationwide Auto Transport
1598 Imperial Dr #2000, West Plains, MO 65775 US
nationwidellc.com
3.5 / 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
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2248682
Ceva Logistics
4800 Pleasant Hill Rd, Memphis, TN 38118 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
Global Auto Transportation
5500 Patterson Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209 US
globalautotransportation.com/little-rock-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
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
When you’re moving from Memphis to Bakersfield, 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
On moves from Memphis to Bakersfield, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 1,808-mile trip from Memphis to Bakersfield 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Tennessee to California. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Memphis to Bakersfield carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Bakersfield 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 Memphis to Bakersfield car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Memphis to Bakersfield can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Memphis to Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Memphis. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Bakersfield will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 1,808 miles from Memphis to Bakersfield will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Tennessee.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Memphis and Bakersfield can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Winter weather comes alternately from the upper Great Plains and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to drastic swings in temperature. Summer weather may come from Texas (very hot and humid) or the Gulf (hot and very humid). Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year though mainly during the spring months. Large hail, strong winds, flooding and frequent lightning can accompany these storms. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
Bakersfield has very hot, dry summers, and winters that consist of mild days with chilly/cold nights. Check your weather app before your move to avoid extreme heat.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Memphis to Bakersfield 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 1,808-mile journey from Memphis to Bakersfield makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Memphis to Bakersfield usually takes three–eleven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Memphis and Bakersfield vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Memphis: A single trip or annual permit must be obtained before traveling with oversize and/or overweight loads on Tennessee roadways. All permit types can be obtained through the TNTRIPS application.
- Bakersfield: First two hours - no charge $1 per each additional hour $10 maximum daily fee On-street parking spaces are available throughout downtown Bakersfield on a first-come, first-served basis. Most spaces have posted time limits which are monitored and enforced by the Bakersfield Police Department. There is no fee for on-street public parking.
Car insurance requirements
- Memphis: 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.
- Bakersfield: 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
- Memphis: 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.
- Bakersfield: 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
- Memphis: 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.
- Bakersfield: 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 Memphis to Bakersfield?
The cost to ship a car from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, 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 Memphis to Bakersfield will range from $1,277 to $1,968.
How long will it take to ship my car from Memphis to Bakersfield?
It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,808 miles from Memphis to Bakersfield. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Memphis to Bakersfield?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Memphis to Bakersfield. 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 Memphis to Bakersfield?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Memphis to Bakersfield 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 1,808-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.
