($1,301) Cost to ship a car from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA
Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,078 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, to Oakland, California, typically costs between $1,301 and $2,135. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland 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 Oakland car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Memphis to Oakland:
- 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
- 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 prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers 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
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
Relocating from Memphis to Oakland means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Memphis to Oakland, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,078-mile trip from Memphis to Oakland 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
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 Memphis to Oakland. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Oakland, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Memphis to Oakland car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Memphis to Oakland, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Memphis to Oakland, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Memphis tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Oakland, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
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 Oakland will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 2,078 miles from Memphis to Oakland will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Tennessee.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Memphis and Oakland play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
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.
Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Memphis to Oakland in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 2,078-mile drive between Memphis and Oakland, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Memphis to Oakland typically takes between four and twelve days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Memphis and Oakland 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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 Memphis to Oakland?
The cost to ship a car from Memphis, 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 Memphis to Oakland will range from $1,301 to $2,135.
How long will it take to ship my car from Memphis to Oakland?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,078 miles from Memphis to Oakland. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Memphis to Oakland?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Memphis 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 Memphis to Oakland?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Memphis 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 2,078-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.
2448 McCullough Blvd., Belden, MS 38826 US
605 E German Ln, Conway, AR 72032 US
1598 Imperial Dr #2000, West Plains, MO 65775 US
4800 Pleasant Hill Rd, Memphis, TN 38118 US
5500 Patterson Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209 US