($630) Cost to ship a car from Chattanooga, TN to Tallahassee, FL
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 386 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Tallahassee, Florida, ranges from $630 to $908. 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 Tallahassee to Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Tallahassee car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Chattanooga to Tallahassee:
- 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
- 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 Chattanooga
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Chattanooga, TN:
- AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Tennessee Auto Carriers Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- SEC Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- TNAC Logistics, Inc.: 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 FL
Relocating from Chattanooga to Tallahassee 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
When relocating from Chattanooga to Tallahassee, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 386-mile journey from Chattanooga to Tallahassee could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Tennessee to Florida is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Chattanooga to Tallahassee. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Tallahassee, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Chattanooga to Tallahassee car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Chattanooga to Tallahassee can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Chattanooga to Tallahassee, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Tallahassee, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Chattanooga is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Tallahassee will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 386 miles from Chattanooga to Tallahassee will cost more than a shorter move within Tennessee.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Chattanooga and Tallahassee.
May, September and October are the most suitable months for moving in Chattanooga, while you might reconsider your plans in January and July as these are the least comfortable months.
Tallahassee has long summers and short, mild winters, as well as drier springs and autumns.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Chattanooga to Tallahassee during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 386-mile drive between Chattanooga and Tallahassee, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Chattanooga to Tallahassee is one to four days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Chattanooga and Tallahassee vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Chattanooga: Chattanooga city code requires that no person shall construct a driveway across any sidewalk or cut or drop any curb within the city without first obtaining a permit from the city engineer. And the location of all curb cuts, points of ingress and egress from all streets, parking and loading areas for all uses shall be approved by the traffic engineer before a building permit shall be issued. You may apply for a permit by completing this permit and emailing it to [email protected].
- Tallahassee: Effective October 29, 2021, carriers may purchase Florida trip permits online through the FLHSMV Commercial Vehicle Permit Portal. A Florida Temporary Trip Permit is valid for ten (10) days and costs $30.00. Carriers may also contact the Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services at (850) 617-3711 weekdays from 8-4:30 to obtain a trip permit.
Car insurance requirements
- Chattanooga: 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.
- Tallahassee: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
Vehicle inspections
- Chattanooga: 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.
- Tallahassee: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Chattanooga: 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.
- Tallahassee: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Chattanooga to Tallahassee?
The cost to ship a car from Chattanooga, TN to Tallahassee, FL 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 Chattanooga to Tallahassee will range from $630 to $908.
How long will it take to ship my car from Chattanooga to Tallahassee?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 386 miles from Chattanooga to Tallahassee. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Chattanooga to Tallahassee?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Chattanooga to Tallahassee. 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 Chattanooga to Tallahassee?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Chattanooga to Tallahassee 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 386-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.
11803 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934 US
30 Hollingsworth Road, Readyville, TN 37149 US
105 Northcreek Dr, Shelbyville, TN 37160 US
417 Hj Young Rd, Woodbury, TN 37190 US