($784) Cost to ship a car from Madison, WI to New Orleans, LA

Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,034 miles from Madison, Wisconsin, to New Orleans, Louisiana, will run you about $784 to $1,217. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans to Madison car shipping guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Madison to New Orleans car shipping companies

Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Madison to New Orleans:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Madison

If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Madison, WI:

  1. Van 3 Auto Transport & Car: 3.92 out of 5 stars
  2. Karma Auto Transport: 3.78 out of 5 stars
  3. All Day Auto Transport: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  4. Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Van 3 Auto Transport & Car

106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL 60525 US

starstarstarstarstar3.92 / 5.0

Van3 Auto Transport receives praise for its excellent customer service, prompt vehicle delivery, and competitive pricing. However, several customers reported serious issues, including delayed pickups, vehicle damage during transport, and lack of communication from the company, leading to significant frustration.

Get a Quote (224) 788-7777

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Karma Auto Transport

901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US

starstarstarstarstar3.78 / 5.0

Karma Auto Transport is known for its excellent service and reliability. Customers frequently commend their professionalism, quick communication, and affordable pricing. However, there are complaints regarding payment issues for transporters and some unexpected delivery hassles, which raised concerns about their overall accountability.

Get a Quote (312) 788-9315

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
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

All Day Auto Transport

2500 W Bradley Pl #103 295 Londonderry Drive 86HJX825+33 Sarasota 34240, Chicago, IL 60618 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 567-7396

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Car Delivery USA, Inc

Auto Driveaway

N14w24200 Tower Pl # 210b, Waukesha, WI 53188 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Fail to get reviews.

Get a Quote (800) 346-2277

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Xpress Auto Transport

250 E Wisconsin Ave #340, Milwaukee, WI 53202 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (866) 333-5509

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

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 WI to LA

If you’re relocating from Madison to New Orleans, 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 planning a move from Madison to New Orleans, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.

Drive your car

Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,034 miles from Madison to New Orleans might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.

Use a driving service

Having a driver transport your car from Wisconsin to Louisiana is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Madison to New Orleans. 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 New Orleans, 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 Madison to New Orleans car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Madison to New Orleans, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

You have a few different options for shipping your car from Madison to New Orleans, 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 New Orleans, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of Madison has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to New Orleans will cost more than moving a smaller 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 1,034 miles from Madison to New Orleans is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Wisconsin.

Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.

The time of the year

The time of year and weather conditions in Madison and New Orleans play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.

New Orleans has short, generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. The summer months are the wettest, while October is the driest month. Hurricanes pose a severe threat to the area, and the city is particularly at risk because of its low elevation, because it is surrounded by water from the north, east, and south and because of Louisiana's sinking coast.

For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Madison to New Orleans in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.

Fuel prices

Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,034-mile journey from Madison to New Orleans makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.

Delivery expectations

If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Madison to New Orleans takes between two and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.

Comparing Madison and New Orleans vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Madison: The Residential Parking Permit allows residents to park in excess of the posted one- or two-hour time limits on designated streets in their area between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or in locations designated for resident parking only between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. This provides residents the opportunity for the limited storing of vehicles on public streets to the partial exclusion of commuter vehicles. A Residential Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place. It allows the right to park if space is available. It is recommended to apply online.
  • New Orleans: To ensure public safety, an Oversized Load permit is required for vehicles whose dimensions are larger than legally permissible by the Code of City of New Orleans Sections 154-1521 through 154-1525 and 154-1561. The permit may be granted for a singular trip or annually depending on the needs of the operator. $40 application fee $10 for singular trip (issued for specific vehicle, route, and date) $125 for annual permit (issued for specific vehicle and all city truck routes)

Car insurance requirements

  • Madison: Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to provide a minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for individual injury or death, and $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals.
  • New Orleans: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.

Vehicle inspections

  • Madison: Safety and emission inspections are not required in Wisconsin. However, you must take your vehicle for emissions inspection available at select privately owned businesses including vehicle repair facilities, service stations, and car dealerships.
  • New Orleans: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.

Driver’s license

  • Madison: After establishing residence, new residents must apply for a WI driver license at any Wisconsin DMV service center within 60 days for a regular license and within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
  • New Orleans: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Madison to New Orleans?

The cost to ship a car from Madison, WI to New Orleans, LA 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 Madison to New Orleans will range from $784 to $1,217.

How long will it take to ship my car from Madison to New Orleans?

It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,034 miles from Madison to New Orleans. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Madison to New Orleans?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Madison to New Orleans. 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 Madison to New Orleans?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Madison to New Orleans 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 1,034-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.

Helpful Madison resources