Shipping a car to Nashville for a new job, out of Memphis, or into the Smokies. See what Tennessee routes cost, how long they take, and which carriers Tennessee shippers rate highest.
Updated Reviewed by Transportvibe Editorial Team
Shipping a standard sedan to or from Tennessee costs $350–$1,575 on open transport in 2026, depending on distance. In-state moves run $350–$675, regional moves to neighboring states $425–$800, and coast-to-coast routes $1,225–$1,575. Enclosed transport adds roughly 40–60%.
Typical open-carrier prices for a standard sedan on the most-quoted Tennessee routes. SUVs and pickups usually add $100–$250.
| Route | Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN to Seattle, WA | 2,360 mi | $1,225–$1,575 | $1,775–$2,525 | 5–8 days |
| Memphis, TN to Birmingham, AL | 260 mi | $425–$525 | $625–$850 | 1–3 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Little Rock, AR | 570 mi | $550–$700 | $800–$1,125 | 1–3 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Nashville, TN | 2,130 mi | $1,150–$1,475 | $1,675–$2,350 | 4–7 days |
| Nashville, TN to Phoenix, AZ | 1,730 mi | $1,025–$1,325 | $1,475–$2,125 | 4–7 days |
| Atlanta, GA to Memphis, TN | 400 mi | $500–$625 | $725–$1,000 | 1–3 days |
| Denver, CO to Knoxville, TN | 1,410 mi | $925–$1,175 | $1,350–$1,875 | 3–5 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Nashville, TN | 140 mi | $350–$475 | $500–$750 | 1–3 days |
Nashville draws a steady stream of new residents from across the country. Inbound demand is strong, especially from the Northeast, Midwest and California.
Tennessee builds vehicles at plants including Nissan in Smyrna, GM in Spring Hill and Volkswagen in Chattanooga. Factory loads keep carriers busy and can compete for space.
East Tennessee and the Smokies have winding roads that are harder for carriers to reach. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge also see heavy tourist traffic.
Fort Campbell brings heavy PCS traffic to Clarksville, especially in summer.
I-40 crosses Tennessee from Memphis through Nashville to Knoxville. Nashville is also a crossroads for I-24 and I-65, and Memphis is one of the country's biggest freight hubs.
Schematic, not to scale. Tap a city to jump to it.
Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with constant inbound relocations. Three interstates meet here, and auto plants in Smyrna and Spring Hill add new-vehicle freight.
Memphis is a major freight hub on the Mississippi, where I-40 meets I-55. Carriers pass through in every direction, so pickups are fast.
Knoxville is where I-40 meets I-75, the gateway to the Smoky Mountains. The University of Tennessee brings August and May moves.
Chattanooga sits on the Georgia line where I-24 meets I-75. The Volkswagen plant adds new-vehicle freight, and Atlanta is two hours away.
Clarksville is next to Fort Campbell, one of the Army's largest posts, so PCS moves are constant, especially in summer.
Johnson City and the Tri-Cities sit in the mountains of northeast Tennessee. Winding roads and winter weather can slow pickups.
Ranked by TrustScore, using FMCSA records and reviews from people who shipped to or from Tennessee. Companies cannot pay to change their rank.
Broker · FMCSA authority: Active · 3 years active · 1 quote in Tennessee
Broker · FMCSA authority: Active · 14 years active · 1 quote in Tennessee
Broker · FMCSA authority: Active · 4 years active · 1 quote in Tennessee
TrustScore weighs reputation, on-time performance, pricing accuracy, customer experience and FMCSA compliance. Companies cannot pay to change their score; sponsored placements are always labeled. How TrustScore works.
Most Tennessee shipments go on open carriers. Choose enclosed when the car's value, finish or clearance makes road exposure a real risk.
| Open carrier | Enclosed carrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Tennessee price | $350–$1,575 | $500–$2,525 |
| Truck availability | High on I-40, I-24, I-65, I-75, I-81 and I-55. Fastest scheduling in the larger metros. | Lower. Often routed through the nearest major hub, so allow extra days. |
| Protection | Exposed to weather, road grime and debris | Fully covered. Shields against road debris, pollen and mountain-road grime. |
| Best for | Daily drivers, leases, used cars, most relocations | Classics, exotics, show cars, low-clearance and new luxury vehicles |
| Insurance limit (typical) | $100,000–$250,000 cargo coverage | $250,000–$1,000,000 cargo coverage |
Typical demand for Tennessee routes by month. Higher demand means higher prices and longer waits for a truck.
Summer brings relocations and PCS moves. Fall sends snowbirds south on I-75 and I-65 and brings Smokies foliage traffic. Winter is usually calmer, and spring brings storms.
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIPs. Compare companies by TrustScore, Tennessee reviews and price, not price alone.
Check the company's USDOT or MC number and insurance. Get the pickup window, price and deposit terms in writing.
Remove personal items and toll tags, leave about a quarter tank, and photograph every side in daylight.
Walk around the car with the driver and note any damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign it.
What to do after your car arrives. Requirements can change, so confirm with the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services (through your county clerk).
Shipping a sedan to Tennessee costs $350–$1,575 on an open carrier in 2026. Shorter moves within the state run about $350–$675, while cross-country routes cost $1,225–$1,575. SUVs, pickups, non-running cars and enclosed transport cost more.
Most Tennessee shipments are delivered in 1–3 days within the state, 2–5 days to neighboring states, and 5–8 days coast to coast. Add one to five days for the carrier to schedule pickup, more for rural addresses far from an interstate.
The cheapest option is an open carrier with flexible pickup dates, booked two to three weeks ahead. Meeting the driver near I-40, I-24, I-65, I-75, I-81 and I-55 instead of at a remote address usually lowers the price and shortens the wait.
Someone aged 18 or older needs to be present at both ends to hand over or receive the keys, inspect the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading. It doesn't have to be you, but it should be someone you trust to note damage before signing.
No. Tennessee ended its vehicle emissions testing program in 2022, and there's no annual safety inspection. You'll need to title and register the car through your county clerk.
Both are busy hubs. Memphis has slightly more through traffic, while Nashville has strong inbound demand. Choose the city on the more direct route.
Look up the company's USDOT or MC number on FMCSA and confirm its operating authority is active and insurance is on file. Then check its TrustScore and reviews from people who shipped to or from Tennessee. Be cautious of quotes far below market and of companies asking for a large deposit before a carrier is assigned.
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