California to Tennessee Car Shipping

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Ship Your Car from California to Tennessee

Are you planning to ship your car from California to Tennessee in 2025? The average cost for car shipping between these two states typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500, depending on the pickup and delivery cities, type of vehicle, and transport method. Transit time generally takes 4–7 days. Whether you’re relocating, purchasing a car out of state, or sending a vehicle to family, working with a reputable auto transport company ensures a safe, timely, and stress-free shipping experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Major metro areas such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco in California, and Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville in Tennessee, tend to offer more competitive pricing due to greater carrier availability.
  • Open carrier transport is the most economical option, while enclosed carrier shipping provides extra protection for high-end or collectible vehicles.
  • Most professional transport companies provide real-time tracking, insurance coverage, and dedicated shipping coordinators to keep you informed every step of the way.

Route Overview Between California and Tennessee

Shipping a car from California to Tennessee covers approximately 1,800 to 2,200 miles, depending on your exact pickup and delivery locations. Carriers usually travel along major interstates such as I-40, I-10, and I-20, often passing through states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Arkansas before reaching Tennessee.
This west-to-southeast route is a popular corridor for cross-country auto transport, ensuring dependable delivery times and competitive rates year-round.

California to Tennessee Car Shipping

Cost Factors for California to Tennessee Auto Transport

Distance and Route

The shipping charge varies depending on the distance. The longer the distance, the higher the cost. This is primarily because longer distances require more fuel, time, and effort to deliver the car to your specified location. Additionally, route complexity plays a key role in determining the shipment charges. Complex routes with fewer direct options and limited transportation resources tend to increase the cost.

Vehicle Size and Type

Larger vehicles take up more space compared to standard-size vehicles and require more room on the carrier. As a result, shipping professionals charge extra for larger vehicles due to the additional space and weight. Furthermore, high-value vehicles demand more care to ensure their safety during transport, which can make their shipping costs higher.

Seasonal Demand and Timing

Shipping prices fluctuate based on demand, particularly during peak seasons. Car shipping services tend to be in higher demand during the spring and summer months, leading to increased rates. You may notice a visible difference in pricing between the summer and winter seasons.

Transport Method (Open vs. Enclosed)

The type of carrier used for your shipment plays a major role in the overall cost. Shipping in an enclosed carrier generally costs more than shipping in an open carrier. Enclosed carriers offer better protection for your vehicle, especially for high-value cars or those requiring additional care.
If you are unsure about the rate for your car shipping service, don’t hesitate to reach out to a shipping expert. They will listen to your needs and recommend the best car shipping solution tailored to your requirements.

Express Shipping

Express shipping services are available for those needing faster delivery. These premium services can reduce transit time to 50% but come at a higher cost. However, availability may be limited.

Comparison Between Enclosed and Open Transport

FeatureOpen TransportEnclosed Transport
CostAffordableExpensive
ProtectionExposed to weather and debrisFull protection
Vehicle TypesStandard vehiclesLuxury, classic, or high-value cars
AvailabilityWidely availableLimited carriers

Get an On-Spot Estimate on Your Car Shipping Costs Now!

You can start by navigating to our easy-to-use cost calculator. In the blink of an eye, we will tell you exactly how much shipping your car will cost. Our motive is to be as honest as possible hence, we provide you with the information you need to have a smooth auto transport operation.

Click the below button to calculate your exact personalized auto-shipping quote in a few steps.

How We Make Vehicle Shipping Easy?

First Hauler has made the vehicle shipping process simple and hassle-free by streamlining all the steps to make it easier for you. When you contact us, we will ensure everything works out most efficiently and transparently for you.

The process begins with a free, no-hassle quote. Once you provide us with the details of your vehicle and shipping preferences, we offer you a personalized, competitive quote with no hidden fees. After confirming the details, we will schedule a convenient pickup time that works best for you.

Our team takes care of all the transportation. Depending on your preference, we ensure that your vehicle is loaded firmly onto the carrier, be it open or enclosed transport. You will receive updates on the way so you can track your vehicle and stay updated at all times.

We coordinate the delivery of the vehicle to its destination and perform a final inspection to ensure that it is in the same shape as when it was picked up. From local moves to road voyages, we help you make the whole shipping process smooth, reliable, and prompt, according to your needs.

Alabama Auto Transport
Step 1
Get a quote and book your order
Alabama Auto Transport
Step 2
Your vehicle is picked up
Alabama Auto Transport
Step 3
You recieve your vehicle

California to Tennessee Car Shipping Timing and Estimated Cost for Example

Location-to-LocationDistanceEstimate CostEstimated TimeGet Quotes
Los Angeles, CA to Nashville, TN2,000 miles$1,050 – $1,4504 – 6 daysGet Quote
San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN1,850 miles$1,000 – $1,4004 – 6 daysGet Quote
San Francisco, CA to Knoxville, TN2,300 miles$1,150 – $1,5505 – 7 daysGet Quote
Sacramento, CA to Chattanooga, TN2,200 miles$1,120 – $1,5205 – 7 daysGet Quote
Fresno, CA to Clarksville, TN2,050 miles$1,050 – $1,4504 – 6 daysGet Quote
Oakland, CA to Murfreesboro, TN2,200 miles$1,120 – $1,5205 – 7 daysGet Quote
Bakersfield, CA to Jackson, TN2,000 miles$1,050 – $1,4504 – 6 daysGet Quote
Long Beach, CA to Franklin, TN2,010 miles$1,060 – $1,4604 – 6 daysGet Quote
Riverside, CA to Memphis, TN1,850 miles$1,000 – $1,4004 – 6 daysGet Quote
San Jose, CA to Nashville, TN2,250 miles$1,130 – $1,5305 – 7 daysGet Quote
Anaheim, CA to Knoxville, TN2,000 miles$1,050 – $1,4504 – 6 daysGet Quote
Santa Ana, CA to Chattanooga, TN2,020 miles$1,060 – $1,4604 – 6 daysGet Quote
Stockton, CA to Clarksville, TN2,180 miles$1,100 – $1,5005 – 7 daysGet Quote
Modesto, CA to Memphis, TN2,130 miles$1,080 – $1,4805 – 7 daysGet Quote
Chula Vista, CA to Nashville, TN1,900 miles$1,020 – $1,4204 – 6 daysGet Quote
**Please note that the estimated cost and travel time listed will vary depending on factors discussed on the same page.

Tips For Preparing Your Car for Shipping from California to Tennessee

Proper preparation is essential for smooth transport before shipping your car from California to Tennessee. Let's look at the key steps to prepare your vehicle.

Clean the Vehicle Inside and Out:

To begin, cleaning the exterior of your car can be the first step you take to remove any dirt and debris that can be seen. This way you can easily spot any damage that might have happened. On the other hand, make sure you clean the interior of the car to ensure not a single personal item is left in the vehicle, as these things may become a distraction during the inspections.

Personal Belongings Removal:

Remove all your personal or interior items and any loose stuff, as well, from your car. Some insurance plans do not cover personal belongings during transit; therefore, it is better to remove these items before shipping.

Photos & Notations of Cars Condition:

Get good images of your car from different positions and make sure that you indicate the existing dings, dents, or scratches. This documentation can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim later.

Check Mechanical Condition

Ensure your vehicle is in good working order. Check fluid levels, battery charge, and tire pressure. Report any mechanical issues to the transport company beforehand. A properly functioning vehicle makes loading and unloading much safer and easier.

Document Important Details

Make note of your vehicle's specific characteristics:

Disable Security Systems

If your car has an alarm system, either disable it or provide clear instructions to the driver on how to handle it. This prevents any issues during transport and ensures smooth handling of your vehicle.

Remove External Accessories

Take off any removable parts like:

Why Choose First Haulers?

No Upfront Payment

We do not ask for any upfront payment before pick-up. No worries about delays in collecting your car.

Competitive Prices

We assure you to give you the best costs available while not compromising our service quality for your vehicle's safety.

Best Track Record

First Haulers has been in the vehicle shipping game for a while, and trust us, our happy customers speak volumes about our top-notch service.

Instant Car Transport Quotes

Get your car shipping quotes online in a few steps. Plan your car transport to save time.

Preferred Carrier Networks

We have a reliable network of carriers nationwide which allows us to ship your vehicles anywhere without hassles.

Personal Concierge

Your own personal concierge will keep you informed and attend to all your needs during the transfer.

Your Satisfaction Guaranteed

We are committed to satisfying our customers by improving our services and exceeding expectations.

Highest Insurance Standards

Your investment is protected by comprehensive insurance coverage on all shipments, allowing you to relax.

Professional and Punctual

Our team is committed to delivering high-quality service punctually, often even ahead of schedule.

Multiple Levels of Service

You have the choice among standard, priority and expedited services that will fit your needs and budget perfectly.

Locked-in Price

Our price quote is fixed. There are no hidden costs or fees. You pay exactly what you were informed. This means you can be assured that the whole car transport process is fair and clear.

Damage-Free Delivery

We take care of your vehicle while in transit. We guarantee no damages will occur. Your car is delivered without any scratches or other types of damage.

If you’re planning to ship a car to cities like Nashville, Memphis, or anywhere in Tennessee, keep these tips in mind for a smooth and stress-free experience. With a trusted auto transport company such as First Haulers, your vehicle will be safely shipped from California to Tennessee. The average cost typically ranges between $1,000 and $1,500, depending on the distance, type of vehicle, and transport method you select.

External Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Most transport companies are against shipping personal goods because of the liability and weight considerations of the vehicles. Yeah, most of them will allow it. We recommend not packing too many items to avoid exceeding the weight restriction of 100 pounds.
Yes, your car is insured during transportation. We provide full coverage, but we also recommend cross-checking your policy details to understand which aspects are covered and if there are any deductibles that can be applied before shipping.
Most auto transport insurance policies have a specific timeframe for reporting damages. It's crucial to thoroughly inspect your vehicle during delivery and document any damage immediately on the Bill of Lading. However, if you notice hidden damage later, report it to the carrier and their insurance company within 24-48 hours. Read More Insurance Page.
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