Louisiana Car Shipping: 2026 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in Louisiana requires a few key steps to protect your car during shipping:

Remove Toll Transponders: If you have a toll transponder (like LaTAP or any regional toll device), remove it before shipping. Toll systems can malfunction during transit, and you don't want unexpected charges.

Check Your Fluids and Tire Pressure: Louisiana's heat and humidity can affect your vehicle's performance. Make sure your coolant and oil levels are topped off, and check your tire pressure. Heat can increase tire pressure, so slightly underinflate if needed for the journey.

Address Salt and Moisture Concerns: If you're shipping from coastal Louisiana areas, rinse off any salt residue from your vehicle's exterior and undercarriage. Salt air can accelerate rust and corrosion during transit.

Remove Accessories and Fragile Items: Take off any exterior accessories like roof racks, spoilers, or custom parts. Remove toll passes, GPS devices, phone chargers, and anything loose inside the car. Don't leave valuables, documents, or fragile items in your vehicle.

Have Keys Ready: Make sure you have a working key available to give to the carrier. They'll need it to load and unload your vehicle safely.

Document Your Vehicle's Condition: Take photos and notes of your car's current condition before shipping. This protects you if any damage occurs during transit.

For more details about vehicle shipping, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. Every carrier we work with must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your shipment begins, we verify that each carrier's insurance is current and valid.

This means your vehicle is protected throughout the shipping process. We take this seriously—it's one of the ways we make sure you get real value when you ship your car with us.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for Louisiana shipments. This gives carriers time to bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction, which helps you get the best rate.

Louisiana-specific timing considerations:

Hurricane season (June through November) can delay pickups and deliveries. Carriers may pause operations during active storms or their aftermath. If you're shipping during these months, book earlier—aim for three weeks or more—to account for potential weather disruptions.

Summer heat (June through August) can affect carrier availability. Many drivers reduce their schedules during extreme heat waves to avoid vehicle and equipment damage. Early booking helps secure a spot before carriers fill up.

Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) see increased shipping demand across Louisiana. Book at least three weeks ahead if you're shipping during these windows.

College move seasons (May-June and August-September) create higher demand in areas near LSU, Tulane, and other major universities. If you're shipping near these periods, book early.

Military PCS season (summer months) affects areas near bases like Fort Polk. Carrier availability tightens during peak PCS moves, so schedule further in advance.

The bottom line: Louisiana's weather and seasonal patterns mean carriers fill up faster than in many states. The sooner you schedule, the better your options and rates. Post your shipment as soon as you know your timeline.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our guide on shipping a car with personal items for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle's condition. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport: What's the Difference?

The main difference comes down to protection and cost. Open transport means your car sits on an open trailer exposed to the elements. Enclosed transport puts your vehicle inside a covered trailer.

Open Transport is the more affordable option. Your car travels on a flatbed with other vehicles. It's exposed to weather, dust, and road debris. Most cars ship this way without issues, but there's a small risk of minor damage from weather or debris.

Enclosed Transport costs more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport. Your vehicle rides inside a protective trailer, shielded from weather and road conditions. Choose enclosed transport if you're shipping a classic car, luxury vehicle, or a car with a custom paint job you want to protect.

Which Should You Choose?

If you're shipping a standard daily driver, open transport works well and saves you money. If your vehicle is high-value or irreplaceable, enclosed transport is worth the extra cost for peace of mind.

Since 2012, we've helped thousands of people in Louisiana find the right shipping option for their needs. We're transparent about costs and honest about what each option offers—because your vehicle matters, and you deserve straightforward information.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Louisiana. When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to those locations whenever possible.

Sometimes, transportation restrictions or safety concerns may prevent direct delivery to your exact address. In those cases, your carrier will work with you to find an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot. We believe in being transparent about these possibilities upfront so there are no surprises.

Since 2012, we've worked hard to break the monopoly that large brokers held over car shipping. Our highly rated reviews reflect our commitment to getting you the best value and service for your Louisiana vehicle shipment.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics' FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!