Tennessee 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 Tennessee is straightforward. Start by removing any toll transponders, like those used for E-ZPass or other toll systems, since these can be damaged or lost during shipping. Also remove any interior items like GPS devices, phone chargers, or personal belongings.

Check your vehicle's condition before shipping. Make sure you have a spare key available for the carrier to use if needed. Remove or secure any exterior accessories such as roof racks, spoilers, or bike racks that could be damaged or create wind resistance during transport.

Since Tennessee experiences variable weather—from hot summers to cold winters—inspect your tires for proper inflation, as pressure changes during transport. If you've recently driven on salted winter roads in East Tennessee's higher elevations, rinse off any road salt residue from the undercarriage to prevent corrosion damage during the shipping process.

Finally, make sure your battery is in good condition and your fuel tank is no more than a quarter full. This reduces weight and lowers the risk of leaks during transit. For more detailed guidance, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship it with us. All carriers we work with are required to 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 valid and active for the duration of your transport.

This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process. We take this seriously because we've been helping people ship vehicles since 2012, and we know how important it is to have peace of mind when your car is on the road.

We recommend booking your car shipment at least two to three weeks in advance in Tennessee. This gives carriers time to bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction, which helps keep costs down.

Tennessee-specific timing considerations:

Winter weather (December-February): Tennessee gets ice storms and occasional snow, especially in the mountains and northern regions. These conditions can cause delays and reduce carrier availability. If you're shipping during winter months, book even earlier—three to four weeks out—to ensure pickup before bad weather hits.

Summer heat (June-August): Hot temperatures can strain carrier schedules, especially for long-haul routes. Carriers may run fewer trips during peak summer heat. Aim for three weeks of lead time during these months.

College season (August and May): Tennessee has major universities like Vanderbilt, University of Tennessee, and Belmont. August move-in and May move-out create high demand for car shipping. Book four weeks in advance if shipping during these periods.

Holiday periods (November-December and late December-early January): Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays reduce carrier availability. Plan ahead with three to four weeks' notice.

The bottom line: Post your shipment as soon as you know your moving date. The sooner you list it, the better your chances of finding a carrier quickly and at a competitive rate. Tennessee is a mid-demand state for carriers, so you won't face the extreme lead times of rural states, but early booking still pays off.

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 transport is the most common and affordable way to ship a car. Your vehicle rides on an open trailer with other cars, exposed to the weather and road debris. It's a reliable option for most vehicles and everyday drivers.

Enclosed transport protects your car inside a covered trailer. Your vehicle stays shielded from weather, dirt, and debris during transit. This option costs more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open transport—but it's worth considering if you have a classic car, luxury vehicle, or custom paint job you want to protect.

How to choose: Pick open transport if you want to save money and your car can handle standard road conditions. Choose enclosed transport if your vehicle is high-value, rare, or you simply want extra peace of mind. Both options get your car to Tennessee safely.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Tennessee. When you book with us, tell us where you want your vehicle picked up and where you want it delivered. Our carriers will do their best to pick up and drop off at those exact locations.

Sometimes, pickup or delivery at a specific address isn't possible due to road restrictions, narrow streets, or safety concerns. When that happens, our carrier will work with you to find a nearby alternative—like a local gas station or parking lot—that works for everyone.

This is what door-to-door service means: we get your car as close to your preferred location as we safely can. It's one of the reasons people trust Sakaem Logistics for their vehicle shipping needs.

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!