Distance & lane
Routes to California or Washington cover more road than runs toward Chicago or Houston, which typically raises transport costs.
Chattanooga, TN Car Shipping 2026 Costs & Routes
Typical cost to ship a car from Chattanooga$775–$1,300
Shipping to Chattanooga: $775–$1,325
At a glance
- Popular routeLos Angeles is tied for Chattanooga’s most recorded destination at 17 shipments; typical quotes are $1,000–$1,275, with 3–7 days in transit.
- Arriving carsCalifornia is the leading recorded origin for cars arriving in Chattanooga, with 134 shipments on record.
- Vehicle typeOn open transport, an SUV or crossover typically costs $100 more than a sedan; a pickup typically costs $400 more.
- Tennessee ruleTennessee no longer requires emissions testing to title and register an out-of-state car. [TN Revenue]
Prices by vehicle
What it costs to ship your vehicle from Chattanooga
Your vehicle changes the quote: SUVs and pickups tend to cost more than sedans on open transport because they use more trailer space. Enclosed shipping costs more and may suit a high-value vehicle, so compare protection needs as well as price.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / coupe | $1,000 | $1,475 |
| SUV / crossover | $1,100 | Quote on request |
| Pickup truck | $1,400 | Quote on request |
Median customer quote on record for running vehicles leaving Chattanooga, across all routes. Your route and dates set the final price.
Popular routes
Top destinations from Chattanooga
| Destination | Typical range | Quote · transit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles, CA17 shipments on recordTN → CA guide | $1,000–$1,2753–7 days transit | |
| 2 | Riverside, CA17 shipments on recordTN → CA guide | $1,100–$1,4003–7 days transit | |
| 3 | San Diego, CA17 shipments on recordTN → CA guide | $1,150–$1,3003–7 days transit | |
| 4 | Seattle, WA15 shipments on record | $1,250–$1,5253–7 days transit | |
| 5 | Chicago, IL11 shipments on record | $750–$8000–2 days transit | |
| 6 | Phoenix, AZ9 shipments on record | $975–$1,1252–6 days transit | |
| 7 | Sacramento, CA8 shipments on recordTN → CA guide | $1,225–$1,4003–7 days transit | |
| 8 | Houston, TX6 shipments on record | $725–$9501–4 days transit | |
| 9 | Las Vegas, NV6 shipments on record | $1,075–$1,3003–7 days transit | |
| 10 | Naples-Marco Island, FL6 shipments on record | $650–$800 | |
$500$750$1,000$1,250$1,500$1,750 |
Transit is SAKAEM's standard estimate by distance, counted from pickup.
Where Chattanooga cars come from
California is Chattanooga’s leading recorded source of arriving cars, with 134 shipments on record; Florida and Texas also rank among the main origins. The leading origins also include Washington, Oregon, and Colorado, so arrival timing can depend on a long route as well as the final Chattanooga handoff.
- California134
- Florida42
- Texas28
- Washington26
- Oregon19
- Colorado14
Shipments delivered to Chattanooga on record, by origin state.
Reviews
What customers say about shipping with SAKAEM
★★★★★
I had a 5 star experience with SAKAEM! They secured a very reliable transport for 2 cars going from Tennessee to Colorado. All went off on time and without any curve balls.
★★★★★
What stood out the most was the excellent communication from the SAKAEM team. They kept us informed every step of the way, answered all our questions quickly, and made sure we felt supported. The service was smooth, and the drivers were punctual and respectful. Couldn’t have asked for better coordination!
★★★★★
Super fast and efficient delivery! We had a tight deadline, and SAKAEM Logistics not only met it — they beat it. The process was incredibly well-organized, and the team worked quickly without cutting corners. Big thanks to the reliable drivers and staff who made it all happen!
Cost factors
What moves the price of a Chattanooga shipment
Season
Spring brings severe storms and tornado risk, while occasional winter ice in eastern Tennessee and on the Cumberland Plateau can briefly slow deliveries and shift carrier availability.
Vehicle size
SUVs and pickups take more trailer space than sedans, which can raise the quote for a Chattanooga shipment.
Pickup access
Tight streets or gated access around Downtown, North Shore, and other Chattanooga neighborhoods can limit where a carrier can load or unload.
Open vs enclosed
Open transport is the standard lower-cost choice. Enclosed transport costs more and offers added protection for high-value or specialty cars.
Want the full picture? Read our guide to the cost to ship a car.
Save money
5 ways to pay less (and wait less)
Choose an accessible meeting point
If your street in Downtown or North Shore is tight, suggest a roomy alternate pickup spot near I-24 or US-27 before the carrier arrives.
Keep your dates flexible
Allow room in your pickup plans during spring storms or winter ice periods in eastern Tennessee and on the Cumberland Plateau.
Pick the transport that fits
Choose open transport for an everyday vehicle; consider enclosed service for a high-value or specialty car that needs added protection.
Share vehicle details early
Tell SAKAEM the vehicle type, whether it runs, and any access limits so your carrier can plan for your Chattanooga pickup.
Prepare for registration
If you’re moving into Tennessee, gather your title, ID, proof of residency, and lender details if needed before visiting your county clerk.
Getting your car ready? See our vehicle shipping tips.
Moving to Chattanooga
Your Tennessee car checklist
If you’re bringing a car into Tennessee, plan to handle title and registration through your county clerk after it arrives. Keep the state requirements below handy as you prepare.
Title and registration
Apply for a Tennessee title and registration through your county clerk. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your out-of-state title; if a lender holds it, bring your most recent out-of-state registration and the lender’s name and address. [TN Revenue]
Liability coverage
Tennessee requires 25/50/25 liability coverage: $25,000 for each person hurt, $50,000 total for injuries in one crash, and $25,000 for property damage. [TN Revenue]
Emissions testing
Tennessee no longer requires vehicle emissions testing, so an out-of-state car needs no emissions test to be titled and registered. [TN Revenue]
Safety inspection
Tennessee does not require a safety inspection for passenger cars. Bring your title or registration, ID, and proof of residency to the county clerk to register. [TN Revenue]
- County
- Hamilton County, Tennessee
- Main roads
- I-24, I-75, I-59, US-11
- Neighborhoods
- North Shore, Downtown, St. Elmo, Highland Park
- Nearby cities
- Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro
Chattanooga at a glance
Service area
Pickup and delivery in and around Chattanooga
SAKAEM arranges pickup and delivery in North Shore, Downtown, St. Elmo, Highland Park, and Riverview, with access planned around I-24, I-75, I-59, US-11, US-27, and US-41. We also serve nearby Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, and Franklin.
Chattanooga ZIP codes
- 37401
- 37402
- 37403
- 37404
- 37405
- 37406
- 37407
- 37408
- 37409
- 37410
- 37411
- 37412
- 37414
- 37415
- 37416
- 37419
How it works
Shipping your car in four steps
Share your route
Tell us your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle type, whether it runs, and your preferred timing.
Review your quote
Compare an option shaped around your route, vehicle, and open or enclosed transport needs.
Confirm pickup details
Coordinate an accessible meeting point and confirm the pickup plan with your carrier.
Inspect at handoff
Meet the driver to inspect the car and complete paperwork at pickup, then check it again at delivery.
New to auto transport? Here's how to ship a car, step by step.
FAQ
Chattanooga car shipping questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Chattanooga?
For a running vehicle on open transport, Chattanooga outbound quotes typically fall between $775 and $1,300; quotes for shipping into Chattanooga typically fall between $775 and $1,325. These ranges describe the middle half of quotes on record. Your exact route, vehicle, pickup access, and choice of open or enclosed transport shape the quote.
How long does car shipping to or from Chattanooga take?
Among Chattanooga’s recorded routes, Chicago is estimated at 0–2 days on the road, Houston at 1–4 days, and Los Angeles at 3–7 days. Transit starts after pickup; estimates aren’t guarantees. Pickup scheduling comes before that travel time, so plan around your delivery needs and keep the receiving contact available.
Is my car insured during transport?
SAKAEM’s carriers are FMCSA-licensed and insured, and carry at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Carrier coverage is separate from your personal auto policy. Ask your insurer whether your policy applies during transport, and review the carrier’s condition report at pickup and delivery.
Can I pack personal items in the car?
SAKAEM allows up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk, kept below the window line. Avoid packing valuables, fragile items, or anything you need during the move. Keep the cabin clear so the driver can inspect the vehicle and secure it for transport.
Can you ship a car that does not run?
SAKAEM can ship a non-running car if it rolls, brakes, and steers, and you provide a key. Tell us the condition before booking so the carrier can bring suitable equipment and plan the pickup. A car that cannot meet those movement requirements may need another transport plan.
How do I pay for car shipping?
SAKAEM accepts card, or you can pay the carrier by cash or certified check; Zelle and Venmo are accepted too. Confirm your preferred method before pickup and have the agreed payment ready at handoff. If a method needs arranging, settle that with your coordinator before the truck arrives.
Do I need to be present at pickup?
A designated adult must be present at pickup and delivery to inspect the car and sign the Bill of Lading. If you cannot attend, arrange a trusted adult in advance, give them the keys, and make sure they can describe any existing vehicle condition. That keeps the handoff clear at both ends.
Have another question? Browse the full car shipping FAQ.
Get a Chattanooga car shipping quote
Share your route and vehicle details to find a transport option that fits your schedule.
Sources: SAKAEM shipment records on file (October 2026); US Census Bureau (county); [TN Revenue], official state sources, verified 2026-10-01.
Industry Resources: FMCSA Carrier Lookup · U.S. Department of Transportation · SAKAEM Logistics on BBB · NHTSA