Distance & lane
A Nashville move to California or Washington covers more ground than a Texas run. Distance and carrier availability on that lane both affect the quote.
Nashville, TN Car Shipping 2026 Costs & Routes
Typical cost to ship a car from Nashville$750–$1,175
Shipping to Nashville: $800–$1,250
At a glance
- Popular outbound laneNashville-to-Los Angeles is the busiest listed lane: 190 shipments on record, a typical $1,025–$1,250 quote, and 3–7 days on the road.
- Where arrivals startCalifornia leads arrivals to Nashville, with 947 shipments on record; Florida and Texas are also top origins.
- Vehicle size mattersFor Nashville open transport, an SUV or crossover typically costs $125 more than a sedan.
- Tennessee emissions ruleAn out-of-state car needs no emissions test to be titled and registered in Tennessee [TN Revenue].
Prices by vehicle
What it costs to ship your vehicle from Nashville
Larger vehicles tend to cost more to move, and enclosed transport is a step up from open transport. Use your vehicle’s size and protection needs to compare the options in the price table.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / coupe | $900 | $1,475 |
| SUV / crossover | $1,025 | $1,575 |
| Pickup truck | $1,225 | Quote on request |
| Van / minivan | $1,050 | Quote on request |
Median customer quote on record for running vehicles leaving Nashville, across all routes. Your route and dates set the final price.
Popular routes
Top destinations from Nashville
| Destination | Typical range | Quote · transit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles, CA190 shipments on recordTN → CA guide | $1,025–$1,2503–7 days transit | |
| 2 | Seattle, WA83 shipments on record | $1,175–$1,4503–7 days transit | |
| 3 | Phoenix, AZ79 shipments on record | $1,000–$1,2252–6 days transit | |
| 4 | San Diego, CA65 shipments on recordTN → CA guide | $1,025–$1,2253–7 days transit | |
| 5 | Miami, FL60 shipments on record | $675–$9001–4 days transit | |
| 6 | New York, NY59 shipments on record | $800–$1,0251–4 days transit | |
| 7 | San Francisco, CA57 shipments on recordTN → CA guide | $1,100–$1,3003–7 days transit | |
| 8 | Houston, TX55 shipments on record | $750–$9000–3 days transit | |
| 9 | Dallas, TX44 shipments on record | $675–$7750–3 days transit | |
| 10 | Riverside, CA42 shipments on recordTN → CA guide | $1,050–$1,3003–7 days transit | |
$500$750$1,000$1,250$1,500 |
Transit is SAKAEM's standard estimate by distance, counted from pickup.
Where Nashville cars come from
Cars arriving in Nashville most often come from California, Florida and Texas; Washington, Arizona and New York are also major origin states on record. This mix includes cross-country hauls as well as closer routes, so the pickup state helps shape your delivery timeline.
- California947
- Florida235
- Texas154
- Washington136
- Arizona113
- New York97
Shipments delivered to Nashville on record, by origin state.
Reviews
What customers say about shipping with SAKAEM
★★★★★
I had my vehicle moved from Houston to Nashville TN by Sakeem. it was enclosed transport. they were very responsive, easy to work with and quickest delivery. they delivered my car with care. thank you Sakeem.
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
The customer service at SAKAEM is exceptional. They took the time to understand our needs and made sure every detail was covered. The whole experience was seamless from start to finish. Thank you!
Cost factors
What moves the price of a Nashville shipment
Season
Spring storms and tornado risk, plus occasional winter ice in eastern Tennessee and on the Cumberland Plateau, can briefly slow deliveries and shift carrier timing.
Vehicle size
Larger vehicles take up more trailer space than sedans, so SUVs, vans and pickups tend to raise the quote.
Pickup access
If a pickup in Downtown, The Gulch or another tight Nashville location is hard for a carrier truck to reach, the driver may need a nearby handoff point.
Open vs enclosed
Enclosed transport uses a different trailer and adds protection, so it costs more than open transport. It can suit high-value cars that need extra care.
Save money
5 ways to pay less (and wait less)
Choose an accessible handoff
For a tight pickup street in Downtown or The Gulch, arrange an accessible handoff near I-24 or I-40 and confirm the truck can reach it.
Leave room for spring weather
Build flexibility into a Nashville spring pickup; severe storms can disrupt carrier plans, so avoid setting a single rigid handoff time.
Match transport to the car
Choose open transport for a standard daily driver; reserve enclosed transport for a high-value or delicate car that needs added protection.
Share vehicle details early
Give the carrier the exact model, dimensions, modifications and running condition before quote approval to help prevent a mismatch at pickup.
Confirm who can release the car
If your car is coming from California, Florida or Texas, confirm the origin address and the person releasing it before booking.
Getting your car ready? See our vehicle shipping tips.
Moving to Nashville
Your Tennessee car checklist
Shipping gets your car to Tennessee; if you’re bringing it from another state, plan for the title and registration steps after arrival. Here’s what to bring for your county clerk visit.
Apply for a Tennessee title and registration
Bring proof of identity and residency plus your out-of-state title. If a lender holds it, bring your latest out-of-state registration and the lender’s name and address. [TN Revenue]
Meet liability insurance minimums
Tennessee requires 25/50/25 coverage: $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total for injuries in one crash, and $25,000 for property damage. [TN Revenue]
No emissions test required
Tennessee no longer requires emissions testing; an out-of-state car needs no emissions test for title and registration. [TN Revenue]
No passenger-car safety inspection
Passenger cars need no safety inspection. For registration, bring your title or registration, ID and proof of residency to the county clerk. [TN Revenue]
- County
- Davidson County, Tennessee
- Main roads
- I-24, I-40, I-65, I-440
- Neighborhoods
- 12South, Downtown, East Nashville, Germantown
- Nearby cities
- Memphis, Knoxville, Clarksville, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro
Nashville at a glance
Service area
Pickup and delivery in and around Nashville
SAKAEM serves Nashville pickup and delivery in 12South, Downtown, East Nashville, Germantown, The Gulch and The Nations, with access along I-24, I-40, I-65, I-440, US-31 and US-31A. We also serve nearby Memphis, Knoxville, Clarksville, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro and Franklin.
Nashville ZIP codes
- 37201
- 37202
- 37203
- 37204
- 37205
- 37206
- 37207
- 37208
- 37209
- 37210
- 37211
- 37212
- 37213
- 37214
- 37215
- 37216
How it works
Shipping your car in four steps
Share your route
Provide your Nashville pickup or delivery details, vehicle type, condition and preferred dates so SAKAEM can price the move.
Review your options
Compare open or enclosed transport and confirm the pickup plan for your Nashville address or a nearby truck-friendly location.
Book the carrier
Once you approve the quote, SAKAEM coordinates the carrier assignment and shares pickup details.
Receive your car
Follow the agreed delivery plan and check the vehicle when it arrives.
New to auto transport? Here's how to ship a car, step by step.
FAQ
Nashville car shipping questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Nashville?
Nashville outbound quotes for a running vehicle on open transport typically fall between $750–$1,175, while inbound quotes are typically $800–$1,250. Those ranges cover the middle half of quotes on record, not every route. Distance, vehicle size, pickup access, season and transport type all affect your final quote.
How long does car shipping to or from Nashville take?
For the busiest listed Nashville destination, Los Angeles, the typical road estimate is 3–7 days; Phoenix is 2–6 days. Houston and Dallas are listed at 0–3 days, while Miami and New York are 1–4 days. Transit starts after pickup, and these estimates aren’t guarantees.
Is my car insured during transport?
SAKAEM uses FMCSA-licensed and insured carriers. Each carrier carries at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Coverage terms can depend on the shipment, so review the carrier’s documents and record the car’s condition during the pickup inspection.
Can I put personal items in the car?
You may place up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or below the window line. Keep items secured and don’t load above the windows. Remove valuables and fragile belongings, and mention them before pickup so the carrier can confirm loading terms. Hawaii ocean shipments don’t allow personal items.
Can you ship a non-running car?
Yes. SAKAEM can ship a non-running vehicle if it rolls, brakes and steers, and you provide a key. Tell us its condition before booking so the carrier can plan appropriate loading equipment. If it cannot roll, brake or steer, ask before requesting a quote.
How do I pay for car shipping?
You can pay by card, or pay the carrier by cash or certified check; Zelle and Venmo are also accepted. Confirm your preferred method before pickup, and keep payment details clear with the carrier so there is no confusion at handoff.
Do I need to be present when the car is picked up?
Yes. 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 another adult who can review the vehicle with the carrier, note its condition and complete the paperwork at both ends.
Have another question? Browse the full car shipping FAQ.
Get a Nashville car shipping quote
Share your route, vehicle and timing, and SAKAEM will help you compare a practical transport option for your move.
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