California to Tennessee Car Shipping (2026)
Shipping your vehicle from a coast-to-coast route like California to Tennessee often costs between $1,536 and $2,437. Delivery typically takes around 4-12 days.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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At FreightWaves, our goal is simple: provide accurate, unbiased information and honest reviews about car shipping companies so you can make confident decisions.
Using our proprietary rating methodology, we’ve evaluated more than 2,400 auto transport providers across the United States. We look closely at pricing transparency, service offerings, coverage areas, and overall customer satisfaction. We also analyze verified customer feedback to surface recurring strengths and common complaints.
Our editorial team carefully reviews and updates every piece of content to ensure it stays current, factual, and genuinely helpful for readers researching car shipping.
Cost of Shipping a Car From CA to TN
The cost to ship a car from California to Tennessee typically falls between $1,536 and $2,437 for a cross-country move. Final pricing depends on fuel costs, seasonal demand, trailer type, and how flexible your pickup and delivery windows are.
Pro tip: Book your car shipment 6-8 weeks in advance for the best rates. That gives carriers time to plan efficient routes and avoid rush pricing. Use our free cost calculator tool below to see what your move might cost.
Best California to Tennessee Car Shippers
Here are the top car shipping companies:
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport started after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car. Unlike most of the auto transport industry, the company is deeply customer focused and prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise and free car wash at delivery are just a few reasons the company is raising the customer service bar when it comes to auto shipping.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company’s transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a highly-rated car shipping broker that works with more than 25,000 carriers to transport vehicles. They offer long-distance car shipping to 49 states. With the exception of Hawaii, all services are door-to-door and you can choose from open or enclosed shipping options. Get free quotes online in minutes and book an exact pick-up date for a seamless vehicle move.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Top Local CA-TN Car Shippers
These are the best local car shipping companies in California:
King Of The Road Transport Inc
King Of The Road Transport Inc (DOT: DOT#2248724) is a versatile car shipping company known for its reliability and fully insured services. They provide a wide array of options including enclosed transport, motorcycle shipping, and special transport for electric vehicles, classic cars, and even inoperable cars. The company is distinguished by its A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, though it has yet to establish strong ratings on Yelp and Google, with the latter not available at all.
Customers can benefit from various discounts such as those for seniors, teachers, and students. While they offer expedited delivery, one downside is that they do not provide a damage-free guarantee, which might be a concern for some customers seeking peace of mind. Additionally, they do not accept cryptocurrency or provide terminal-to-terminal delivery services.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Teacher Discount
- Senior Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Auto Express Inc.
Auto Express Inc. (DOT: 3428899) is a reputable car shipping company that excels in delivering a wide range of transport services, including boat, motorcycle, trailer, RV, and electric vehicle shipping. They also cater to inoperable cars, making them a versatile choice for various shipping needs. This company has garnered impressive customer feedback with a 4.6 Yelp rating, a stellar 4.9 Google rating, and an A+ from the Better Business Bureau.
Customers can take advantage of options like international shipping and both open and enclosed transport solutions. However, customers seeking a damage-free guarantee may be disappointed, as this is not offered by Auto Express Inc. Despite this, their comprehensive array of services and outstanding ratings make them a trusted name in the auto shipping industry.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
A To Z Auto Shipping
A To Z Auto Shipping (DOT: 675504) is a versatile car shipping company known for offering a wide range of transportation services, including classic car shipping, motorcycle transport, and handling inoperable vehicles. They have received favorable reviews with a 4.6 rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although their Yelp rating is slightly lower at 3.6.
The company is fully insured and provides both open and enclosed transport options, catering to a variety of customer needs. While they offer a military discount, they do not provide a damage-free guarantee, which may be a downside for some customers.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc.
McCollister’s Transportation Group,Inc. (DOT: 289344) provides a variety of specialized car shipping services, such as classic car shipping, enclosed transport, and heavy equipment shipping. They ensure peace of mind with their damage-free guarantee and offer fully insured services, while also supporting both interstate and international shipping needs.
Customers can expect reliable service with a Google rating of 4.2, despite a slightly lower Yelp rating of 3.2, and a commendable BBB rating of A+. However, the company does not offer transport for inoperable cars, which may be a limitation for some clients.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.
ABC Auto Shipping, Inc. (DOT: 2340626) is a versatile car shipping company known for its wide range of services. They offer specialized shipping for classic cars, expedited delivery, motorcycle shipping, and trailer shipping. Customers can also benefit from discounts tailored for seniors, teachers, students, and military personnel. Despite the company’s high Yelp rating of 4.7 and an excellent BBB rating of A+, it has yet to establish ratings on Google.
One of the company’s significant commitments is the damage-free guarantee, ensuring peace of mind during transport. However, they do not handle inoperable car transport, which might be a limitation for some customers. While fully insured services are not available, they compensate by offering shipment tracking and detailed inspection reports.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Teacher Discount
- Senior Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Law Enforcement Discount
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Review our full guide to top car shippers servicing California residents, or discover the strongest choices for car shipping from California to Tennessee.
Car Shipping Methods
Most drivers moving a car from California to Tennessee choose between open and enclosed transport. Open carriers are the popular, more affordable choice, whereas enclosed trailers come at a higher price and provide extra protection for luxury and antique cars.
Open Transport
Open carriers handle the majority of car shipments and offer the most competitive pricing. For a move from California to Tennessee, transit time is often about 4 days. Costs may rise during peak moving seasons or for oversized or specialty vehicles.
Enclosed Transport
For maximum protection, enclosed transport keeps your vehicle inside a covered trailer throughout the trip. From California to Tennessee, delivery often takes roughly 12 days. Expect to pay more due to the added security and specialized handling.
Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company
The company you choose matters more than you think. For a successful California to Tennessee shipment, look at factors like:
- Prior route experience: Prioritize shippers that know the California to Tennessee route well and operate it often.
- Customer reviews and service: Check reviews to see how past customers rated their experience, especially when it comes to communication, problem resolution, and overall support.
- Pricing and transparency: Get multiple estimates and make sure fees, deposits, and delivery windows are clearly explained. Extremely low offers can sometimes signal the need to think about avoiding car shipping scams.
- Licensing and insurance: Before booking, verify licensing details and insurance coverage using the FMCSA license lookup database.
- Pickup and delivery flexibility: Understanding scheduling flexibility can help you avoid delays and unexpected fees.
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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FAQ
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Tennessee?
Cross-country deliveries from California to Tennessee can span 4 to 12 days. Top auto shippers will provide a window and notify you if it changes.
How much should I budget to ship a vehicle from California to Tennessee?
Most drivers pay between $1,536-$2,437 to ship a vehicle from California to Tennessee. Costs can increase for larger vehicles, expedited shipping, or enclosed trailers.
Where can I get an accurate car shipping quote from California to Tennessee?
For a quick and reliable estimate, use our car shipping calculator tool. After entering your route and vehicle information, you’ll receive an estimate based on current market data for shipments between California and Tennessee.
Is my car insured during a shipment from California to Tennessee?
Your car is insured through the carrier, but for longer routes or classic vehicles, additional protection might be a good idea. Check with your insurer about options.
How do I prepare my car for shipping?
For long-distance routes like California to Tennessee, remove toll tags, disable alarms, and document your car’s condition. Some states may have inspection or emissions requirements, so review rules for both California and Tennessee before pickup.
How will I pick up my car in Tennessee?
Confirm your car’s condition matches the paperwork after delivery. If something seems off, record it immediately. A post-transport checkup can be a smart move after a lengthy haul.
Why Ship a Car From California to Tennessee?
At 2,159 miles, the drive from California to Tennessee can be exhausting. Car shipping offers a safer, more cost-effective alternative — no hotel bills or fuel stops needed.
California Relocation Resources
- Car Shipping Calculator
- Best Car Shipping Companies in California
- Cheapest Car Shipping Companies
- Military Car Shipping Companies
- Best California Moving Companies
Shipping the reverse route? Check out our Tennessee to California car shipping guide
