New Orleans, LA Car Shipping
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New Orleans, LA Car Shipping
Planning car shipping to or from New Orleans, LA? You’re in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport in the Crescent City—from pricing and timelines to expert tips that save you money. Whether you’re moving across state lines or shipping a vehicle nationwide, we’ll help you navigate the car shipping process with confidence and ease.
Popular Routes from New Orleans, LA
Key Takeaways From This Article
New Orleans, LA Auto Transport
Car shipping from New Orleans typically costs $650-$1,725 and takes 2-6 days depending on your destination, with most routes averaging around 1,435 miles.
Our New Orleans and Louisiana Customers
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise means the quote you receive is the price you pay—if unexpected costs arise, we cover them, not you.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor, but your specific route matters too—New Orleans’ location along I-10, I-55, and I-59 keeps pricing competitive for major highway destinations.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Preparing your vehicle is crucial—clean it, remove personal items, document existing damage with photos, and ensure it has about ¼ tank of gas before the carrier arrives.
How Car Shipping Works
Louisiana requires new residents to register vehicles within 30 days and maintain minimum liability insurance of 15/30/25, with no emissions testing required.
State Insights
Book your New Orleans car shipment 1-2 weeks in advance for the best rates, or 3-4 weeks ahead during peak summer months and end-of-month periods.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 8,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from New Orleans, LA
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
New Orleans
to Los Angeles
|
1,893 mi
|
$1175–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Seattle
|
2,613 mi
|
$1425–1725
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to New York City
|
1,304 mi
|
$1075–1250
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Washington
|
1,084 mi
|
$925–1125
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to San Francisco
|
2,273 mi
|
$1225–1500
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Boston
|
1,524 mi
|
$1125–1375
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to San Diego
|
1,816 mi
|
$1150–1350
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Houston
|
347 mi
|
$650–700
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Baltimore
|
1,122 mi
|
$975–1050
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Dallas
|
507 mi
|
$725–875
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Chicago
|
926 mi
|
$900–1025
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Denver
|
1,299 mi
|
$1250–1325
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to San Jose
|
2,231 mi
|
$1300–1550
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Philadelphia
|
1,224 mi
|
$950–1100
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Sacramento
|
2,232 mi
|
$1125–1375
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 1,356 actual shipments involving New Orleans, here’s how pricing varies by vehicle size and trailer type.
By Vehicle Type
By Trailer Type
Note: Updated 2026 pricing. Prices shown are averages based on actual Sherpa shipments over the last 12 months. Your quote may vary based on specific pickup/delivery locations, vehicle condition, current market demand, and time of year. Get an instant quote for accurate pricing.
Factors that Affect New Orleans, LA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays a major role in your shipping costs. The further your vehicle travels, the more you’ll pay. For example, shipping a car from New Orleans to Houston (about 350 miles) will cost significantly less than shipping to Los Angeles (nearly 2,000 miles). The good news? New Orleans’ central Gulf Coast location keeps many routes reasonably priced.
Route
Your specific route matters just as much as distance. New Orleans sits along major interstates like I-10, I-55, and I-59, which means shipping to and from the city is often more affordable. Routes along these highways have more carrier traffic and easier access. However, if you’re shipping to or from a small coastal town or remote area, expect higher costs due to limited carrier access and extra travel time.
Season
Timing is everything in car shipping. Peak seasons (summer months and early fall) see higher demand and higher prices. Winter tends to be slower and more affordable. In New Orleans, many people ship vehicles during the spring and fall when the weather is ideal. If your schedule is flexible, booking during off-peak times can save you money.
Vehicle Type
The size and weight of your vehicle directly impact your quote. Sedans and compact cars are the cheapest to ship. SUVs, trucks, and larger vehicles cost more because they take up more space on the trailer, add weight (increasing fuel costs), and are harder to load and unload. Some trailers can’t even accommodate oversized vehicles. If you’re shipping a large pickup or SUV to or from New Orleans, expect to pay a premium.
Traffic Patterns
Heavy traffic periods can delay shipments and increase costs. The week before Thanksgiving, spring break, and major holidays see packed highways across the country. If possible, avoid these peak travel times. Scheduling your shipment during quieter periods helps carriers move more efficiently and can reduce your overall cost.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability fluctuates with demand. During peak season, you might wait several weeks for an available carrier, and prices rise accordingly. In the off-season, carriers are more readily available—sometimes within just a few days—and rates are more competitive. Planning ahead and booking early gives you more options and better pricing, especially if you’re shipping during busy months.
Open vs Enclosed
You have two main trailer options: open and enclosed. Open trailers are the standard choice and cost significantly less. They’re perfectly safe for most vehicles and protect against road debris. Enclosed trailers offer complete protection from weather and road conditions, making them ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. For most New Orleans shipments, open transport is the practical and affordable choice.
Population Density
New Orleans’ urban density affects pickup and delivery costs. The French Quarter and downtown areas have narrow streets, limited parking, and heavy traffic, making carrier access difficult. Suburban areas like Metairie, Kenner, or Slidell offer easier access and lower costs. If possible, consider meeting your carrier in a suburb with wide roads and ample space. This simple adjustment can save you money and speed up the process.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing matters when shipping your vehicle. Off-season transport costs significantly less than peak periods like snowbird season. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can lead to substantial savings, as demand drops and carriers offer more competitive rates during slower months.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexible pickup and delivery windows help reduce costs. By choosing a five-day window instead of exact dates, you give carriers more scheduling options. This flexibility allows them to optimize routes and pass savings directly to you, making your car shipment more affordable.
Hub City Advantages
New Orleans sits near major highways, giving you a pricing advantage. Choose pickup locations close to these main routes for better rates and more carrier options. If shipping to rural areas, consider meeting carriers at nearby highway-accessible cities to reduce costs.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work well for most vehicles. They safely transport standard cars while keeping prices down. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-end vehicles needing extra protection from weather and road debris during transport.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from New Orleans, LA Work?
Car shipping from New Orleans, LA is a straightforward process that typically takes 2-6 days to complete. When you book auto transport services, a professional carrier will pick up your vehicle from your specified location in New Orleans and deliver it safely to your destination. The average shipping distance from New Orleans is around 1,435 miles, with costs ranging from $650-$1725 depending on your specific route and vehicle type.
The car shipping process begins with requesting a quote and booking your transport. Next, you’ll prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition. Your assigned carrier will then load your car onto their truck using specialized equipment. New Orleans’ port city location and major highway access via I-10 make it an excellent hub for auto transport, though seasonal weather considerations like hurricane season may affect scheduling.
To ship a car from New Orleans, start by choosing between open or enclosed transport options. Confirm your pickup date and location with your carrier. Ensure your vehicle is clean and photographed for inspection. Finally, review and sign the bill of lading at pickup. Your auto transport company will provide tracking updates throughout the journey until your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
New Orleans, LA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to New Orleans, LA, understanding Louisiana’s vehicle regulations is essential. New residents must register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency and obtain a Louisiana driver’s license [LA OMV]. The state requires liability insurance with minimum coverage of 15/30/25, meaning $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage [LA OMV]. Louisiana operates under a “no pay, no play” law, restricting uninsured drivers from recovering certain damages after accidents [LA Revised Statutes].
Louisiana does not require emissions testing, making auto transport simpler for older vehicles [LA OMV]. However, window tinting laws limit front side windows to 40% visible light transmission, while rear windows can be darker [LA RS 32:361.1]. The humid subtropical climate in New Orleans means winter tires are unnecessary, but consider rust-proofing treatments due to high humidity and occasional flooding. Ensure your vehicle has functioning air conditioning before arrival, as summers are extremely hot and humid.
When using car shipping services to New Orleans, LA, inspect your vehicle thoroughly before and after transport. Document any existing damage with photos. Choose enclosed auto transport for luxury vehicles to protect against weather during transit. Allow extra time for registration appointments, as Louisiana OMV offices can have long wait times, especially in the New Orleans area [LA OMV].
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of New Orleans, Louisiana that we Serve
French Quarter/Central Business District: 70112, 70113, 70116, 70130
Garden District/Uptown: 70115, 70118, 70125, 70128
Mid-City/Gentilly: 70119, 70122, 70124, 70126
Lakeview/Lake Vista: 70124, 70122
Bywater/Marigny: 70117
Algiers/West Bank: 70114, 70131
New Orleans East: 70126, 70127, 70129
Carrollton/Riverbend: 70118, 70115
Treme/Seventh Ward: 70116, 70119
Lower Ninth Ward: 70117
We serves the entire New Orleans region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is home to several major universities, including Tulane University, Loyola University, and the University of New Orleans (UNO). Before shipping a car to campus, students should understand parking requirements. Tulane requires students to register vehicles and purchase annual parking permits, with limited on-campus availability [Tulane Parking Services]. Loyola offers residential parking passes, though spaces are limited and many students opt for off-campus alternatives [Loyola University]. UNO provides more accessible parking with semester permits available for commuters and residents [UNO Parking]. Most student apartments include parking, but dorm residents should verify availability when using car shipping services. New Orleans’ mild winters eliminate the need for snow tires, though hurricane season (June-November) requires preparation [National Weather Service]. Students leaving for extended breaks should confirm their vehicle insurance and roadside assistance coverage remains valid, as some policies have geographic restrictions. When planning auto transport to New Orleans, coordinate delivery timing with your university’s move-in schedule to ensure smooth campus access.
Military Car Shipping in New Orleans, LA
The primary military installation near New Orleans is the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (NAS JRB), located in Belle Chasse, approximately 10 miles south of downtown [Navy.mil]. Military personnel should be aware that base access requires a valid military ID or base pass, and all vehicles must be registered with the Installation Access Control System within 30 days of arrival [Navy.mil]. Most personnel living on base have designated parking near their quarters, though availability varies by housing type. For those deploying or taking extended leave, coordinate with your unit regarding long-term vehicle storage options, as unauthorized vehicles may be towed [Navy.mil]. Given New Orleans’ subtropical climate, snow tires aren’t necessary, but consider comprehensive insurance coverage for hurricane season flooding risks [NOAA]. Verify your roadside assistance coverage extends to Louisiana before arrival [DMV].
New Orleans, LA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from New Orleans is simple. Follow these key steps:
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos. This helps with the inspection process.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and loose items. Carriers are not insured for personal property, and extra weight can incur fees.
Check for leaks and mechanical issues: Ensure your vehicle runs properly. Fix any fluid leaks and make sure the battery is charged. The gas tank should be about ¼ full.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off custom antennas, spoilers, bike racks, and other exterior add-ons that could be damaged during transit.
Disable alarms: Turn off your car alarm to avoid issues during transport.
Provide a key: Have a working key ready for the driver at pickup and delivery.
For complete preparation guidelines, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. These simple steps will ensure a smooth pickup from New Orleans and safe delivery to your destination.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from New Orleans, LA. All carriers in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment begins, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is valid and active. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy for added protection.
This means your vehicle is covered from pickup in New Orleans through delivery to your destination. You’ll receive a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before transport begins, giving you peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
We recommend scheduling your car shipment from New Orleans at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best rates and more carrier options.
Here’s why advance notice helps:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading the same direction
- More flexibility: You’ll have more pickup date options that work with your schedule
- Peak season planning: During busy times (summer months and end of month), booking 3-4 weeks ahead is ideal
Need to ship on short notice? We can often arrange pickup within 2-5 days, though expedited service may cost more. Contact us as soon as you know your moving dates, and we’ll work to find the best solution for your timeline and budget.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. 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.
Open auto transport uses open-air trailers that carry multiple vehicles at once. Your car is exposed to weather and road elements during transit. This is the most common and affordable shipping method, typically costing 40-60% less than enclosed transport.
Enclosed auto transport uses fully covered trailers that protect your vehicle from weather, road debris, and dust. This premium option is ideal for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any car with custom paint or modifications.
For most standard vehicles shipping to or from New Orleans, open transport works perfectly fine. However, if you’re transporting a high-value or collector vehicle, the extra cost of enclosed transport provides valuable peace of mind and protection.
Learn more in our detailed open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service for all New Orleans shipments. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home, business, or any address you choose and deliver it directly to your destination.
How it works: When you book, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will come to you—no need to drive to a terminal or drop-off location.
Important note for New Orleans residents: While we strive to reach every address, some locations may have restrictions. Narrow streets in the French Quarter, low-hanging trees in Garden District neighborhoods, or tight residential areas may prevent large car carriers from accessing your exact address. If this happens, our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a parking lot or gas station—usually just a few blocks away.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. It’s our most popular option and is included in your quote at no extra charge.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!