New Orleans, LA Car Shipping
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New Orleans, LA Car Shipping
Planning to move your vehicle to or from the Big Easy? Car shipping in New Orleans, LA doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Whether you’re relocating across the country or buying a car out of state, finding reliable auto transport is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about New Orleans car shipping – from accurate pricing to delivery times and expert tips for a smooth experience.
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 excellent highway access via I-10, I-55, and I-12 keeping rates competitive.
Our New Orleans and Louisiana Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and transparent pricing that protects you from hidden fees that other companies often add later.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for New Orleans car shipping, but the city’s major port and highway access means better rates than remote areas – just avoid peak summer season and hurricane periods for the best deals.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your New Orleans car shipment 2-3 weeks in advance for the best rates, choose flexible pickup windows, and consider meeting carriers in highway-accessible areas like Metairie to save money.
How Car Shipping Works
The car shipping process involves getting a quote, preparing your vehicle by removing personal items and keeping gas under 1/4 tank, then coordinating pickup with inspection and secure loading onto the transport carrier.
State Insights
New Orleans’ narrow historic streets may require pickup outside the French Quarter, and Louisiana’s humid climate and hurricane season can impact timing, so flexibility helps ensure smooth auto transport.
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 7,000 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
|
1,894 mi
|
$1150–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to San Francisco
|
2,237 mi
|
$1250–1525
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Seattle
|
2,587 mi
|
$1375–1725
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Washington
|
1,084 mi
|
$875–1075
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Boston
|
1,524 mi
|
$1125–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to New York City
|
1,304 mi
|
$1050–1250
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to San Diego
|
1,816 mi
|
$1175–1425
|
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
|
$975–1025
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Dallas
|
507 mi
|
$675–900
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Sacramento
|
2,232 mi
|
$1125–1375
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Rome
|
469 mi
|
$650–700
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Denver
|
1,299 mi
|
$1150–1300
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Vineland
|
1,223 mi
|
$950–1075
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
New Orleans
to Portland
|
2,523 mi
|
$1725–2025
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Factors that Affect New Orleans, LA Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays the biggest role in your car shipping cost to or from New Orleans. Shipping across the country costs much more than moving within Louisiana or to nearby states like Texas or Mississippi. The good news? New Orleans sits on major shipping routes, so you’ll find competitive rates for most destinations.
Route
New Orleans benefits from excellent highway access via I-10, I-55, and I-12. This means lower costs compared to remote areas. Shipping along major corridors like New Orleans to Houston, Atlanta, or Florida typically costs less than routes to smaller towns or rural areas that require carriers to go off main highways.
Season
Summer and early fall are peak moving seasons in New Orleans, driving up car shipping prices. Winter months (December-February) often offer the best rates. Hurricane season can also affect pricing and availability, so plan ahead if shipping during these months.
Vehicle Type
Standard cars cost the least to ship from New Orleans. Large SUVs, pickup trucks, and oversized vehicles cost 20-40% more due to their weight and size. They take up more trailer space and use more fuel. Luxury or modified vehicles may need special handling, increasing costs.
Traffic Patterns
Avoid shipping during major holidays like Thanksgiving week or the days before Mardi Gras when traffic is heaviest. Summer vacation periods also see increased demand. Flexible timing can save you money and reduce delays.
Carrier Availability
New Orleans has good carrier availability year-round due to its major port and highway access. During peak season, book 2-3 weeks ahead. Off-season bookings can often be arranged within a week. Last-minute bookings always cost more.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport costs 30-50% less than enclosed shipping from New Orleans. Most cars ship safely on open carriers. Choose enclosed transport for luxury vehicles, classics, or if shipping during severe weather seasons. The humid climate makes enclosed shipping worth considering for high-end cars.
Population Density
New Orleans’ urban core can add delivery costs due to narrow streets and limited truck access. Consider meeting your carrier in suburban areas like Metairie or Kenner for potential savings. Rural Louisiana destinations may cost more due to limited carrier routes.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season when rates spike. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can result in significant cost savings.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery gives them scheduling flexibility, which translates to lower rates for you.
Hub City Advantages
Pick locations near major highways in New Orleans for better rates. Highway-accessible spots offer more carrier options and competitive pricing. Consider nearby highway cities if shipping to rural destinations.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Choose open transport for regular cars to save money. Reserve enclosed trailers only for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from New Orleans, LA Work?
Car shipping from New Orleans, LA follows a straightforward process that typically takes 2-6 days depending on your destination. The average distance for routes from New Orleans is about 1,429 miles, with pricing ranging from $650-$1725 based on distance, vehicle type, and transport method. Auto transport begins with booking your shipment and scheduling pickup at your preferred location in New Orleans.
New Orleans presents unique considerations for car shipping due to its busy port activity and narrow historic streets in certain areas. Carriers may need to arrange pickup locations outside the French Quarter or other restricted zones. The process involves vehicle inspection, secure loading onto the transport carrier, real-time tracking during transit, and final delivery with another thorough inspection. Weather conditions along the Gulf Coast can occasionally impact timing, so flexibility helps ensure smooth auto transport.
To ship your car to or from New Orleans, LA, start by getting a quote and booking your service. Prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition. Our team coordinates pickup scheduling, handles all logistics during transport, and ensures safe delivery to your destination. This reliable car shipping process makes relocating or purchasing vehicles across the country simple and stress-free.
New Orleans, LA Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to New Orleans, LA, understanding Louisiana’s unique vehicle requirements is essential. The state requires vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency, with fees ranging from $20-68 depending on vehicle weight [LA OMV]. Louisiana does not require emissions testing, making auto transport easier for older vehicles. However, the state has specific regulations on window tinting – front side windows must allow at least 40% light transmission, while rear windows can be darker [LA OMV].
New Orleans’ subtropical climate presents unique challenges for vehicle owners. Unlike northern states, winter tires aren’t necessary, but consider all-season tires for occasional cold snaps. The high humidity and frequent rain make rust protection and quality windshield wipers essential. Parking can be challenging in the French Quarter, where narrow streets and limited spaces are common concerns for auto transport delivery.
Louisiana follows a “fault” insurance system, requiring minimum liability coverage of 15/30/25 ($15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage) [LA Department of Insurance]. Comprehensive coverage is highly recommended due to frequent severe weather, including hurricanes and flooding. When arranging car shipping to New Orleans, LA, ensure your transport company understands local delivery restrictions in historic districts and can navigate the city’s unique street layout.
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
New Orleans Metro Area Auto Transport Coverage
French Quarter/Central Business District: 70112, 70113, 70116, 70130
Uptown/Garden District: 70115, 70118, 70125
Mid-City/Bayou St. John: 70119, 70124
Marigny/Bywater: 70117
Algiers: 70114
New Orleans East: 70126, 70127, 70129
Gentilly: 70122
Lakeview/Lakefront: 70124
Carrollton/Riverbend: 70118
Metairie (Jefferson Parish): 70001, 70002, 70003, 70005, 70006
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 universities present unique considerations for students planning car transport to the area. At Tulane University, parking permits are required and cost approximately $400-600 annually, with limited on-campus availability making early registration essential [Tulane Parking Services]. Loyola University offers similar permit-based parking with rates around $350-500 per year [Loyola Transportation]. Most student housing doesn’t include guaranteed parking, so securing a spot should be arranged before shipping a car to New Orleans.
Students should prepare for New Orleans’ subtropical climate – no snow tires needed, but consider flood insurance during hurricane season. Many universities offer winter break storage options for a fee. Before using car shipping services to transport your vehicle, verify your insurance coverage extends to Louisiana and confirm roadside assistance availability in the New Orleans, LA area [Louisiana DMV].
New Orleans, LA Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from New Orleans, LA is simple but important. First, remove all personal items from inside your car, including toll tags like Geaux Pass devices. Take out any loose accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or custom antennas that could get damaged during transit.
Make sure your car has less than a quarter tank of gas – this keeps the weight down and meets safety rules. Clean your vehicle inside and out so you can easily spot any damage during inspection. Have a spare key ready for the driver, and make sure your car battery is charged and tires are properly inflated.
Document your car’s condition with photos before pickup. This helps protect you if any issues arise. Finally, disable your car alarm to prevent it from going off during transport.
For a complete checklist and more detailed tips, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will ensure smooth pickup and delivery of your vehicle from New Orleans.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from New Orleans, LA. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
We take extra steps to protect you:
- We verify each carrier’s insurance is active and valid
- Insurance coverage stays in effect for your entire shipment
- Sherpa is listed as a Certificate Holder on all carrier policies
- This gives you added protection beyond the carrier’s standard coverage
Whether you’re shipping from the French Quarter or anywhere else in New Orleans, your vehicle is covered from pickup to delivery. Our insurance requirements exceed industry standards to give you peace of mind during transport.
We recommend booking your car shipping service from New Orleans, LA at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and preferred pickup dates.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle shipments
- More availability: Popular dates fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons
- Less stress: You’ll have time to prepare your vehicle and paperwork
If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping options with as little as 3-5 days notice. However, rush orders typically cost more and have limited carrier availability.
Peak season tip: During summer months and holidays, book 3-4 weeks ahead when possible. New Orleans is a busy shipping hub, so early planning ensures smooth transport.
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 uncovered trailers that expose your car to weather and road debris. It’s the most popular choice because it costs less and works well for most everyday vehicles.
Enclosed auto transport uses covered trailers that fully protect your car from weather, dust, and debris. This option costs 40-60% more than open transport but is worth it for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.
For most New Orleans residents shipping standard cars, open transport offers great value. However, if you’re moving a high-value vehicle or want maximum protection from Louisiana’s humid weather and road conditions, enclosed transport is the safer choice.
Learn more in our detailed open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service to and from New Orleans, LA. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or any address you choose and deliver it directly to your destination.
When you book with Sherpa Auto Transport, simply provide us with your pickup and delivery addresses. Our experienced carriers will come right to your location in New Orleans – whether that’s in the French Quarter, Uptown, or anywhere in the metro area.
In some cases, large car carriers may not be able to access certain streets due to:
- Low-hanging tree branches
- Narrow residential streets
- Height restrictions
- Parking limitations
If this happens, don’t worry. Our carrier will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station. This is still considered door-to-door service since we handle all the coordination for you.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle compared to terminal-to-terminal shipping, where you’d need to drop off and pick up your car at specific facilities.
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!