St. Louis, MO Car Shipping
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St. Louis, MO Car Shipping
Looking for reliable car shipping in St. Louis, MO? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re moving across the country or buying a vehicle online, auto transport doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your car to or from St. Louis—from pricing and timelines to expert tips that save you money and hassle.
Popular Routes from St. Louis, MO
Key Takeaways From This Article
St. Louis, MO Auto Transport
Shipping from St. Louis, MO typically costs $750-$1,450 and takes 2-6 days, with prices varying based on distance, vehicle size, and trailer type.
Our St. Louis and Missouri Customers
Sherpa customers in St. Louis and Missouri benefit from our Price Lock Promise, transparent pricing, and a 4.87 average rating from over 8,000 reviews.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor—longer routes cost more overall but offer better per-mile rates, while St. Louis’s central location and highway access keep prices competitive.
Tips and Tricks to Save
The most important step is preparing your vehicle properly: remove personal items, document condition with photos, ensure proper fluid levels, and disable alarms before pickup.
How Car Shipping Works
Missouri requires new residents to register vehicles within 30 days and complete safety inspections, while St. Louis City and County mandate emissions testing before registration.
State Insights
Booking 1-2 weeks in advance gives you more carrier options and better rates, though expedited shipping with 1-5 day pickup is available for urgent needs.
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 St. Louis, MO
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
St. Louis
to Los Angeles
|
1,827 mi
|
$1025–1200
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to Phoenix
|
1,458 mi
|
$1000–1175
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to Seattle
|
2,084 mi
|
$1200–1450
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to San Francisco
|
2,054 mi
|
$1075–1275
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to Miami
|
1,218 mi
|
$825–1025
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to Houston
|
778 mi
|
$750–925
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to New York City
|
953 mi
|
$850–1075
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to Dallas
|
631 mi
|
$775–850
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to San Diego
|
1,811 mi
|
$1025–1225
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to San Jose
|
2,086 mi
|
$1075–1300
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to Portland
|
2,046 mi
|
$1225–1625
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to Tampa
|
1,009 mi
|
$900–1050
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to Boston
|
1,191 mi
|
$950–1100
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to Atlanta
|
554 mi
|
$675–750
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
St. Louis
to Washington
|
815 mi
|
$800–900
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 2,933 actual shipments involving St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO 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 from St. Louis to a nearby state like Kansas will cost significantly less than shipping to California or Florida. However, longer distances often have better per-mile rates, so cross-country moves may offer better value than you’d expect.
Route
Your route matters just as much as the distance. St. Louis sits at a major transportation crossroads with easy access to I-70, I-55, and I-44. This prime location means shipping to and from St. Louis is often more affordable than remote areas. Routes along major highways cost less because carriers travel them regularly. If you’re in a rural area outside St. Louis, expect slightly higher costs than locations right in the metro area.
Season
Timing your shipment can save you money. Summer months (May through September) are peak season, when demand and prices rise. Snowbirds heading to warmer states in fall and returning in spring also drive up costs. Winter typically offers the best rates, though weather can cause delays. If you have flexibility, shipping during off-peak months can reduce your costs by 10-30%.
Vehicle Type
What you’re shipping affects the price. Standard sedans are the most affordable to transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans cost more because they take up more space on the trailer, add extra weight (increasing fuel costs), and are harder to load and unload. Some trailers can’t even accommodate oversized vehicles. If you’re shipping a compact car versus a full-size pickup, expect to pay 20-40% less for the smaller vehicle.
Traffic Patterns
Heavy traffic periods can increase your costs. The week before Thanksgiving, the Christmas holiday season, and summer vacation weeks see more vehicles on the road, which slows down carriers and increases demand. Try to avoid these peak traffic times when booking your shipment. Scheduling during quieter periods helps carriers move more efficiently and can result in lower quotes.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability directly impacts both cost and timing. During peak season, you might wait 1-3 weeks for a carrier, and you’ll pay premium prices due to high demand. During slower months, carriers are more readily available—sometimes within just a few days—and prices drop as companies compete for business. Booking in advance during busy periods gives you better rates and more options.
Open vs Enclosed
You have two main trailer options. Open trailers are the standard choice and cost significantly less—usually $200-$400 cheaper than enclosed transport. Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris, but this is perfectly safe for most cars. Enclosed trailers offer complete protection and are ideal for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles. For a standard daily driver, open transport offers excellent value.
Population Density
Where you’re picking up or delivering affects your price. St. Louis’s metro area has good carrier access, which keeps costs reasonable. However, delivering to dense urban areas with narrow streets, limited parking, and traffic restrictions costs more than suburban locations. Large car carriers can’t always navigate tight city streets. Consider meeting your carrier at a convenient suburb location if you’re in a congested area—it could save you money and make pickup easier.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing matters when shipping your vehicle. Off-season transport typically costs less than peak periods like summer or snowbird season. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant savings, as demand drops and carriers offer more competitive rates during slower months.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexible scheduling can reduce your shipping costs. By offering a five-day window for both pickup and delivery instead of exact dates, you give carriers more routing options. This flexibility allows them to optimize their schedules, and they pass those savings directly to you.
Hub City Advantages
St. Louis offers excellent highway access, which can lower your costs. Choose pickup or delivery locations near major interstates like I-70, I-55, or I-64. Highway-accessible locations attract more carriers and competitive bids. If shipping to rural areas, consider meeting at a nearby highway hub instead.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options. Most standard vehicles ship safely on open carriers, exposed to weather like highway driving. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles needing extra protection. For typical cars, open transport offers excellent value and reliability.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from St. Louis, MO Work?
Car shipping from St. Louis, MO is simple and fast. The auto transport process starts when you request a quote and book your shipment. A carrier will pick up your vehicle from your location in St. Louis, MO and deliver it to your destination. Most routes from St. Louis average 1,490 miles with delivery taking 2-6 days. Prices typically range from $750-$1450 depending on distance and service type.
St. Louis, MO is a major auto transport hub with excellent highway access via I-70, I-55, and I-44. This central location makes car shipping efficient to both coasts and throughout the Midwest. To ship your car from St. Louis, MO, first get a quote online or by phone. Next, schedule your pickup date and prepare your vehicle by removing personal items. The carrier will inspect your car and load it safely. You’ll receive updates during transit. Upon delivery, inspect your vehicle and sign the bill of lading. The entire auto transport process is tracked and insured for your peace of mind.
St. Louis, MO Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to St. Louis, MO, understanding Missouri’s vehicle regulations helps ensure a smooth transition. New residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency and obtain a Missouri driver’s license [MO DOR]. The state requires safety inspections for vehicles from out of state, which must be completed before registration [MO DOR]. St. Louis City and St. Louis County also mandate emissions testing for vehicles, so factor this into your auto transport timeline [MO DNR].
Missouri law permits window tinting with specific limits: 35% light transmission for front side windows and any darkness for rear windows [MO Revised Statutes]. The state requires minimum liability insurance coverage of 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage [MO DOR]. Winter weather in St. Louis can be unpredictable, with ice storms and occasional snow, so consider all-season or winter tires after your vehicle arrives. Missouri uses salt on roads during winter, which can cause rust, so undercoating protection is recommended [NWS]. When arranging auto transport to St. Louis, MO, schedule your shipment to allow time for inspections and registration before you need to drive regularly.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of St. Louis, Missouri that we Serve
Downtown St. Louis: 63101, 63102, 63103, 63104, 63105, 63106, 63107, 63108, 63109, 63110
South St. Louis: 63111, 63112, 63113, 63114, 63115, 63116, 63117, 63118, 63119, 63120
West St. Louis: 63121, 63122, 63123, 63124, 63125, 63126, 63127, 63128, 63129, 63130
North St. Louis: 63131, 63132, 63133, 63134, 63135, 63136, 63137, 63138, 63139, 63140
Central West End & Clayton: 63141, 63143, 63144, 63145, 63146, 63147
Chesterfield & West County: 63005, 63017, 63141, 63146, 63303, 63304, 63376
St. Charles County: 63301, 63302, 63303, 63304, 63341, 63348, 63366, 63367, 63368, 63373, 63376, 63385, 63386, 63389
South County: 63123, 63125, 63126, 63127, 63128, 63129, 63021, 63026, 63010, 63088
North County: 63031, 63033, 63034, 63042, 63043, 63044, 63074, 63136, 63137, 63138
Metro East Illinois: 62002, 62010, 62018, 62024, 62025, 62034, 62040, 62060, 62061, 62062, 62084, 62095, 62203, 62220, 62226, 62234
We serves the entire St. Louis region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is home to several major universities, including Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, each with unique parking requirements. Most campuses require parking permits, which typically range from $200-$600 annually [University Parking Services]. Students should register vehicles early, as spots fill quickly. Many residence halls don’t include automatic parking access, so verify availability before shipping a car to campus. Winter storage options exist at some facilities, though fees apply [Campus Housing]. St. Louis winters can be harsh, with snow and ice common from December through February, so consider all-season tires [National Weather Service]. Before using car shipping services to transport your vehicle to St. Louis, MO, confirm your insurance coverage and roadside assistance extend to Missouri, ensuring you’re protected throughout the academic year.
St. Louis, MO Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from St. Louis, MO is simple. Follow these key steps:
Remove Personal Items: Take out all personal belongings, toll passes, and loose items from the interior. Carriers are not insured for personal property left inside the vehicle.
Clean Your Vehicle: Wash your car inside and out. This makes it easier to document any existing damage during the pre-transport inspection.
Document Condition: Take photos of your vehicle from all angles, noting any scratches, dents, or damage. This creates a record for insurance purposes.
Check Fluids and Battery: Ensure your vehicle has adequate fuel (about 1/4 tank), proper fluid levels, and a charged battery. Fix any leaks before shipping.
Disable Alarms: Turn off car alarms to prevent them from going off during transport.
Remove or Secure Accessories: Take off or secure any custom accessories, antennas, spoilers, or bike racks that could be damaged in transit.
Provide a Key: Have a spare key ready to give the carrier for loading and unloading.
For more detailed guidance, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Proper preparation ensures a smooth shipping experience from St. Louis.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from St. Louis, MO. All carriers in the Sherpa network must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your shipment, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for added protection.
This means your vehicle is covered throughout the entire transport process from St. Louis. You’ll receive a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup for your records.
We recommend scheduling your car pickup from St. Louis, MO at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you more flexibility and often better rates.
Here’s why advance notice helps:
- More carrier options: Carriers can plan routes and bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction
- Better pricing: Last-minute bookings often cost more due to limited availability
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more control over pickup dates that work for your timeline
If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping with pickup possible in 1-5 days. Keep in mind this option typically costs more than standard scheduling.
Bottom line: Book as early as possible for the best experience, but we can accommodate most timelines with proper planning.
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 is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air trailer (the kind you see on highways). It’s exposed to weather and road debris, but it’s perfectly safe for most vehicles. About 90% of cars shipped to and from St. Louis use this method.
Enclosed auto transport provides full protection inside a covered trailer. Your vehicle is shielded from weather, dust, and road debris. This option costs 50-60% more than open transport, but it’s worth it for luxury cars, classics, exotic vehicles, or cars with custom paint jobs.
Which should you choose? For everyday vehicles, open transport is reliable and budget-friendly. For high-value or special vehicles leaving St. Louis, enclosed transport offers peace of mind. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for more details.
Yes! We offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout St. Louis and the surrounding areas. 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 your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will come to you, making the process as convenient as possible.
Important considerations for St. Louis customers:
- Most residential streets in St. Louis are accessible for our carriers
- If your street has low-hanging trees, tight turns, or parking restrictions, we may need to use a nearby meeting spot
- Alternative locations like shopping centers, gas stations, or parking lots work great
- Our drivers will contact you in advance to confirm logistics and address any access concerns
We always work with you to find the most convenient solution. Our goal is to make shipping your vehicle from or to St. Louis as easy and stress-free as possible.
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!