Knoxville, TN Car Shipping

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Knoxville, TN Car Shipping
Planning to ship your car to or from Knoxville, TN? You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport in Knoxville, including pricing for popular routes, shipping timeframes, and expert tips. As the nation’s top-rated car shipping company with over 8,000 reviews and a 4.9-star average, Sherpa Auto Transport makes vehicle transportation simple and stress-free.
Popular Routes from Knoxville, TN

Key Takeaways From This Article
Knoxville, TN Auto Transport
Car shipping from Knoxville typically costs $700-1,775 and takes 1-7 days depending on your destination, with major highways I-40 and I-75 providing excellent connectivity for efficient transport.
Our Knoxville and Tennessee Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and transparent pricing that eliminates hidden fees and surprises.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Knoxville car shipping, but you can save money by choosing off-peak seasons, flexible pickup windows, and open trailers over enclosed options.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Knoxville car shipping 2-3 weeks in advance for the best rates, choose flexible pickup dates, and consider meeting carriers at highway-accessible locations to reduce costs.
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 inspection and delivery with full insurance coverage included.
State Insights
Tennessee requires new residents to register vehicles within 30 days and maintain minimum liability insurance of 25/50/15, with no emissions testing required for most vehicles.
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 Knoxville, TN
Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Knoxville
to Los Angeles
|
2,183 mi
|
$1075–1525
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to Seattle
|
2,566 mi
|
$1350–1775
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to Austin
|
1,038 mi
|
$875–1075
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to Dallas
|
842 mi
|
$850–1025
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to San Diego
|
2,200 mi
|
$1175–1300
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to Vineland
|
626 mi
|
$725–775
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to Riverside
|
2,149 mi
|
$975–1225
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to San Francisco
|
2,480 mi
|
$1050–1175
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to Santa Fe
|
1,389 mi
|
$1100–1525
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to Miami
|
877 mi
|
$700–775
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to Boston
|
927 mi
|
$1075–1125
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to Detroit
|
513 mi
|
$650–750
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to Holland
|
609 mi
|
$825–825
|
0-3 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to Houston
|
922 mi
|
$925–950
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Knoxville
to Phoenix
|
1,861 mi
|
$1125–1200
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Factors that Affect Knoxville, TN Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays the biggest role in your car shipping costs to or from Knoxville. Shipping your car across the country costs much more than moving it to nearby cities like Nashville or Atlanta. Longer trips mean more fuel, driver time, and wear on the carrier – all of which add to your final price.
Route
Knoxville sits along major highways like I-40 and I-75, which helps keep shipping costs lower. Routes that use these main highways cost less than shipping to remote areas off the beaten path. If you live in a rural area outside Knoxville, you might pay extra for the carrier to reach you.
Season
Summer months (June through August) are peak season for car shipping, making prices higher. Winter offers the best rates, while spring and fall sit in the middle. If you can be flexible with your timing, shipping during off-peak months can save you hundreds of dollars.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars and sedans cost the least to ship. SUVs, trucks, and larger vehicles cost more because they take up more space and add weight to the trailer. Some oversized vehicles might not fit on standard trailers, requiring special equipment that increases your costs.
Traffic Patterns
Heavy travel times like the week before Thanksgiving or summer vacation season can slow down carriers and increase costs. Plan around major holidays and peak travel periods when possible. Booking during quieter travel windows helps keep your shipping affordable.
Carrier Availability
During busy seasons, you might wait 1-3 weeks for an available carrier, and limited supply drives prices up. Off-season shipping typically means faster pickup (3-7 days) and better rates. Book early during peak times to secure both availability and pricing.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost significantly less and work great for most vehicles. Enclosed trailers offer extra protection from weather and road debris but cost 40-60% more. Unless you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or high-value car, open transport from Knoxville is your most budget-friendly choice.
Population Density
Knoxville’s urban areas offer easier pickup and delivery, keeping costs reasonable. Rural areas outside the city may require extra fees for carriers to reach remote locations. Consider meeting your carrier at a more accessible location nearby to avoid additional charges for difficult-to-reach addresses.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship during off-peak months to save significantly on car transport costs. Avoid busy snowbird season and summer moving periods when demand drives prices higher.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible five-day pickup and delivery windows instead of exact dates. This flexibility allows carriers to optimize routes and pass savings directly to you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup locations near major highways in Knoxville for better rates. Highway-accessible spots attract more carriers, creating competition that lowers your shipping costs naturally.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost much less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed transport only for luxury or classic cars needing extra weather protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Knoxville, TN Work?

Car shipping from Knoxville, TN is a straightforward process that typically takes 2-6 days to complete. Auto transport from this Tennessee city covers an average distance of 1,635 miles, with shipping costs ranging from $700-$1775 depending on your destination. The process begins when you request a quote and book your shipment with a trusted carrier.
Knoxville’s location offers excellent access to major highways like I-40 and I-75, making car shipping efficient to most destinations. The city’s central position in the Southeast provides good connectivity for auto transport services. However, some residential areas may require pickup from nearby main roads due to large carrier trucks.
The car shipping process involves several key steps: first, schedule your pickup and prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition. Next, the carrier will inspect and load your car onto the transport truck. During transit, you can track your shipment’s progress. Finally, upon delivery, inspect your vehicle and sign the delivery receipt. Most auto transport companies provide insurance coverage and real-time updates throughout the shipping process from Knoxville, TN.
Knoxville, TN Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

When planning car shipping to or from Knoxville, TN, understanding Tennessee’s vehicle regulations is essential for a smooth transition. Tennessee requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency and obtain a Tennessee driver’s license [TDOS]. The state does not require emissions testing for most vehicles, making auto transport simpler compared to stricter states [EPA].
Tennessee allows window tinting up to 35% visible light transmission on front side windows, while rear windows can be darker [TDOS]. Vehicle lift and lowering modifications are permitted within reasonable limits, but extreme modifications may require inspection. For Knoxville’s climate, consider that while winters are generally mild, occasional ice storms occur, so having all-season tires is recommended over dedicated winter tires.
Tennessee follows a fault-based insurance system, requiring minimum liability coverage of 25/50/15 ($25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $15,000 property damage) [TDCI]. This is lower than many states, but consider higher coverage limits. When arranging car shipping to Knoxville, TN, ensure your auto transport company understands Tennessee’s registration timeline requirements to help you plan your move effectively and avoid any compliance issues upon arrival.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Knoxville, Tennessee that we Serve
Knoxville Auto Transport Service Areas & Zip Codes
Downtown Knoxville: 37902, 37903, 37915, 37916, 37917
West Knoxville: 37909, 37919, 37922, 37923, 37931
North Knoxville: 37917, 37918, 37921, 37932
South Knoxville: 37920, 37914, 37912
East Knoxville: 37915, 37916, 37917, 37924
Farragut: 37934
Powell: 37849
Halls: 37854
Corryton: 37721
Strawberry Plains: 37871
We serves the entire Knoxville region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville’s major universities present unique parking challenges that students should consider when planning car shipping to the area. The University of Tennessee requires all on-campus vehicles to register for parking permits, with costs ranging from $300-800 annually depending on lot proximity [UT Parking Services]. Most residence halls don’t include guaranteed parking spaces, so students should apply early for permits. During winter break, vehicles can remain in designated lots with proper registration, though Tennessee’s mild winters rarely require special tires [UT Housing]. Pellissippi State Community College offers free parking but operates on a first-come basis [PSCC Campus Services]. Before using car shipping services to Knoxville, TN, students should verify their insurance coverage extends to Tennessee and update their roadside assistance location preferences [Tennessee DMV]. Off-campus apartments typically include one parking space per unit, making auto transport a practical solution for students living independently.
Knoxville, TN Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Knoxville, TN is simple but important. First, remove all personal items from inside your car, including toll passes, GPS devices, and any fragile items that could shift during transport. Next, remove exterior accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antennas that might get damaged on the road.
Make sure your car has less than a quarter tank of gas to reduce weight and meet safety rules. Clean your vehicle inside and out so you can easily spot any damage during inspection. Finally, have a spare key ready for the driver and take photos of your car from all angles before pickup.
For a complete checklist and more detailed tips, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure your car arrives safely at its destination.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Knoxville, TN with Sherpa Auto Transport. We require all our carriers to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage that protects your vehicle throughout the entire transport process.
Every carrier in our network must have:
- $1,000,000 in liability insurance – covers damages to other vehicles or property
- $100,000 in cargo insurance – protects your specific vehicle during transport
Before your Knoxville shipment begins, we verify that your assigned carrier’s insurance is current and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy, giving you an extra layer of protection.
This insurance coverage is included in your quote at no extra cost. You can ship your vehicle from Knoxville with confidence knowing it’s protected from pickup to delivery.
For the best rates and service from Knoxville, TN, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives carriers time to plan efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading in the same direction.
Why book early? Knoxville sits at the crossroads of major highways like I-40 and I-75, making it a popular pickup location. Early booking helps secure your preferred dates and often results in lower costs since carriers can optimize their schedules.
If you need faster service, we can often accommodate rush orders with 3-7 days notice, though this may come with higher pricing. During peak seasons (summer months and winter holidays), we strongly suggest booking even earlier – up to 4 weeks ahead.
The key is flexibility with your pickup window. The more time you give us, the better we can serve you with competitive pricing and reliable service from Knoxville.
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 transport is the most common and budget-friendly option. Your car rides on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road debris. It’s safe for most vehicles and costs much less.
Enclosed transport protects your car inside a covered trailer. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but shields your vehicle from weather, dust, and road debris.
Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping:
- Classic or luxury cars
- Vehicles with custom paint jobs
- High-value cars over $50,000
- Cars you want extra protection for
For most standard vehicles shipping to or from Knoxville, open transport works great and saves money. See our complete open vs enclosed guide to help decide what’s right for your car.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door auto transport service for all shipments to and from Knoxville, TN. This means we pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or any address you choose and deliver it directly to your destination.
When you book your Knoxville car shipping service, simply provide us with your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will do their best to reach these exact locations. However, in some Knoxville neighborhoods with narrow streets, low-hanging branches, or parking restrictions, the driver may need to meet you at a nearby accessible location like a shopping center or gas station.
Why choose door-to-door service? It saves you time and eliminates the hassle of driving to a terminal. You won’t need to arrange transportation to drop off or pick up your vehicle – we handle everything for maximum convenience.
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!