Memphis, TN Car Shipping
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Memphis, TN Car Shipping
Need reliable car shipping from Memphis, TN? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re moving across state lines or shipping a vehicle nationwide, understanding auto transport costs and timelines is crucial. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Memphis car shipping—from pricing on popular routes to expert tips that save you time and money. Let’s get your vehicle moving safely and affordably.
Popular Routes from Memphis, TN
Key Takeaways From This Article
Memphis, TN Auto Transport
Car shipping from Memphis, TN typically costs between $625-$1,375 depending on distance, with most routes averaging 1,238 miles and delivery times of 1-5 days.
Our Memphis and Tennessee Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent, upfront pricing with our Price Lock Promise—no hidden fees or surprise costs—backed by 4.9 stars from over 8,000 reviews and an A+ BBB rating.
Factors that Impact Cost
Route accessibility is the most important cost factor for Memphis shipments—locations along major highways like I-40 and I-55 cost less than remote areas because carriers prefer high-traffic routes with easy return loads.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Booking your Memphis car shipment 1-2 weeks in advance is the most important step—early scheduling gives you better carrier availability, lower prices, and more flexible pickup dates.
How Car Shipping Works
Tennessee requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency, and the state does not require emissions testing for most vehicles, making registration straightforward.
State Insights
Memphis’s central location and excellent highway access via I-40, I-55, and I-240 make it an ideal hub for car shipping, ensuring smooth pickups and competitive rates for customers throughout Tennessee.
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 Memphis, TN
| Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Memphis
to Los Angeles
|
1,793 mi
|
$1150–1350
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to San Diego
|
1,777 mi
|
$1100–1325
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to New York City
|
1,097 mi
|
$875–1150
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to San Francisco
|
2,090 mi
|
$1100–1375
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to Chicago
|
533 mi
|
$625–725
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to Phoenix
|
1,424 mi
|
$1125–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to Las Vegas
|
1,581 mi
|
$1075–1225
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to Orlando
|
829 mi
|
$725–850
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to Washington
|
877 mi
|
$750–850
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to Houston
|
568 mi
|
$750–850
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to Seattle
|
2,286 mi
|
$1350–1625
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to Boston
|
1,316 mi
|
$1100–1325
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to Dallas
|
452 mi
|
$675–775
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to Miami
|
1,055 mi
|
$850–1050
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
|
Memphis
to San Jose
|
2,048 mi
|
$975–1125
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Pricing by Vehicle & Trailer Type
Based on 1,218 actual shipments involving Memphis, 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 Memphis, TN Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays a key role in your shipping costs. The further your vehicle travels from Memphis, the higher the price. A cross-country shipment from Memphis to California will cost significantly more than a regional move to Nashville or Little Rock. This is because carriers factor in fuel, time, and driver wages for longer hauls.
Route
Your route matters just as much as distance. Memphis sits along major interstates like I-40 and I-55, which means shipments along these highways are typically more affordable. Carriers prefer high-traffic routes because they can easily find return loads. If you’re shipping to a remote area or small town off the beaten path, expect to pay more since carriers make fewer trips to these locations.
Season
Timing affects your wallet. Summer months (May through September) are peak season for car shipping, driving prices up as demand surges. Winter months, especially January and February, tend to be slower and more budget-friendly. Students moving for college, families relocating, and snowbirds heading south all create seasonal spikes that increase rates from Memphis.
Vehicle Type
What you’re shipping matters. Standard sedans are the cheapest 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 can be harder to load and secure. Some carriers can’t even accommodate oversized vehicles. If you’re shipping a compact car from Memphis, you’ll save compared to shipping a full-size pickup.
Traffic Patterns
Avoid shipping during high-traffic periods. The week before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other major holidays see congested roads nationwide. This slows down delivery times and can increase costs. If possible, schedule your Memphis shipment during quieter windows when highways are clear and carriers can move efficiently.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability fluctuates with demand. During peak season, you might wait several weeks for a carrier to pick up your vehicle from Memphis. In the off-season, you could secure a carrier within just a few days. Planning ahead gives you more options and better rates. Last-minute bookings during busy periods often come with premium pricing.
Open vs Enclosed
You have two trailer options. Open trailers are the most economical choice and work perfectly for most vehicles. Your car is exposed to weather but remains safe and secure. Enclosed trailers cost significantly more but provide complete protection from the elements. If you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, or exotic from Memphis, enclosed transport offers peace of mind worth the extra investment.
Population Density
Where you’re shipping to and from affects costs. Memphis itself is a major metro area with good access, which helps keep prices reasonable. However, if you’re shipping to a densely packed downtown area with narrow streets and limited truck access, expect higher rates. Conversely, suburban pickups and deliveries are often cheaper. Consider meeting your carrier at a convenient location outside congested areas to save money and make the process smoother.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Timing matters when shipping your car. 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. Plan ahead to avoid busy seasons and keep more money in your pocket.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Flexible pickup and delivery dates can reduce your shipping costs. By offering carriers a five-day window instead of exact dates, you increase their routing efficiency. This flexibility translates directly into lower rates for you while still ensuring reliable service.
Hub City Advantages
Memphis sits near major highways, giving you a pricing advantage. Choose pickup locations close to interstate routes for the best rates. Carriers prefer accessible spots with multiple route options. If shipping to rural areas, consider meeting at a nearby highway city to save money.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options and work well for most vehicles. They’re the industry standard for safe, affordable transport. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection. Most standard vehicles ship perfectly fine on open carriers.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Memphis, TN Work?
Car shipping from Memphis, TN is a straightforward process that connects you with professional auto transport carriers. When you request a quote, Sherpa Auto Transport matches your vehicle with trusted carriers servicing the Memphis area. The average distance for routes from Memphis, TN is 1,238 miles, with typical delivery times ranging from 1-5 days depending on your destination. Pricing generally falls between $625-$1375, varying based on distance, vehicle type, and seasonal demand.
The auto transport process begins with booking your shipment and selecting your preferred pickup date. A carrier will contact you to confirm details and schedule pickup from Memphis, TN. Before transport, inspect your vehicle and document its condition with photos. The driver will load your car onto the carrier and provide a bill of lading. During transit, your vehicle is fully insured. Upon delivery, inspect your car again and sign off on the condition report. Memphis’s central location and excellent highway access via I-40, I-55, and I-240 make it an ideal hub for car shipping across the country, ensuring smooth pickups and deliveries for customers throughout Tennessee.
Memphis, TN Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning car shipping to Memphis, TN, understanding state vehicle regulations helps ensure a smooth transition. Tennessee requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency [TDOS]. You’ll need your current title, proof of insurance, and identification to complete registration at your local county clerk’s office. The state does not require emissions testing for most vehicles, though Davidson County (Nashville area) has specific requirements [TDOS].
Tennessee law permits window tinting with specific restrictions: windshields may have non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line, while front side windows must allow more than 35% light transmission [TCA 55-9-107]. Auto transport customers should note that Tennessee doesn’t mandate vehicle safety inspections, making the registration process relatively straightforward. Insurance requirements include minimum liability coverage of 25/50/15, meaning $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage [TDCI].
Memphis experiences mild winters with occasional ice storms, so all-season tires typically suffice for year-round driving. However, summer heat and humidity can be intense, making functional air conditioning essential. When arranging auto transport to Memphis, TN, consider scheduling during spring or fall for optimal weather conditions and potentially better rates.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Memphis, Tennessee that we Serve
Downtown Memphis: 38103, 38104, 38105, 38126
Midtown Memphis: 38104, 38106, 38107, 38108, 38111, 38112, 38114
East Memphis: 38117, 38118, 38119, 38120, 38125, 38138
South Memphis: 38106, 38109, 38116, 38126
North Memphis: 38105, 38107, 38108, 38127
Whitehaven: 38109, 38116, 38125
Cordova: 38016, 38018, 38088
Germantown: 38138, 38139
Bartlett: 38002, 38133, 38134, 38135
Collierville: 38017, 38027
We serves the entire Memphis region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Memphis, TN
If you’re shipping a car to Memphis for college, understanding campus parking is essential. The University of Memphis requires all students parking on campus to purchase permits through their online system, with residential lots available but limited [University of Memphis Parking Services]. Most on-campus housing doesn’t include guaranteed parking, so register early. Rhodes College offers resident parking passes, though freshmen typically cannot have cars on campus [Rhodes College]. For winter break storage, both universities allow registered vehicles to remain parked, but verify your spot beforehand. Memphis winters are generally mild, so snow tires aren’t necessary, but summer heat can be intense—ensure your car is serviced before using auto transport services. Before your car shipping company delivers your vehicle, confirm your insurance and roadside assistance coverage extends to Tennessee to avoid gaps in protection during your time in Memphis, TN.
Military Car Shipping in Memphis, TN
Memphis is home to the Naval Support Activity Mid-South, a major joint-service installation serving over 7,000 military and civilian personnel [Navy.mil]. If you’re shipping your vehicle here, understanding base parking regulations is essential. Active duty personnel and authorized residents can register their vehicles with the Installation Pass and Registration Office, which requires valid driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle registration [Navy.mil]. Most on-base housing includes designated parking spaces, but availability in barracks may be limited—check with your command beforehand. For extended deployments or leave, coordinate with your unit about long-term vehicle storage options. Memphis experiences hot, humid summers and occasional winter ice storms, so ensure your vehicle is weatherized and your insurance roadside assistance coverage extends to Tennessee [Weather.gov]. Always maintain current registration and inspection to avoid base access issues.
Memphis, TN Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle properly ensures a smooth shipping experience from Memphis, TN. Here are the key steps:
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos before shipping.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and loose items. These aren’t covered by insurance and can shift during transport.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough fuel (about 1/4 tank), working battery, and no leaks.
Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to prevent issues during transport.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off custom antennas, spoilers, bike racks, and other exterior add-ons that could get damaged.
Provide a working key: Give the carrier a key or key fob to load and unload your vehicle.
For complete preparation guidelines, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps protects your vehicle and helps avoid delays when shipping from Memphis.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Memphis, TN. All carriers in our network must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your Memphis shipment begins, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to list Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection and peace of mind.
Your carrier will provide you with their insurance details before pickup. We recommend taking photos of your vehicle before and after transport as an added precaution.
We recommend scheduling your car pickup from Memphis, TN at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why early booking helps:
- Better carrier availability: More carriers can fit your route into their schedules
- Lower prices: You avoid rush fees and have time to compare quotes
- Flexible dates: You can choose pickup times that work best for you
- Route optimization: Carriers can bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction, which saves you money
That said, we can often arrange pickups with as little as 24-48 hours notice if you need expedited service. Just keep in mind that last-minute bookings typically cost more and offer fewer options.
Best practice: Book as soon as you know your moving dates. Memphis is a major transportation hub, which helps with carrier availability, but advance planning always works in your favor.
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 shipping method. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air trailer (the same type you see on highways). It’s fully insured but exposed to weather and road debris during transit.
Enclosed auto transport provides complete protection inside a covered trailer. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but shields your vehicle from weather, dust, and road debris.
Choose open transport if: You have a standard vehicle and want the most cost-effective option. This works great for most cars shipping to or from Memphis.
Choose enclosed transport if: You’re shipping a luxury vehicle, classic car, exotic car, or any vehicle with custom paint or modifications that need extra protection.
Over 90% of vehicles nationwide ship via open transport safely. For more details, check out our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.
Yes, we offer convenient door-to-door auto transport service for Memphis, TN residents. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or any address you choose in Memphis and deliver it directly to your destination address.
Here’s how it works:
- Pickup: The carrier will come to your specified Memphis address to load your vehicle
- Delivery: Your car will be delivered right to your door at the destination
- Flexible locations: If your street has low-hanging trees, narrow roads, or HOA restrictions, we’ll arrange a safe nearby meeting spot like a parking lot or gas station
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. You won’t need to drive to a terminal or arrange extra transportation. Most Memphis neighborhoods are easily accessible for our carriers, making the process smooth and simple.
Note: Large car carriers need adequate space to maneuver safely. If your Memphis location has tight turns or overhead obstacles, your driver will contact you to find a convenient alternative nearby.
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!