California to Tennessee Auto Transport
Ship Your Car from Cali to the Volunteer State – Safely, Affordably, On Time
Whether you’re relocating from Los Angeles to Nashville, buying a vehicle in San Diego, or delivering a car to Memphis, Unlimited Auto Trans makes California to Tennessee car shipping easy and reliable. With over 12,000+ vehicles delivered between CA and TN since 2010, we’re trusted by individuals, dealerships, military personnel, and businesses alike.
We specialize in open and enclosed car shipping, and offer door-to-door service across major cities and zip codes from both the Golden State and the Volunteer State.
Car Shipping From California To Tennessee
Whether you’re relocating from Los Angeles to Nashville, San Diego to Memphis, or sending a vehicle from San Jose to Knoxville, our California to Tennessee car shipping services are built for efficiency, safety, and affordability. Choose the transport option that best fits your schedule and vehicle type:
- Open Auto Transport – Our most popular, cost-effective choice for standard vehicles
- Enclosed Auto Transport – Recommended for high-value, exotic, or vintage vehicles needing extra protection
- Expedited Car Shipping – When timing is critical, we prioritize faster pickup and delivery
Why Ship with Unlimited Auto Trans from CA to TN?
- Over 12,000 vehicles shipped between California and Tennessee since 2010
- Deep knowledge of major corridors like I-40, I-10, and U.S. Route 66
- Trusted by students, military families, seasonal movers, and dealerships
- Full coverage from 90001 (Los Angeles) to 37201 (Nashville) and beyond
How It Works – Simple 3-Step Process
1. Get a Quote
Use our simple form or speak with a specialist to get a personalized rate
2. Schedule Your Pickup
We’ll arrange a licensed and insured carrier near your location
3. Track & Receive
Stay updated as your vehicle safely travels to your TN destination
Popular California to Tennessee Routes, Costs and Transit Time
Real Shipping Examples
Interstate Shipping Insights: California to Tennessee
- Los Angeles → Nashville: Popular for cross-country job relocations and entertainment industry moves
- San Diego → Memphis: Common among military families and seasonal movers
- San Jose → Knoxville: Frequently requested by college students and tech sector professionals
- Fresno → Chattanooga: Typical for auto auctions, online vehicle sales, and dealership transfers
- Sacramento → Clarksville: Preferred by service members and families moving to Fort Campbell area
Key Challenges in California & Tennessee Auto Transport
- Urban Congestion: Dense zones like LA or downtown Memphis may require meeting at nearby open lots for safe pickup/drop-off
- Suburban Delivery Logistics: Residential areas like Franklin, TN or Anaheim, CA may need flexible timing or smaller haulers
- Rural Accessibility: Mountain towns or agricultural zones may increase lead time, but we service them all with pre-arranged routing
Highways Commonly Used for California to Tennessee Car Shipping
- I-40: Direct coast-to-coast interstate connecting Los Angeles to Nashville—most used for standard deliveries
- I-10: Southern route preferred during winter months for better weather conditions
- I-20: Often used for pickups in Southern California heading toward middle or eastern Tennessee
- Historic Route 66: Still partially used by carriers in select locations, especially across the Southwest corridor
Why choose Unlimited Auto Trans?
What Sets Us Apart
Flat Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise costs.
Dedicated Shipping Coordinators
A single point of contact from booking to delivery.
Nationwide Carrier Network
Thousands of vetted, licensed, and bonded carriers.
Fully Insured Transport
Every vehicle is protected by carrier insurance.
Flexible Pickup Options
We serve all zip codes, from Sacramento to Chattanoog
Flat Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise costs.
Dedicated Shipping Coordinator
A single point of contact from booking to delivery.
Fully Insured Transport
Every vehicle is protected by carrier insurance.
Flexible Pickup Options
We serve all zip codes, from Sacramento to Chattanoog
Nationwide Carrier Network
Thousands of vetted, licensed, and bonded carriers.
Types of Vehicles We Ship from California to Tennessee
Whether you’re transporting a daily driver or a specialty vehicle, our team ensures secure and efficient shipping with the right equipment for every vehicle type:
- Sedans, coupes, hatchbacks
- SUVs, minivans, and crossovers
- Pickup trucks and lifted vehicles
- Classic cars, collector models, and motorcycles
- Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids – with specialized care for batteries and charging ports
Car Brands We Ship from California to Tennessee
We’re equipped to handle a full range of makes and models, from entry-level to high-end:
- EVs: Tesla, Rivian, Lucid – shipped with port protection and enclosed options
- Luxury & Performance: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Lexus
- Domestic & Imports: Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota, Subaru
- Special Handling: Inoperable vehicles, low-clearance cars, custom builds
Our Clients in California and Tennessee
We proudly serve individuals and organizations across both states, including:
- Families relocating from Los Angeles to Nashville or San Francisco to Knoxville
- Military personnel transferring between bases near San Diego and Fort Campbell
- College students attending UCLA, USC, University of Tennessee, and Vanderbilt
- Car buyers, online dealerships, and vintage car collectors
Popular Auto Events in CA & TN
- Los Angeles Auto Show – One of the largest annual car exhibitions in the country
- Goodguys Del Mar Nationals (San Diego) – Classic and custom car showcase
- Nashville Auto Fest – Tennessee’s top collector car event
- Chattanooga Motorcar Festival – Celebrating car culture in the Southeast
Cross-State Moving Trends: Why People Ship Cars from California to Tennessee
Thousands of people move between the Golden State and the Volunteer State each year. Californians head to Tennessee for its lower cost of living, job opportunities, and schools. Meanwhile, Tennesseans often purchase cars online from California dealerships or ship vehicles for seasonal use.
Top 5 Reasons People Ship Cars from California to Tennessee
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Get an Instant California to Tennessee Car Shipping Quote
Need to ship a car from California to Tennessee? Whether you’re sending a compact sedan from San Diego (92101) to Nashville (37203) or a lifted truck from Sacramento (95814) to Memphis (38103), we provide custom quotes based on your vehicle, route, and timeline.
Our pricing is transparent, all-inclusive, and free from hidden fees. With Unlimited Auto Trans, you always know what you’re paying for.
Estimated Price & Time Frame
- Cost Range: $1,200 – $1,700
- Transit Time: 6–9 business days
Note: Prices vary based on distance, trailer type, vehicle size, route complexity, and seasonal demand.
Factors Affecting Price
- Vehicle Type: Larger or inoperable vehicles require special equipment or extra space, impacting final cost.
- Transport Method
- Open Auto Transport: Most affordable and suitable for everyday vehicles
- Enclosed Auto Transport: Ideal for luxury, exotic, and vintage cars needing added protection
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: Transporting from metro areas like Los Angeles (90001) or San Jose (95112) is often more economical than from rural towns or remote regions.
- Seasonal Demand: High-volume seasons like summer moves and holiday travel can affect pricing and carrier availability. Booking early helps lock in better rates.
Expert Seasonal Tips for Auto Transport from California to Tennessee
Best Times of Year to Ship
- Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are the most efficient times for California to Tennessee car shipping, offering mild temperatures, stable demand, and fewer disruptions.
- Summer (June–August) sees peak relocation activity—especially around Los Angeles, San Diego, Nashville, and Memphis. Expect higher prices and limited availability for expedited or enclosed carriers.
- Winter (December–February) is generally manageable in Southern California, but Eastern Tennessee (including Knoxville and Chattanooga) can experience snowfall and icy road conditions, causing delivery delays.
Events That May Impact Your Schedule
- Coachella (April) – Increases traffic and booking delays in the Palm Springs area
- University Move-Ins (August) – High transport demand around campuses like UCLA, USC, University of Tennessee, and Vanderbilt University
- Holiday Travel Season (Late November to Early January) – Carrier availability dips due to high demand and driver time off
- Nashville Auto Fest (January) – Boost in enclosed trailer bookings for collector and classic car transports
What Slows Things Down?
- Severe Weather: Winter storms in Tennessee and wildfire season in California can lead to unexpected rescheduling
- Traffic Congestion: Busy metro areas like LA, San Francisco, and Nashville often require flexible scheduling windows
- Carrier Demand: Events and peak seasons increase demand for specialized services (enclosed or expedited)
- Remote ZIP Codes: Areas like Bakersfield, CA (93301) or Johnson City, TN (37601) may require more lead time for scheduling pickups
Tips for Avoiding Delays and Peak Rates
- Book Early – Especially during summer or near holidays, reserve your spot at least 2–3 weeks in advance
- Be Flexible – A 2–3 day pickup/delivery window can improve turnaround time and pricing
- Meet in Major Cities – If you live in a rural area, consider meeting your carrier in Sacramento, CA or Knoxville, TN to expedite the process and reduce costs
Car Shipping Laws & Regulations in California and Tennessee
Vehicle Registration & Title Requirements
- California: Before shipping a vehicle from California, ensure it has current registration and a clear title. If the vehicle is financed, your lender must authorize transport. If you’re selling a car to someone in Tennessee, the title must be signed over to the buyer before pickup.
- Tennessee: If you’re establishing permanent residence in Tennessee, the state requires you to register your vehicle within 30 days of moving. You’ll need:
- A valid out-of-state title
- Proof of identity and Tennessee residential address
- Completed Form RV-F1315201 (Application for Certificate of Title and Registration)
- Insurance from a provider licensed in Tennessee
- VIN verification (if transferring title from certain states or for rebuilt vehicles)
Emission Standards
- California: Known for strict emissions laws, California requires that all vehicles meet CARB (California Air Resources Board) standards. If your car is being sold or registered out-of-state (e.g., in Tennessee), check if local buyers can accept a CARB-compliant vehicle or if any emissions disclosures are needed.
- Tennessee: Tennessee does not require emissions testing statewide, but previously enforced tests in select counties (e.g., Davidson, Hamilton). As of 2022, emissions testing has been discontinued statewide. Vehicles from California typically pass TN requirements without issue.
Transport Regulations
- Insurance Coverage: All shipments booked through Unlimited Auto Trans are handled by fully insured, USDOT-authorized carriers. Your quoted price includes this insurance coverage—no additional policy is needed.
- Permits & Truck Access: In dense areas like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Nashville, local ordinances or HOA rules may restrict access for full-size auto haulers. In these cases, our dispatch team will arrange a nearby safe pickup or drop-off location, such as an open parking lot or rest area that complies with local regulations.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for California to Tennessee Car Shipping
Vehicle Shipping Checklist
- Clean Your Car (Inside & Out)
- Remove Personal Items
- Check for Leaks or Mechanical Issues
- Disable Alarms
- Check Tire Pressure & Battery
- Document the Condition
- Keep Fuel Tank 1/4 Full
State-Specific Notes
- California: No additional emissions paperwork is required when shipping your vehicle out of California. However, ensure that your vehicle is currently registered and has no unpaid tickets or smog-related issues if you plan to return it to California later.
- Tennessee: If your vehicle will be registered in Tennessee, prepare the following documents:
- Properly signed out-of-state title
- Valid Tennessee auto insurance from a licensed provider
- VIN verification (in some cases)
- Form RV-F1315201 (Tennessee Vehicle Registration Application)
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about California to Tennessee Auto Transport
How much does it cost to ship a car from CA to TN?
The average cost to ship a car from California to Tennessee ranges from $1,200 to $1,700, depending on the vehicle type, transport method (open vs. enclosed), pickup/delivery ZIP codes, and time of year.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
Open auto transport is the most affordable option and is suitable for most standard vehicles. Booking early and being flexible with pickup dates can also help lower your cost.
How long does the USPS take from California to Tennessee?
This question refers to postal service, not vehicle transport. USPS shipping between CA and TN typically takes 2–5 business days for standard mail and 1–3 days for Priority Mail.
How much is transport from California to Tennessee?
Depending on vehicle size, shipping type, and season, expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,700. Larger or luxury vehicles may cost more, especially with enclosed shipping or remote delivery points.
At Unlimited Auto Trans, we provide safe and on-time car transport at competitive prices. Ship your car stress-free, knowing we’re licensed, bonded, and insured.
From passenger cars to SUVs, motorcycles, and even luxury cars, we can ship nationwide.
Use our calculator for a free instant quote today.
Book online or call us toll-free at
(888) 278-9855.