Kentucky Auto Transport: Daily Car Shipping Routes in Louisville, Lexington & Bowling Green

Kentucky Auto Transport Done Right

We offer premium Kentucky auto transport services with a focus on excellence.

Moving to Kentucky and Need to Ship Your Car?

Kentucky is more than mint juleps and large hats. While the Kentucky Derby is undoubtedly the biggest draw in Kentucky, drawing over 150,000 viewers in person and millions across the country, it's just a small piece of what the state provides.

Louisville isn't just home to Churchill Downs and the Derby; it's also home to Yum! Brands. Not familiar with the name? Yum! is the fast-food juggernauts Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, WingStreet, and Kentucky's own KFC. With over 43,000 restaurants covered under its umbrella, it is one of the largest fast-food companies anywhere.

It was also home to the largest ham and biscuit on record at the Trigg Country Ham Festival. While it's no longer an official holder of that title, the yearly ham biscuit is still a massive draw, and the festival held in Cadiz is one of the biggest draws in Western Kentucky.

In an interesting quirk of geography, a small part of Fulton County is not physically attached to any other part of the state. In a bend of the Mississippi River, a small bubble of land is surrounded by Missouri to the east, north, west, and Tennessee to the south. Residents have to drive 40 miles through Tennessee for official functions such as voting, and they even have to use Tiptonville, Tennessee, as their mailing addresses!

Beating out larger, more famous cities like Portland, Maine, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, Bowling Green was named in the Top 40 of Money magazine's 100 Best Places to Live in 2019.

Not too far outside Bowling Green is Mammoth Cave, the longest-known cave on Earth and a destination for anyone from casual visitors to the hearty, adventurous sort. Over 400 miles of passages have been surveyed.

Decorated warship. A platform for Thomas Edison's antisubmarine research. The backdrop for a Madonna video. Outside of Petersburg, the USS Sachem can be explored by kayakers on the Ohio River.

Kentucky produces 95% of the global supply of bourbon whiskey, which you need for those race-day mint juleps!

Kentucky also has a very active economy, rapidly becoming a great spot for businesses to move production. It's the fourth-largest state when it comes to vehicle production in America. The Port of Huntington Tri-State, which includes portions of Kentucky, is the largest inland port in the United States, so plenty of work and goods are passing through the region.

• Pickup and delivery at your address across all 120 Kentucky counties, or a nearby meetpoint where the truck cannot fit
• Open and enclosed transport on every major route
• Licensed broker MC-796224, USDOT 2336907, matched to FMCSA-compliant carriers
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees at pickup

Kentucky Auto Transport Routes, Transit Times, and Pricing

Depending on the car's location, most pickup windows are 24 to 72 hours from when the vehicle is ready to be picked up. This window could take up to 5 days in remote areas. Kentucky car shipping turnaround time for a destination under 1,000 miles is 2 to 3 days. From 1,000 to 1,750 miles, the transit time is estimated to be 4 to 6 days. From 1,750 to 2,500 miles, the transit time is estimated at 7 to 10 days.

Major Kentucky Cities Served

Every city below is covered on the same terms, and so is every town between them.

• Louisville
• Lexington
• Bowling Green
• Owensboro
• Covington
• Georgetown
• Richmond
• Elizabethtown
• Florence
• Nicholasville
• Hopkinsville
• Independence
• Jeffersontown
• Frankfort
• Henderson
• Paducah
• Radcliff
• Ashland
• Erlanger
• Winchester

Shipping a Car to Kentucky

The most popular lanes into Kentucky, with the transit windows this page has always published.

No page on our site publishes a price for these five lanes into Kentucky yet, so each one reads Get a quote. Your quote comes back with a real, locked number.

Shipping a Car from Kentucky

The most popular lanes out of Kentucky. Transit windows are this page's own.

No page on our site publishes a price for these five lanes out of Kentucky yet, so each one reads Get a quote. Your quote comes back with a real, locked number.

Per-Mile Pricing Guide for Kentucky Routes

The same per-mile guide appears on our Texas, New York, California, and Florida pages. A simple way to sanity check any Kentucky quote.

• Short distance (under 500 miles)

  $1.00 to $1.75 per mile

• Medium distance (500 to 1,000 miles)

  $0.75 to $1.00 per mile

• Long distance (1,000+ miles)

  $0.50 to $0.75 per mile

• Distance: The length of your journey is a crucial factor affecting costs, playing a significant role in determining your quote.
• Locations: Specific cities matter, with considerations such as local traffic conditions, proximity to major highways, and ease of pickup/drop-off contributing to pricing variations.
• Trailer Type: Opt for open-air transport for a more budget-friendly choice, or consider enclosed trailers for added protection, albeit at a higher cost.
• Vehicle Details: The dimensions and weight of your car are significant factors influencing the auto transport rate.
• Seasonality: Prices fluctuate throughout the year, influenced by the demand for car shipping. More active seasons might lead to slightly higher costs, depending on the chosen route.

For the most accurate Kentucky auto transport rate, provide the following details:

• Your car's specifications and type
• Origin and destination cities
• If possible, flexibility with shipping dates
• Preferred trailer type (open or enclosed)

By supplying this information, you'll receive a personalized car shipping rate tailored to meet your specific needs when transporting your vehicle to or from Kentucky.

Military and PCS Auto Transport in Kentucky

Kentucky is home to Fort Knox, where V Corps and the Army's Cadet Command are based, and to Fort Campbell, home of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Number 1 Auto Transport coordinates PCS shipments to and from every major Kentucky installation.

We work around orders timing, lock quotes early, and discount military rates for active duty, reserve, National Guard, and veterans. Your assigned agent stays with the move from quote through delivery. One number, one person, one record. Full details on our military auto transport page.

Kentucky Military Installations We Serve

• Fort Knox

  Off US-31W south of Louisville, KY. Home to V Corps, U.S. Army Cadet Command, Human Resources Command, and Recruiting Command.

• Fort Campbell

  Fort Campbell, KY. The post runs from Oak Grove south toward Clarksville, Tennessee. Home of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and the 5th Special Forces Group.

• Blue Grass Army Depot

  Richmond, KY, off I-75. An Army depot that stores and maintains munitions and chemical defense equipment.

• 123rd Airlift Wing

  Kentucky Air National Guard Base, Louisville, KY. Kentucky Air Guard wing flying the C-130J Super Hercules.

• Boone National Guard Center

  Frankfort, KY. Home of the Kentucky National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters, in the state capital.

• Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center

  Greenville, KY. Kentucky National Guard training center for field tests and leader courses.

Timing Your Shipment Around PCS Orders

PCS season runs May to August. Carrier supply tightens, prices rise, and pickup dates fill weeks ahead. Book 3 to 4 weeks out once orders are in hand. We can hold a quote for 7 days while you finalize report dates.

Know where the posts sit. Fort Knox is off US-31W south of Louisville, near Radcliff and Elizabethtown. Fort Campbell's northern edge is in Oak Grove, and the post reaches south toward Clarksville, Tennessee. Blue Grass Army Depot is in Richmond off I-75, the 123rd Airlift Wing flies from Louisville, the Guard's Joint Force Headquarters is at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, and its training center is in Greenville. Active duty service members here on orders whose LES does not list Kentucky as their state of residence do not owe Kentucky's yearly vehicle property tax.

Military Discount and Who Qualifies

Military rate available for: active duty, reserve, National Guard, retired service members, and veterans. Mention your status on the call or in the quote form. Government bills of lading and DPS reimbursement requests are supported.

Looking for a Reliable Lowboy or Step Deck Carrier Service in Kentucky?

Are you expanding your operations in Lexington or setting up shop in Bowling Green? As Kentucky grows with new developments, the demand for efficient transportation of heavy machinery is at an all-time high. That's where Number 1 Auto Transport's expertise in heavy equipment shipping comes into play. The seasoned lowboy carriers in our network are the backbone of Kentucky's construction logistics, ensuring your equipment is transported safely and punctually, keeping your projects on track.

At Number 1 Auto Transport, we understand that transporting heavy construction equipment is more than a task. It's a commitment to precision and safety. The lowboy carrier drivers in our network are not just experienced. They're masters in maneuvering oversized loads and navigating the intricacies of weighty hauls. With a carrier network ready to handle the unique demands of each job site and the challenges of Kentucky's diverse roadways, we're equipped to move your heavy machinery with the utmost care. Let us take the wheel, and you'll see why we're the trusted partner for heavy equipment transport in Kentucky. Ready to move forward? Contact us for a smooth transport experience.

What Moves on Lowboy and Step Deck Trailers

• Excavators, dozers, and loaders
• Skid steers, backhoes, and compact track loaders
• Cranes, lifts, and aerial booms
• Dump trucks and work trucks
• Combines, tractors, and farm implements
• Industrial generators and pumps

Why Lowboy and RGN Transport Works for Kentucky

• Height Compliance

  Lowboy decks sit 18 to 24 inches off the ground. Tall machinery clears bridges and overpasses on I-65, I-64, I-75, and I-71.

• Stability and Capacity

  Step deck and lowboy trailers carry the weight of full-size dozers, cranes, and combines without straining the suspension.

• Permit and Escort Expertise

  Carriers in our network handle KYTC overweight and over-dimensional permits, escort vehicles, and the weekday rush hour limits in Jefferson, Fayette, Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties.

Equipment that does not fit on a step deck moves on a Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailer. The front detaches so tracked machinery rolls on without ramps. Best for excavators, dozers, and equipment without functional drive systems.

Should You Drive or Ship Your Car to or from Kentucky?

No route guide covers a Kentucky lane yet, so we do not publish a driving cost for one. Here is how the two options compare on everything except the price.

Driving vs. Shipping, Side by Side

The transit windows are the ones this page has always published. Your quote supplies the shipping price, so the table leaves dollar figures out.

Moving to Kentucky: What to Do After Your Car Arrives

Most people shipping into Kentucky are relocating or reporting to Fort Knox or Fort Campbell. Kentucky moves fast: 15 days to register, and every car from another state needs a sheriff's inspection first. Here is what actually applies.

A 6 Percent Usage Tax, Even on a Car You Own

Kentucky collects a 6 percent motor vehicle usage tax the first time a car is registered here, and that includes a car you bring from another state. For a new resident, the tax is figured on the car's trade-in value in the NADA guide. An older car no longer listed in the guide is valued at $100. If your old state charged a similar tax, you get credit for what you paid there, as long as that state gives the same credit for Kentucky's tax. Bring proof, such as your old registration, or a title or purchase contract that shows the tax paid.

Kentucky also taxes cars as property every year. Your county PVA values the car as of January 1, and whoever owns it on that date pays for the year. Most owners pay at the county clerk by the end of their birth month. An active duty service member here on military orders does not owe it, unless the LES lists Kentucky as the state of residence.

Sheriff's Inspection, No Emissions Test

Every car brought into Kentucky gets a one-time inspection by a certified inspector at the sheriff's office before you apply for the title. The inspector checks the VIN on the car against your title and records the odometer. Bring the car, the title, Form TC 96-182, and proof of Kentucky insurance. Kentucky residents stationed out of state can have the post provost do it.

Kentucky has no emissions test. Its two testing programs, in Louisville and in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties, ended in 2003 and 2005. The new-resident steps list no yearly safety inspection either.

Insurance and License

Kentucky requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage, or a $60,000 single limit. The property damage minimum rose from $10,000 for policies issued or renewed from January 1, 2018. Your policy must also carry basic reparation benefits, Kentucky's no-fault coverage, which pays up to $10,000 per person. Buy it from a company authorized in Kentucky before you drive here. Active duty service members listed on the title may use out-of-state insurance.

Get your Kentucky driver license within 30 days of becoming a resident. A valid out-of-state license, or one expired less than a year, transfers with no testing at a Driver Licensing Regional Office. A standard four-year license costs $21.50, and a four-year REAL ID costs $24.

Take the out-of-state title, Form TC 96-182, the sheriff's inspection, proof of Kentucky insurance issued within 45 days, and your ID to the county clerk. The Transportation Cabinet lists a $9 title fee and $21 for registration and a standard plate. Plug-in vehicles add a yearly electric vehicle ownership fee. Check current fees with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet before you go.

Kentucky Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our Kentucky car shipping service. For everything else, see our auto transport FAQ.

• What is the cost of shipping a car to Kentucky?

  The cost of shipping a car to Kentucky depends on several factors, including distance, location, trailer type, vehicle details, and seasonality. Prices fluctuate throughout the year, and busy seasons may lead to slightly higher costs. In order to get the most accurate quote, you should provide the following information: your car's type and specifications, origin and destination cities, flexible shipping dates (if possible), and preferred trailer type (open or enclosed).

• How long does it take to ship a car to or from Kentucky?

  Most pickup windows are 24 to 72 hours from when the vehicle is ready to be picked up. In remote areas, it could take up to 5 days. Here are some estimated transit times based on distance: under 1,000 miles, 2 to 3 days. 1,000 to 1,750 miles, 4 to 6 days. 1,750 to 2,500 miles, 7 to 10 days.

• What types of vehicles can I transport to or from Kentucky?

  Number 1 Auto Transport handles all your vehicle relocation needs, from everyday cars and trucks like coupes, sedans, SUVs, and pickups to minivans and passenger vans. We've got you covered for specialty vehicles too, including electric cars, motorcycles, and all-terrain rides like ATVs and UTVs. Need your golf cart or a John Deere Tractor shipped? If it has wheels, we can ship it!

• Can I transport a car to or from Kentucky if it's not running?

  Yes, carriers in our network are equipped with a winch to help pull the vehicle onto the trailer. Please let your dedicated shipping agent know if the car breaks, rolls, and steers.

• Can I pack my car when transporting it to or from Kentucky?

  While some personal belongings can be transported inside your vehicle for your convenience, there are restrictions. The total weight must be under 100 pounds, and for security reasons, they should be stored in the trunk or back seat, remaining below the window line. It's important to note that any personal belongings shipped within the car are not covered by the standard transport insurance in case of damage or loss.

• Does my vehicle need to have plates when shipping it to or from Kentucky?

  No, but sometimes a carrier will have to meet in a parking lot due to the size of his truck and the destination street layout. If so, you will most likely have to drive the car a few blocks.

• How should I prep my car before shipping it?

  It's recommended to wash your car so the transport carrier can do a proper inspection at pickup. Remove any toll tags so you don't incur fees while in transit. It's also best to remove any loose parts to prevent any damage during transport.

• What is the cheapest way to transport a car to or from Kentucky?

  The cheapest way to ship a car to or from Kentucky is on an open car trailer.

• Should I drive or ship my car to Kentucky?

  If the trip is a short distance, you should consider driving it to save money. Shipping is ideal for long distances, valuable cars, or if you don't want the hassle of driving yourself.

• Is my vehicle insured when using a Kentucky car shipping service?

  Yes, all the carriers in our network are vetted and screened with the DOT and FMCSA to make sure they have up to date and adequate cargo coverage to fully protect your car during transport.

• How do I get a quote for shipping my car to Kentucky?

  Most car shipping carriers request a 3-day (weekday) window for pickup. Once you have your desired pickup window, provide us with the year, make, model, and we will be able to provide you with a Kentucky car shipping rate.

• How do I pay for my Kentucky auto transport service?

  Number 1 Auto Transport offers a variety of convenient payment methods to ensure a smooth transaction for our customers. We accept all major credit cards for your convenience. Additionally, we facilitate secure electronic transfers through established platforms (Zelle, Venmo, Cashapp, Paypal) as well as ACH and wire transfers. For alternative payment preferences, certified and bank checks are also accepted.

• What documents do I need to provide to ship my car?

  You do not need to provide any documents to ship your car. However, it is recommended to sign a Bill of Lading before the carrier leaves.

• What happens upon pick-up and delivery of my car?

  The transport carrier will conduct a thorough inspection with you at the predetermined pickup location, noting any existing dents or scratches. The same inspection will be done upon delivery.

• How far in advance do I need to schedule my Kentucky car shipping service?

  To ensure we can fulfill your preferred delivery timeframe, scheduling your car shipment with ample lead time is highly recommended. Ideally, booking your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance allows for optimal planning and execution.

• Do I have to register my car in Kentucky after it arrives?

  Yes, if you are moving here. If you bring a car into Kentucky, you must apply for registration within 15 days at the county clerk where you live. The car needs a sheriff's inspection first, and you need Kentucky insurance. Kentucky charges a 6 percent usage tax at the first registration, with credit for a similar tax paid to another state. There is no emissions test, and you have 30 days to get a Kentucky driver license.