Tennessee Auto Transport: Daily Car Shipping Routes in Nashville, Memphis & Knoxville

• Pickup and delivery at your address across all 95 Tennessee 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

Tennessee 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. Tennessee 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 Tennessee Cities Served

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

• Nashville
• Memphis
• Knoxville
• Chattanooga
• Clarksville
• Murfreesboro
• Franklin
• Johnson City
• Jackson
• Hendersonville
• Smyrna
• Spring Hill
• Kingsport
• Bartlett
• Gallatin
• Lebanon
• Collierville
• Cleveland
• Columbia
• Brentwood

Shipping a Car to Tennessee

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

No page on our site publishes a price for these five lanes into Tennessee yet, so each one reads Get a quote. The two lanes we do price, New York to Tennessee and California to Tennessee, are in the city-to-city table below.

Shipping a Car from Tennessee

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

Our New York to Tennessee route guide prices the southbound lane, so the Tennessee to New York row is quoted individually with the rest. Lanes with no published figure read Get a quote.

Popular City-to-City Tennessee Routes

City-pair pricing for the lanes we publish. Standard sedans on open or enclosed carriers.

The six New York pairs are published on our New York to Tennessee route guide and the six California pairs on our California to Tennessee route guide. No other page on our site prices a Tennessee city pair yet.

Per-Mile Pricing Guide for Tennessee Routes

The same per-mile guide appears on our Texas, New York, California, and Florida pages. A simple way to sanity check any Tennessee 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 element influencing costs, serving as a significant determinant for your quote.
• Locations: Specific cities play a role, 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 substantial 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.

To obtain the most accurate Tennessee auto transport rate, provide the following details:

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

By supplying this information, you'll receive a personalized car shipping rate tailored to meet the specific challenges of transporting a vehicle to or from Tennessee.

Tennessee Route Guides

Full pages on the lanes we run most, with city-pair pricing, transit windows, and what to do after the car arrives. The complete list is on our popular routes page.

• New York to Tennessee
• California to Tennessee

Tennessee Military Installations We Serve

• Fort Campbell

  On the state line between Clarksville, TN, and Hopkinsville, KY. Home of the 101st Airborne Division, the 5th Special Forces Group, and the 160th SOAR.

• Naval Support Activity Mid-South

  Millington, TN, just north of Memphis. Headquarters of Navy Personnel Command and Navy Recruiting Command.

• Arnold Air Force Base

  Near Tullahoma, TN. Headquarters of the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC).

• McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base

  Knoxville area, TN. Home of the 134th Air Refueling Wing and the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center.

• Berry Field Air National Guard Base

  Nashville, TN. Home of the Tennessee Air National Guard's 118th Wing and its intelligence and cyber units.

• Memphis Air National Guard Base

  Memphis International Airport, TN. The 164th Airlift Wing flies the C-17 Globemaster III.

• Holston Army Ammunition Plant

  Kingsport, TN. An Army plant that makes a wide range of explosives.

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 Campbell is on the state line between Clarksville and Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and Clarksville trucks fill first in PCS season. Berry Field is in Nashville, and Arnold is near Tullahoma in Middle Tennessee. McGhee Tyson is in the Knoxville area, and Holston is in Kingsport in the Tri-Cities. NSA Mid-South is in Millington, and the Memphis Guard base is at Memphis International Airport.

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.

What Moves on Lowboy and Step Deck Trailers

• Excavators and cranes
• Bulldozers and wheel loaders
• Skid steers, backhoes, and compact track loaders
• Lifts and aerial booms
• Combines, tractors, and farm implements
• Industrial generators and pumps

Why Lowboy and RGN Transport Works for Tennessee

• Height Compliance

  Lowboy decks sit 18 to 24 inches off the ground. Tall machinery clears bridges and overpasses on I-40, I-24, I-65, and I-75.

• 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 Tennessee oversize and overweight hauling permits, route surveys, escort vehicles, and restricted travel windows.

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 Tennessee?

Driving it yourself looks free until you add it up. These figures come from our New York to Tennessee route guide, for a one-way run of 675 to 1,000 miles from New York into Tennessee.

The Hidden Cost of Driving It Yourself

Typical figures for a sedan, one night on the road, and two days of driving. The total leaves out the miles on the odometer, brake and tire wear on the I-81 grades, and two days of your time.

Driving vs. Shipping, Side by Side

Moving to Tennessee: What to Do After Your Car Arrives

Most people shipping into Tennessee are relocating. Tennessee asks less of a new resident than most states. There is no use tax on the car you bring with you, no safety inspection, and the state's emissions testing program has ended. Here is what actually applies.

No Tennessee Use Tax on the Car You Bring

The Department of Revenue's county clerk manual says a person relocating to Tennessee in a bona fide change of residence can bring a personal motor vehicle in without paying Tennessee use tax. That covers the car you ship. If any tax does come due, Tennessee gives credit for sales or use tax you paid to another state, with proof. Keep your old registration and the sales tax receipt.

One catch: a Tennessee resident coming home after military duty or school out of state does not count as moving in.

No Safety Inspection, and the Emissions Program Has Ended

No Revenue titling or registration checklist has a line for a safety inspection, and the new-resident document list has no VIN check.

A 2018 state law, Public Chapter 953, ended the state's vehicle inspection and maintenance program 120 days after the EPA approved taking it out of the state's air plan. That approval covered Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties and Hamilton County, and it took effect September 16, 2021. Treat any moving checklist that still budgets for a Tennessee emissions test as out of date.

Insurance and License

Tennessee requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 for each injury or death, $50,000 for total injuries or deaths per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Move your policy to your Tennessee address before you see the county clerk. From July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2029, a new state law also asks for proof of insurance at a car's first Tennessee registration.

The Department of Safety says new residents who hold a license from another state must get a Tennessee license no later than 30 days after establishing residency. Every new resident takes a vision screening at a full-service Driver Services Center and surrenders the old license.

Bring your ID, proof of your Tennessee address, your out-of-state registration, and the title or your lienholder's name and address. Title is $5.50 to the state plus $8.50 to the county clerk, and a standard passenger registration is $26.50 plus county fees. Electric vehicles add $200 a year, rising to $274 for renewals from January 1, 2027. Hybrids add $100. From January 1, 2027, a first registration also needs proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. Check current numbers with the Tennessee Department of Revenue before you go.

Tennessee Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions

The questions we get most on Tennessee moves. For everything else, see our auto transport FAQ.

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

  The cost of shipping a car to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

  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 Tennessee?

  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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

  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 Tennessee?

  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 Tennessee?

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

• Should I drive or ship my car to Tennessee?

  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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

  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 Tennessee car shipping rate.

• How do I pay for my Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee after it arrives?

  Yes, if you are moving here. The Department of Revenue says to register within 30 days of the move, and your Tennessee driver license is due within 30 days too. There is no Tennessee use tax on a personal vehicle you bring with you on a real change of residence. There is no safety inspection, and the state's emissions testing program has ended.