Louisiana Car Shipping: Costs, Key Details & Recommended Companies
Turn Louisiana Car Shipping Stress Into Success
Shipping a car in or out of Louisiana is straightforward with proper planning and an experienced transport company. At A4 Auto Transport, we’ve helped customers navigate Louisiana’s unique challenges, from navigating the Mississippi River crossings to dealing with humid, rainy weather and urban traffic in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge. For Louisiana car shipping, selecting a company familiar with the state’s highways, seasonal storms, and southern conditions is key.
Top Auto Transport Company for Louisiana Car Shipping
AutoStar Transport Express
SPONSORED LISTING / FEATURED PARTNERHow to Ship a Car To or From Louisiana: Essential Steps
Get Quotes from Top Car Shipping Companies
Request quotes from the best car shipping companies in Louisiana offering open, enclosed, or door-to-door transport options to find the best combination of price, reliability, and service.
Choose a Licensed and Insured Carrier
Select a carrier that is fully licensed and insured, with experience navigating Louisiana’s roads, seasonal weather, and flood-prone areas to ensure safe transport.
Prepare Necessary Documents
Gather all essential documents, including your vehicle title, registration, and a valid government-issued photo ID, to avoid delays in the shipping process.
Clean and Prep Your Vehicle
Wash your car, remove valuables, disable alarms, and check tire pressure and fluid levels to ensure it is ready for transport and minimize risk of damage.
Coordinate Pickup or Drop-Off
Arrange for your vehicle to be picked up or dropped off at your home, office, or a nearby terminal, based on location, convenience, and accessibility.
Inspect and Document Vehicle Condition
Thoroughly inspect your car and document any existing damage before it is picked up to have a clear record for reference upon delivery.
Review Vehicle Upon Delivery
Carefully examine the vehicle when it arrives, ensuring it is intact and matches the documented condition before signing the final paperwork.
Consider exploring ways to ship a car
Key State-to-State Car Shipping Routes From and To Louisiana
Whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle online, or sending a car to family or college, knowing the common shipping routes from and to Louisiana helps you plan costs, timing, and service type. Below are some of the major routes with estimated costs and transit times.
Popular for long-distance relocations and vehicle purchases. Open carriers offer the most affordable option; enclosed trailers are recommended for luxury or classic cars.
Frequently used by families and dealerships shipping vehicles into Louisiana. Flexible scheduling with enclosed options for high-value vehicles.
Ideal for seasonal moves, retirees, and snowbirds heading to warmer climates. Open transport is cost-effective; enclosed shipping adds extra protection for valuable vehicles.
Common in spring and summer for returns or new relocations. Seasonal north-south carrier routes increase availability.
Popular route for students, relocations, and auction vehicle transport. Open carriers are budget-friendly; enclosed shipping protects against weather and road hazards.
Serves metro areas including NYC, Albany, and Buffalo with good carrier access. Prices vary based on flexibility and time of year.
Frequently used for college moves, military transfers, and business relocations. Open carriers widely available; enclosed trailers for specialty vehicles.
Common for inbound moves and dealership vehicle transfers. High carrier availability in major Texas cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
Popular route for business and personal vehicle moves. Open carriers are economical; enclosed available for added protection.
Common for vehicle sales, family relocations, and college moves. Quick delivery times with regular open carrier routes.
Disclaimer: Prices and transit times are estimates and may vary based on vehicle type, season, exact pickup/drop-off locations, and market conditions.
Louisiana Car Shipping Costs Overview
Here’s a breakdown of estimated vehicle shipping costs to and from Louisiana, based on distance, region, and type of carrier used:
| Route Category | Distance Range (miles) | Carrier Type | Cost Estimate (USD) | Average Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Coast (e.g., TX, MS, AL) | 100 – 400 | Open / Enclosed Option | $300 – $650 | 1 to 3 days |
| Midwest (e.g., IL, MO, KS) | 800 – 1,300 | Open Carrier / Enclosed Optional | $850 – $1,300 | 3 to 5 days |
| East Coast (e.g., GA, NC, NY) | 1,000 – 1,500 | Open / Enclosed Option | $950 – $1,500 | 4 to 6 days |
| West (e.g., AZ, CA, NV) | 1,500 – 2,000 | Open / Enclosed / Expedited | $1,300 – $1,900 | 5 to 8 days |
| Local & In-State | Under 200 | Open Carrier | $250 – $500 | 1 to 2 days |
Disclaimer: These prices and transit times are estimates and may vary based on demand, fuel costs, carrier availability, and vehicle type. Always request quotes from trusted auto transport companies.
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs in Louisiana
Longer distances naturally raise shipping costs, especially for cross-country routes to or from Louisiana.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for high-end or classic cars at a higher price.
Larger vehicles like trucks, SUVs, and vans cost more to ship due to their size and weight, requiring more space on the carrier.
Spring and summer are peak seasons, which can lead to increased prices and limited availability due to higher demand.
Severe weather and hurricane season in Louisiana can delay pickups and deliveries, affecting scheduling and pricing.
Can I Ship a Non-Running or Classic Car from Louisiana?
Yes, shipping non-running and classic vehicles from Louisiana is common.
- Non-running cars require special loading equipment like winches and may incur additional fees
- Classic or vintage vehicles are best transported using enclosed trailers for maximum protection
- Always notify your transport company in advance about your vehicle’s condition
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car from Louisiana to the East or West Coast?
Shipping time depends on the destination, route, and seasonal conditions:
- To the East Coast (e.g., FL, GA, NC): 3 to 5 days on average
- To the West Coast (e.g., CA, AZ, NV): 5 to 8 days on average
- Weather delays or high-demand seasons may extend these timelines
Is Enclosed Car Transport Necessary in Louisiana’s Climate?
Enclosed Car Transport
While not mandatory, enclosed car transport is advisable for luxury, exotic, or antique vehicles. Louisiana’s humid climate, heavy rains, and hurricane seasons can pose risks to exposed vehicles. Enclosed transport offers extra protection from moisture, debris, and potential storm damage during transit.
Can I Get Same-Day or Expedited Car Shipping in Louisiana?
Yes, but availability varies:
- More likely in major cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport
- Same-day pickup typically costs more and depends on carrier availability
- Expedited service can reduce transit time by 1–2 days, ideal for urgent relocations
How Does Louisiana’s Weather Affect Car Shipping?
Louisiana’s subtropical climate and seasonal storms can influence transport schedules.
- Heavy rain and flooding may delay pickups or drop-offs
- Hurricane season (June–November) can cause widespread disruptions
- Scheduling early and allowing flexibility in delivery dates is recommended
Is Enclosed Car Shipping Preferable in Louisiana?
Enclosed car shipping is often a better choice in Louisiana, particularly if you are transporting a high-value, luxury, or classic vehicle. The state’s climate includes high humidity, frequent rain, and seasonal storms that can put your car at risk if transported on an open carrier.
Enclosed trailers provide full protection from weather, road debris, and moisture, helping to keep your vehicle in top condition during transit. While it typically costs more, the added protection makes it a smart investment for valuable vehicles.
Do Carriers Pick Up From Louisiana Ports or Refineries?
Yes, but with limitations.
Many carriers serve industrial areas like Port Fourchon, Port of New Orleans, and Baton Rouge refineries, but pickups often require special permissions or commercial access. If you’re shipping from these locations, coordinate with the facility and your carrier in advance.
Is Car Shipping Available During Hurricane Season in Louisiana?
Yes, but with precautions.
- June through November is hurricane season
- Carriers monitor weather systems closely and may delay pickups or reroute shipments
- It’s best to ship vehicles before a forecasted storm or wait until it passes
- Consider enclosed shipping for high-value vehicles during this season
Are There Any Restrictions When Shipping a Car Out of New Orleans?
- Downtown New Orleans can have limited access for large trucks due to the tight streets and traffic
- You may need to meet the driver outside the French Quarter or in a more accessible neighborhood like Mid-City or Uptown
- Always confirm pickup logistics if you’re in a crowded or tourist-heavy area
What Documents Are Needed to Ship a Car From Louisiana?
Typically, you need:
- A valid government-issued ID
- Vehicle registration (not always required for transport, but helpful)
- Power of attorney or consent form (if someone else is handing off the car)
No title is needed unless you’re shipping internationally.
Is Car Shipping Available for Students Attending LSU or Other Louisiana Colleges?
Yes, student car shipping is common in cities like:
- Baton Rouge (Louisiana State University)
- New Orleans (Tulane University, UNO, Loyola)
- Lafayette (University of Louisiana at Lafayette)
Flexible delivery to dorms, apartments, or nearby parking lots is usually arranged.
Can I Ship a Car From Louisiana if It Has Flood Damage?
It depends on the carrier.
- Some auto transporters may refuse flood-damaged or salvage vehicles
- If accepted, you must disclose the condition and verify that the vehicle can roll, steer, and brake
- Non-running cars may need winch service or flatbed transport
Recommended Car Shipping Companies for Louisiana
We’ve researched the top auto transport companies, and based on that research, we confidently recommend AutoStar Transport Express:
AutoStar Transport Express
AutoStar Transport Express leads the Louisiana car shipping market with unmatched reliability, top-tier customer service, and flexible transport solutions. Their transparent pricing sets them apart as the top choice.
We highlight AutoStar Transport Express as our top recommended company. Other companies are kept anonymous. Always request multiple quotes to compare services and pricing.
Conclusion
Shipping a car to or from Louisiana doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right transport partner, an understanding of your shipping options, and a little preparation, you can ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time. From understanding seasonal impacts to selecting between open and enclosed carriers, this guide has provided the key details to help you make confident car shipping decisions in Louisiana.