Shipping a Car from Atlanta, GA to Memphis, TN
Moving a car from Atlanta to Memphis means about 401 miles westbound, through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. Transit after dispatch is about 1–2 days (8 hours of driving, plus stops). Demand is moderate, so pickup windows are usually easy to fill.
Timing and Seasonality
From June to November, tropical weather can force carriers to reroute near the coast, so leave a few spare days. Two weeks of lead time works well for 401 miles. Across Georgia expect hot summers and the occasional ice event around Atlanta; across Tennessee, winter ice on the Cumberland Plateau.
What Atlanta to Memphis Costs
A sedan on an open trailer is priced at roughly $350–$440 on this corridor, or $0.99 for each of the 401 miles. SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($390–$495); enclosed sedan transport is $510–$640, roughly 46% more than open. Ending in Little Rock instead (140 mi from Memphis) is estimated at $405–$595. A comparable-length trip, Houston, TX to Jackson, MS (420 mi), is priced at $350–$460.
| Transport Type | Vehicle | Typical Price | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $350–$440 | Lowest cost, most common |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $390–$495 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Open | Minivan | $390–$495 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $510–$640 | High-value or low cars |
Prices shown are for a typical sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Atlanta. The main approaches to Atlanta are I-20, I-75 and I-85. Southeast logistics capital with three interstates converging, so carriers fill trucks here quickly. Atlanta is a freight crossroads, so there is usually a truck passing through.
Delivery in Memphis. Carriers typically arrive around I-240, I-40 and I-55. Mississippi River logistics giant at the I-40/I-55 crossing. Drivers often use the Memphis International Airport area as a staging reference.
The Route and Corridor
The direct line between the two cities crosses Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. In Tennessee, I-40, I-65, I-24 and I-75 meet around Nashville and Knoxville. In Alabama, I-65 and I-20/I-59 carry most freight, with Birmingham as the main junction. Mississippi: I-55, I-20 and I-59 carry through freight. Pickup is on Eastern time and delivery on Central time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Have a storm plan. For coastal legs from June to November, agree on a backup date up front.
- Remove loose items. Personal belongings are usually not insured in transit; clear the cabin before pickup in Atlanta.
- Keep the tank low. About a quarter tank keeps weight down for the trip to Memphis.