Shipping a Car from Los Angeles, CA to Memphis, TN
Ship from Los Angeles and the car covers about 1,904 miles eastbound to Memphis, across seven states, from California to Tennessee. That is around 38 hours of driving at car-hauler speeds; our transit estimate is 3–5 days after dispatch. Volume is middling, so most customers find a carrier without much waiting.
Timing and Seasonality
High Plains winter storms and spring thunderstorms are the main weather risks, so late spring and early fall are calmest. Desert heat rarely stops trucks, but midday loading can be hard, so early-morning pickups are common. For a 1,904-mile trip, request quotes about three weeks before pickup. Across California expect mild coastal weather but snow on the Sierra passes in winter; across Tennessee, winter ice on the Cumberland Plateau.
The Route and Corridor
The direct line between the two cities crosses California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee. In New Mexico, I-25, I-40 and I-10 climb above 5,000 feet in places. In Texas, I-35, I-10, I-45, I-20 and I-40 cross a state where El Paso to Houston is about 750 miles. In Arkansas, I-40 and I-30 cross at Little Rock. Albuquerque (NM), Santa Fe (NM) and Oklahoma City (OK) sit close to the corridor, which is why trucks often add or drop vehicles there. Pickup is on Pacific time and delivery on Central time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock. Toll roads in Texas and Oklahoma are built into carrier pricing.
What Los Angeles to Memphis Costs
Current estimates put open transport for a standard sedan at $950–$1,335, which is about $0.60 per mile over 1,904 miles. SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($1,065–$1,495); enclosed sedan transport is $1,380–$1,935, roughly 45% more than open. A comparable-length trip, Seattle, WA to Oklahoma City, OK (1,812 mi), is priced at $905–$1,270. Delivery to Little Rock, 140 miles from Memphis, would be $880–$1,230.
| Service | Car Type | Estimated Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $950–$1,335 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $1,065–$1,495 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $1,065–$1,495 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,380–$1,935 | Luxury, classic and low-clearance cars |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; your quote depends on pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Los Angeles. The nearest major airport, Los Angeles International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver. Los Angeles has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time. Trucks working Los Angeles lean on I-10, I-405 and I-5.
Delivery in Memphis. The main approaches to Memphis are I-240, I-40 and I-55. Memphis is a freight crossroads, so there is usually a truck passing through. Mississippi River logistics giant at the I-40/I-55 crossing.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Remove loose items. Personal belongings are usually not insured in transit; clear the cabin before pickup in Los Angeles.
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in Los Angeles and again in Memphis, and note anything on the bill of lading.
- Compare nearby pickup points. Moving the handoff a short drive from Los Angeles can change the price on a 1,904-mile lane.