Cost to ship a car from Oakland to Louisville

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,310 miles from Oakland to Louisville ranges from $1,520 to $2,541. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Louisville, KY in 5–13 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Louisville to Oakland car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Oakland to Louisville car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Oakland to Louisville, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Oakland to Louisville, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Oakland, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Louisville, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Oakland. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Louisville will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Town to the City of Beautiful Churches — approximately 2,310 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.

Time of the year

The season and weather in both Oakland and Louisville can impact car shipping prices.

Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.

Louisville has seasonal extremes in both temperature and precipitation are not uncommon during early spring and late fall; severe weather is not uncommon, with occasional tornado outbreaks in the region. Winter typically brings a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, with occasional heavy snowfall and icing. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Oakland to Louisville during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,310-mile distance between Oakland and Louisville and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Oakland to Louisville typically takes between 5 and 13 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Oakland to Louisville car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Oakland to Louisville:

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Oakland and Louisville vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Oakland: Visitor Permits (1-day and 2-week temporary permits for visitors) Residents may purchase temporary permits for visitors. Visitor permits are hanging permits valid for one day or two weeks. A resident may purchase up to five of both on any calendar day.
  • Louisville: Building Moving Permit or Access to Open Space permits are required.

Car insurance requirements

  • Oakland: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
  • Louisville: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.

Vehicle inspections

  • Oakland: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
  • Louisville: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.

Driver’s license

  • Oakland: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Louisville: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Oakland to Louisville?

The cost to ship a car from Oakland, CA to Louisville, KY varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Oakland to Louisville will range from $1,520 to $2,541.

How long will it take to ship my car from Oakland to Louisville?

It will take approximately 5–13 days to ship your car the 2,310 miles from Oakland to Louisville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Oakland to Louisville?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Oakland to Louisville. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Oakland resources