($1,302) Cost to ship a car from Irvine, CA to New Orleans, LA

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,878 miles from Irvine, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, ranges from $1,302 to $1,837. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Services all 50 states
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans to Irvine car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Irvine to New Orleans car shipping companies

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

Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
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Check prices (833) 775-1461
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Check prices (224) 206-5633
At A Glance
  • No upfront payment
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Competitive pricing
  • Door-to-door shipping
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Check prices (224) 206-5633
Best for discounts
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices (770) 501-9057
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  • Competitive pricing
  • Last-minute car shipments
  • Guaranteed & expedited shipments
  • Gap insurance coverage
  • Multiple discounts
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Check prices (770) 501-9057
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Check prices (864) 492-1221
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  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Check prices (864) 492-1221
Best for quick pickup
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Check prices (888) 259-6046
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  • No upfront deposit
  • Expedited shipping
  • No hidden fees
  • Ships motorcycles & RVs
  • Discount for cash payments
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Check prices (888) 259-6046
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  • All vehicle types
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Top local car shippers in Irvine

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Irvine, CA:

Nationwide Transport Services

1 World Trade Center #839, Long Beach, CA 90831 US

starstarstarstarstar4.52 / 5.0
Get a Quote (877) 278-3135

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2245458

Nationwide United Auto Transport

2202 S Figueroa St #506, Los Angeles, CA 90007 US

starstarstarstarstar4.2 / 5.0

Customers frequently praise Nationwide United Auto Transport for their excellent communication, professionalism, and timely deliveries, noting that their vehicles arrived safely and on schedule. However, a few negative reviews mention issues with unexpected price increases and a poor customer experience, underscoring the importance of clear communication and transparency.

Get a Quote (800) 311-8305

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.

102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA 92618 US

starstarstarstarstar3.96 / 5.0

ABC Auto Shipping, led by Arman, consistently receives high praise for its responsive customer service, effective communication, and reliable car transport services. Customers have reported positive experiences with timely deliveries, often ahead of schedule, and vehicles arriving in excellent condition. Though some reviewers noted slightly higher prices compared to competitors, many felt the service provided was worth the investment, especially considering the stress-free experience.

Get a Quote (877) 686-5611

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior
  • Student
  • Teacher
  • Law enforcement

Additional Information

Hilton Auto Transport

1611 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501 US

starstarstarstarstar3.86 / 5.0

Hilton Auto Transport is well-regarded for its excellent customer service, competitive pricing, and efficient communication throughout the vehicle transport process. While most reviews praise the responsiveness and professionalism of Nichole and her team, there are scattered complaints about poor communication and damages during transport, emphasizing the importance of thorough follow-up with the shipping company.

Get a Quote (310) 686-5318

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • ATVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior
  • Student

Additional Information

Direct Express, Inc.

230 W Carob St, Compton, CA 90220 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise the company's quality of service, helpful staff, and efficiency. However, some express concerns about high prices, particularly when compared to competitors.

Get a Quote (310) 324-2100

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

How we chose the best car shipping companies

We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.

Here’s what we considered:

  • Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
  • Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
  • Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
  • Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
  • Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.

Car shipping alternatives from CA to LA

  • Coordinate with your movers. If you are relocating from Irvine to New Orleans, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide, and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s pick for car shipper and their pricing.
  • Drive your car. There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,878-mile drive from Irvine to New Orleans into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
  • Use a driving service. Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from California to Louisiana is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Irvine to New Orleans. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
  • Ship your car via train. Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to New Orleans, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.

Factors affecting Irvine to New Orleans car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Irvine to New Orleans, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

There are different options for shipping your car from Irvine to New Orleans, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you choose will depend on your specific needs.

When leaving Irvine, 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 New Orleans, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Irvine will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to New Orleans than a compact car.

Distance and route

To put it simply — the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as adjacent costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,878 miles from Irvine to Crescent City will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within California.

Where you’re shipping your car matters here, too. Rates are usually lower for routes that are along major highways and will be higher for areas that are more remote.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Irvine and New Orleans can impact car shipping prices.

The season and weather in both Irvine and New Orleans can impact car shipping prices.

Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather

New Orleans has short, generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. The summer months are the wettest, while October is the driest month. Hurricanes pose a severe threat to the area, and the city is particularly at risk because of its low elevation, because it is surrounded by water from the north, east, and south and because of Louisiana's sinking coast.

During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Irvine to New Orleans 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 1,878-mile distance between Irvine and New Orleans 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 Irvine to New Orleans typically takes between three and eleven days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Irvine and New Orleans vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Irvine: The City of Irvine forbids parking in red zones or where signs prohibit same, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 6-3-573. The City of Irvine offers both annual and overnight parking permits
  • New Orleans: To ensure public safety, an Oversized Load permit is required for vehicles whose dimensions are larger than legally permissible by the Code of City of New Orleans Sections 154-1521 through 154-1525 and 154-1561. The permit may be granted for a singular trip or annually depending on the needs of the operator. $40 application fee $10 for singular trip (issued for specific vehicle, route, and date) $125 for annual permit (issued for specific vehicle and all city truck routes)

Car insurance requirements

  • Irvine: 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.
  • New Orleans: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.

Vehicle inspections

  • Irvine: 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.
  • New Orleans: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.

Driver’s license

  • Irvine: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • New Orleans: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Irvine to New Orleans?

The cost to ship a car from Irvine, CA to New Orleans, LA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Irvine to New Orleans will range from $1,302 to $1,837.

How long will it take to ship my car from Irvine to New Orleans?

It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,878 miles from Irvine to New Orleans. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Irvine to New Orleans?

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

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Irvine to New Orleans?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Irvine to New Orleans than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,878-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful Irvine resources