Cost to ship a car from San Francisco to Baton Rouge

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,155 miles from San Francisco to Baton Rouge ranges from $1,371 to $1,987. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Baton Rouge, LA in 4–12 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 Baton Rouge to San Francisco car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting San Francisco to Baton Rouge car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from San Francisco to Baton Rouge, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving San Francisco, 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 Baton Rouge, 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 San Francisco. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Baton Rouge will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Golden Gate City to the Red Stick — approximately 2,155 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 San Francisco and Baton Rouge can impact car shipping prices.

San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.

Best months to plan a move to Baton rouge are April, October and November as these are these month have more favorable weather, while July and August are the least comfortable months which can cause discomfort during a move.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from San Francisco to Baton Rouge 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 2,155-mile distance between San Francisco and Baton Rouge 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 San Francisco to Baton Rouge typically takes between 4 and 12 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

San Francisco to Baton Rouge car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from San Francisco to Baton Rouge:

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing San Francisco and Baton Rouge vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • San Francisco: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.
  • Baton Rouge: There are some areas that require a parking permit. Make sure you have inquired if one is needed in the area where you are moving. Please inquire for the requirements for residential parking, You may visit their website: https://www.brla.gov/297/Spanish-Town-Parking-District-Regulation

Car insurance requirements

  • San Francisco: 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.
  • Baton Rouge: 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

  • San Francisco: 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.
  • Baton Rouge: 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

  • San Francisco: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • Baton Rouge: 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 San Francisco to Baton Rouge?

The cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Baton Rouge, LA 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 San Francisco to Baton Rouge will range from $1,371 to $1,987.

How long will it take to ship my car from San Francisco to Baton Rouge?

It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,155 miles from San Francisco to Baton Rouge. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Francisco to Baton Rouge?

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

Helpful San Francisco resources