Cost to ship a car from San Francisco to New Orleans
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,234 miles from San Francisco to New Orleans ranges from $1,367 to $2,161. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in New Orleans, 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 New Orleans to San Francisco car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting San Francisco to New Orleans car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from San Francisco to New Orleans, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from San Francisco to New Orleans, 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 New Orleans, 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 New Orleans 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 Crescent City — approximately 2,234 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 New Orleans 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.
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 times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from San Francisco 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 2,234-mile distance between San Francisco 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 San Francisco to New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing San Francisco and New Orleans 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- San Francisco: 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 San Francisco to New Orleans?
The cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to New Orleans, 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 New Orleans will range from $1,367 to $2,161.
How long will it take to ship my car from San Francisco to New Orleans?
It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,234 miles from San Francisco to New Orleans. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Francisco to New Orleans?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Francisco to New Orleans. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
