Cost to ship a car from Lexington to New Orleans

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 744 miles from Lexington to New Orleans ranges from $898 to $1,251. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in New Orleans, LA in 1–6 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 Lexington car shipping guide.

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Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.

Factors affecting Lexington to New Orleans car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Lexington to New Orleans, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Lexington, 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 Lexington. 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 Horse Capital of the World to the Crescent City — approximately 744 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 Lexington and New Orleans can impact car shipping prices.

Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods

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 Lexington 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 744-mile distance between Lexington 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 Lexington to New Orleans typically takes between 1 and 6 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Lexington 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 Lexington to New Orleans:

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Lexington and New Orleans vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Lexington: Meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the density of the area. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and 4 hour meters strategically located throughout the area. Specific rates are posted clearly on the meter. The meters are in effect and Enforced from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
  • 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

  • Lexington: 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.
  • 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

  • Lexington: 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.
  • 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

  • Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
  • 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 Lexington to New Orleans?

The cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY 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 Lexington to New Orleans will range from $898 to $1,251.

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

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 744 miles from Lexington to New Orleans. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Lexington resources