Cost to ship a car from Lexington to Memphis

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 423 miles from Lexington to Memphis ranges from $665 to $957. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Memphis, TN in 1–4 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 Memphis to Lexington car shipping guide.

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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 Memphis car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Lexington to Memphis, 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 Memphis, 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 Memphis 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 Bluff City — approximately 423 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 Memphis can impact car shipping prices.

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

Winter weather comes alternately from the upper Great Plains and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to drastic swings in temperature. Summer weather may come from Texas (very hot and humid) or the Gulf (hot and very humid). Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year though mainly during the spring months. Large hail, strong winds, flooding and frequent lightning can accompany these storms. 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 Lexington to Memphis 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 423-mile distance between Lexington and Memphis 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 Memphis typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Lexington to Memphis car shipping companies

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

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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 Lexington and Memphis 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.
  • Memphis: A single trip or annual permit must be obtained before traveling with oversize and/or overweight loads on Tennessee roadways. All permit types can be obtained through the TNTRIPS application.

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.
  • Memphis: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.

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.
  • Memphis: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.

Driver’s license

  • Lexington: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
  • Memphis: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Lexington to Memphis?

The cost to ship a car from Lexington, KY to Memphis, TN 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 Memphis will range from $665 to $957.

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

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 423 miles from Lexington to Memphis. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Lexington resources