Cost to ship a car from New Orleans to Los Angeles

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,893 miles from New Orleans to Los Angeles ranges from $1,254 to $1,878. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Los Angeles, CA in 3–11 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 Los Angeles to New Orleans car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting New Orleans to Los Angeles car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Crescent City to the City of Angels — approximately 1,893 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 New Orleans and Los Angeles can impact car shipping prices.

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.

The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before 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 New Orleans to Los Angeles 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 1,893-mile distance between New Orleans and Los Angeles 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 New Orleans to Los Angeles typically takes between 3 and 11 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

New Orleans to Los Angeles car shipping companies

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

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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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 New Orleans and Los Angeles vehicle regulations

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)
  • Los Angeles: If the pick-up or drop-off location is in a place where it is difficult to find a parking spot, you have two options for getting a parking permit for the moving truck. 1. Get in touch with the city office or department and get a permit and sign from them – “Temporary No Parking”. Usually these cost $10-60. Every city has its own requirements and procedures for granting permits. 2. Contact the company, which provides a service for installing “Temporary No Parking”. Such a sign usually cost about $250. Oversize vehicle parking permits may be purchased either by mail or in person at one of four Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Public Service Centers. Permits are issued to Los Angeles residents for a fee of $10.00 per day and may be purchased for up to three days at a time.

Car insurance requirements

  • 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.
  • Los Angeles: 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • 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.
  • Los Angeles: 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.

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.
  • Los Angeles: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA 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 New Orleans to Los Angeles will range from $1,254 to $1,878.

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

It will take approximately 3–11 days to ship your car the 1,893 miles from New Orleans to Los Angeles. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful New Orleans resources