Cost to ship a car from Lafayette to Chattanooga

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 600 miles from Lafayette to Chattanooga ranges from $768 to $1,007. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Chattanooga, TN 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 Chattanooga to Lafayette car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Lafayette to Chattanooga car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Hub City to the Scenic City — approximately 600 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 Lafayette and Chattanooga can impact car shipping prices.

It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.

May, September and October are the most suitable months for moving in Chattanooga, while you might reconsider your plans in January and July as these are the least comfortable months.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Lafayette to Chattanooga 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 600-mile distance between Lafayette and Chattanooga 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 Lafayette to Chattanooga 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.

Lafayette to Chattanooga car shipping companies

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

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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 Lafayette and Chattanooga vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
  • Chattanooga: Chattanooga city code requires that no person shall construct a driveway across any sidewalk or cut or drop any curb within the city without first obtaining a permit from the city engineer. And the location of all curb cuts, points of ingress and egress from all streets, parking and loading areas for all uses shall be approved by the traffic engineer before a building permit shall be issued. You may apply for a permit by completing this permit and emailing it to [email protected].

Car insurance requirements

  • Lafayette: 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.
  • Chattanooga: 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

  • Lafayette: 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.
  • Chattanooga: 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

  • Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
  • Chattanooga: 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 Lafayette to Chattanooga?

The cost to ship a car from Lafayette, LA to Chattanooga, 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 Lafayette to Chattanooga will range from $768 to $1,007.

How long will it take to ship my car from Lafayette to Chattanooga?

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 600 miles from Lafayette to Chattanooga. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lafayette to Chattanooga?

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

Helpful Lafayette resources