Cost to ship a car from Washington DC to New Orleans
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,084 miles from Washington DC to New Orleans ranges from $840 to $1,317. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in New Orleans, LA in 2–8 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 Washington DC car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Washington DC to New Orleans car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Washington DC to New Orleans, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Washington DC to New Orleans, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Washington DC, 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 Washington DC. 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 DC to the Crescent City — approximately 1,084 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 Washington DC and New Orleans can impact car shipping prices.
Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
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 Washington DC 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 1,084-mile distance between Washington DC 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 Washington DC to New Orleans typically takes between 2 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC and New Orleans vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Washington DC: The City charges $55 per permit for up to 88 feet of parking space (about 3-4 car lengths). If metered, it can be an additional $24-48 per meter per day.
- 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
- Washington DC: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
- 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
- Washington DC: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
- 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
- Washington DC: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
- 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 Washington DC to New Orleans?
The cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD 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 Washington DC to New Orleans will range from $840 to $1,317.
How long will it take to ship my car from Washington DC to New Orleans?
It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,084 miles from Washington DC to New Orleans. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Washington DC to New Orleans?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Washington DC to New Orleans. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
