Cost to ship a car from Detroit to New Orleans

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,065 miles from Detroit to New Orleans ranges from $840 to $1,278. 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 Detroit car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Detroit to New Orleans car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Detroit to New Orleans, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Detroit, 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 Detroit. 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 America's Comeback City to the Crescent City — approximately 1,065 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 Detroit and New Orleans can impact car shipping prices.

Detroit winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 44 days annually. Summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall during your move.

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 Detroit 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 1,065-mile distance between Detroit 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 Detroit 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.

Detroit 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 Detroit to New Orleans:

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 Detroit and New Orleans vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Detroit: Each area in Detroit may require specific permits or have certain rules for parking the moving truck. So, this means you need to call and check with parking services ahead of time at (313) 224-1610.
  • 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

  • Detroit: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
  • 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

  • Detroit: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
  • 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

  • Detroit: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
  • 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 Detroit to New Orleans?

The cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit to New Orleans will range from $840 to $1,278.

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

It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,065 miles from Detroit to New Orleans. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Detroit resources