Cost to ship a car from Kansas City to Chattanooga

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 685 miles from Kansas City to Chattanooga ranges from $788 to $1,117. 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 Kansas City car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Kansas City to Chattanooga car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Kansas City to Chattanooga, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Kansas City, 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 Kansas City. 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 KC to the Scenic City — approximately 685 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 Kansas City and Chattanooga can impact car shipping prices.

Kansas City is in an area of the country with a lot of storms, very hot summers, and very cold winters. Therefore, there's chance that your move will be affected by the weather. Check the forecast ahead of time to plan accordingly. Remember, moves often require spending many hours outdoors.

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 Kansas City 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 685-mile distance between Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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.

Kansas City to Chattanooga car shipping companies

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

Parking permits

  • Kansas City: Although there's no specific permit required to move in Kansas City, you may still need to apply for a loading permit or something similar if your move requires you to block public lanes, curbs, sidewalks, etc.
  • 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

  • Kansas City: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
  • 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

  • Kansas City: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
  • 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

  • Kansas City: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
  • 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 Kansas City to Chattanooga?

The cost to ship a car from Kansas City, MO 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 Kansas City to Chattanooga will range from $788 to $1,117.

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

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 685 miles from Kansas City to Chattanooga. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Kansas City resources