Cost to ship a car from St. Louis to Knoxville
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 485 miles from St. Louis to Knoxville ranges from $712 to $1,049. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Knoxville, TN in 1–4 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 Knoxville to St. Louis car shipping guide.
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We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
Factors affecting St. Louis to Knoxville car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from St. Louis to Knoxville, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from St. Louis to Knoxville, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving St. Louis, 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 Knoxville, 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 St. Louis. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Knoxville will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Chess Capital of the World to the Marble City — approximately 485 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 St. Louis and Knoxville can impact car shipping prices.
St. Louis experiences hot summers, cold winters, many thunderstorms, and tornados. There's a chance that the climate will affect your move so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time.
Best months to move into Knoxville are September, May and October as weather during are considered pleasant. Winters are generally much cooler and less stable, with occasional small amounts of snow.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from St. Louis to Knoxville 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 485-mile distance between St. Louis and Knoxville 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 St. Louis to Knoxville typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
St. Louis to Knoxville car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from St. Louis to Knoxville:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing St. Louis and Knoxville vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- St. Louis: Blocking Right of Way Permits are required for any activity that will block any portion of the public right of way (streets and sidewalks) such as dumpster placement, moving truck, block parties, construction related street closures. These may go from $20-$35
- Knoxville: Often there is a need within the downtown area to reserve or remove parking spaces for activities that may not abide by the posted parking regulations. Examples of these activities include, but are not limited to moving, delivery & removal of goods, construction activities, performance of specialized business tasks, locating of temporary storage units, locating of construction equipment, general construction, special event activities, etc. Without this type of permit the requestor would be seen as a violator and could be subject to ticketing or subsequently being towed. Make sure to secure the necessary permit upon moving.
Car insurance requirements
- St. Louis: 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.
- Knoxville: 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
- St. Louis: 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.
- Knoxville: 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
- St. Louis: 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.
- Knoxville: 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 St. Louis to Knoxville?
The cost to ship a car from St. Louis, MO to Knoxville, 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 St. Louis to Knoxville will range from $712 to $1,049.
How long will it take to ship my car from St. Louis to Knoxville?
It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 485 miles from St. Louis to Knoxville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from St. Louis to Knoxville?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from St. Louis to Knoxville. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
