Cost to ship a car from Chattanooga to Sacramento

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,408 miles from Chattanooga to Sacramento ranges from $1,337 to $2,346. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Sacramento, CA in 5–13 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 Sacramento to Chattanooga car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Chattanooga to Sacramento car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Scenic City to the Almond Capital of the World — approximately 2,408 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 Chattanooga and Sacramento can impact car shipping prices.

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.

Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Chattanooga to Sacramento 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 2,408-mile distance between Chattanooga and Sacramento 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 Chattanooga to Sacramento typically takes between 5 and 13 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Chattanooga to Sacramento car shipping companies

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

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 Chattanooga and Sacramento vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • 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].
  • Sacramento: All Residential Parking Permits, including Online 24-Hour Temporary Parking Permits, are free of charge. Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged Vehicle permit (stickers) or Visitor permits (placards) is $25. Online Temporary Permits that are lost, stolen or damaged will not be replaced as the permit may be re-printed for that vehicle if the valid time is still in effect.

Car insurance requirements

  • 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.
  • Sacramento: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.

Vehicle 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.
  • Sacramento: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.

Driver’s license

  • 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.
  • Sacramento: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Chattanooga to Sacramento?

The cost to ship a car from Chattanooga, TN to Sacramento, CA 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 Chattanooga to Sacramento will range from $1,337 to $2,346.

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

It will take approximately 5–13 days to ship your car the 2,408 miles from Chattanooga to Sacramento. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Chattanooga resources