Cost to ship a car from Knoxville to Santa Clarita

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,180 miles from Knoxville to Santa Clarita ranges from $1,460 to $2,437. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Santa Clarita, CA in 4–12 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 Santa Clarita to Knoxville car shipping guide.

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Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

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 Knoxville to Santa Clarita car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Marble City to the Santa Clarita — approximately 2,180 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 Knoxville and Santa Clarita can impact car shipping prices.

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.

Santa Clarita experiences hot, very dry summers and cool winters with moderate precipitation.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Knoxville to Santa Clarita 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 2,180-mile distance between Knoxville and Santa Clarita 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 Knoxville to Santa Clarita typically takes between 4 and 12 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Knoxville to Santa Clarita car shipping companies

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

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Knoxville and Santa Clarita vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • 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.
  • Santa Clarita: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved

Car insurance requirements

  • 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.
  • Santa Clarita: 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

  • 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.
  • Santa Clarita: 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

  • 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.
  • Santa Clarita: 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 Knoxville to Santa Clarita?

The cost to ship a car from Knoxville, TN to Santa Clarita, 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 Knoxville to Santa Clarita will range from $1,460 to $2,437.

How long will it take to ship my car from Knoxville to Santa Clarita?

It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,180 miles from Knoxville to Santa Clarita. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Knoxville to Santa Clarita?

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

Helpful Knoxville resources