Cost to ship a car from Memphis to Louisville

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 384 miles from Memphis to Louisville ranges from $569 to $795. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Louisville, KY 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 Louisville to Memphis car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Memphis to Louisville car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Bluff City to the City of Beautiful Churches — approximately 384 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 Memphis and Louisville can impact car shipping prices.

Winter weather comes alternately from the upper Great Plains and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to drastic swings in temperature. Summer weather may come from Texas (very hot and humid) or the Gulf (hot and very humid). Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year though mainly during the spring months. Large hail, strong winds, flooding and frequent lightning can accompany these storms. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.

Louisville has seasonal extremes in both temperature and precipitation are not uncommon during early spring and late fall; severe weather is not uncommon, with occasional tornado outbreaks in the region. Winter typically brings a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, with occasional heavy snowfall and icing. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Memphis to Louisville 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 384-mile distance between Memphis and Louisville 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 Memphis to Louisville 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.

Memphis to Louisville car shipping companies

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

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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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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 Memphis and Louisville vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Memphis: A single trip or annual permit must be obtained before traveling with oversize and/or overweight loads on Tennessee roadways. All permit types can be obtained through the TNTRIPS application.
  • Louisville: Building Moving Permit or Access to Open Space permits are required.

Car insurance requirements

  • Memphis: 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.
  • Louisville: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.

Vehicle inspections

  • Memphis: 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.
  • Louisville: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.

Driver’s license

  • Memphis: 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.
  • Louisville: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Memphis to Louisville?

The cost to ship a car from Memphis, TN to Louisville, KY 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 Memphis to Louisville will range from $569 to $795.

How long will it take to ship my car from Memphis to Louisville?

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 384 miles from Memphis to Louisville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Memphis to Louisville?

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

Helpful Memphis resources