Cost to ship a car from Chattanooga to Lafayette
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 601 miles from Chattanooga to Lafayette ranges from $768 to $1,017. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lafayette, LA 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 Lafayette to Chattanooga car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Chattanooga to Lafayette car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Chattanooga to Lafayette, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Chattanooga to Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, 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 Lafayette 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 Hub City — approximately 601 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 Lafayette 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.
It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
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 Lafayette 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 601-mile distance between Chattanooga and Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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.
Chattanooga to Lafayette car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Chattanooga to Lafayette:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing Chattanooga and Lafayette 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].
- Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
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.
- Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
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.
- Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
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.
- Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Chattanooga to Lafayette?
The cost to ship a car from Chattanooga, TN to Lafayette, LA 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 Lafayette will range from $768 to $1,017.
How long will it take to ship my car from Chattanooga to Lafayette?
It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 601 miles from Chattanooga to Lafayette. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Chattanooga to Lafayette?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Chattanooga to Lafayette. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
