Distance & lane
Longer western routes such as Knoxville–Seattle have a different quote profile from Austin or Dallas; route length and carrier availability both shape the price.
Knoxville, TN Car Shipping 2026 Costs & Routes
Typical cost to ship a car from Knoxville$700–$1,175
Shipping to Knoxville: $750–$1,275
At a glance
- Popular lanesKnoxville–Austin quotes typically run $825–$900, and Knoxville–Dallas $750–$900; both lanes list 1–4 road days.
- Arriving carsCalifornia leads recorded arrivals to Knoxville; Florida and Texas follow, with Arizona, Washington and Colorado also prominent sources.
- Vehicle choiceAn open SUV or crossover typically costs $100 more than an open sedan; enclosed sedan transport runs about 1.6x open.
- In-state movesOnly 20 of 627 shipments leaving Knoxville on record were in-state Tennessee moves; confirm the exact route when requesting a quote.
Prices by vehicle
What it costs to ship your vehicle from Knoxville
For a standard sedan, open transport is usually the economical baseline; SUVs and pickups generally cost more because they take more trailer space. Enclosed shipping is a protection choice for higher-value vehicles, not a requirement for most everyday cars.
| Vehicle | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / coupe | $875 | $1,425 |
| SUV / crossover | $975 | $1,950 |
| Pickup truck | $1,300 | Quote on request |
| Van / minivan | $875 | Quote on request |
Median customer quote on record for running vehicles leaving Knoxville, across all routes. Your route and dates set the final price.
Popular routes
Top destinations from Knoxville
| Destination | Typical range | Quote · transit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles, CA39 shipments on recordTN → CA guide | $975–$1,3003–7 days transit | |
| 2 | Seattle, WA24 shipments on record | $1,300–$1,5253–7 days transit | |
| 3 | Austin, TX17 shipments on record | $825–$9001–4 days transit | |
| 4 | Dallas, TX17 shipments on record | $750–$9001–4 days transit | |
| 5 | San Diego, CA17 shipments on recordTN → CA guide | $1,075–$1,2003–7 days transit | |
| 6 | Miami, FL13 shipments on record | $700–$8501–4 days transit | |
| 7 | Phoenix, AZ12 shipments on record | $1,000–$1,3002–6 days transit | |
| 8 | Philadelphia, PA11 shipments on record | $650–$7000–3 days transit | |
| 9 | San Francisco, CA10 shipments on recordTN → CA guide | $925–$1,2503–7 days transit | |
| 10 | Riverside, CA9 shipments on recordTN → CA guide | $950–$1,1003–7 days transit | |
$500$750$1,000$1,250$1,500$1,750 |
Transit is SAKAEM's standard estimate by distance, counted from pickup.
Where Knoxville cars come from
Knoxville-bound cars most often come from California, followed by Florida and Texas; Arizona, Washington and Colorado are also common origins. With arrivals coming from across the country, keep your delivery window flexible and stay reachable as the carrier nears Knoxville.
- California182
- Florida69
- Texas68
- Arizona38
- Washington37
- Colorado31
Shipments delivered to Knoxville on record, by origin state.
Reviews
What customers say about shipping with SAKAEM
★★★★★
I had a 5 star experience with SAKAEM! They secured a very reliable transport for 2 cars going from Tennessee to Colorado. All went off on time and without any curve balls.
★★★★★
Great experience working with Sakaem, I hired them to transport my son's vehicle from Chicago to Air Force base in Mississippi, vehicle was delivered as expected, driver was flexible with drop off location since he was not able to access into military base. So he arranged with my son to deliver at an outside location. Would work again with Sakaem Logistic in future.
★★★★★
I had my BMW transferred from North Carolina to Nevada, and the entire process was handled very professionally. From the initial agreement to the final drop-off, everyone involved was courteous and kept me informed throughout the entire transfer.
Cost factors
What moves the price of a Knoxville shipment
Season
Spring storms and occasional winter ice in east Tennessee and on the Cumberland Plateau can disrupt carrier schedules. Snowbird season can also shift demand on Knoxville's Florida and California lanes.
Vehicle size
Larger vehicles take more trailer space. That is why Knoxville SUV, crossover and pickup quotes tend to run above sedan quotes.
Pickup access
A large car hauler needs room to turn and load. Tight streets, gated entries or restricted access can require a nearby meeting point and add coordination.
Open vs enclosed
Open transport is the standard lower-cost choice; enclosed trailers add protection from weather and road debris for high-value vehicles and cost more.
Want the full picture? Read our guide to the cost to ship a car.
Save money
5 ways to pay less (and wait less)
Share the full lane
For a Knoxville–Austin or Knoxville–Dallas move, include both exact addresses and your preferred dates when asking for a quote so the carrier can price the actual route.
Plan neighborhood access
For a Fort Sanders or Fourth & Gill pickup, agree on a roomy nearby meeting point if a narrow street, gate or parking limit could block the carrier.
Allow for local weather
Keep dates flexible during spring storm risks or winter ice in east Tennessee and on the Cumberland Plateau; coordinate a safe pickup window with the carrier.
Choose the right trailer
Use open transport for an everyday car; ask about enclosed transport when the vehicle's value or finish calls for added protection.
Prepare for handoff
Photograph your car's condition and remove toll tags, garage remotes and loose cabin items before the carrier arrives.
Getting your car ready? See our vehicle shipping tips.
Moving to Knoxville
Your Tennessee car checklist
If you're bringing a car to Knoxville, handle Tennessee title and registration through the Knox County clerk and keep your out-of-state documents ready. Use this checklist to prepare the paperwork before you register.
Title and registration
At the Knox County clerk, apply for Tennessee title and registration. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency and your out-of-state title; if a lender holds it, bring your latest out-of-state registration plus the lender's name and address. [TN Revenue]
Liability insurance
Tennessee requires liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total for injuries in one crash and $25,000 for property damage. [TN Revenue]
Emissions testing
Tennessee no longer requires vehicle emissions testing, so a car from another state needs no emissions test to be titled and registered. [TN Revenue]
Safety inspection
Passenger cars do not need a safety inspection. Register at the county clerk with your title or registration, ID and proof of residency. [TN Revenue]
- County
- Knox County, Tennessee
- Main roads
- I-40, I-75, I-275, I-640
- Neighborhoods
- Fourth & Gill, Fort Sanders, Old North Knoxville, Parkridge
- Nearby cities
- Nashville, Memphis, Clarksville, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro
Knoxville at a glance
Service area
Pickup and delivery in and around Knoxville
Pickup and delivery can be arranged around Fourth & Gill, Fort Sanders, Old North Knoxville and Parkridge, with access near I-40, I-75, I-275, I-640, US-11E and US-11W. SAKAEM also serves Nashville, Memphis, Clarksville, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro and Franklin.
Knoxville ZIP codes
- 37901
- 37902
- 37909
- 37912
- 37914
- 37915
- 37916
- 37917
- 37918
- 37919
- 37920
- 37921
- 37922
- 37923
- 37924
- 37927
How it works
Shipping your car in four steps
Share your route
Provide your Knoxville pickup and delivery addresses, vehicle details and preferred dates.
Review your quote
Choose open or enclosed transport based on your vehicle and protection needs.
Prepare for pickup
Confirm access details, prepare the vehicle and coordinate a pickup time with the carrier.
Receive your car
Meet the carrier at delivery, check your vehicle and finish the handoff.
New to auto transport? Here's how to ship a car, step by step.
FAQ
Knoxville car shipping questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Knoxville?
Shipping from Knoxville typically costs $700–$1,175; shipping to Knoxville typically costs $750–$1,275. These are open-transport quotes for running vehicles and reflect the middle half of customer quotes on record. Your route, vehicle type, season and pickup access shape the final quote, so share both addresses and the car details with SAKAEM.
How long does car shipping take from Knoxville?
For common Knoxville routes, Austin and Dallas typically take 1–4 days on the road; Los Angeles and Seattle typically take 3–7 days. Transit starts after pickup, and estimates aren't guarantees. Ask your carrier to confirm the planned delivery day once pickup is arranged.
Is my car insured during transport?
Every carrier arranged through SAKAEM is FMCSA-licensed and insured, with at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Ask for the carrier's coverage details before pickup, and check whether your own auto policy applies while the car is in transit.
Can I pack personal items in my car?
SAKAEM allows up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or below the window line. Keep belongings secured and out of the driver's view, and remove valuables and loose items before handoff. If you plan to ship anything unusual, tell SAKAEM before pickup so you can confirm it fits the carrier's rules.
Can you ship a non-running car?
Yes, SAKAEM can arrange transport for a non-running vehicle if it rolls, brakes and steers and a key is available. Tell us before booking so we can match the vehicle and loading needs with a carrier, and discuss access at the pickup address.
How do I pay for car shipping?
You can pay by card, or pay the carrier by cash or certified check; Zelle and Venmo are also accepted. Confirm your payment method and any balance due before pickup. SAKAEM requires no upfront deposit, so you can book without paying the full transport cost in advance.
Do I need to be present at pickup and delivery?
Yes. A designated adult must be present at both pickup and delivery to inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading. If you cannot attend, arrange for someone you trust to meet the carrier, review the car's condition and access the keys. Make this plan before pickup day.
Have another question? Browse the full car shipping FAQ.
Ship a car to or from Knoxville
Share your route, vehicle and preferred dates with SAKAEM to get a quote built around your Knoxville pickup or delivery.
Sources: SAKAEM shipment records on file (October 2026); US Census Bureau (county); [TN Revenue], official state sources, verified 2026-10-01.
Industry Resources: FMCSA Carrier Lookup · U.S. Department of Transportation · SAKAEM Logistics on BBB · NHTSA