Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Stockton, California to Memphis, Tennessee

How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Tennessee? The cost to ship a car from California to Tennessee can range from $800 to $1300 on average, depending on the type of car transport service used. Open auto transport tends to be the most affordable option, while enclosed transport is more expensive.

It's usually cheaper to drive for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, shipping can become competitive or even cheaper when you factor in the "hidden" costs of driving (gas, hotels, food, wear-and-tear) versus the upfront shipping fee, especially if you're moving with others or have an unreliable car.

Generally, shipping a car by train is cheaper than by truck, especially for long distances (over 500 miles) and major routes, due to rail's higher capacity and lower cost-per-mile, but trucks offer door-to-door convenience and faster transit, while trains have limited routes and require station drop-off/pickup. For specific, popular corridors like the Amtrak Auto Train, it's very affordable and offers enclosed transport, but truck transport provides more flexibility for varied locations.