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New Orleans, LA Car Shipping: 2025 Costs & Routes

Last updated: October 2025

Mike De Candia
Certified by:
Mike De Candia
Mike started working for SAKAEM in 2012 and has been successfully transporting cars ever since.
Pete Bottino
Sakaem is operated by:
Pete Bottino
Pete has been in the transportation industry for nearly 40 years and launched SAKAEM back in 2012.
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ON THIS PAGE

1 New Orleans Car Shipping Overview
2 Top Destination Cities
3 Key Takeaways
4 Customer Testimonials
5 Why Choose SAKAEM?
6 Cost Factors
7 Tips to Save on Car Shipping
8 Moving to New Orleans?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in New Orleans, LA

Looking to move your vehicle to or from New Orleans, LA? Our scrappy team, founded in 2012, cuts through the broker monopoly to give you honest, affordable car shipping and auto transport. With decades of experience and rave reviews, we break down costs, routes, and tips so you know exactly what to expect—no hidden fees, just smooth rides.

Average Cost FROM New Orleans

$850 – $1,225
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO New Orleans

$900 – $1,200
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from New Orleans, LA

1
California
134 shipments
$1,050 – $1,275
2
Texas
45 shipments
$600 – $725
3
Washington
38 shipments
$1,300 – $1,650
4
Maryland
31 shipments
$875 – $950
5
New York
27 shipments
$975 – $1,175
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from New Orleans, LA

The most common destination cities for car shipping from New Orleans, showing average costs and specific routes. Data based on recent shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics’ verified carrier network.

Top 10 Destination Cities Updated: October 2025
Rank Destination City Avg Cost Range Route
1 Los Angeles, CA $1,025 – $1,150 New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA
2 Seattle, WA $1,250 – $1,550 New Orleans, LA to Seattle, WA
3 Washington, DC $825 – $1,000 New Orleans, LA to Washington, DC
4 San Francisco, CA $1,100 – $1,325 New Orleans, LA to San Francisco, CA
5 New York, NY $950 – $1,150 New Orleans, LA to New York, NY
6 Houston, TX $575 – $625 New Orleans, LA to Houston, TX
7 San Diego, CA $1,000 – $1,250 New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA
8 Boston, MA $1,000 – $1,175 New Orleans, LA to Boston, MA
9 Baltimore, MD $875 – $925 New Orleans, LA to Baltimore, MD
10 Dallas, TX $650 – $775 New Orleans, LA to Dallas, TX
New Orleans, LA CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

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Before calling Sakaem I was booked to use another transport company because their price was the best I could find. The day before they were going to pick up my car, they called me and said they had a reliable driver but he wanted an extra $300. I told them to forget it and called Sakaem. At the last minute they gave me a good price and said it was guaranteed. They service was great and my car arrived in NJ when they said it would be there. I will use them again in January!
Paul Shapiro
Jul 2025
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Easily done and with no headache! Pickup was well done and delivery was right on time. Highly recommended.Thank you’ George in New Orleans
George Williamson
Jul 2025
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I was extremely pleased with the price, communication and efficiency transporting my car with Sakaem Logistics. The driver who picked up my car was a little unprofessional in complaining about how much he was making from the trip. But that did not spoil my experience.
Herman Cowan
Aug 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in New Orleans

EXPERIENCE

Trust the experts with your car relocation. Years of experience mean your vehicle is well taken care of. A strong track record of safety and service lets you relax, knowing your car is in good hands.

TRANSPARENCY

Understand what your quote includes and the quality you’re paying for when shipping with a reputable carrier. Fair and transparent pricing lets you confidently book your car transport.

AFFORDABILITY

There are no upfront costs when booking. Don’t pay for your service until you receive it. Book your shipment and pay your deposit when the truck is dispatched for pickup.

PERSONALIZED

Have a team ready to assist you with a smooth shipping process. Our team aims to customize your booking to fit your individual needs while addressing your questions and concerns.

COMPREHENSIVE

Enjoy one point of contact from start to finish for a hassle-free shipping process. Your dedicated advisor will expertly guide you through each step for easy auto transport.

INSURED

All carriers are vetted through FMCSA for valid insurance. Trust our experts to select a safe, highly vetted carrier and deliver your vehicle securely to its destination.

KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs in New Orleans

Distance

Shipping costs rise with mileage because fuel, driver time, and wear increase. New Orleans sits on the Gulf Coast, so trips to nearby states like Texas or Mississippi are relatively cheap, while cross‑country moves to the Pacific Northwest or New England can double the base rate.

Season

Demand peaks in summer when families relocate and drops in winter, so rates often rise June‑August and dip in January‑February. Additionally, the June‑November hurricane window can add insurance surcharges or cause temporary price spikes after storms.

Route

Most carriers use I‑10 east‑west and I‑55 north‑south to reach New Orleans, which can add tolls and fuel costs on bridges like the Crescent City Connection. Access to the Port of New Orleans also opens maritime‑linked routes that can lower over‑land fees for coastal shipments.

Vehicle Type

Heavy trucks, oversized SUVs, and low‑clearance sports cars require larger trailers or special tie‑downs, raising the per‑mile charge. Smaller sedans and compact cars fit standard open decks, keeping costs lower, while classic or luxury models often merit enclosed transport for added protection.

Traffic Considerations

New Orleans’ downtown grid, frequent Mardi Gras parades, and bridge congestion can delay pickups and add idle‑time fees. Carriers factor in these urban bottlenecks, especially during peak event weeks, which can increase the quoted price by 5‑10 %.

Carrier Availability

The city’s busy port and interstate corridors attract many regional carriers, creating healthy competition that can drive rates down. However, after major storms or during peak moving season, carrier availability may tighten, causing a modest price rise.

Population Density

New Orleans’ dense urban core and compact layout mean staging lots are limited, so carriers often schedule tighter windows and may charge extra for city‑center pickups. The surrounding suburbs are less dense, allowing easier loading zones and sometimes lower local fees.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship in the low‑demand window of late January through early March, when New Orleans sees cooler, drier weather and fewer holiday moves; avoid the hurricane season (June‑September) and the Mardi Gras rush in February‑March, which drive rates up.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a few days, carriers can fill gaps in their schedules and offer discounts; choosing a weekday instead of a weekend and steering clear of Mardi Gras traffic on I‑10 and I‑55 can shave $100‑$200 off the quote.

3

Hub city advantages

New Orleans sits on I‑10, I‑55, and the Port of New Orleans, making it a natural hub for carriers moving vehicles between the Gulf Coast, the Midwest, and the Southeast; this high traffic creates competition that typically lowers prices and expands carrier options.

4

Weather considerations

New Orleans’ hurricane season (June‑Nov) and heavy summer rain can cause port delays and road closures, so schedule shipments outside these months and monitor forecasts; consider adding weather‑delay insurance for added peace of mind during the wetter months.

5

Booking in advance

Reserve your spot 4‑6 weeks ahead to lock in current rates before seasonal spikes; early booking gives carriers time to plan optimal routes and protects you from last‑minute price hikes that often occur during hurricane‑watch periods.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers are about 15‑20% cheaper than enclosed ones and are perfectly safe for most standard cars; the flat terrain around the city and short distances to major highways like I‑10 mean less exposure to road vibration and weather, making open trailers a cost‑effective choice.

7

Flexible dates

Offering a flexible delivery window lets carriers batch your shipment with others traveling the I‑10 corridor to Texas or the I‑55 corridor to the Midwest, reducing deadhead miles and passing savings to you; even a ±3‑day window can lower the rate substantially.

8

Compare quotes

Get multiple quotes from reputable auto transport companies to find the best deal for your New Orleans car shipping needs. We will match any competitor’s quote.

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from New Orleans

Professional auto transport service for New Orleans moves

Louisiana vehicle registration is handled by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV); new residents must obtain a Louisiana title and license plates within 30 days of moving, and the process includes a VIN inspection at an authorized location and proof of insurance [DMV].

In New Orleans, drivers should note tight downtown parking zones, residential permit requirements, and frequent street cleaning alerts posted on the City of New Orleans website. Traffic flows are heavily influenced by river‑front events and the historic French Quarter’s narrow streets, so plan routes early when arranging car shipping or auto transport.

State law limits front side window tint to 35% visible light transmission and rear windows to 20% VLT, and Louisiana does not require statewide emission testing, though Jefferson Parish and a few neighboring parishes enforce periodic smog checks [DOTD].

When moving to or from New Orleans, consider the humid subtropical climate: protect paint with UV‑blocking wax, use rust‑inhibiting undercoating, and keep a set of all‑season tires—winter tires are rarely needed, but chains may be useful for rare ice events.

Louisiana is a no‑fault insurance state; drivers must carry at least $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury, $25,000 property damage, and $25,000 personal injury protection coverage. Adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is advisable for long‑distance auto transport and car shipping contracts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

New Orleans Vehicle Transport FAQs

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We’re a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details about how to prepare your vehicle for shipping. In New Orleans, be sure to remove any GeauxPass toll transponder, take off Mardi Gras decorations or other fragile items, and have a key ready for the carrier. Also clear any interior or exterior accessories that could rust or be damaged by the humid, coastal climate.

Yes, when you ship a vehicle to or from New Orleans, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers we work with must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify their policies are active for the entire trip, including any stops at the Port of New Orleans or local terminals.

In New Orleans, we suggest booking your pickup at least two weeks in advance, especially during peak moving seasons and around Mardi Mardi when traffic and port activity are high. Scheduling early lets us bundle your car with other local shipments and avoid delays from weather or port congestion. The sooner you post, the smoother the process.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our Auto Transport Process Article for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.

Enclosed auto transport in New Orleans typically costs about 50% more than open‑deck shipping because the trailer is fully covered. The extra protection is useful in a Gulf Coast city where salty air, heavy rain and occasional hurricane debris can damage a high‑value or custom‑paint vehicle. If your car is a classic, exotic or has a finish you want to keep pristine, choose enclosed; otherwise open transport is a safe, cost‑effective option.

Door-to-door auto transport in New Orleans is available, and we’ll ask for your exact pickup and delivery addresses when you book. Our carriers can bring your vehicle right to your home, apartment complex, or business location within the city, and if narrow streets or historic districts pose a challenge, they’ll arrange a convenient nearby spot such as a gas station or parking lot. Since 2012 we’ve helped countless New Orleans drivers ship their cars with reliable, highly rated service.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don’t run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics’ FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!

DID YOU KNOW?

Fun Facts About New Orleans

Discover interesting insights about the state you’re shipping to or from

New Orleans, LA is a vibrant river city where the Mississippi meets culture, making it a unique spot for car shippers and new residents alike.

  • Geography: The city sits below sea level on the flood‑prone delta, so high water and drainage considerations matter for vehicle transport.
  • Landmark: The historic French Quarter, with its iron‑balconied buildings and the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, draws millions of tourists each year.
  • History: Founded in 1718, New Orleans has a rich Creole heritage and was a key port in the Louisiana Purchase.
  • Vehicle Law: All cars must pass an annual safety inspection and a mandatory emissions test; street‑sweeping zones are clearly marked.
  • Climate: Humid subtropical weather brings hot summers, mild winters, and a rainy season that can affect shipping schedules.
  • Economy: The Port of New Orleans is the 4th largest U.S. container hub, supporting freight, oil, and cruise industries.
  • Population: About 390,000 residents live in a diverse mix of cultures, languages, and cuisines, creating a lively community.
  • Transportation: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, I-10, I-55, and a robust rail network make vehicle movement easy.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Shipping a vehicle from New Orleans, LA can feel like a big task, but the process is straightforward once you know the steps. Auto transport companies move cars across the country on open or enclosed trailers, and a trusted broker can match you with the right carrier.

First, understand the difference between a broker and a carrier. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, does not own trucks; instead, they connect you with licensed carriers who actually drive the vehicle. Carriers are the operators who load, transport, and unload your car.

Step 1: Call a reputable broker to request a quote. The broker will ask for details like make, model, pickup and delivery locations, and preferred timeline. This initial conversation gives you a clear idea of what to expect from the auto transport process.

Step 2: The broker searches for a carrier that fits your needs. It is crucial to work with a broker who partners only with carriers that have strong safety records, solid insurance coverage, and positive customer reviews. This vetting protects your vehicle during the journey.

Step 3: The carrier arrives to pick up your car. Before the driver pulls in, remove all personal items, clear the interior, and make sure the vehicle can roll freely. Leaving about a quarter tank of fuel helps the carrier move the car onto the trailer safely.

Step 4: The carrier transports the vehicle to the destination in New Orleans, LA, and unloads it at the address you provided. Payment is typically made to the broker or carrier at the time of pickup or delivery, depending on the agreement you signed.

A few extra tips: Choose an enclosed trailer for high‑end or classic cars to protect them from weather and road debris. Always double‑check that the car is clean and empty, that the wheels turn freely, and that the fuel level meets the quarter‑tank guideline. Following these steps makes car shipping simple, safe, and stress‑free.