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St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in St. Louis, MO

Looking to move a vehicle in or out of St. Louis, MO? Our scrappy team, founded in 2012, offers honest car shipping and reliable auto transport without the big‑broker markup. With more than a decade of experience and top‑rated reviews, we break the monopoly and give you clear pricing, simple steps, and peace of mind for every shipment.

Average Cost FROM St. Louis

$700 – $1,050
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO St. Louis

$725 – $1,100
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from St. Louis, MO

1
California
254 shipments
$925 – $1,100
2
Florida
135 shipments
$750 – $900
3
Texas
110 shipments
$700 – $825
4
Arizona
81 shipments
$875 – $1,075
5
Washington
74 shipments
$1,125 – $1,450
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from St. Louis, MO

The most common destination cities for car shipping from St. Louis, 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 $900 – $1,075 St. Louis, MO to Los Angeles, CA
2 Phoenix, AZ $875 – $1,050 St. Louis, MO to Phoenix, AZ
3 Seattle, WA $1,075 – $1,300 St. Louis, MO to Seattle, WA
4 San Francisco, CA $975 – $1,125 St. Louis, MO to San Francisco, CA
5 Miami, FL $700 – $875 St. Louis, MO to Miami, FL
6 Houston, TX $650 – $825 St. Louis, MO to Houston, TX
7 Dallas, TX $675 – $750 St. Louis, MO to Dallas, TX
8 New York, NY $725 – $950 St. Louis, MO to New York, NY
9 San Jose, CA $950 – $1,150 St. Louis, MO to San Jose, CA
10 San Diego, CA $900 – $1,100 St. Louis, MO to San Diego, CA
St. Louis, MO CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
First time shipping a car to Michigan. Signed a contract with a broker and last minute the truck broke down and he could not find a driver and then the price went up. Scrambled at the last minute and we reached out to Sakaem and talked to Jack. Told him about our situation and he was very understanding and he was able to get our truck to Michigan without any problems. They could haven taken advantage of the situation but they didn’t. Also the driver was very nice. Thank you Jack!!!
Sandy Kanaski
Apr 2025
Google logo
Quick fast and easy delivery. Service was great! Drivers drove from New York to Missouri picked the car up on Friday Dropped it off in Federal Way Washington Monday. I will recommend and use them in the future.
Emily Madison
Aug 2023
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I recently had to move cross country and SAKAEM found a carrier for me in 3 days and they did an excellent job in getting my vehicle from NV to MA in 3.5 days. I wish I had more clarity on paying in full at the beginning, which was different than what I was told regarding a deposit and payment upon delivery. Luckily the carrier verified this so there were no issues. Overall, the move was seamless and I would use SAKAEM in the future.
Chris Cunningham
May 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in St. Louis

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 St. Louis

Distance

Because St. Louis sits near the geographic center of the United States, the mileage to most coastal ports is moderate, so rates increase roughly $0.50‑$0.75 per mile beyond the base fee. A short haul to nearby states (e.g., Illinois or Kentucky) may add only a few hundred dollars, while a coast‑to‑coast move can add several thousand dollars.

Season

Winter snow and icy roads can slow drivers and raise insurance premiums, so rates tend to rise in December‑February. Summer sees the highest demand for relocations and college moves, which can push prices up, while spring and fall often offer the best rates.

Route

Most carriers use I‑70 east‑west and I‑55 north‑south corridors that run directly through St. Louis, which keeps fuel and driver‑hour costs predictable. Access to the Port of St. Louis on the Mississippi River also allows occasional rail‑to‑truck transfers that can lower prices for certain long‑distance routes.

Vehicle Type

Larger SUVs, trucks, and low‑clearance vans require more space on an open trailer and may incur a size surcharge, while classic or high‑value cars are often shipped in enclosed trailers for added protection. Heavy or unusually tall vehicles may also need a lift‑gate or special equipment, increasing the cost.

Traffic Considerations

Rush‑hour congestion on I‑70, I‑55, and downtown St. Louis can add idle time and fuel use, so carriers factor a small traffic surcharge for peak‑hour pickups or drop‑offs. Ongoing construction projects on major interchanges can further affect estimated travel times and pricing.

Carrier Availability

St. Louis’s central location attracts many regional and national carriers, creating healthy competition that usually drives rates lower than in more remote markets. However, during peak moving seasons the pool of available trucks can shrink, temporarily raising prices.

Population Density

The metro area’s moderate density means carriers often have multiple convenient pickup/drop‑off points, but the downtown core’s tighter streets can require extra maneuvering time. Suburban locations with larger lot spaces typically allow quicker loading, which can keep costs down compared to densely packed urban sites.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping a car in late fall (mid‑October to early November) or early spring (late March to early April) usually nets the lowest rates in St. Louis because demand drops after the summer moving rush and before winter snow makes routes risky.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift pickup or delivery by a few days, carriers often can slot you into a back‑haul on I‑70 or I‑55, which reduces deadhead miles and passes the savings onto you.

3

Hub city advantages

St. Louis sits at the crossroads of I‑70, I‑55, I‑44 and I‑64 and has a busy rail yard and river port, so many carriers pass through daily, creating competition that drives prices down and improves availability.

4

Weather considerations

Missouri’s hot, humid summers and occasional icy winters can delay loading docks and bridge crossings over the Mississippi; planning around heat waves in July or snow in January helps avoid unexpected hold‑ups and extra fees.

5

Booking in advance

Securing a spot 3‑4 weeks ahead of a peak period (summer or holiday moves) lets carriers lock in routes through the busy St. Louis corridor, often resulting in a lower price than last‑minute bookings.

6

Open carrier transport

Choosing an open trailer cuts costs by 10‑15 % in the St. Louis area, especially during the milder off‑season when exposure to rain or wind is less likely to damage most vehicles.

7

Flexible dates

When you give carriers a window of several days, they can batch your shipment with other loads heading east on I‑70 or south on I‑55, optimizing their route and lowering your quote.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from St. Louis

Professional auto transport service for St. Louis moves

Missouri requires a title transfer and a completed Vehicle Registration Application within 30 days of moving a car into the state; you can file online or at any Missouri DMV office [DMV]. New residents must also pass the state’s biennial emissions test for vehicles model year 1996 or newer, unless the car is exempt as a hybrid or electric vehicle [MO Dept of Natural Resources]. Window tint may not exceed 35% VLT on the front side windows, and the overall vehicle height cannot exceed 80 inches without a special permit [MO Statutes]. Auto transport companies should verify that the VIN matches the title to avoid delays, and drivers should confirm that their liability insurance meets Missouri’s minimum of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage [MO Dept of Insurance].

In St. Louis, parking meters accept credit cards and the city enforces a 2‑hour limit on most downtown spaces; residential permits are required for street parking in many neighborhoods [City Website]. Rush hour traffic peaks between 7‑9 am and 4‑6 pm on I‑55 and I‑44, so plan car shipping pick‑ups outside these windows. Winter drivers should equip their cars with all‑season or snow tires and keep an emergency kit for icy conditions. When shipping a vehicle to or from St. Louis, choose a reputable auto transport broker, confirm the carrier’s insurance coverage, and provide the exact St. Louis address to avoid costly re‑routing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

St. Louis 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 St. Louis, be sure to remove any MOpass or local toll stickers, take out loose interior items and any exterior accessories (like bike racks or spoilers), and leave the key with the carrier. Also, check that the vehicle is clean and free of personal belongings, especially any items that could be affected by the region’s winter weather.

Yes, our quotes are all‑inclusive and the same insurance standards apply to shipments to and from St. Louis, MO. All carriers we partner with must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance, meeting Missouri requirements and industry best practices. We verify each carrier’s policy is active and in good standing for the entire time your vehicle is in transit.

The sooner, the better. In St. Louis we recommend scheduling your pickup at least two weeks in advance, but posting as soon as you can helps carriers bundle your car with other local shipments, thanks to the city’s central hub location. Booking early also gives you the best chance at competitive rates and convenient timing.

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.

In St. Louis, open‑air trailers are the standard and usually the most cost‑effective way to ship a vehicle. Enclosed transport costs roughly 50 % more because the trailer is fully covered. Choose enclosed if you’re moving a high‑value classic, a custom‑paint car, or want extra protection from the region’s road debris, humidity and occasional winter storms.

Door‑to‑door auto transport is available throughout St. Louis, MO. When you book, we’ll ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses—whether it’s a home, a business on I‑55, or a location near the Gateway Arch. Our carriers will drive to those spots and drop off the vehicle, and if a street or parking restriction exists we’ll arrange a nearby safe spot such as a gas station or public lot.

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 St. Louis

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

St. Louis, MO, sits where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers meet, giving the city a natural gateway feel that car owners love.

  • Iconic Gateway Arch: At 630 feet, the Arch is the tallest monument in the United States and a must‑see for anyone driving into town.
  • River‑front geography: The city’s flat floodplain makes loading and unloading vehicles easy, and the nearby Port of St. Louis handles barge traffic on the Mississippi.
  • Historic roots: Founded in 1764, St. Louis was the gateway to the West, and its rich heritage shows in neighborhoods like Soulard and the Old Courthouse.
  • Vehicle‑related law: Missouri requires a windshield wiper inspection each year, so keep your car’s wipers in good shape before shipping.
  • Climate: Hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters mean you’ll experience all four seasons while your car is parked in the city.
  • Economy: The area thrives on aerospace, biotech, and logistics, making it a hub for freight and auto transport.
  • Population: About 300,000 residents call St. Louis home, with a diverse mix of cultures and cuisines.
  • Transportation network: Lambert‑St. Louis International Airport, I‑70, I‑55, and a light rail system connect the city to the Midwest, simplifying car shipments.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

If you are new to car shipping in St. Louis, MO, this 101 guide will walk you through the basics of auto transport. Shipping a vehicle is not as complex as it seems once you know the key steps. The process moves your car from the pick‑up location to the destination safely, while you stay informed at each stage.

First, understand the two main players: brokers and carriers. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, works as a middle‑man. They gather quotes, match you with a carrier, and handle paperwork. The carrier is the actual driver and truck that transports the vehicle. Choosing a reputable broker ensures you are paired with carriers that have solid insurance, good reviews, and proper licensing.

Here is the typical flow from start to finish. 1️⃣ Call a broker to request a quote. 2️⃣ The broker searches for a carrier that meets your schedule and service needs. 3️⃣ Once a carrier is assigned, they contact you to set a pick‑up date. 4️⃣ On the day of pick‑up, the carrier arrives, inspects the car, and loads it onto an open or enclosed trailer. 5️⃣ The carrier drives the vehicle to the destination in St. Louis, MO or beyond. 6️⃣ Delivery is completed, you sign the receipt, and payment is made to the broker or carrier as agreed.

A few practical tips can smooth the transport. Use an enclosed trailer for high‑value or classic cars to protect them from weather and road debris. Remove all personal items and clear the interior; carriers will not transport loose objects. Make sure the car can roll freely – a dead battery or stuck brakes can cause delays. Keep about a quarter tank of fuel so the carrier can move the car onto the trailer without extra assistance. Following these steps helps your auto transport run on time and without surprise.