Car Shipping in Kentucky: 2025 Costs & Routes

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.

Before your car leaves Kentucky, follow these simple steps to keep it safe and avoid extra fees.

• Gather the keys. Provide the carrier with a working key (or remote) for the vehicle.
• Remove personal items. Take out all loose or valuable items, including toll tags, GPS units, and anything that could break in transit.
• Clear accessories. Detach roof racks, bike racks, spoilers, tow hooks, and any aftermarket parts that aren’t factory‑installed.
• Check fluid levels. Keep the gas tank about a quarter full; this reduces weight but gives enough fuel to move the car onto the carrier.
• Document the condition. Take photos of the interior and exterior from several angles. Note any existing scratches or dents.
• Secure the interior. Fold down seats, lock doors, and engage the parking brake (or leave it off if the carrier prefers).
• Disable alarms. If possible, turn off any anti‑theft alarms to prevent them from sounding during loading.

For a full checklist, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips page.

Yes. Every carrier we work with carries at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, which meets FMCSA requirements for auto transport. Before your vehicle leaves Kentucky (or arrives), we verify that the carrier’s policy is active and in good standing for the entire trip.

If you have personal auto insurance, many policies will extend coverage to a shipped vehicle, but that is separate from the carrier’s cargo insurance. We recommend checking your own policy to see if additional protection is needed.

In short, your vehicle is covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance for any loss or damage that occurs while it is in their care, and we make sure that coverage is in place before the shipment starts.

Plan ahead. We suggest booking your Kentucky pickup at least 14 days in advance. This gives carriers time to bundle your vehicle with other shipments in the same region, which often lowers the price.

During peak moving periods—late spring, summer, and early fall—booking 3‑4 weeks ahead is even better, as demand is higher and slots fill quickly.

If you need a last‑minute pickup, we’ll do our best, but availability may be limited and rates can be higher.

By scheduling early you get more options, better pricing, and a smoother, stress‑free move.

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.

Open transport uses a standard flatbed trailer with the vehicle exposed to the elements. It’s the most common method in Kentucky, accounts for ~90% of shipments, and is typically 30‑50% cheaper than enclosed.

Enclosed transport places the vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. This adds a protective barrier against rain, wind, road debris, and salt‑treated roads that are common in Kentucky winters.

Key differences:

• Cost – Enclosed shipments usually run 40‑60% higher than open.
• Protection – Open leaves the car exposed; enclosed shields paint, trim, and custom work.
• Weather impact – Open can be delayed by severe weather; enclosed can continue in most conditions.
• Vehicle suitability – Open is fine for daily drivers, trucks, and SUVs. Enclosed is recommended for classic cars, luxury models, project cars, or any vehicle with a high resale value.
• Availability – Open carriers are plentiful across Kentucky; enclosed carriers are fewer, so booking early is advisable.

Choosing the right option depends on your budget and how much risk you’re willing to accept. If your car is a high‑value collector or has a fresh paint job, the extra cost of an enclosed trailer often pays off in peace of mind.

Yes – Sakaem Logistics provides door‑to‑door auto transport throughout Kentucky. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses you want. Our carrier will then travel to those locations and load or unload your vehicle right at your door, as long as the site can safely accommodate a truck.

If the address is on a narrow street, lacks a driveway, or has other access issues, we’ll work with you to find a nearby spot—such as a gas station, parking lot, or warehouse—where the carrier can safely complete the handoff.

Our process is simple:

• Enter your preferred Kentucky pickup and drop‑off addresses when you request a quote.
• We confirm that the locations meet basic safety requirements.
• The assigned carrier arrives, loads your car, and transports it to the destination address you provided.
• If any restriction arises, we contact you promptly to arrange an alternative, nearby location.

Because we’re a scrappy, customer‑focused team that started in 2012 to break the broker monopoly, we keep costs transparent and aim for a smooth, stress‑free experience. Our many five‑star reviews show that Kentucky drivers trust us to get their cars where they need to go—right to the door.

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!