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Knoxville, TN 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CITY OVERVIEW

Car Shipping in Knoxville, TN

Since 2012, Sakaem Logistics has fought the big‑broker monopoly to give drivers real value on car shipping and auto transport. In Knoxville, TN, our scrappy, decade‑long experience and glowing reviews make us a trusted choice. This guide breaks down costs, top destinations, and practical tips so you know exactly what to expect when moving your vehicle.

Average Cost FROM Knoxville

$700 – $1,125
Based on recent shipments

Average Cost TO Knoxville

$750 – $1,275
Based on recent shipments

Top Destination States from Knoxville, TN

1
California
56 shipments
$975 – $1,200
2
Texas
34 shipments
$775 – $925
3
Florida
26 shipments
$650 – $775
4
Washington
24 shipments
$1,275 – $1,525
5
Michigan
17 shipments
$675 – $725
TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Destination Cities from Knoxville, TN

The most common destination cities for car shipping from Knoxville, 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 $950 – $1,150 Knoxville, TN to Los Angeles, CA
2 Seattle, WA $1,300 – $1,525 Knoxville, TN to Seattle, WA
3 Dallas, TX $775 – $900 Knoxville, TN to Dallas, TX
4 Austin, TX $775 – $950 Knoxville, TN to Austin, TX
5 San Diego, CA $1,075 – $1,200 Knoxville, TN to San Diego, CA
6 Philadelphia, PA $650 – $725 Knoxville, TN to Philadelphia, PA
7 Denver, CO $1,100 – $1,225 Knoxville, TN to Denver, CO
8 Detroit, MI $600 – $700 Knoxville, TN to Detroit, MI
9 Houston, TX $825 – $850 Knoxville, TN to Houston, TX
10 Miami, FL $650 – $700 Knoxville, TN to Miami, FL
Knoxville, TN CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
I had my vehicle moved from Houston to Nashville TN by Sakeem. it was enclosed transport. they were very responsive, easy to work with and quickest delivery. they delivered my car with care. thank you Sakeem.
Dulguun Sereglen
Feb 2023
Google logo
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.
Steve Turski
Jun 2023
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
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car in Knoxville

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 Knoxville

Distance

Because Knoxville is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, shipments that travel across the country often cover 1,000‑plus miles, and carriers typically charge a base rate per mile that drops after about 500 miles. This means a short intra‑regional move may cost proportionally more per mile than a long haul from, say, California to Knoxville.

Season

Winter brings occasional snow and ice in the Knoxville area, which can slow down transport and add a small surcharge for weather‑related delays. Summer sees higher demand as people relocate for school or vacations, so rates may rise during June‑August.

Route

The city sits at the junction of I‑40 east‑west and I‑75 north‑south, providing a direct corridor to major markets like Atlanta, Chicago and Nashville. Carriers can plan routes that avoid toll roads and steep mountain passes, which helps keep fuel and driver‑hour costs lower for Knoxville shipments.

Vehicle Type

Larger vehicles such as trucks, SUVs or low‑clearance vans take up more space on an open carrier, raising the per‑vehicle price, while high‑value or classic cars often require enclosed trailers for protection, adding about 20‑30 % to the cost.

Traffic Considerations

Knoxville’s downtown core experiences rush‑hour congestion on I‑40 and I‑75, but overall traffic is lighter than in larger metros, so carriers usually factor only a modest delay allowance into pricing.

Carrier Availability

Because Knoxville is a regional hub on two interstate highways, several carriers operate out of the area, creating competition that helps keep rates competitive, though peak times can still limit available slots.

Population Density

Knoxville’s moderate population density and spread‑out suburbs mean pickup and drop‑off points are often a short drive from the main highways, reducing dead‑head mileage and keeping overall shipping costs lower than in densely packed urban centers.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Shipping a car in Knoxville during the shoulder months of late October through early November or late February through early March usually nets lower rates. These periods avoid the summer moving rush and the winter holiday peak, and the milder weather means carriers have more capacity and can offer discounts.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

If you can shift your pickup or delivery by a few days, especially to mid‑week, carriers can slot your load into existing routes and reduce empty‑run costs. In Knoxville, this often translates to a $100‑$200 savings compared to fixed weekend dates.

3

Hub city advantages

Knoxville sits at the crossroads of I‑40, I‑75 and I‑81, making it a natural consolidation point for east‑west and north‑south hauls. This hub status gives you access to more carrier options and competitive pricing because trucks frequently pass through the city on longer routes.

4

Weather considerations

Knoxville’s summer thunderstorms and occasional winter ice can cause delays, so plan for extra buffer time in those seasons. Shipping in early spring or late fall usually avoids severe weather, keeping your timeline and cost more predictable.

5

Booking in advance

Booking 4‑6 weeks ahead gives carriers time to plan efficient routes that include Knoxville, especially before the summer moving surge. Early reservations also lock in current rates before seasonal price spikes hit the market.

6

Open carrier transport

Choosing an open trailer for your Knoxville shipment can shave 10‑15% off the price because open decks are the default and protect more vehicles per run. Since Knoxville’s climate is moderate for most of the year, the risk of weather damage is low, making open transport a cost‑effective choice.

7

Flexible dates

Providing a flexible delivery window lets carriers batch your load with nearby stops, optimizing their route through the Knoxville corridor. This often results in lower fuel surcharges and better utilization, which carriers pass on as savings to you.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving to/from Knoxville

Professional auto transport service for Knoxville moves

In Tennessee, new residents must register a vehicle within 30 days of purchase or move, using the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s online portal or a local county clerk office. The state issues a single‑state plate, and the title must be transferred before registration can be completed [Tennessee DMV]. Tennessee does not require statewide emission testing, but Knox County participates in the voluntary “Clean Air” program for older diesel trucks [City Website]. Window tint on the front side must let at least 35% of light through, while rear windows may be darker. The state’s minimum liability limits are $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage; many auto transport companies advise drivers to verify coverage before shipping a car across state lines [Tennessee Dept. of Safety].

Knoxville drivers should note that downtown parking spaces are metered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and residential zones often require a permit displayed on the dashboard [Knoxville City Website]. Rush‑hour traffic concentrates on Broadway and I‑40, so scheduling an auto transport during off‑peak hours can reduce delays. Winter in the foothills can bring icy roads, so adding winter tires or all‑season tires with good tread is advisable for anyone shipping a vehicle to or from Knoxville. The city also enforces a 13‑ft vehicle height limit on the Henley Street bridge, which matters for oversized loads [Tennessee DOT]. By checking these local rules early, car shipping customers can avoid fines and ensure a smooth transition to Tennessee life.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Knoxville 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 short, remove any toll tags, clear snow or ice from the tires and undercarriage, and make sure you have a key ready for the carrier. Also take off any interior or exterior accessories that could be damaged during transit in Knoxville, TN.

Yes, when you ship your vehicle to or from Knoxville, TN, our quotes are all‑inclusive. All carriers we work with must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, and we verify that their policies are valid for the entire trip. This coverage protects your car throughout Knoxville and the rest of Tennessee, from pickup to delivery.

The sooner, the better. For Knoxville, we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance, but posting your shipment as soon as you know your move lets carriers bundle your car with other pickups in the Knoxville area, often leading to faster and cheaper service.

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 Knoxville, open‑auto transport is the most common and cost‑effective way to move a vehicle, while enclosed transport typically costs about 50% more. Drivers choose enclosed service in the Knoxville area when they’re shipping a classic, a high‑value car, or a vehicle with a fresh custom paint job that could be damaged by road debris, dust, or the region’s occasional hail and wind.

Door-to-door auto transport is the epitome of convenience in vehicle shipping, and we gladly offer it for Knoxville, TN. When you book, just give us the exact pickup and delivery addresses—whether it’s a home on Kingston Pike, a condo near the University of Tennessee, or a business in West Knoxville—and our carrier will go directly there if it’s feasible. If local restrictions or safety issues arise, we’ll work with you to choose a nearby safe spot such as a gas station, a parking lot at McGhee Tyson Airport, or another convenient location.

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 Knoxville

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

Knoxville, TN blends mountain views, college-town energy, and a thriving logistics scene—perfect for anyone shipping a car.

  • Geography: Nestled beside the Tennessee River and the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville enjoys scenic drives and easy highway access.
  • Landmarks: The iconic Sunsphere from the 1982 World’s Fair and historic Market Square draw visitors year‑round.
  • History: Founded in 1791, Knoxville was a key Civil War supply hub and now celebrates its heritage at the East Tennessee History Center.
  • Vehicle Laws: Tennessee requires all motor vehicles to display a current inspection sticker and to use headlights when windshield wipers are on.
  • Climate: A humid subtropical climate brings warm summers, mild winters and occasional snow—ideal for year‑round shipping.
  • Economy: Logistics, manufacturing, and the University of Tennessee drive a robust economy that keeps freight moving.
  • Population: About 190,000 residents make Knoxville the third‑largest city in Tennessee.
  • Transportation: McGhee Tyson Airport, Interstates 40, 75, 275, and several freight rail lines connect the city to national markets.
Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

If you are new to car shipping in Knoxville, TN, this short guide will walk you through the basics. Auto transport moves your vehicle from one location to another without you having to drive it yourself. The first decision is whether you work with a broker or a carrier directly. A broker, such as Sakaem Logistics, does not own a truck but matches you with a carrier that has the right equipment and insurance. The carrier is the company that actually loads, hauls, and unloads the vehicle. Using a reputable broker helps you find carriers with good reviews, proper licensing, and solid insurance coverage. This distinction keeps the process safe and transparent for anyone in Knoxville who needs a reliable auto transport service.

Here is how the shipment moves from start to finish. First, call a broker like Sakaem Logistics to get a free quote. The broker will then locate a carrier that matches your timeline and vehicle type. On the day of pickup, the carrier arrives, checks the paperwork, and loads your car onto an open or enclosed trailer. If you own a high‑end or classic car, ask for an enclosed trailer for extra protection. Before the driver arrives, clear out all personal items, make sure the car rolls easily, and leave about a quarter tank of fuel. The carrier drives the vehicle to the destination address you provided. When the car is unloaded, you or the broker will collect the payment, usually at pickup or delivery. After the hand‑off, you receive a final receipt and a brief condition report. Following these simple steps makes auto transport in Knoxville, TN smooth and stress‑free.