10 Best Auto Transport Companies in Tennessee For 2024

Once your hauler has dropped off your car, you’ll probably be itching to hop in and explore Tennessee! But before you do, make sure that you’re ready to drive here legally and safely.

1. Understand Tennessee Residency

This step only applies to those relocating to the state of Tennessee from another state who plan to establish their permanent and principal residence in the state (i.e., this does not apply to snowbirds or college students living here temporarily). Tennessee legally requires new residents to take specific steps regarding insurance, car registration, and more based upon the date of residency. It may be challenging to establish an exact date of residence, but the state suggests the following steps to qualify:

• Relocate to Tennessee
• Establish domicile (buy a home or sign lease)
• Change mailing address to TN
• Obtain a driver license here
• Title and register your vehicle in the state
• Register to vote in Tennessee

Note: Keep the date you establish residency in mind as you review the remaining steps.

2. Update Your Insurance to Comply with TN Laws

Each state sets its own laws regarding auto insurance minimums. In Tennessee, you must purchase an insurance policy from a licensed TN insurance agent with the following coverage amounts:

• $10,000 property damage liability per accident: Property liability coverage pays for any damage done to another car or property in an accident in which you are the at-fault driver.
• $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person/$50,000 per accident: Bodily injury liability coverage helps to cover another person’s injuries for which you are at fault.

Note: You can register your vehicle without insurance in Tennessee.

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you bring a car into Tennessee from out of state, you must apply for title and registration as soon as you establish residency.

• Title: A title shows your proof of ownership of the vehicle in the state of Tennessee. To obtain a certificate of title, you must first pass an emissions test. Next, visit a local clerk’s office. Bring the following: proof of ID, proof of residency, emissions certificate (if applicable), valid out-of-state registration, and lienholder info (if applicable). For more information on titling your car, click here.
• Registration: You must also register your vehicle and obtain a metal license plate, a registration certificate, and a registration decal. You’ll need to visit a local county clerk’s office and provide the following: valid certificate of title, Odometer Disclosure Statement (if applicable), and copy of current registration. For more info on motor vehicle registration, click here.

4. Obtain a Valid Tennessee Driver License

You must obtain a Tennessee license within 30 days of establishing residency. You must apply for your license in-person at a full-service driver service center. During the application process, you must:

• Provide at least two proofs: current driver license, social security number, proof of legal name change, proof of TN residency, or proof of authorized US presence
• Pass a vision screening
• Pass knowledge and road skills test tests (if the license is expired for 6+ months)
• Surrender out-of-state driver license
• Pay applicable fees

5. Maintain Your Vehicle

Now, Tennessee, for the most part, has mild winters. But the climate is extremely diverse across the state. Depending on where you live, winter weather can seriously affect your car’s performance and safety. That’s why experts suggest routine tune-ups and proper maintenance to ensure your vehicle is in tiptop shape. Top suggestions include the following: check & change oil (use the appropriate type of oil for your particular car), maintain coolant levels (prevents overheating and corrosion), inspect the battery for loose terminals and capacity (capacity is lower during colder months), and check windshield wipers (use a windshield wiper fluid with antifreeze solution). Also, keep an emergency kit in your car. It should include flashlights, flares, coolant, oil, blankets, extra clothes, and washer fluid.

Are you looking to ship your vehicle to Tennessee from another part of the country? Caravan Auto Transport’s network of vetted, licensed, and insured auto transporters offers safe, efficient transport of your automobile to its destination without running up the miles on the odometer. These reputable Tennessee car shipping companies provide the following services:

Open Car Transport

The most common method of car transportation, open transport carriers are ideal if you’re looking for an affordable shipping option with speedy delivery. As the name suggests, your car is loaded onto an open-air trailer along with several other vehicles headed to the same destination.

Enclosed Auto Transport

If you desire enhanced security or protection for your vehicle, you may wish to arrange enclosed carrier shipping. Inside a covered trailer, your car is protected from harsh weather conditions and road hazards like dust and dirt. Shipping your vehicle in a closed carrier also enhances its safety during transit by keeping the car concealed.

Door-to-Door Car Shipping

With a door-to-door car shipping service, you choose the desired pick-up and drop-off locations rather than having to arrange getting your vehicle to or from a transport terminal. Door-to-door shipping is the most convenient choice for shipping your car to or from Tennessee, saving you time and effort.

Expedited Shipping

In a hurry to get your car from one location to the next? Upgrading to expedited shipping ensures a seamless pick-up and drop-off of your vehicle on your schedule. As a priority customer, you receive fast, timely service, so you can get back to driving that much quicker.

Classic and Antique Car Transport

When it comes to transporting a classic car, you want an auto transport company that can deliver your vehicle without a single dent or scratch. From vintage Mustangs to antique DeVaux Sports Coupes, our network of classic auto transporters has the expertise and equipment to transport your classic car safely, so it arrives in pristine condition.

High End and Luxury Auto Shipping

Exotic car transporters use specialty equipment, like hydraulic lifts and sophisticated tie-downs, along with enclosed trucks, to keep your valuable car safe during every mile of transit. An enclosed car hauler ensures the ultimate protection for your high-end or luxury vehicle, protecting it from dirt, dust, and debris along the way.

From moving off to college to building your career, there are numerous reasons you may be interested in shipping a car to Tennessee or somewhere outside of the Volunteer State. Caravan Auto Transport’s network of auto shippers streamlines the car hauling process no matter your reason for transporting your vehicle to or from TN.

Moving and Relocation

When moving cross-country or out-of-state, many people choose to ship their cars rather than add a long road trip to an already stressful and exhausting relocation experience. Leave the logistics of moving your vehicle in the hands of professionals with either open or enclosed vehicle shipping services.

Snowbirds

Do you fly South for the winter? Given Tennessee’s hot summers and mild winters, it’s not hard to understand why. Start enjoying your escape from frigid North that much sooner by shipping your car and meeting it at your Tennessee destination -- whether you’re wintering in Gatlinburg or elsewhere.

Military

Tennessee is home to 15 military bases. From Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma to NSA Mid South Naval Base in Millington, thousands of military personnel are stationed in the Volunteer State. If you are one of the brave men and women serving our country, we’re happy to serve you with top-notch car transportation to or from Tennessee.

Online Car Buyers

Whether you’ve found the perfect vehicle on Craigslist, eBay, or AutoTrader, you may need some assistance getting it home, especially if it’s sitting on the other side of the country. Instead of flying out to pick it up and putting hundreds or thousands of miles on the odometer just to get it to your driveway, arrange for a hauler to transport your new car for you.

College Students

From acclaimed Vanderbilt University to the more intimate Union University, Tennessee has no shortage of top-tier colleges and universities for those seeking to further their education. If you have a college student moving to Tennessee from out-of-state (or vice versa), have their vehicle shipped straight to campus with a fast, affordable auto transport service.

On average, it costs between $500-$1500 to ship a car to Tennessee. Anticipate paying around $1 per mile for the first 1-500 miles, then approximately $.75 for every mile after that. Several factors influence the final cost of shipping your vehicle, including the origin and destination zip codes, the method of transport (open vs. enclosed), the speed of shipment, the type of vehicle, and the time of year. The best way to get an accurate estimate of car shipping costs is by requesting free quotes from our network of auto transport companies.