Shipping a car into New Orleans, out of Baton Rouge, or across the bayou on I-10. See what Louisiana routes cost, how long they take, and which carriers Louisiana shippers rate highest.
Updated Reviewed by Transportvibe Editorial Team
Shipping a standard sedan to or from Louisiana costs $400–$1,625 on open transport in 2026, depending on distance. In-state moves run $350–$600, regional moves to neighboring states $425–$800, and coast-to-coast routes $1,275–$1,625. Enclosed transport adds roughly 40–60%.
Typical open-carrier prices for a standard sedan on the most-quoted Louisiana routes. SUVs and pickups usually add $100–$250.
| Route | Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA to Seattle, WA | 2,520 mi | $1,275–$1,625 | $1,850–$2,600 | 5–8 days |
| Baton Rouge, LA to Little Rock, AR | 370 mi | $475–$600 | $700–$950 | 1–3 days |
| Lafayette, LA to Jackson, MS | 220 mi | $400–$500 | $575–$800 | 1–3 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to New Orleans, LA | 2,000 mi | $1,100–$1,400 | $1,600–$2,250 | 4–7 days |
| New Orleans, LA to Boston, MA | 1,630 mi | $1,000–$1,275 | $1,450–$2,050 | 3–6 days |
| Houston, TX to Baton Rouge, LA | 310 mi | $450–$575 | $650–$925 | 1–3 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to Lafayette, LA | 1,440 mi | $925–$1,200 | $1,350–$1,925 | 3–5 days |
| Lake Charles, LA to New Orleans, LA | 230 mi | $400–$500 | $575–$800 | 1–3 days |
From June through November, storms can shut down I-10 and coastal parishes for days. Carriers pause service in affected areas, so build in flexibility for late-summer and fall shipments.
Southern Louisiana is crossed by long bridges and causeways. Delays on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge or the Crescent City Connection can slow carriers. Flooded roads after heavy rain can also cause short delays.
New Orleans' narrow streets and frequent events make door pickups slow. Meeting the truck near I-10 is usually faster.
Refinery and plant jobs around Baton Rouge and Lake Charles bring regular relocations, especially on routes to and from Texas.
I-10 crosses southern Louisiana from Texas to Mississippi, linking Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. North Louisiana runs on I-20.
Schematic, not to scale. Tap a city to jump to it.
New Orleans has steady carrier traffic on I-10 between Houston and Mobile. The French Quarter and older neighborhoods have narrow streets, so most pickups happen at a lot near the interstate. Mardi Gras and big events can tie up roads for days.
The capital is where I-12 splits from I-10 to bypass New Orleans. LSU brings August and May student moves, and the petrochemical industry brings steady relocations.
Lafayette is where I-49 heads north from I-10. Carriers reach it after crossing the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the country.
Lake Charles sits on I-10 near the Texas line. Energy-sector relocations are common, and hurricane recovery can affect scheduling.
Shreveport anchors northwest Louisiana on I-20 near Texas. Barksdale Air Force Base brings military moves.
Monroe is on I-20 between Shreveport and Mississippi, a natural meeting point for northeast Louisiana.
Ranked by TrustScore, using FMCSA records and reviews from people who shipped to or from Louisiana. Companies cannot pay to change their rank.
Compare FMCSA-checked brokers and carriers side by side by TrustScore, verified Louisiana reviews, insurance and complaint history.
TrustScore weighs reputation, on-time performance, pricing accuracy, customer experience and FMCSA compliance. Companies cannot pay to change their score; sponsored placements are always labeled. How TrustScore works.
Most Louisiana shipments go on open carriers. Choose enclosed when the car's value, finish or clearance makes road exposure a real risk.
| Open carrier | Enclosed carrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Louisiana price | $400–$1,625 | $575–$2,600 |
| Truck availability | High on I-10, I-12, I-49, I-20 and I-55. Fastest scheduling in the larger metros. | Lower. Often routed through the nearest major hub, so allow extra days. |
| Protection | Exposed to weather, road grime and debris | Fully covered. Shields against humidity, storms and road debris. |
| Best for | Daily drivers, leases, used cars, most relocations | Classics, exotics, show cars, low-clearance and new luxury vehicles |
| Insurance limit (typical) | $100,000–$250,000 cargo coverage | $250,000–$1,000,000 cargo coverage |
Typical demand for Louisiana routes by month. Higher demand means higher prices and longer waits for a truck.
Summer and fall overlap with hurricane season, so leave flexibility. Winter and spring bring snowbirds and event traffic, including Mardi Gras. Late spring is often a good balance of price and reliability.
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIPs. Compare companies by TrustScore, Louisiana reviews and price, not price alone.
Check the company's USDOT or MC number and insurance. Get the pickup window, price and deposit terms in writing.
Remove personal items and toll tags, leave about a quarter tank, and photograph every side in daylight.
Walk around the car with the driver and note any damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign it.
What to do after your car arrives. Requirements can change, so confirm with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).
Shipping a sedan to Louisiana costs $400–$1,625 on an open carrier in 2026. Shorter moves within the state run about $350–$600, while cross-country routes cost $1,275–$1,625. SUVs, pickups, non-running cars and enclosed transport cost more.
Most Louisiana shipments are delivered in 1–3 days within the state, 2–5 days to neighboring states, and 5–8 days coast to coast. Add one to five days for the carrier to schedule pickup, more for rural addresses far from an interstate.
The cheapest option is an open carrier with flexible pickup dates, booked two to three weeks ahead. Meeting the driver near I-10, I-12, I-49, I-20 and I-55 instead of at a remote address usually lowers the price and shortens the wait.
Someone aged 18 or older needs to be present at both ends to hand over or receive the keys, inspect the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading. It doesn't have to be you, but it should be someone you trust to note damage before signing.
Yes. Louisiana requires an annual safety inspection, known as a brake tag, and some parishes in the Baton Rouge area also require emissions testing. Check with the Louisiana OMV before registering.
It can. Carriers stop or reroute service when a storm threatens the coast and may need a few days after it passes. Ask the company how it handles weather delays before you book.
Look up the company's USDOT or MC number on FMCSA and confirm its operating authority is active and insurance is on file. Then check its TrustScore and reviews from people who shipped to or from Louisiana. Be cautious of quotes far below market and of companies asking for a large deposit before a carrier is assigned.
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