($1,254) Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Lafayette, LA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,837 miles from Bakersfield, California, to Lafayette, Louisiana, generally falls between $1,254 and $1,897. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lafayette to Bakersfield car shipping guide.
The best Bakersfield to Lafayette car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Bakersfield to Lafayette:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Bakersfield
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Bakersfield, CA:
- Nationwide Transport Services: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- A To Z Auto Shipping: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- ABC Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Andrew Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from CA to LA
If you’re relocating from Bakersfield to Lafayette, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Bakersfield to Lafayette, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 1,837 miles from Bakersfield to Lafayette can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from California to Louisiana. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Bakersfield. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Lafayette.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Lafayette, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Bakersfield to Lafayette car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Bakersfield to Lafayette, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Bakersfield to Lafayette, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Lafayette, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Bakersfield depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Lafayette will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 1,837 miles from Bakersfield to Lafayette will cost more than a shorter move within California.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Bakersfield and Lafayette often affect the cost of auto transport.
Bakersfield has very hot, dry summers, and winters that consist of mild days with chilly/cold nights. Check your weather app before your move to avoid extreme heat.
It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Bakersfield to Lafayette in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,837-mile distance between Bakersfield and Lafayette and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Bakersfield to Lafayette takes three to eleven days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Bakersfield and Lafayette vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Bakersfield: First two hours - no charge $1 per each additional hour $10 maximum daily fee On-street parking spaces are available throughout downtown Bakersfield on a first-come, first-served basis. Most spaces have posted time limits which are monitored and enforced by the Bakersfield Police Department. There is no fee for on-street public parking.
- Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
Car insurance requirements
- Bakersfield: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
- Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
Vehicle inspections
- Bakersfield: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
- Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
Driver’s license
- Bakersfield: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Bakersfield to Lafayette?
The cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Lafayette, LA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Bakersfield to Lafayette will range from $1,254 to $1,897.
How long will it take to ship my car from Bakersfield to Lafayette?
It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,837 miles from Bakersfield to Lafayette. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Bakersfield to Lafayette?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Bakersfield to Lafayette. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Bakersfield to Lafayette?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Bakersfield to Lafayette than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,837-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US
30101 Agoura Court, Suite 109, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 US
102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA 92618 US
4809 Hahn Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93309 US