Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car from Nashville, Tennessee, to Springfield, Illinois, ranges from $596 - $1007, it takes 1-3 days to ship a car 373 miles. Costs vary depending on factors like the transport method, type of vehicle, and time of year. For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
What is the best way to transport a vehicle from Nashville to Springfield?
When it comes to shipping a car, there are many methods you can choose from, each with its own pros and cons depending on your needs, budget, and timelines, here are some of the most popular options to ship your car from Nashville to Springfield:
Car Shipping Company (recommended): If you need to transport your car from Nashville to Springfield, hiring a trusted car shipping company is often the most popular and stress-free option. Many reputable companies offer door-to-door service and expedited shipping, so your vehicle will be delivered safely and on time. You won’t have to stress about the transportation since they’ll handle the whole process from start to finish. Just keep in mind that shipping with a company comes with a price, as most companies charge an extra fee to find and book a carrier for you.
Self-Drive or Towing: Driving your car yourself or towing it, can be a budget-friendly option, with its own pros and cons. The 437-mile drive from Nashville to Springfield could turn into a fun short trip, and you can save money compared to hiring a shipping service. However, keep in mind, that putting those extra miles on your car can wear it, and you might run into bad weather and bad driving conditions on your trip.
Driveaway Service: If you’re thinking about hiring someone to drive your car from Nashville to Springfield, it can definitely save you some time and hassle—but it comes with a price. You’ll need to find a trusted driver you can rely on with your vehicle, it can be hard and challenging. Plus, even though you’re not the one driving, your car will still rack up extra miles and the wear that comes with them. Also, look out for scammers on the Internet, there are many ways to scam in the car shipping industry nowadays, usually choosing a trusted car shipping company is the safest option.
Rail Transportation: Shipping your car by train can be the most affordable and safe way to get it to Springfield, ST, especially if you’re already moving other stuff by rail. It’s actually one of the cheapest options out there! But it’s not the most flexible way of shipping — you won’t have control over pickup and drop-off locations, it’s usually a good option when shipping long distances, but for shorter trips like Nashville to Springfield this option can cause you problems.
Factors Affecting Nashville to Springfield Car Shipping Costs
When transporting your vehicle from Nashville to Springfield, the cost of shipping a car varies around $596 - $1007, these factors influence the total cost:
Transport Type
There are several ways to ship your car from Nashville to Springfield, including open, and enclosed transport, each suited for different needs.
Open transport is the cheaper, more common option when your car is shipped on a trailer with other vehicles, exposed to weather, road debris, and bugs on your windows. It’s the most common and budget-friendly option for you.
Enclosed transport, on the other hand, keeps your car fully covered inside a trailer, it gives extra protection from the elements and weather conditions. It’s pricier but ideal for luxury, classic, or other expensive cars, it’s worth considering when you want full protection for your vehicle.
If you’re moving a regular vehicle, open transport works just fine. For high-value pricy cars, enclosed is worth the extra cost for extra protection.
Vehicle Type
Vehicle type often plays a role when calculating the cost to ship a car from Naperville to Springfield. Different types of vehicles take different amounts of space on the trailer. Larger vehicles (vans, pickup trucks, SUVs), generally cost more to ship due to the bigger space they take. For most standard vehicles, the dimensions are already known, but for larger-than-average vehicles, carriers may ask for specific measurements and will charge extra costs to ship them.
Vehicle Condition
Another big factor impacting the price is your vehicle's condition. If your car doesn’t start, but can still roll, brake, and steer, it can be loaded on the trailer with a winch. Usually, cars are just driven onto the truck, but if they are non-operable it’s going to create troubles and extra service to put it on the trailer, impacting the total cost.
Pick up and Delivery Location
Where your vehicle is being picked up in Nashville, and where you want it to ship to in Springfield plays a big difference in costs. Urban areas are usually cheaper to ship because they are close to highways and have easier access to routes. Rural areas around Nashville and Springfield cost more since carriers might need to go further to pick up or deliver your car. If your rural location is close to a highway, it might lower the price a bit, but usually, urban areas are the most comfortable for drivers.
Seasonality
Season and weather conditions in both Nashville and Springfield impact the price: fall and spring are usually the most stable seasons for pricing, while summer and winter can be more unpredictable. In summer, demand for car shipping services skyrockets, due to high relocation demand and students moving to universities, this drives up the prices in summer. Winter has a lower demand for car shipping services, which often means cheaper rates. But at the same time, bad weather can slow things down and it’s very unpredictable.
Other Factors That Affect Shipping Costs
A few other things can affect the cost of shipping your car. If your vehicle isn’t running, expect to pay more, it requires special equipment to load the car on the trailer and more work for the driver. Extra services like expedited shipping or additional insurance can also drive up the price. Route issues (traffic or detours) might increase the final cost too. Shipping multiple cars adds to the bill, though some companies offer discounts for that. And don’t forget, missing your delivery appointment could lead to extra fees and charges from your company!
What is the best route to ship a car from Nashville to Springfield?
The route from Nashville to Springfield, Illinois, is approximately 375 miles, making it an easy trip for car shipping services or personal travel.
Head northwest on I-24 West from Nashville. This interstate is new and smooth road, with multiple gas stations along the way.
After about 50 miles, you’ll pass through Clarksville, TN, a good spot for a short break or refuel. Continuing north, you'll cross into Kentucky and pass Paducah.
The road then I-57 North near Mount Vernon, IL, and stay on this route for a straightforward drive. Transition onto I-64 West for a short stretch before merging onto I-55 North, leading directly to Springfield.
The entire trip takes around 5 hours and 35 minutes in normal traffic, with well-maintained roads, making it a reliable choice for car shipping services.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Nashville to Springfield?
The cost to ship a car from Nashville, TN, to Springfield, IL varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed shipping method), vehicle size and weight, season, weather conditions, etc. Transporting your vehicle from Nashville to Springfield will cost $596 - $1007.
How long will it take to ship my car from Nashville to Springfield?
Shipping your car 373 miles from Nashville to Springfield will take approximately one to three days. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery. At CarShiply we can help you find a driver for your delivery, and ask them for expedited shipping service if needed.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Nashville to Springfield?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Nashville to Springfield unless you decide to drive the car yourself, and just pay for the gas. However, it’s important to factor in hidden costs. The 373-mile drive can add wear and tear to your vehicle, potentially leading to maintenance expenses down the road. Plus, don’t forget the cost of fuel, food, and even lodging if you plan to break up the trip—they can add up faster than you might expect.
How do you choose a company to ship a car from Nashville to Springfield?
To protect yourself from car shipping scams, it’s important to protect yourself when doing your research. Here are some tips to ensure you’re working with a reliable company:
Verify the Company: Always check if the company is registered with the FMCSA and has a valid DOT number. Look for reviews on trusted platforms to confirm their legitimacy.
Ask About Bonding and Insurance: Make sure the company is bonded and insured. Request proof and verify the information with the provider. A legitimate company will have no problem sharing these details.
Compare Prices: Don’t jump at the first quote you get, especially if it’s unusually high or low. Get multiple quotes and research the average cost for your route and vehicle. Our platform allows you to request quotes from multiple companies simultaneously, reducing hassle and saving you time.
Avoid Upfront Payments: Be cautious of companies that demand full payment upfront. A small deposit is normal, but most reputable companies won’t ask for full payment until your vehicle is delivered.
Ask for a Contract: Always have a contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the shipment, including the estimated delivery time, total cost, and what happens if there are delays or damages.
How do you prepare a car for shipping?
To prepare your vehicle for shipping, clean it inside and out, remove personal items, ensure the gas tank is about a quarter full, check for any leaks, and document its condition with photos. Make sure to disable alarms and provide a set of keys for the transporter.