Maine → Louisiana

Ship Car from Maine to Louisiana

Shipping a vehicle from Maine to Louisiana covers a distance of approximately 1,838 miles, with a typical transit time of five to seven days once your vehicle is picked up. Navigating this corridor generally involves travel along I-81 S, connecting the Northeast to the Gulf Coast. Throughout this page, we will walk you through the factors that influence shipping costs, how to estimate your timeline, the step-by-step booking process, and tips for preparing your vehicle. We also cover how to verify carriers, common shipping scenarios, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Call for a FREE Quote

No-obligation quote within 2 minutes
Price all-inclusive
No charge until driver confirmed

Distance: 1,838 mi
Transit time: 5–7 days
Open carrier from: $1,025

How much does it cost to ship a car from Maine to Louisiana?

For a typical shipment between Maine and Louisiana, you can expect open transport to fall between $1,025 and $1,375, while enclosed options generally range from $1,675 to $2,225. These estimates cover the 1,838-mile journey, which typically takes five to seven days once a carrier is assigned. As a referral service, Ship Car Pros connects you with vetted, independent carriers who bid on your route, ensuring you receive a market-accurate, all-inclusive price. There are six primary factors that determine where your final price lands, including vehicle size, current seasonal demand, and your flexibility regarding pickup dates. We will break down how each of these variables influences your specific quote in the sections that follow.

What factors affect car shipping cost?

Several variables interact to dictate the final price of your shipment from Maine to Louisiana. Understanding how these factors influence your quote helps you balance your budget with your specific shipping needs.

Vehicle dimensions and weight: Larger trucks and SUVs require more space and increase fuel consumption.
Transport type: Enclosed trailers provide extra protection but carry a higher premium than standard open carriers.
Pickup and delivery flexibility: A wider window allows carriers to integrate your vehicle into existing routes more efficiently.
Seasonal demand: High-traffic periods, such as summer or snowbird migration, often increase competition for trailer space.
Route accessibility: Urban centers near major interstates are cheaper to service than remote, rural locations.
Vehicle operability: Non-running vehicles require specialized winching equipment, which adds to the labor and cost of loading.

Ship Car Pros helps you navigate these variables to secure the best possible rate.

Open vs. enclosed car transport: which should you choose?

Most vehicles traveling from Maine to Louisiana ship via open transport. This is the industry standard-the same method used to deliver new cars from factories to dealerships. It is safe, fully insured, and highly efficient. With a typical cost of $1,140, it is the practical choice for daily drivers, SUVs, and standard trucks.

Enclosed transport, which typically costs around $1,856 for this route, offers a higher level of protection by shielding your vehicle from road debris, weather, and dust. This is the better choice for high-value luxury cars, classic vehicles, or custom builds that need to arrive in pristine condition. If you are shipping a lowered vehicle with minimal ground clearance or a rare collector's item, the extra security of an enclosed trailer is well worth the premium. For almost every other scenario, open transport provides the best balance of safety and value.

Open carrier: $1,025–$1,375; Standard 7–10 car hauler.
Enclosed carrier: $1,675–$2,225; Sealed trailer for high-value vehicles.

How long does it take to ship a car from Maine to Louisiana?

Moving a vehicle across the 1,838 miles from Maine to Louisiana typically takes five to seven days once it is loaded onto a carrier. While a non-stop drive would take a little over a day, transport trucks move at a slower pace because drivers must balance fuel stops, mandatory rest breaks, and the logistics of picking up or dropping off other vehicles along the way. Your specific transit time will depend on where your vehicle is positioned on the trailer and how many other stops the driver makes on the route. We provide a more detailed look at these scheduling factors and how to prepare for delivery in the upcoming sections.

Which routes do carriers usually take?

Carriers moving vehicles from Maine to Louisiana primarily rely on the I-95 S corridor to clear the Northeast before transitioning to I-81 S. This route serves as the central artery for the journey, allowing drivers to bypass the most congested coastal urban centers while steering clear of the steep, winding mountain passes found in Maine’s rural interior. Once on I-81 S, carriers maintain a steady southern trajectory, eventually merging into the I-10 corridor to reach Louisiana. While pickup density is highest in Maine’s southern metro hubs, carriers frequently optimize their routes by scheduling stops along this major interstate backbone to maintain efficiency and avoid the complex local detours of the Gulf Coast.

What can delay your shipment?

While most shipments proceed smoothly, certain factors can create timing variability along the 1,838-mile route. Winter weather in the Appalachian stretches of I-81 can lead to sudden speed reductions or temporary passage restrictions, while Louisiana’s hurricane season or flash-flood events occasionally force carriers to reroute. Pickup delays often occur when booking near weekends or holidays, as driver availability naturally thins. Additionally, if you are sourcing a vehicle from an auction, missing documentation-such as gate pins or lot numbers-frequently stalls the process. Because carriers optimize their routes to manage multiple vehicles, these logistical variables are a standard part of long-distance transport.

Popular Routes

Major city-to-city routes on the Maine → Louisiana corridor.

From	To	Approx. distance	Transit
Portland, ME	New Orleans, LA	~1,430 mi	4-6 days
Lewiston, ME	Baton Rouge, LA	~1,480 mi	4-6 days
Bangor, ME	Shreveport, LA	~1,590 mi	5-7 days
South Portland, ME	Lafayette, LA	~1,510 mi	5-7 days
Auburn, ME	Lake Charles, LA	~1,580 mi	5-7 days
Biddeford, ME	Houma, LA	~1,470 mi	4-6 days
Saco, ME	Monroe, LA	~1,390 mi	4-6 days
Westbrook, ME	Mandeville, LA	~1,420 mi	4-6 days
Augusta, ME	Slidell, LA	~1,460 mi	4-6 days
Waterville, ME	Alexandria, LA	~1,540 mi	5-7 days

How does shipping a car from Maine to Louisiana work?

Shipping a vehicle from Maine to Louisiana follows a straightforward, three-stage process designed to move your car safely across the country. First, you request an all-inclusive quote based on your specific vehicle and route. Once you confirm, we coordinate with our network to assign a vetted carrier for your pickup. Finally, the driver manages the transit and handles the vehicle inspection at both ends. Whether you are moving a daily driver or a classic car, this sequence keeps the logistics predictable from the initial quote to the final delivery at your destination.

What happens between booking and pickup?

Once your order is confirmed, the transition to active transport begins immediately as we coordinate with our network. Here is how the process unfolds leading up to the day your vehicle is loaded onto the trailer:

We post your shipment details to our internal dispatch marketplace to alert carriers currently operating along the I-81 corridor.
A vetted carrier accepts your load and is officially assigned to your route.
You receive a notification confirming the carrier’s identity, including their contact information and estimated transit timeline.
The driver contacts you directly to coordinate a specific pickup window based on their current route and proximity to your Maine location.
On the scheduled day, the driver arrives at your designated address to conduct a thorough, point-by-point inspection of your vehicle’s condition.
You walk the vehicle with the driver, documenting any existing exterior or interior details on the bill of lading before the car is loaded for departure.

What is a bill of lading (BOL)?

The bill of lading (BOL) is both a contract for transport and your vehicle's official condition report. At pickup, the driver performs a detailed, approximately 21-point visual inspection, documenting any existing scratches, dents, or imperfections on this form. You will sign the BOL before the vehicle is loaded, and the driver will provide you with a copy. This document is essential because it serves as the baseline for the vehicle’s condition. When the car arrives in Louisiana, you must review it again in good light alongside the driver. Compare the vehicle against the initial notes before signing the final delivery BOL to ensure everything matches.

After delivery: registration and inspection in Louisiana

Once your vehicle arrives in Louisiana, you have 30 days to register it with the Office of Motor Vehicles. You will need to visit an OMV branch or authorized Public Tag Agent in person to submit your out-of-state title, proof of insurance meeting Louisiana’s 15/30/25 minimum liability requirements, and a completed Form DPSMV 1799. Before registration, every out-of-state vehicle must pass a Louisiana safety inspection for an $18 fee. If you live in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, or West Baton Rouge, you must also pass an OBD-II emissions test. Consult Louisiana’s official portal for detailed forms and specific parish fees.

Remember that your obligations in Maine continue after the car is shipped. You must remove your Maine license plates before the vehicle departs, as they belong to you, and submit a notarized Plate Cancellation Request (Form MVR-60) to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles to avoid registration suspension.

How do you verify a car transport company is legitimate?

Verifying the legitimacy of a transport provider is the best way to ensure your vehicle is in safe hands. Every carrier must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify any company by requesting their Motor Carrier (MC) and Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers. Once you have these, plug them into the FMCSA’s official licensing and insurance lookup tool. A legitimate company will show an "Active" status for both common carrier authority and property insurance.

Beyond federal registration, pay attention to the financial process. A reputable broker or referral service will never charge your credit card until a carrier has been officially assigned to your load. If a company demands an upfront deposit or full payment before they have confirmed a driver is coming for your car, treat that as a major red flag.

Always insist on a written agreement for your records. This document should clearly outline the terms of service, insurance coverage, and total price. Finally, look for third-party feedback on platforms like the Better Business Bureau or Transport Reviews. While no company is perfect, consistent, detailed feedback from real customers provides a reliable picture of how a company handles communication and manages expectations throughout the shipping process.

How do I prepare my car for shipping?

Preparing your vehicle for transport helps ensure a smooth inspection process and protects your belongings during the 1,838-mile journey to Louisiana. Taking a few simple steps before the driver arrives will resolve most logistical hurdles before they start.

Follow this checklist to prepare your car:

Wash the exterior: Cleaning the paint allows the driver to accurately spot and document existing scratches or dents on the bill of lading.
Photograph the vehicle: Take clear, dated, high-resolution photos of all sides, the interior, and the dashboard from multiple angles.
Clear out personal items: Remove all valuables, toll tags, parking passes, and loose electronics, keeping items to under 100 pounds.
Limit fuel: Keep your gas tank at approximately one-quarter full to reduce weight while ensuring enough fuel for the driver to load and unload the vehicle.
Disable security systems: Turn off any aftermarket alarms and provide the driver with a complete, labeled set of keys.
Note mechanical quirks: Write down any known fluid leaks or specific starting instructions to share with the carrier at pickup.

Completing these tasks helps the driver focus on the safe loading and transit of your vehicle.

Specialty shipments from Maine to Louisiana

Some shipments require additional logistical coordination beyond a standard passenger vehicle. Whether you are managing complex auction acquisitions, moving a vehicle that no longer runs, or coordinating the transport of an entire fleet, these scenarios involve specific documentation and equipment requirements. We handle these specialized requests by matching your unique needs with carriers equipped for the job, ensuring that even non-standard shipments remain organized and transparent from pickup in Maine to final delivery in Louisiana.

How do you ship a car bought at Copart or IAA auction?

Shipping a vehicle purchased from an auction facility like Copart or IAA involves more complex logistics than a standard residential pickup. Because these facilities operate on strict appointment schedules and require specific authorization, you must provide your broker with three critical pieces of information before a carrier can be dispatched: the lot number, the gate pin, and your buyer number. Additionally, you should ensure that all auction fees are fully paid and that you have a digital copy of the gate release or payment confirmation ready to share.

Because auction houses require carriers to schedule pickup windows in advance, these shipments often take one to three days longer to arrange than residential moves. If any documentation is missing or the gate pin is incorrect, the driver will be turned away at the facility, resulting in significant delays and potential "dry run" fees.

How do you ship an inoperable car?

Shipping a vehicle that does not run requires specialized equipment and extra care. Because the car cannot be driven onto the trailer under its own power, the carrier must use a winch to pull it up the ramp. For this to be safe and manageable, the vehicle must still have tires that roll, a steering system that functions, and brakes that can stop the car once it is loaded. If the vehicle is locked, missing wheels, or has a completely seized drivetrain, you must disclose this during the quoting process. These non-running loads require more time and labor for the driver, which adds a surcharge to the standard rate.

How do you ship multiple cars at once?

If you are relocating your entire household, moving a fleet, or managing a dealer transfer, shipping multiple vehicles together is often the most efficient approach. When you book two or more cars on the same route, you generally qualify for a multi-vehicle discount, which lowers the per-vehicle cost compared to shipping them individually. Because carriers can maximize their trailer space for a single pickup and delivery, they pass those logistical savings on to you. While most multi-vehicle shipments travel on a single trailer, we can coordinate split transport if your specific timeline or vehicle types require different handling, ensuring all your cars arrive as planned.

Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive it from Maine to Louisiana?

When deciding between shipping your vehicle and driving it yourself, the comparison comes down to more than just the immediate price tag. The 1,838-mile journey from Maine to Louisiana is a significant undertaking that requires roughly 27 hours of pure driving time, not accounting for necessary rest, fuel stops, or meals.

If you choose to drive, the costs add up quickly. Based on current AAA data, you can expect approximately $1,287 in per-mile operating costs-factoring in fuel, maintenance, and depreciation-plus at least two overnight stays at roughly $120 each, bringing your total self-drive estimate to approximately $1,527. In contrast, using an open transport carrier typically costs around $1,140.

Beyond the raw math, consider the hidden costs of time and stress. Driving this distance requires several consecutive days on the road, which may mean taking time off work and navigating the physical fatigue of a cross-country trek. You are also responsible for the logistical management of your own travel, including lodging and meals. Shipping your car allows you to bypass the wear and tear on your vehicle and the physical toll of the road. While the decision is yours, comparing these figures against your own hourly value and available time can help you determine which option best fits your priorities.

	Ship it	Drive it
Total cost	$1,025–$1,375 all-in	~$1,287 (fuel + lodging + meals)
Your time	0 hours	~31 hrs driving + overnight
Wear & tear	None	1,838 mi added; ~$0.10/mi depreciation
Risk	Insured in transit	Personal liability + fatigue

For most Maine → Louisiana shipments, ship is the better value once time and depreciation are counted.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to ship a car from Maine to Louisiana?

For a typical shipment between Maine and Louisiana, open transport usually costs between $1,025 and $1,375, while enclosed transport generally ranges from $1,675 to $2,225. These estimates are all-inclusive, covering fuel, tolls, and driver fees. Your final price depends on factors like vehicle size, seasonal demand, and your specific pickup window flexibility. Because costs fluctuate based on real-time carrier availability, it is best to get a quote based on your specific route and vehicle details.

How long does it take for a vehicle to travel from Maine to Louisiana?

Shipping a vehicle across the 1,838-mile distance from Maine to Louisiana typically takes five to seven days once it is loaded onto a carrier. While a non-stop drive is faster, transport trucks must adhere to federal hours-of-service regulations, which limit daily mileage. Factors like weather conditions, the carrier's specific route, and the number of other stops for loading or unloading vehicles can influence the exact transit time for your car.

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport for this route?

Open transport is the industry standard, where your vehicle travels on an exposed trailer, typically costing around $1,140 for this route. Enclosed transport provides a fully covered trailer to protect your vehicle from weather, road debris, and dust, usually costing about $1,856. Most daily drivers are shipped via open trailers, while enclosed transport is generally reserved for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles that require extra protection to arrive in pristine condition.

When do I pay for my car shipping service?

You typically pay in two stages for your shipment. A deposit is charged to your credit card only after a carrier has been officially assigned to your load. The remaining balance for the transportation is paid directly to the driver at the time of delivery. Drivers generally accept payment for this final balance via cash, certified check, money order, Zelle, or Venmo, though you should confirm your driver's preferred method before delivery.

Is my vehicle insured while it is being transported?

Yes, your vehicle is covered by the carrier's cargo insurance policy while it is in transit. Every reputable transport carrier is required to carry this insurance, which typically covers damage from bumper to bumper. Coverage amounts vary by carrier and trailer type, usually ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 for open trailers and up to $1,000,000 for enclosed trailers, providing full protection against transit-related incidents during the move.

Do I need to be present at the pickup or delivery location?

You do not need to be personally present at the pickup or delivery location. You can authorize a family member, friend, or dealership representative to act on your behalf. They must be able to hand over or receive the keys and sign the bill of lading documentation. It is standard practice to provide a primary contact and at least one backup contact at each location to ensure the driver can coordinate the handoff smoothly.

Why should I avoid posting my shipment with multiple brokers at the same time?

Posting your shipment with multiple brokers simultaneously often leads to the same request appearing multiple times on the national loading board. Carriers see these duplicate postings and may assume the shipment is difficult to manage or potentially problematic. This can trigger a bidding war that artificially drives up your price or causes carriers to overlook your load entirely, resulting in unnecessary delays and frustration in finding a reliable driver for your route.

What is the purpose of the bill of lading during the inspection process?

The bill of lading (BOL) serves as both the official contract for transport and a comprehensive condition report for your vehicle. At pickup, the driver documents existing scratches, dents, and imperfections through a visual inspection. You sign this document to verify its accuracy. At delivery, you compare the vehicle's condition against this initial report. This process is essential for documenting any new damage and serves as the primary evidence if you need to file an insurance claim.