How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car From Florida to New York?

Moving from Florida to New York or heading north after spending the winter in the sun often brings up one question: how much will it cost to ship your car? For most people the average cost to ship a car from Florida to New York ranges from $900 to $1,600. The final price depends on your vehicle, the time of year and the type of transport you choose. In this guide we will look at typical shipping costs and compare them with the cost of driving your car yourself.

What Affects the Price of Florida to New York Car Shipping?

The route covers around 1,100 to 1,300 miles depending on your pickup and delivery cities. It is one of the busiest routes along the East Coast so carriers travel this way regularly. This helps keep prices competitive. However a few factors can still affect your final quote.

Vehicle size and weight. A compact sedan takes up less space on a trailer than a full-size SUV or pickup truck. Larger vehicles usually cost more to ship because carriers can fit fewer of them on a single load.

Open vs. enclosed transport. Open transport is the most common and affordable option. Enclosed trailers provide extra protection from weather and road debris but usually cost 40% to 60% more. This option is popular among owners of luxury cars, classic vehicles and exotic models.

Vehicle condition. If your car does not run it may need a winch or special loading equipment. This usually adds around $100 to $200 to the total cost.

Pickup and delivery locations. Major cities such as Miami, Orlando, Tampa and New York City are located along popular trucking routes. This often makes them more affordable to serve. Rural locations may need extra planning which can increase the price.

Timing and flexibility. Booking in advance and keeping your pickup dates flexible can help you get a better rate. Last-minute bookings often cost more because carriers have less time to plan the route.

Florida to New York Car Shipping Cost by Vehicle Type

The table below shows typical price ranges for different types of vehicles. Your actual quote may vary depending on fuel prices, demand and carrier availability.

Most shipments take around 3 to 7 days from pickup to delivery. The exact time depends on the route, weather and the number of other vehicles being transported.

Want to know the exact cost for your car? Visit our Florida to New York car shipping page to learn more about pricing and request a free quote.

How Season Changes the Cost

Florida to New York is a seasonal route because of the regular movement of snowbirds. Retirees and part-time residents often travel south in the fall and return north in the spring. As demand changes throughout the year shipping prices can change too.

Winter and fall can offer lower prices for northbound shipments because fewer people are moving their cars in that direction. Spring is usually the most expensive period as many snowbirds head home around the same time. If your schedule is flexible then moving your shipment by a week or two may help you save money.

Hurricane season runs from June through November and can also affect shipping schedules. It may not change the price much but storms can delay pickup or delivery. Keeping a few extra days in your schedule can help you avoid problems if the weather turns bad.

Driving vs. Shipping: Which Costs Less?

Many people assume driving their car from Florida to New York will be cheaper. However once you add up all the expenses the difference may be smaller than expected. In some cases shipping can be the more practical option.

Here is an estimated breakdown of driving a mid-size car for around 1,150 miles.

These estimates do not include some costs that can be harder to calculate.

• Wear and tear. Driving around 1,150 miles adds wear to your tyres, brakes and engine oil. There is also a small risk of a breakdown or accident during the journey.
• Depreciation. Extra miles add to your odometer reading and may affect your car’s resale value.
• Your time. Driving the route can take two to three days. If you need to return home for another vehicle or settle into your new place you may lose even more time.
• Missed work. If you need to take unpaid time off then the cost of driving can increase further.

Driving may cost less if you have a fuel-efficient car and enough time to make the journey yourself. However shipping can be a better choice if you are relocating with your family, moving a second vehicle or trying to save time. You also avoid adding long-distance miles to your car and do not have to worry about hotel stays or driving fatigue.

Planning a round trip? If you will be heading south again in the fall read our guide on how to ship a car from New York to Florida or visit our New York to Florida car shipping page.

Tips to Get the Best Price

1. Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Last-minute requests often cost more. Booking in advance gives the carrier more time to plan your shipment.
2. Stay flexible on dates. A pickup window of a few days gives carriers more room to fit your vehicle into an existing route.
3. Choose open transport unless your car is high-value or needs extra protection from the weather and road debris.
4. Clean out your car. Extra weight can lead to additional fees and personal belongings are generally not covered by carrier insurance.
5. Compare quotes carefully. A very low quote may come with a delayed pickup or a price increase later. Ask what is included and whether the quote is binding.
6. Confirm insurance. Check the carrier’s cargo insurance and ask whether your own auto insurance provides any additional coverage during transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to New York?

Most customers pay between $900 and $1,600 for open transport. The final price depends on the vehicle size, season and pickup and delivery locations. Enclosed transport usually costs between $1,300 and $2,500 or more. Requesting a custom quote is the best way to find out the exact price for your car.

2. How long does it take to ship a car from Florida to New York?

Shipping usually takes around 3 to 7 days after pickup. The exact time depends on the distance between your cities, the carrier’s route, weather and the number of stops along the way.

3. Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive it from Florida to New York?

It depends on your situation. Driving a fuel-efficient car with one driver may cost less at first. However once you include hotels, food, tolls, a return flight and vehicle wear and tear the total can be much closer to the cost of shipping. Shipping may be the better option if you are moving a second vehicle or travelling with family.

4. What is the cheapest time of year to ship a car from Florida to New York?

Winter and fall usually offer the lowest northbound rates because fewer people are heading north and carriers may have more space available. Spring is generally the most expensive period as many snowbirds return home and demand increases.

5. Should I choose open or enclosed transport?

Open transport is the most common and affordable option. It works well for most everyday vehicles. Enclosed transport usually costs 40% to 60% more but offers extra protection from weather and road debris. It is a good choice for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic models and other high-value cars.

6. Can I ship a car that does not run?

Yes. Non-running vehicles can be shipped with the help of a winch or special loading equipment. This usually adds around $100 to $200 to the price. Let your carrier know about the car’s condition when you request a free quote so the right equipment can be arranged.

7. Can I leave personal items in the car during shipping?

Most carriers advise against leaving personal belongings inside the vehicle. These items are generally not covered by cargo insurance and extra weight may lead to additional fees. If you need to leave a few things in the car ask your carrier about its policy first. Keep any approved items light and secure them in the trunk.

8. Is my car insured while it is being shipped?

Licensed carriers must carry cargo insurance but the coverage and policy terms can vary. Ask for proof of insurance before booking and check what is included. You should also contact your own auto insurer to find out whether your policy provides any additional protection during transport.

9. How far in advance should I book my car shipment?

Booking two to three weeks ahead is a good idea. This gives the carrier enough time to arrange pickup and may help you get a better rate. Last-minute bookings are still possible but they can cost more during busy periods such as spring.

10. Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?

You or a trusted representative should be available at pickup and delivery. The driver will inspect the car and record any existing damage on the Bill of Lading. At delivery, you should inspect the vehicle again and confirm its condition before accepting it.

Ready to Ship Your Car From Florida to New York?

The final cost depends on your vehicle, pickup and delivery locations and preferred shipping dates. Getting a personalised quote is the best way to know what you will pay. If you are ready to plan your shipment visit our Florida to New York car shipping page to learn how the process works and request a free quote.

Related reading: How to Ship a Car From New York to Florida: Step-by-Step

Shipping in the other direction? Visit our New York to Florida car shipping page to learn more.