How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car From New York to Florida?

If you are moving south, heading to Florida for the winter or buying a car from another state, delivery time is probably just as important as the price. So how long does it take to ship a car from New York to Florida?

Most shipments take 3 to 7 days from the day your car is picked up. This guide explains transit times for different pickup locations in New York. It also covers what can speed up or delay delivery and how to plan your shipping schedule.

To get started, visit our New York to Florida car shipping page.

The Short Answer

The route covers roughly 1,000 to 1,300 miles depending on your pickup and delivery locations. Car carriers usually cover around 400 to 500 miles per day on routes carrying multiple vehicles. This is slower than driving your own car because the driver has to make several pickups and deliveries. They must also follow federal limits on driving hours.

From booking to delivery most customers should plan for about 1 to 2 weeks. This includes a pickup window of a few days followed by 3 to 7 days of travel.

Transit Days by New York Pickup Area

The table below shows typical transit times for open carrier transport. The count starts from the day your car is loaded. Distances are approximate and delivery times are estimates rather than guarantees.

A few patterns are worth noting. Pickups near the I-95 corridor such as New York City and Westchester are usually faster because carriers travel through these areas regularly. Long Island pickups can take a little longer because of the extra distance and traffic on the approach roads.

Pickups in upstate and western New York can also take an extra day. This is because the carrier may need to collect more vehicles before heading south.

Your delivery location also affects the timeline. Jacksonville is usually faster than Miami or Palm Beach because trucks reach North Florida first before continuing south.

Pickup Window vs. Transit Time

There are two different time periods involved in car shipping. It is important to understand the difference.

The pickup window is the time between booking and the day the driver collects your car. It usually covers a few days because the carrier plans a route around several vehicles. Being flexible with your pickup dates makes it easier to find an available truck.

Transit time is the number of days between loading and delivery. This is the 3 to 7 day period shown in the table above.

To keep the process on track you should book about 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Our guide to how to ship a car from New York to Florida explains the full process from booking and preparation to delivery.

What Can Delay Car Shipping From New York to Florida?

Most cars arrive within the expected delivery period. However several factors can cause delays.

• Winter weather: Nor’easters and lake effect snow in western and central New York can slow down trucks. Ice on major highways can also delay pickups.
• Hurricane season: From June through November storms in Florida or along the Southeast coast can delay deliveries or force carriers to change their routes.
• Peak demand: Southbound shipments increase from October through December as snowbirds travel to Florida. Our snowbird car shipping guide includes a complete booking calendar.
• Multiple stops: A truck carrying 8 to 10 vehicles may need to make several stops. Each stop adds time to the journey.
• Difficult pickup or delivery locations: Narrow city streets and low bridges can prevent large trucks from reaching your address. Meeting the driver at a nearby parking lot can save time.
• Availability at delivery: Someone needs to be present to inspect the car and sign the required documents. If nobody is available the driver may have to wait or arrange another delivery time.

How to Keep Your Shipping Schedule on Track

1. Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Book even earlier between October and December.
2. Keep your pickup dates flexible. Allow a window of at least a few days.
3. Choose an easy meeting location. This is helpful if your street is narrow or difficult for a large truck to access.
4. Get your car ready. Have the keys and paperwork available on the first day of your pickup window.
5. Keep your phone on. Drivers usually call before arriving. Missing their call could mean losing your pickup slot.
6. Allow extra time. This is important if you are flying to Florida to collect your car or have a fixed moving date.

Does Faster Shipping Cost More?

Sometimes it does. Priority or expedited shipping usually costs more when available because the carrier may need to change its existing route.

Enclosed transport can also take longer to arrange because fewer enclosed carriers are available. For standard open transport you can expect to pay roughly $900 to $1,600 depending on the vehicle size and season.

When comparing shipping prices you can also read our guide to the cost to ship a car from Connecticut to Florida. It includes a city by city price table. Our Florida to New York cost guide covers the return route.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York to Florida Transit Time