What’s the Cost to Ship a Car from Boston to Florida? A Complete Guide
Summary
Wondering how much it cost to ship a car from Boston to Florida? Discover average prices, transport options & tips to save. Get free quotes at MoveCars.com!
Many Americans need to ship a car from Boston to Florida (or the other way around). Whether you are planning to escape the winter, are a student relocating for college, or just moving, you need to check the cost of shipping a car from Boston to Florida and find the best way to transport your vehicle efficiently and affordably.
It’s a long-distance move—roughly 1,300 miles—so choosing a reliable auto transporter is key to peace of mind. And since prices can vary widely, understanding what affects the cost will help you avoid surprises.
In this guide, we will break down the average costs, shipping options, timelines, and smart money-saving tips. Discover how Move Cars makes it easy to compare car shipping companies and find trusted transporters.
Average Cost to Ship a Car from Boston to Florida
The average cost of car shipping from Boston to Florida ranges between $800 and $1,200. The final price depends on several factors, such as using an open or closed transport, the season, the vehicle type, and the exact pickup and drop-off locations.
If you are looking to ship a car from Florida to Boston (or from Boston to Florida), you will realize that pricing can be comparable, but it is never identical. Season demand, especially in winter and spring, can significantly increase the final price.
Whether you are shipping a car from Boston to Florida or arranging car shipping from Florida to Boston, it is important to compare quotes to ensure competitive rates and find a reliable transporter.
What Impacts the Cost of Shipping?
Understanding the variables that affect pricing helps you plan and budget better. Here are the main factors influencing the cost of shipping a car from Boston to Florida:
Distance
In this case, the journey spans about 1,300 miles. It’s important to take into account that the longer the route, the higher the cost. However, longer routes also reduce the cost per mile.
Vehicle Type
Larger or heavier vehicles require more space and fuel, raising the total cost. Thus, shipping a compact car from Boston to Florida will be cheaper than transporting an SUV, truck, or luxury vehicle.
Transport type
Open car transport is the most common and affordable option. However, enclosed car transports offer added protection for classic, luxury, or exotic cars but come at a higher price.
Time of year
Winter is a season with high demand, which directly increases the cost to ship a car from Boston to Florida. Conversely, shipping a car from Florida to Boston can also be more expensive in early spring when those same travelers return.
Pickup and delivery preferences
Door-to-door car shipping is always more convenient, but it costs more. On the other hand, terminal-to-terminal service is less expensive but requires additional travel to drop off and pick up the vehicle.
Shipping Options: Open vs Enclosed Transport
When deciding how to ship a car from Boston to Florida, you need to know the details of each type of transport. The two main options—open and enclosed transport—differ in cost, protection level, and availability.
Open car transport
This type of transport is the most popular and affordable method. Even though this transport is safe enough for most vehicles, in this case, your car is loaded onto a multi-car trailer, exposed to weather and road conditions.
Open car transport is ideal for daily drivers, standard sedans, and budget-conscious shoppers. If you are booking car shipping to Florida from Boston in the fall, open transport is the best option.
Enclosed car transport
This type of service moves cars fully protected inside a trailer. Enclosed transports can cost 30-60% more, but they offer peace of mind for high-value cars. It is ideal for classic cars, luxury vehicles, and collectibles.
Estimated Transit Time
On average, delivery takes 3 to 6 days. However, if you want to calculate how long it takes to ship a car from Boston to Florida, you need to analyze different factors that can modify the estimated transport time.
- Traffic and weather conditions
- Number of stops or pickups
- Driver availability and route congestion
- Transport type
Extra tip: If you are shipping a car from Boston to Florida or arranging car shipping from Florida to Boston, try to have scheduling flexibility to obtain better car transport conditions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping Your Car
At Move Cars, we help you ship your car from state to state in a safe, efficient, and affordable way. Discover how to move your car in just a few clicks. Our platform connects you with licensed, vetted auto transporters so you can compare quotes and book with confidence.
Get multiple quotes
Enter your car and delivery information at MoveCars.com and compare rates and services from top-rated car shipping companies. It only takes a few minutes to get multiple quotes and find the best option for your budget and schedule.
Choose a licensed and insured transporter
Verify transporters’ credentials with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), clients’ reviews, and insurance coverage. Choose your car shipping company based on useful information.
Schedule pickup
Choose your pickup date and location. Additionally, define if you want door-to-door or terminal service. Being flexible with either option can help you secure a better rate and a quicker pickup window.
Prepare your vehicle
Before the pickup time, remove your items from your vehicle, wash the car for inspection, check tire pressure and fluids, and disable alarms. Document properly the real conditions of your vehicle.
Receive and inspect on delivery
Inspect your vehicle for any damage before signing off, and document everything with photos. This will serve as proof in case you need to file a claim for transport-related damage.
Boston to Florida vs Florida to Boston Shipping
The routes from Boston to Florida and from Florida to Boston are identical. However, the demand, time, and pricing often differ based on the season of the car shipping request.
When is it cheaper?
If you need to ship a car from Florida to Boston, you should do it in late spring or early summer when demand dips. In case you need car shipping from Boston to Florida, you should do it in late summer or early fall to avoid the snowbird rush.
Additionally, if you are doing a round trip, you should consider booking both legs in advance to get a discount. Many carriers offer bundled pricing for round trips, which can significantly lower your overall shipping cost.
Tips to Save on Shipping Costs
If you want to cut down on the cost of shipping a car from Boston to Florida or vice versa, use these smart strategies. Even small adjustments—like being flexible with pickup dates or opting for open transport—can lead to big savings. Planning and comparing quotes early can also help you lock in the best rates before demand spikes.
Book your car shipping early
Last-minute bookings are usually more expensive. Thus, the best thing to do is to schedule your transport 2 or 3 weeks in advance.
Be flexible with dates
Try to provide a pickup window instead of having a fixed date to get better pricing. Carriers can better optimize their routes when they have scheduling flexibility, which often translates into lower costs for you.
Use terminal delivery
Opting for a terminal-to-terminal service can significantly lower car shipping costs.
Choose open transport
Open transport is more sufficient unless you own a high-value vehicle.
Why Use Move Cars?
Move Cars was founded in 1997, and it has been a trusted brand in the car shipping industry for decades. We make your vehicle transport easier, faster, and more affordable.
- Free quotes: Our platform provides free quotes from different transporters so you can instantly compare them.
- Licensed transport companies: We created a huge network of licensed, insured, and vetted companies to ensure safe transport for your vehicle.
- Nationwide coverage: Move Cars connects you with shipping companies from Boston to Florida and everywhere in between.
- User reviews: Check what real customers have to say about each company before you hire them.
We understand how important your vehicle is, which is why we prioritize transparency and reliability. Whether you’re shipping a daily driver, a luxury car, or even a classic, we’ve got you covered.
Our easy-to-use platform lets you compare multiple options without the hassle. With Move Cars, you’re always in control of your car shipping experience. Use the car shipping companies directory to research providers, get quotes, and book with confidence.
FAQs
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Boston?
Expect to pay between $800 and $1,200. The final price will depend on the season, the vehicle type, and the transport method.
Is it safe to ship my car over that distance?
Yes, at Move Cars, we have professional and licensed transporters.
Can I ship personal items in the car?
Some car transports allow up to 100 lbs of personal belongings. Confirm directly with the company before shipping your vehicle.
What documents are needed?
When shipping your car, you will need to provide a valid ID, your vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. However, we encourage you to check with your car transporters in advance.
Ready to ship? Compare quotes now
Whether you are heading south for the winter or relocating permanently, shipping your car from Boston to Florida (or Florida to Boston), let Move Cars help you find the right transporter at the right price.