We partner with professional vehicle transport companies that specialize in shipping all types of vehicles across all 50 states!
We partner with professional vehicle transport companies that specialize in shipping all types of vehicles across all 50 states!
Moving from the Sunshine State to the Empire State? Congrats. Now comes the annoying part — figuring out what to do with your car.
Driving it yourself is an option. Twenty-plus hours behind the wheel, though. Tolls. Gas. Wear and tear on a vehicle you probably just want to arrive in one piece. Most people skip all that and hire a car shipping company instead. Smart move, honestly, if you do it right.
This guide walks through everything — costs, timing, what to look for in a carrier, and how to avoid the scams that quietly plague this industry.
Let’s do quick math. Florida to New York is roughly 1,100 to 1,300 miles depending on your exact cities. That’s two full days of driving minimum, more if you’re being reasonable about rest stops.
Shipping skips all of that. Your car gets picked up, loaded onto a truck, and delivered — while you fly, or just handle the rest of your move without worrying about road trip logistics.
A few reasons people choose shipping over driving:
Not all auto transport services work the same way. Before booking, know your choices.
The standard option. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside several others. It’s the most common and most affordable method, and it’s perfectly safe for the vast majority of vehicles.
A fully covered trailer, shielding your car from weather, road debris, and dust. Costs more, obviously. Worth it for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or anything with serious sentimental or financial value.
Most people go door-to-door for the convenience. Makes sense.
Pricing isn’t random, even though it can feel that way when you’re comparing quotes. A handful of factors drive the final number.
Booking a few weeks ahead, rather than last minute, almost always gets you a better rate. Carriers plan routes in advance, and last-minute requests often mean premium pricing just to secure a truck.
For the Florida to New York route specifically, expect somewhere between 3 to 7 days in transit, depending on the carrier’s route, weather, and how many stops they’re making along the way.
Some factors that can extend the timeline:
Ask your carrier for an estimated pickup window and delivery window upfront. Reputable companies give you a range, not a false guarantee of an exact date.
This is where things get risky if you’re not careful. The auto transport industry has its share of shady brokers, and picking the wrong one can mean delays, hidden fees, or worse.
Every legitimate carrier should be registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and hold a valid USDOT number. You can look this up directly on the FMCSA website before booking anything.
Not just the testimonials on their homepage. Check independent review platforms, and pay attention to how the company responds to complaints, not just the star rating itself.
Many companies you’ll find online are actually brokers, not carriers. Brokers arrange shipping through a network of actual trucking companies. That’s not necessarily bad — brokers often get better rates through their network — but you should know who you’re really dealing with and who’s liable if something goes wrong.
Before your car ever leaves the driveway, make sure you have:
A little prep work goes a long way toward a smooth, damage-free delivery.
That inspection report matters. If any damage does happen, it’s your proof of the car’s condition before it left your hands.
Every legitimate carrier provides some level of cargo insurance for the vehicles they transport. But coverage amounts and terms vary quite a bit between companies.
Before booking, ask directly:
Don’t just assume you’re covered. Get specifics in writing before your car goes anywhere.
The auto transport space unfortunately attracts its share of bad actors. Watch for these warning signs:
If something feels off, trust that instinct. There are plenty of legitimate, well-reviewed companies out there. No need to gamble on a sketchy one just to save a little money upfront.
Shipping a car from Florida to New York doesn’t have to be stressful. Do a little homework, compare a few quotes, verify credentials, and prep your vehicle properly before pickup. That’s really the whole formula.
The move itself is already enough to manage. Don’t let your car become the part that goes wrong.
Costs vary based on vehicle size, transport type, season, and how flexible your pickup dates are. Open transport is generally the more affordable option compared to enclosed transport.
Yes. Open transport is the industry standard and used for the vast majority of vehicles shipped nationwide. It’s safe, reliable, and far more common than enclosed transport.
Most carriers discourage or outright prohibit it, since those items typically aren’t covered by insurance and can add unexpected weight to the load.
A carrier physically transports your vehicle. A broker arranges the shipment through a network of carriers. Both can offer good service, but it’s worth knowing which one you’re actually working with.
A few weeks ahead is ideal, especially during peak seasons like fall and spring when snowbird traffic between Florida and New York increases demand.
Reputable carriers carry cargo insurance to cover damage during transit. Document your car’s condition thoroughly before pickup, and file any claim promptly with photos and your inspection report.
