Looking to ship a car to Florida? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re moving to the Sunshine State for a new job or to start a new chapter in your life, we’ve created a step-by-step guide you can use to safely and affordably ship your car with you.
Before we get started, let’s quickly take a look at what the auto shipping process in Florida involves: you’ll need to get the details of your car, request multiple quotes, compare them, and then book your pickup. Once your car is picked up, track it until it arrives safely at your destination.
Here’s a list of 6 tips that’ll help you through every step of this process and ship a car to Florida, hassle-free and under budget.
How to Ship a Car to Florida: 6 Tips for Safe Transport
Tip 1: Provide Accurate Vehicle Details
The first step in Florida car shipping is getting a quote. But, to get an accurate quote, you’ll need to submit all the necessary details of your car, including:
- Make and model
- Weight and dimensions
- Operational condition
These details are essential for two reasons. First, they’ll tell your carrier what equipment and space they’ll need to ship your car to Florida. For example, an SUV or a luxury car will require more space or specialized equipment. On the other hand, a normal car will weigh less and not require any special equipment for loading or unloading.
Second, the weight and dimensions of your car will also determine its freight classification. If you enter inaccurate details, your freight classification might change during shipping. This means you’ll have to pay extra costs that you might not have factored into your budget.
So, get the details right: they’ll help you get an accurate estimate and ensure safe shipping.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Shipping Method
Selecting the right shipping method is the second important part of getting a Florida auto shipping quote. You have three options:
- Open Trailers: Under this method, your car will travel aboard an open trailer along a fixed route with other cars. While it’s the cheapest option, open trailer shipping will also expose your car to natural elements.
- Enclosed Containers: Ideal for shipping classic, expensive, or vintage cars, enclosed shipping offers complete protection against heat, moisture, dust, and snow. However, it’ll cost more than open trailer shipping.
- Expedited Shipping: Need to ship a car on a deadline? Choose this method: it’ll ensure that your car arrives on time at your desired location in Florida. But keep in mind that it’ll also cost a premium.
Choosing the right shipping method will help you get your car to Florida safely and within your expected budget.
Tip 3: Get Multiple Quotes
Once you’ve gathered accurate details of your car and decided which shipping method you want to use, you can start getting quotes. The best thing to do is to get multiple quotes from national and regional carriers. It’ll help you understand the average cost of Florida vehicle shipping and ensure that you don’t end up overpaying.
Pro Tip: Use a shipping marketplace to compare different carriers in one place.
Tip 4: Ensure the Quote Includes Specialized Services
Do you need liftgate services for a broken-down car? Alternatively, does your car need to be picked up from a residential area? If your answer is yes to either of these questions, make sure that the carrier has included them in your quote. If they aren’t included, request another quote that includes the specialized services. It’ll help you avoid paying hidden charges later on.
Tip 5: Thoroughly Vet Your Carrier
As soon as you find a carrier you want to work with, you should thoroughly check their credentials. Use this three-step process to ensure that you’ve selected the right carrier:
- Look for their FMCSA credentials and US DOT numbers.
- Check their shipping history to make sure they’re experienced in car shipping.
- Go through their user reviews to verify their reputation.
Tip 6: Book At Least 15 Days in Advance
Once you’ve finalized a Florida shipping service, you should book your pick-up at least 15 days in advance. This will give the carrier enough time to schedule your pick-up without charging you extra for an out-of-the-way or expedited pick-up.
Pro Tip: Avoid shipping your car in Summer or during the Holidays as the high demand might drive up the prices.
You’re Ready to Ship a Car to Florida!
The above 6 tips cover everything you need to ship your car to Florida, from getting the details right to booking a carrier. Before we end, there are two more things you should keep in mind:
First, you should always ensure that your carrier offers adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle. This will protect you from any financial liability due to accidental damage. Second, you can and should track your car’s progress through its journey to Florida through your carrier’s mobile app or website. Now, all you need to do is follow the 6 tips we’ve listed in this blog, and you can rest assured that your car will arrive safely at your preferred location in Florida!
