10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Lakeland, FL
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Quick answer: Need reliable car shipping in Lakeland, FL? Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick. They've earned a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, offer a variety of services, and keep prices competitive. While prices can vary, you'll usually pay between $663 and $1,485 to ship your car from Lakeland.
- Discounts Available
- Refundable Deposit
- GPS Tracking
- Price Lock Promise
- Ships inoperable vehicles
- Multiple discounts
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Florida car shipping guide.
Top car shipping companies in Lakeland, FL
Whether you're shipping your car locally or out of Florida, these are the best auto transport companies serving Lakeland. Some are based in Lakeland itself and others operate in the surrounding region:
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company's transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn't ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only 'Damage Free Guarantee'
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Transglobal Auto Logistics
13330 W Colonial Dr # 130, Winter Garden, FL, 34787
http://tgal.us
Transglobal Auto Logistics (DOT: 1119412) offers insured interstate and international shipping for cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, trailers, ATVs, and heavy equipment.
Its services include open and enclosed transport, classic and electric vehicle shipping, inoperable car transport, multi-car transport, shipment tracking, and detailed inspection reports, along with a military discount.
However, the company does not offer guaranteed delivery, expedited shipping, storage solutions, or a damage-free guarantee, which may be a downside for some customers.
It has a 1.0 Google rating and an A+ BBB rating, while it has yet to establish a Yelp rating.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Car Shipping Carriers Orlando
1800 Pembrook Dr # 300, Orlando, FL, 32810
http://carshippingcarriers.com
Car Shipping Carriers Orlando (DOT: 2249744) offers insured interstate transportation, including open and enclosed transport, expedited delivery, and shipment tracking.
The company ships classic cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles, multi-car loads, and cars that do not run, with guaranteed delivery available.
It provides a military discount, while its Google rating is 5.0 and its BBB rating is A+; the company has yet to establish a rating on Yelp.
However, it does not offer storage solutions, trailer, RV, boat, or heavy-equipment shipping, which may be a downside for some customers.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
Car Shipping Carriers
4030 S West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33611
https://carshippingcarriers.com
Car Shipping Carriers (DOT: 2249744) provides fully insured, damage-free-guaranteed vehicle transportation.
Its services include interstate and international shipping, enclosed and open transport, expedited delivery, classic and electric vehicle shipping, and transport for cars that do not run.
The company offers a military discount and has an A+ rating from the BBB; it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Some customers may consider the lack of guaranteed delivery and shipment tracking a downside.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Reliable Carriers
41555 Koppernick Rd., Canton, MI, 48187
https://www.reliablecarriers.com
Reliable Carriers (DOT: 242599) provides interstate, international, and fully insured vehicle shipping services.
It offers enclosed transport, multi-car shipping, classic car transport, electric vehicle shipping, and shipment tracking.
However, it does not transport cars that do not run, offer guaranteed delivery, or provide expedited shipping, which may be a drawback for some customers.
Reliable Carriers has a 3.9 rating on Yelp, a 4.7 rating on Google, and an A+ rating with the BBB.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Vehicle Transport Services
4201 W Watrous Ave, Tampa, FL, 33629
https://vehicletransportservices.co
Vehicle Transport Services (DOT: 2249744) provides insured interstate and international vehicle shipping, including open and enclosed transport, cars that don't run, motorcycles, RVs, classic cars, and multiple vehicles.
The company offers guaranteed delivery, expedited service, shipment tracking, terminal-to-terminal delivery, storage solutions, and detailed inspection reports.
It also provides a military discount, but has yet to establish ratings on Yelp, Google, or BBB.
Some customers may consider the lack of boat, trailer, ATV, heavy-equipment, and electric-vehicle shipping a downside.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Compare Lakeland, FL car shippers
Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of car shipping providers across Florida and more than 612 nationwide, to compare service options and help you pick the best fit for Lakeland.
Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Lakeland, across Florida, and nationwide:
| Service | Lakeland | FL | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage-free guarantee | 100.0% | 37.5% | 27.94% |
| Expedited delivery | 100.0% | 51.39% | 54.25% |
| Insurance included | 100.0% | 83.33% | 76.96% |
| Open transport | 100.0% | 93.06% | 84.48% |
| Enclosed transport | 100.0% | 87.5% | 80.88% |
Here's a closer look at the companies serving Lakeland and which of these services they offer:
| Company | Damage-Free | Expedited | Insured | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transglobal Auto Logistics | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Car Shipping Carriers Orlando | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Car Shipping Carriers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Reliable Carriers | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Vehicle Transport Services | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Lakeland, across Florida, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 2 in Lakeland (100.0%), 29 in Florida (40.28%), 159 nationwide (25.98%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transglobal Auto Logistics | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers Orlando | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Reliable Carriers | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Vehicle Transport Services | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Lakeland, FL
Though not officially a major city, Lakeland has a sizeable population of 112,641 and enough regional demand to attract auto transporters. That keeps car shipping rates from Lakeland relatively stable and competitive.
The average cost to move a car out of Lakeland, Florida is $663 - $1,485, though it can run higher depending on your route. Your final price depends on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping your vehicle from Lakeland, Florida to other states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Florida to Georgia | $603 - $809 |
| Florida to Ohio | $819 - $1,435 |
| Florida to Pennsylvania | $977 - $1,529 |
| Florida to North Carolina | $820 - $1,189 |
| Florida to Arizona | $1,353 - $2,082 |
| Illinois to Florida | $892 - $1,470 |
| California to Florida | $1,406 - $2,310 |
| Michigan to Florida | $1,147 - $1,758 |
| Texas to Florida | $1,044 - $1,642 |
| New York to Florida | $977 - $1,426 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Lakeland, FL
According to Lakeland's cost of living index, the Florida city is about 8% cheaper than the national average. That means car shipping prices here tend to be in line with typical rates across the country.
- Distance: Shipping your car within Lakeland or to a nearby city in Florida usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
- Location: Lakeland's smaller-town layout usually makes for easier pickup logistics, which can help keep car shipping costs a bit lower than in busier metro areas.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Lakeland might require special handling, increasing the price. 100% of the 2 Lakeland shippers we have service data for handle classic cars, versus 72% across Florida, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Available shipping options in Lakeland: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards. Among the 2 Lakeland shippers we have service data for, 100% offer open transport , and 100% offer enclosed transport (nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport).
- Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Lakeland can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average price in Florida is about $2.96 per gallon right now.
- Delivery speed and price: Open transport typically costs $0.60 - $1 per mile, while expedited delivery costs $1 - $1.50 per mile. Expect to pay $200 - $500 more, on average, for expedited or guaranteed delivery out of Lakeland.
- Seasonal pricing: Summer and month-end dates are the busiest time for car shippers, which pushes rates up. Book in the off-season instead, typically fall or early winter, and you could pay 10% - 30% less.
How to ship a car from Lakeland, FL
Use this checklist to compare auto transport companies serving Lakeland and book the right shipper for your move:
- Establish your route first. Know whether your move stays inside Florida or heads to another state. Shorter, regional routes cost less than long-distance ones, and the exact ZIP codes involved set your final quote.
- Understand the local market. Lakeland generally offers carrier availability that depends mostly on route density and local demand. Its cost of living lands 8% below the national average.
- Balance national and local carriers. National partners are a solid pick for long hauls, while the local shippers on this page (5 tracked here) often win on speed for nearby pickups.
- Pick your transport type: open vs. enclosed. Open transport is the more economical choice for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport better protects classic, luxury, or high-value cars in transit.
- Double-check MC/DOT numbers. Ask for the carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and run them through the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
- Request 3+ quotes and dodge peak pricing. Compare written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator, and aim to book outside summer and end-of-month windows when demand spikes. With summer highs reaching 92°F here, loading can slow down and peak-season demand can climb further.
FAQ
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Lakeland?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It's a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Lakeland to your next destination.
Are car shippers in Lakeland fully insured?
100% of the 2 Lakeland shippers we have service data for are fully insured, and 100% offer a damage-free guarantee (nationally, about 76% of car shippers are fully insured). Always ask for proof of insurance before booking.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Lakeland?
Most carriers don't require an inspection to ship your car out of Lakeland. If you're shipping a classic or high-value vehicle, you may be asked to show proof of insurance. Always check the inspection requirements for the delivery state, as regulations vary.
Take Florida regulations as an example. Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
What's the average cost to ship a car from Lakeland?
The average cost to ship a car from Lakeland is $663 - $1,485, though your exact price will depend on distance, vehicle type, and time of year. Request quotes from at least three companies to compare.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company's license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) number and look it up on the USDOT's FMCSA website. This works for any provider based in Lakeland or beyond.