10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Tampa, FL
Quick answer: Need reliable car shipping in Tampa, 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 $629 and $1,440 to ship your car from Tampa.
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| Company | Contact | Our rating | Best for | Benefits |
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| Best overall value |
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| Most accurate pricing |
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| Best for budget-conscious shippers |
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| Best for Exact Pickup Dates |
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| Best for Damage Protection |
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Florida car shipping guide.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Top car shipping companies in Tampa, FL
Whether you're shipping your car locally or out of Florida, these are the best auto transport companies available in Tampa:
Comparing Tampa, FL car auto transport companies
We've explored the top names in auto transport and studied 4 local car shipping services in Tampa, 67 within Florida, and over 518 nationwide to assess service availability and guide you to the right choice.
Compare by services
Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Tampa, across Florida, and nationwide:
- Inoperable car transport: 2 in Tampa (50.0%), 38 in Florida (52.78%), 242 nationwide (39.48%)
- Multi-car shipping: 3 in Tampa (75.0%), 50 in Florida (69.44%), 415 nationwide (67.7%)
- Real-time tracking: 2 in Tampa (50.0%), 41 in Florida (56.94%), 338 nationwide (55.14%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 1 in Tampa (25.0%), 33 in Florida (45.83%), 176 nationwide (28.71%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 2 in Tampa (50.0%), 27 in Florida (37.5%), 172 nationwide (28.06%)
| Company | Inoperable car transport | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transglobal Auto Logistics | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers Orlando | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Simple Car Shipping | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Vehicle Transport Services | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Tampa, across Florida, and nationwide:
- Military discount: 2 in Tampa (50.0%), 29 in Florida (40.28%), 159 nationwide (25.94%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transglobal Auto Logistics | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers Orlando | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Car Shipping Carriers | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Simple Car Shipping | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Vehicle Transport Services | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Tampa, FL
With a population of 403,364 and the status of a major Florida city, Tampa sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Tampa compared to smaller towns nearby.
Moving a car out of Tampa, Florida typically starts around $629 but can go up to as much as $1,440 or more. Your final price depends on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample price ranges for shipping your vehicle from Tampa, Florida to other states:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Florida to Texas | $1,297 - $1,960 |
| Florida to Illinois | $1,121 - $1,755 |
| Florida to North Carolina | $913 - $1,299 |
| Florida to Ohio | $980 - $1,631 |
| Florida to California | $1,719 - $2,753 |
| New York to Florida | $1,067 - $1,687 |
| Michigan to Florida | $1,303 - $1,861 |
| Pennsylvania to Florida | $1,056 - $1,653 |
| Arizona to Florida | $1,552 - $2,515 |
| Georgia to Florida | $672 - $909 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Tampa, FL
As a major city, Tampa benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Tampa is 104, which sits close to the national average. As a result, car shipping prices here tend to align with typical market rates across the country.
- Moving distance: Shipping your car within Tampa or nearby cities in Florida usually costs less than transporting it across the country.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you're moving the car from the bustling downtown of Tampa to a more suburban area.
- Your vehicle's size and condition: Smaller cars are typically cheaper to ship, while classic or luxury vehicles from Tampa often need extra care, which can raise the price. Learn about classic car shipping.
- Transport method options: In Tampa, you can choose open-air shipping for budget-friendly transport or opt for enclosed carriers for greater protection, which is perfect if you're concerned about weather or road debris.
- Fuel rates: Local fuel prices in Tampa matter. Higher gas prices mean a higher bill for car shipping, especially over long distances.
- Delivery timing: If you need your car ASAP, expedited or guaranteed shipping from Tampa will cost more.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Car shipping demand peaks in summer and around month-end, pushing rates up. Booking off-peak — fall or early winter — typically gets you a better price.
How to ship a car from Tampa, FL
Use this Tampa-specific checklist to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper.
- Confirm your route from Tampa — Confirm whether you are shipping within Florida or to another state. Local and regional routes from Tampa are priced differently than long cross-country hauls, and your pickup and delivery ZIP codes drive the final quote.
- Factor in Tampa market conditions — Tampa is a major metro with more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. The cost-of-living index is 104 (100 = national average).
- Compare national and local carriers — Compare national auto transport partners with the local Tampa shippers listed on this page. National carriers often cover long interstate routes, while local companies may offer faster pickup in the Tampa metro.
- Pick open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the budget option for standard vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for classic, luxury, or high-value cars that need extra protection during loading and transit.
- Verify MC/DOT registration — Ask for each carrier's MC and USDOT numbers and verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup before you sign a contract.
- Get 3+ quotes and schedule off-peak — Request written quotes from at least three companies using the moveBuddha car shipping calculator. Book off-peak when possible — summer and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more. Tampa's summer highs reach 90°F, which can slow loading and raise peak-season demand.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in Tampa?
Many car shipping companies in Tampa, Florida offer real-time tracking. You can follow your vehicle's journey through the company's website or app, with updates on when it leaves Tampa, the estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
Is it cheaper to ship a car from a big city like Tampa?
In many cases, yes. Tampa is a major city with more car shipping carriers, which usually means lower prices and faster pickup times due to high demand and route density.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Tampa?
The most efficient routes for shipping a car out of Tampa follow the major interstate corridors running through Florida. Carriers on high-traffic routes between large metros generally offer faster transit times and better pricing than those on less-traveled roads. Ask your carrier which interstates they use and whether your destination falls on a primary or secondary route.
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 Tampa or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Tampa?
Most carriers don't require an inspection to ship your car out of Tampa. 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.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Tampa?
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 Tampa to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in Tampa?
Value-oriented car shipping companies in Tampa that provide budget-friendly open transport options include Transglobal Auto Logistics (offers military discounts), Car Shipping Carriers Orlando (offers military discounts), and Car Shipping Carriers (offers military discounts).
Who ships classic cars out of Tampa?
Classic car shipping specialists in Tampa that provide secure enclosed transport for vintage and collectible vehicles include Transglobal Auto Logistics, Car Shipping Carriers Orlando, and Car Shipping Carriers.
13330 W Colonial Dr # 130, Winter Garden, FL, 34787
1800 Pembrook Dr # 300, Orlando, FL, 32810
4030 S West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33611
7901 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL, 33702
4201 W Watrous Ave, Tampa, FL, 33629