($618) Cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to Tampa, FL
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 514 miles from Mobile, Alabama, to Tampa, Florida, ranges from $618 to $859. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tampa to Mobile car shipping guide.
Our track record
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
The best Mobile to Tampa car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Mobile to Tampa:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Mobile
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Mobile, AL:
- Ultimate Auto Transport: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Exclusive Auto Shipping: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Ultimate Auto Transport
W Kingston St, Laurel, MS 39440 US
ultimatetransport123.com
3.84 / 5.0
In total, 794 reviews were analyzed for Ultimate Auto Transport. Approximately 30% of the feedback was positive, while 70% was negative. Customers praised the company's quick vehicle transport and good communication during the process. However, they often faced issues such as broken promises on pick-up dates, poor customer service, and unexpected fees. Many consumers reported a frustrating experience when trying to cancel contracts, as the company frequently charged cancellation fees despite failing to deliver services as agreed. This indicates a lack of reliability compared to other transport companies in the market.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1622143
Auto Driveaway
140 James Dr E Suite A, St Rose, LA 70087 US
autodriveaway.com/locations/new-orleans-auto-shipping
3.56 / 5.0
Customers report excellent service and communication when moving vehicles, highlighting value and friendliness from the staff. However, there are serious complaints regarding vehicle conditions, particularly concerning pest infestations in trucks used for transport, along with unprofessional behavior and lack of support for drivers. These contrasting experiences suggest a need for significant improvements in driver treatment and vehicle maintenance.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- Auto Driveaway Systems, LLC
- AD Acquisition, LLC
- Auto Driveaway Franchise Systems, LLC
Exclusive Auto Shipping
732 S Lewis Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32305 US
exclusiveautoshipping.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the exceptional service provided by Jared at Exclusive Auto Transport. His responsiveness, reliability, and proactive communication are highly regarded. However, there are no significant negative experiences reported, indicating a strong overall satisfaction with the service.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2968838
Speedy Car Shipping
141 Allen Toussaint Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 US
speedycarshipping.com/car-shipping-service/auto-transport-new-orleans-la
3.5 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise Speedy Car Shipping New Orleans for their excellent customer service, easy and transparent pricing, and timely vehicle delivery. However, some experienced issues locating the premises due to unclear directions.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2297446
Xpress Auto Transport
4450 Old Canton Rd #340, Jackson, MS 39211 US
xpressautoship.com/city/jackson-mississippi
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from AL to FL
If you’re planning a move from Mobile to Tampa, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Mobile to Tampa, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 514-mile trip from Mobile to Tampa could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Alabama to Florida, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Mobile to Tampa safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Tampa, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Mobile to Tampa car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Mobile to Tampa, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Mobile to Tampa, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Tampa, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Mobile is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Tampa will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 514 miles from Mobile to Tampa is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Alabama.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Mobile and Tampa.
October, April and November are the most pleasant months in Mobile, so consider this in your plans in moving to Mobile City. Mobile City experiences extreme heat on summer and rainy days on winter.
Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Mobile to Tampa during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 514-mile journey from Mobile to Tampa makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Mobile to Tampa takes one to six days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Mobile and Tampa vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Mobile: Make sure to check with the City of Mobile for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to the city.
- Tampa: Permits are only valid at on-street, unrestricted parking spaces (not to exceed four hours). Not valid at Load/Unload, Freight Zone, No-Park or Handicapped spaces. The vehicle tag number will serve as your permit credential. Permits issued to Federal, State, County and City vehicles may be valid for up to one (1) calendar year at a cost of $156.00 per permit. Permits issued to public utility companies will be valid for a maximum of six (6) months at a cost of $117.00 per permit.
Car insurance requirements
- Mobile: Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
- Tampa: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
Vehicle inspections
- Mobile: In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
- Tampa: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Mobile: When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
- Tampa: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Mobile to Tampa?
The cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to Tampa, FL varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Mobile to Tampa will range from $618 to $859.
How long will it take to ship my car from Mobile to Tampa?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 514 miles from Mobile to Tampa. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Mobile to Tampa?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Mobile to Tampa. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Mobile to Tampa?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Mobile to Tampa than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 514-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
