($1,399) Cost to ship a car from St. Petersburg, FL to San Jose, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,815 miles from St. Petersburg, Florida, to San Jose, California, generally falls between $1,399 and $2,254. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Jose to St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg to San Jose car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from St. Petersburg to San Jose:
- 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 St. Petersburg
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in St. Petersburg, FL:
- Shiping-My-Car.Com: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- Shaughnessy Overland Express: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Simple Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Shiping-My-Car.Com
2410 Se Issac Rd, Port St Lucie, FL 34952 US
suncoastautotransport.com
3.88 / 5.0
Suncoast Auto Transport receives accolades for excellent customer service, great communication, and competitive pricing. However, several reviewers criticized their reliability, delayed pickups, and additional unexpected costs.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2241721
Shaughnessy Overland Express
3845 Beck Blvd # 826, Naples, FL 34114 US
soexinc.com
3.7 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2358733
Simple Car Shipping
7901 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 US
simplecarshipping.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise Drew and his team at Simple Car Shipping for their exceptional service, effective communication, and ability to manage tight timelines. Many highlight their professionalism and stress-free experience during the car shipping process. However, some customers reported issues with communication from the transport companies used, particularly regarding updates on their vehicle's status.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3253756
Car Shipping Carriers
4030 S West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611 US
carshippingcarriers.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the company for its professionalism, timely delivery, and excellent customer service. However, there are no significant negative comments reported, indicating overall satisfaction with the service provided.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2249744
Vehicle Transport Services
4201 W Watrous Ave, Tampa, FL 33629 US
vehicletransportservices.co
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2249744
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 FL to CA
Relocating from St. Petersburg to San Jose means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from St. Petersburg to San Jose, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 2,815 miles from St. Petersburg to San Jose can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Florida to California is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from St. Petersburg to San Jose. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to San Jose. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting St. Petersburg to San Jose car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from St. Petersburg to San Jose can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from St. Petersburg to San Jose, 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 San Jose, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of St. Petersburg will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to San Jose than a compact car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 2,815 miles from St. Petersburg to San Jose will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Florida.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in St. Petersburg and San Jose play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
St. Petersburg has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from St. Petersburg to San Jose in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 2,815 miles between St. Petersburg and San Jose, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from St. Petersburg to San Jose takes seven to fifteen days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing St. Petersburg and San Jose vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- St. Petersburg: Effective October 29, 2021, carriers may purchase Florida trip permits online through the FLHSMV Commercial Vehicle Permit Portal. A Florida Temporary Trip Permit is valid for ten (10) days and costs $30.00. Carriers may also contact the Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services at (850) 617-3711 weekdays from 8-4:30 to obtain a trip permit.
- San Jose: Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zones began to reactivate at the end of 2021. We are currently in the process of reactivating remaining RPP zones. If you live in one of these zones, please register for and purchase your virtual parking permit at sanjose.getapermit.net. Instructions on how to register for, purchase, and manage your residential permit were mailed to all eligible addresses within some of these zones on Monday, February 28, 2022.
Car insurance requirements
- St. Petersburg: 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.
- San Jose: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
Vehicle inspections
- St. Petersburg: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- San Jose: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
Driver’s license
- St. Petersburg: 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.
- San Jose: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from St. Petersburg to San Jose?
The cost to ship a car from St. Petersburg, FL to San Jose, CA 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 St. Petersburg to San Jose will range from $1,399 to $2,254.
How long will it take to ship my car from St. Petersburg to San Jose?
It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,815 miles from St. Petersburg to San Jose. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from St. Petersburg to San Jose?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from St. Petersburg to San Jose. 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 St. Petersburg to San Jose?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from St. Petersburg to San Jose 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 2,815-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.
