($770) Cost to ship a car from Gainesville, FL to Lafayette, LA
Quick answer: Shipping a car 647 miles from Gainesville, Florida, to Lafayette, Louisiana, typically costs between $770 and $1,110. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lafayette to Gainesville 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 Gainesville to Lafayette car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Gainesville to Lafayette:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Gainesville
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Gainesville, FL:
- Centurion Auto Logistics Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Proficient Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- 8 Brothers Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 LA
When you’re moving from Gainesville to Lafayette, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Gainesville to Lafayette, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 647-mile drive from Gainesville to Lafayette into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Florida to Louisiana is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Gainesville to Lafayette. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Lafayette. 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 Gainesville to Lafayette car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Gainesville to Lafayette, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Gainesville to Lafayette, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Lafayette, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Gainesville. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Lafayette will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 647 miles from Gainesville to Lafayette will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Florida.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Gainesville and Lafayette can impact car shipping prices.
April, November and October are the most pleasant months in Gainesville, while August and July are the least comfortable months.
It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Gainesville to Lafayette during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 647 miles between Gainesville and Lafayette, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Gainesville to Lafayette typically takes between one and six days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Gainesville and Lafayette vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Gainesville: Check with the City of Gainesville for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Gainesville.
- Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
Car insurance requirements
- Gainesville: 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.
- Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
Vehicle inspections
- Gainesville: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
Driver’s license
- Gainesville: 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.
- Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Gainesville to Lafayette?
The cost to ship a car from Gainesville, FL to Lafayette, LA 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 Gainesville to Lafayette will range from $770 to $1,110.
How long will it take to ship my car from Gainesville to Lafayette?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 647 miles from Gainesville to Lafayette. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Gainesville to Lafayette?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Gainesville to Lafayette. 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 Gainesville to Lafayette?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Gainesville to Lafayette 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 647-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.
5912 New Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209 US
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636 E 21st St, Jacksonville, FL 32206 US
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