($771) Cost to ship a car from Tallahassee, FL to Washington DC, MD
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 869 miles from Tallahassee, Florida, to Washington DC, Maryland, ranges from $771 to $1,210. 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 Washington DC to Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee to Washington DC car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Tallahassee to Washington DC:
- 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 Tallahassee
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Tallahassee, FL:
- Centurion Auto Logistics Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Exclusive Auto Shipping: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Proficient Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- 8 Brothers Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Virginia Transportation Corp: 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 MD
Relocating from Tallahassee to Washington DC 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 Tallahassee to Washington DC, 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
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 869-mile drive from Tallahassee to Washington DC 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 Maryland is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Tallahassee to Washington DC. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Washington DC—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Tallahassee to Washington DC car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Tallahassee to Washington DC, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Tallahassee to Washington DC, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Tallahassee are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Washington DC? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Tallahassee. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Washington DC will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 869 miles from Tallahassee to Washington DC will cost more than a shorter move within Florida.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Tallahassee and Washington DC often affect the cost of auto transport.
Tallahassee has long summers and short, mild winters, as well as drier springs and autumns.
Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Tallahassee to Washington DC in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 869-mile journey from Tallahassee to Washington DC makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Tallahassee to Washington DC is two to seven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Tallahassee and Washington DC vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Tallahassee: 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.
- Washington DC: The City charges $55 per permit for up to 88 feet of parking space (about 3-4 car lengths). If metered, it can be an additional $24-48 per meter per day.
Car insurance requirements
- Tallahassee: 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.
- Washington DC: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
Vehicle inspections
- Tallahassee: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- Washington DC: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
Driver’s license
- Tallahassee: 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.
- Washington DC: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Tallahassee to Washington DC?
The cost to ship a car from Tallahassee, FL to Washington DC, MD 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 Tallahassee to Washington DC will range from $771 to $1,210.
How long will it take to ship my car from Tallahassee to Washington DC?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 869 miles from Tallahassee to Washington DC. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tallahassee to Washington DC?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tallahassee to Washington DC. 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 Tallahassee to Washington DC?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Tallahassee to Washington DC 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 869-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.
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