($699) Cost to ship a car from Gainesville, FL to Durham, NC

Quick answer: Expect to pay around $699 to $966 to ship your car 547 miles from Gainesville, Florida, to Durham, North Carolina. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham to Gainesville car shipping guide.

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Recommended by Time Magazine
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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
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The best Gainesville to Durham car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Gainesville to Durham:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Gainesville

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Gainesville, FL:

  1. Centurion Auto Logistics Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  2. Proficient Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  3. Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. 8 Brothers Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Centurion Auto Logistics Inc

5912 New Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209 US

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 5.0

The company generally offers outstanding service with friendly and professional staff, although there are significant concerns regarding reckless driver behavior causing unsafe conditions. Overall sentiment appears mixed, spotlighting fine service quality.

Get a Quote (904) 766-8500

Services Offered

  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • ATC Logistics
  • Centurion Leasing Company
  • Nationwide Auto Transport, Inc.
  • Centurion-Eagle Auto Transport
  • Centurion Leasing Shop

Proficient Auto Transport

10057 103rd St, Jacksonville, FL 32210 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0

Customers have reported a range of experiences with Proficient Auto Transport. Many commend the company for its reliable service and professional drivers, highlighting effective communication and successful deliveries. However, negative feedback centers around issues of unprofessional driver behavior and problems with accounting practices, including delayed payments and miscommunications regarding pay rates.

Get a Quote (904) 772-1175

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Speedy Car Shipping

9951 Atlantic Blvd #322A, Jacksonville, FL 32225 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

This company offers transportation services for a wide range of vehicles, from everyday cars to elite classic and vintage vehicles. They are praised for their expert handling, care in transportation, and beneficial services for car collectors needing to move vehicles to shows. The company is highlighted for exceptional quotes and a polite team. Their website is marked for its ease of use, transparency, and accessibility, especially for after-hours quotes, with a straightforward process for obtaining free quotes. Positive personal interactions with staff, notably with someone named Max, are also noted.

Get a Quote (888) 777-4444

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior

Additional Information

8 Brothers Inc.

636 E 21st St, Jacksonville, FL 32206 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

8 Brothers Inc is praised for their professional and careful car shipping services, with exceptional communication and a high level of customer care. Customers commend the company's efficiency and attention to detail throughout the shipping process. However, some feedback may reflect challenges during peak seasons or potential difficulties securing carriers.

Get a Quote (904) 220-5119

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

Ceva Logistics

11070 Cabot Commerce Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32226 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (904) 741-3997

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Storage solutions
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

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 NC

When you’re moving from Gainesville to Durham, 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 are relocating from Gainesville to Durham, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.

Drive your car

There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 547-mile trip from Gainesville to Durham 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

Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Florida to North Carolina. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Gainesville. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Durham.

Ship your car via train

If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Durham is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.

Factors affecting Gainesville to Durham car shipping costs

The price to ship your car from Gainesville to Durham can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:

Transport method

When shipping your car from Gainesville to Durham, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from Gainesville 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 Durham? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The kind of car you’re shipping out of Gainesville has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Durham will cost more than moving a smaller car.

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 547 miles from Gainesville to Durham 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 Durham 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.

The climate in Durham is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.

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 Durham during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.

Fuel prices

Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 547-mile drive between Gainesville and Durham, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.

Delivery expectations

Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Gainesville to Durham is one to six days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.

Comparing Gainesville and Durham 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.
  • Durham: You do not need a parking permit for a moving truck in Durham. However, you may double check by calling the city. You should also be sure to check if your neighborhood, HOA, or building have any rules that you should know about for moving day.

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.
  • Durham: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.

Vehicle inspections

  • Gainesville: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
  • Durham: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.

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.
  • Durham: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Gainesville to Durham?

The cost to ship a car from Gainesville, FL to Durham, NC 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 Durham will range from $699 to $966.

How long will it take to ship my car from Gainesville to Durham?

It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 547 miles from Gainesville to Durham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Gainesville to Durham?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Gainesville to Durham. 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 Durham?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Gainesville to Durham 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 547-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.

Helpful Gainesville resources