($878) Cost to ship a car from Fort Wayne, IN to Gainesville, FL

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 985 miles from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Gainesville, Florida, ranges from $878 to $1,350. 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.

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 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

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

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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  • 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
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The best Fort Wayne to Gainesville car shipping companies

Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Fort Wayne to Gainesville:

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 Exact Pickup Dates
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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
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in Fort Wayne

Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Fort Wayne, IN:

  1. First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  2. First Choice Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  3. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Circle Logistics Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars

First Choice Of Elkhart Inc

10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 5.0

Customers frequently praised the friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning responsive communication and professionalism. However, experiences were marred by complaints about poor communication regarding fees and serious issues with the handling of a vehicle accident involving uninsured drivers.

Get a Quote (269) 483-2010

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

First Choice Auto Transport

10888 US-12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0

Customers generally report exceptional service and communication from the staff at First Choice, who are described as friendly and accommodating. However, there are serious concerns regarding insurance coverage and lack of responsiveness in critical situations.

Get a Quote (269) 483-2010

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Jack Cooper Transport

13210 Fogwell Pkwy, Roanoke, IN 46783 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (260) 672-2683

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Global Auto Transportation

5818 Industrial Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 803-0501

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Circle Logistics Inc

1950 W Cook Rd # 102, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (260) 440-7540

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery

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 IN to FL

If you’re planning a move from Fort Wayne to Gainesville, 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

If you’re moving from Fort Wayne to Gainesville, 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

When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 985 miles from Fort Wayne to Gainesville 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

Having a driver transport your car from Indiana to Florida is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Fort Wayne to Gainesville. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Gainesville, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.

Factors affecting Fort Wayne to Gainesville car shipping costs

When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Fort Wayne to Gainesville, keep these cost factors in mind:

Transport method

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

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

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from Fort Wayne depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Gainesville will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

Distance and route

To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 985 miles from Fort Wayne to Gainesville will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Indiana.

Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.

The time of the year

The time of year and weather conditions in Fort Wayne and Gainesville play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

Fort Wayne summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months; the city experiences an average of 39 thunderstorm days and about 10 severe weather days annually.

April, November and October are the most pleasant months in Gainesville, while August and July are the least comfortable months.

For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Fort Wayne to Gainesville in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.

Fuel prices

Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 985-mile journey from Fort Wayne to Gainesville makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.

Delivery expectations

By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Fort Wayne to Gainesville usually takes two–seven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.

Comparing Fort Wayne and Gainesville vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Fort Wayne: 40Ft Moving Truck, One day. City Cost $20 our fee $130. Total: $150. Lead time: 5-7 Business days City cost breakdown: Metered areas are $10 per meter, per day. Non-metered is $35 for up to a week and will require an extra barricade fee in addition to the city fee and our fee.
  • Gainesville: Check with the City of Gainesville for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Gainesville.

Car insurance requirements

  • Fort Wayne: Indiana's minimum auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$10,000, providing $25,000 per person and a maximum of $50,000 per incident for bodily injury, along with $10,000 for property damage in the event of a covered accident. Liability coverage in Indiana includes property damage, protecting your assets in case you're legally responsible for damages to another party's property, and bodily injury, covering expenses related to harm sustained by others in a covered accident.
  • 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Fort Wayne: Indiana does not mandate safety inspections for vehicles. However, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a VIN inspection for vehicles not previously registered in the state.
  • Gainesville: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.

Driver’s license

  • Fort Wayne: As a new resident of Indiana, you have 60 days to obtain an Indiana driver's license if you have a valid license from another state. You must also transfer the titles and registrations of your vehicles from your previous state to Indiana.
  • 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.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Fort Wayne, IN to Gainesville, 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 Fort Wayne to Gainesville will range from $878 to $1,350.

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

It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 985 miles from Fort Wayne to Gainesville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Fort Wayne to Gainesville 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 985-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 Fort Wayne resources