($827) Cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to St. Petersburg, FL
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 898 miles from Louisville, Kentucky, to St. Petersburg, Florida, generally falls between $827 and $1,308. 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 St. Petersburg to Louisville 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 Louisville to St. Petersburg car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Louisville to St. Petersburg:
- 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 Louisville
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Louisville, KY:
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Louisville Auto Shipping Group: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Highway Express Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Jack Cooper Transport
6709 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US
jackcooper.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Louisville Auto Shipping Group
9900 Corporate Campus Dr #3000, Louisville, KY 40223 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-kentucky/louisville
3.56 / 5.0
Customers have reported a positive experience with Louisville Auto Shipping Group, highlighting their excellent communication and customer focus. However, there were significant concerns regarding the professionalism of a transport coordinator, which detracted from the overall experience.
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
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Ceva Logistics
6712 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40213 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the friendly staff and timely offloading services. However, issues with delivery reliability, slow check-in processes, and poor communication have been highlighted.
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
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
Highway Express Inc
1800 E Blue Lick Rd, Suite 7, Shepherdsville, KY 40165 US
highwayexpressinc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
Auto Driveaway
3214 7th Street Rd Suite 101, Louisville, KY 40216 US
autodriveaway.com/locations/louisville
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
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 KY to FL
If you’re relocating from Louisville to St. Petersburg, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Louisville to St. Petersburg, 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 898 miles from Louisville to St. Petersburg might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Kentucky to Florida, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Louisville to St. Petersburg safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to St. Petersburg 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 Louisville to St. Petersburg car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Louisville to St. Petersburg can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Louisville to St. Petersburg, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Louisville tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to St. Petersburg, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Louisville 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 St. Petersburg will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 898 miles from Louisville to St. Petersburg is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Kentucky.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Louisville and St. Petersburg can impact car shipping prices.
Louisville has seasonal extremes in both temperature and precipitation are not uncommon during early spring and late fall; severe weather is not uncommon, with occasional tornado outbreaks in the region. Winter typically brings a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, with occasional heavy snowfall and icing. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
St. Petersburg has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Louisville to St. Petersburg during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 898 miles between Louisville and St. Petersburg, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
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 Louisville to St. Petersburg usually takes two–seven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Louisville and St. Petersburg vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Louisville: Building Moving Permit or Access to Open Space permits are required.
- 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.
Car insurance requirements
- Louisville: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
- 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Louisville: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
- St. Petersburg: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Louisville: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Louisville to St. Petersburg?
The cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to St. Petersburg, 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 Louisville to St. Petersburg will range from $827 to $1,308.
How long will it take to ship my car from Louisville to St. Petersburg?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 898 miles from Louisville to St. Petersburg. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Louisville to St. Petersburg?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Louisville to St. Petersburg. 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 Louisville to St. Petersburg?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Louisville to St. Petersburg 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 898-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.
