($796) Cost to ship a car from Baltimore, MD to St. Petersburg, FL
Quick answer: Shipping a car 968 miles from Baltimore, Maryland, to St. Petersburg, Florida, typically costs between $796 and $1,272. 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 St. Petersburg to Baltimore car shipping guide.
Our track record
The best Baltimore to St. Petersburg car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Baltimore to St. Petersburg:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: 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
- 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 Baltimore
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Baltimore, MD:
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Jdf International Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- All State to State Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Montage Transport & Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Washington DC Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Car shipping alternatives from MD to FL
Relocating from Baltimore to St. Petersburg 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
On moves from Baltimore to St. Petersburg, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 968 miles from Baltimore to St. Petersburg 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
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Maryland 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore to St. Petersburg car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Baltimore to St. Petersburg, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Baltimore to St. Petersburg, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Baltimore 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 St. Petersburg? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Baltimore is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to St. Petersburg will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
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 968 miles from Baltimore to St. Petersburg is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Maryland.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Baltimore and St. Petersburg.
Baltimore has long hot summers, cool winters, and a summer peak to annual precipitation. Spring and autumn are warm, with spring being the wettest season in terms of the number of precipitation days.
St. Petersburg has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Baltimore to St. Petersburg during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 968-mile distance between Baltimore and St. Petersburg and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Baltimore to St. Petersburg takes two to seven days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Baltimore and St. Petersburg vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Baltimore: A moving permit is required when relocating a building to a new lot or different section of the existing lot.
- 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
- Baltimore: 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.
- 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
- Baltimore: 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.
- St. Petersburg: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Baltimore: 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.
- 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 Baltimore to St. Petersburg?
The cost to ship a car from Baltimore, MD 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 Baltimore to St. Petersburg will range from $796 to $1,272.
How long will it take to ship my car from Baltimore to St. Petersburg?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 968 miles from Baltimore to St. Petersburg. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Baltimore to St. Petersburg?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Baltimore 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 Baltimore to St. Petersburg?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Baltimore 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 968-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.
210 E Lexington St #100, Baltimore, MD 21202 US
1301 York Road Suite 800, Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093 US
4 Dwelling House Ct, Catonsville, MD 21228 US
1530 Wilson Blvd # 650, Arlington, VA 22209 US
7300 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, MD 20012 US