($733) Cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to Tampa, FL
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 650 miles from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Tampa, Florida, ranges from $733 to $1,084. 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 Tampa to Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Tampa car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Raleigh to Tampa:
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Raleigh
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Raleigh, NC:
- 48 States Auto Shipping: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Ship A Car ASAP: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Stewart Transport Solutions: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
48 States Auto Shipping
1154 Mimosa Ln, Greenville, NC 27834 US
48statesautoshipping.com
3.78 / 5.0
Customers report extremely poor service due to lack of communication and significant delays in vehicle pickup and delivery. The overall sentiment is frustration over unresponsive support and inconsistent scheduling.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2246104
Alternative Business Names
- Perfect Auto Transport Inc.
Ship A Car ASAP
4801 Glenwood Ave Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27612 US
shipacarasap.com
3.72 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise David’s exemplary service, highlighting his professionalism, excellent communication, and the efficiency of the car shipping process. However, some feedback indicates occasional delays in response times from representatives at the company.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1628739
Alternative Business Names
- JE Carriers, LLC
Stewart Transport Solutions
341 Avery Rd, Erwin, NC 28339 US
stewarttrans.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 917297
Speedy Car Shipping
3600 N Duke St #1, Durham, NC 27704 US
speedycarshipping.com/car-shipping-service/auto-transport-durham-nc
3.5 / 5.0
Customers praised the clear and user-friendly website and the exceptional customer service. They reported a strong trust in the company's process and recommendations. However, no significant negative feedback was indicated.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2297446
Ceva Logistics
9300 Globe Center Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
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
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 NC to FL
When you’re moving from Raleigh to Tampa, 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’re planning a move from Raleigh to Tampa, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 650-mile journey from Raleigh to Tampa could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from North Carolina to Florida. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Raleigh. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Tampa.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Tampa 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 Raleigh to Tampa car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Raleigh to Tampa, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Raleigh to Tampa, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Tampa, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Raleigh. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Tampa will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
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 650 miles from Raleigh to Tampa is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within North Carolina.
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 patterns in Raleigh and Tampa often affect the cost of auto transport.
The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Raleigh to Tampa in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 650 miles between Raleigh and Tampa, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Raleigh to Tampa takes between one and six days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Raleigh and Tampa vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Raleigh: Raleigh's website doesn't specifically say that you need a parking permit but they do have rules on loading zones. Be sure to check directly with the City of Raleigh to ensure that you have what you need for your move. It's also a good idea to check directly with any neighborhood, HOA, or building regulations that may affect your move.
- Tampa: Permits are only valid at on-street, unrestricted parking spaces (not to exceed four hours). Not valid at Load/Unload, Freight Zone, No-Park or Handicapped spaces. The vehicle tag number will serve as your permit credential. Permits issued to Federal, State, County and City vehicles may be valid for up to one (1) calendar year at a cost of $156.00 per permit. Permits issued to public utility companies will be valid for a maximum of six (6) months at a cost of $117.00 per permit.
Car insurance requirements
- Raleigh: 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.
- Tampa: 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
- Raleigh: 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.
- Tampa: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Raleigh: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Tampa: 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 Raleigh to Tampa?
The cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to Tampa, 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 Raleigh to Tampa will range from $733 to $1,084.
How long will it take to ship my car from Raleigh to Tampa?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 650 miles from Raleigh to Tampa. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Raleigh to Tampa?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Raleigh to Tampa. 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 Raleigh to Tampa?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Raleigh to Tampa 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 650-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.
