($861) Cost to ship a car from Cleveland, OH to St. Petersburg, FL
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,115 miles from Cleveland, Ohio, to St. Petersburg, Florida, ranges from $861 to $1,390. 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 St. Petersburg to Cleveland 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 Cleveland to St. Petersburg car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Cleveland 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
- 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 Cleveland
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Cleveland, OH:
- Diesel Auto Express: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Pittsburgh Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.56 out of 5 stars
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 OH to FL
If you’re planning a move from Cleveland to St. Petersburg, 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 planning a move from Cleveland to St. Petersburg, 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 lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,115-mile drive from Cleveland to St. Petersburg into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Ohio to Florida. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Cleveland. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to St. Petersburg.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to St. Petersburg. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Cleveland to St. Petersburg car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Cleveland to St. Petersburg, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Cleveland to St. Petersburg, 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 St. Petersburg, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Cleveland 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
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 1,115 miles from Cleveland to St. Petersburg will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Ohio.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Cleveland and St. Petersburg play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Cleveland has four very distinct seasons. This means that in the wintertime, you should prepare for snow and in the summer it's usually warm.
St. Petersburg has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Cleveland to St. Petersburg in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,115-mile distance between Cleveland 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 Cleveland to St. Petersburg takes two to eight days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Cleveland and St. Petersburg vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Cleveland: The City of Cleveland does not require a parking permit although you may double check to ensure you're abiding by all the rules. You should also check any neighborhood, building, or HOA rules to ensure a smooth move day.
- 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
- Cleveland: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
- 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
- Cleveland: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
- St. Petersburg: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Cleveland: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
- 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 Cleveland to St. Petersburg?
The cost to ship a car from Cleveland, OH 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 Cleveland to St. Petersburg will range from $861 to $1,390.
How long will it take to ship my car from Cleveland to St. Petersburg?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,115 miles from Cleveland to St. Petersburg. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Cleveland to St. Petersburg?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Cleveland 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 Cleveland to St. Petersburg?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Cleveland 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 1,115-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.
1823 Kentucky Ave, Springfield, OH 45505 US
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US
5211 Oster Rd, Sheffield Vlg, OH 44054 US
606 Liberty Ave 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 US
4519 Industrial Pkwy, Cleveland, OH 44135 US