($1,030) Cost to ship a car from Harrisburg, PA to Tampa, FL
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,030 to $1,599 to ship your car 1,013 miles from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Tampa, Florida. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, 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 Harrisburg car shipping guide.
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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
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The best Harrisburg to Tampa car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Harrisburg 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
- 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 Harrisburg
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Harrisburg, PA:
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Moverjet Logistics LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- S J Trucking & Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- All State to State Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Pride Car Shipping: 3.5 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 PA to FL
If you’re relocating from Harrisburg to Tampa, 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
If you are relocating from Harrisburg to Tampa, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,013 miles from Harrisburg to Tampa 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Pennsylvania to Florida. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Harrisburg to Tampa carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Tampa, 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 Harrisburg to Tampa car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Harrisburg to Tampa, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Harrisburg to Tampa, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Harrisburg 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 Tampa? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Harrisburg 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 Tampa will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 1,013 miles from Harrisburg to Tampa will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Pennsylvania.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Harrisburg and Tampa.
June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Harrisburg, while January and February are the least comfortable months. Consider these months in your plans in moving to Harrisburg.
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.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Harrisburg to Tampa during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,013-mile distance between Harrisburg and Tampa 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 Harrisburg to Tampa takes two to eight days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Harrisburg and Tampa vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Harrisburg: A parking permit is required in the City of Harrisburg. You obtain a parking permit from the Parking Enforcement office at the City Government Center. Please contact them at 717-255-3141 or visit 123 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
- 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
- Harrisburg: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
- 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
- Harrisburg: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- Tampa: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Harrisburg: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
- 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 Harrisburg to Tampa?
The cost to ship a car from Harrisburg, PA 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 Harrisburg to Tampa will range from $1,030 to $1,599.
How long will it take to ship my car from Harrisburg to Tampa?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,013 miles from Harrisburg to Tampa. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Harrisburg to Tampa?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg to Tampa?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Harrisburg 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 1,013-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.
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