($906) Cost to ship a car from McKinney, TX to Tallahassee, FL
Quick answer: Shipping a car 855 miles from McKinney, Texas, to Tallahassee, Florida, typically costs between $906 and $1,395. 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.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tallahassee to McKinney 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
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The best McKinney to Tallahassee car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from McKinney to Tallahassee:
- 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 McKinney
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in McKinney, TX:
- Thrifty Auto Shipping, Inc.: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Bold Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Crestline Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Number 1 Auto Transport: 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 TX to FL
When you’re moving from McKinney to Tallahassee, 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 moving from McKinney to Tallahassee, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 855-mile drive from McKinney to Tallahassee 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
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Texas to Florida is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from McKinney to Tallahassee. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Tallahassee 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 McKinney to Tallahassee car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from McKinney to Tallahassee can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from McKinney to Tallahassee, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from McKinney 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 Tallahassee? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from McKinney 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 Tallahassee will cost significantly more to ship than a compact 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 855 miles from McKinney to Tallahassee is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Texas.
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 McKinney and Tallahassee often affect the cost of auto transport.
October, April and May are the most pleasant months in McKinney, while July and August are the least comfortable months as you may experience extreme heat during these months.
Tallahassee has long summers and short, mild winters, as well as drier springs and autumns.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from McKinney to Tallahassee in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 855-mile distance between McKinney and Tallahassee 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 McKinney to Tallahassee takes two to seven days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing McKinney and Tallahassee vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- McKinney:
- Tallahassee: 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
- McKinney: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- Tallahassee: 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
- McKinney: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Tallahassee: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
Driver’s license
- McKinney: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
- Tallahassee: 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 McKinney to Tallahassee?
The cost to ship a car from McKinney, TX to Tallahassee, 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 McKinney to Tallahassee will range from $906 to $1,395.
How long will it take to ship my car from McKinney to Tallahassee?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 855 miles from McKinney to Tallahassee. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from McKinney to Tallahassee?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from McKinney to Tallahassee. 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 McKinney to Tallahassee?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from McKinney to Tallahassee 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 855-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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