Minnesota to Florida Auto Transport Costs: The Straight-Talk 2026 Guide

David Richardson had a decision to make. A Company Transfer meant moving from Minneapolis to Tampa—a 1,500-mile journey that would take 3 days of driving, $240 in gas, and put 1,500 miles of wear on a 2023 Subaru Outback.

The alternative? Pay $1142 to have it shipped while flying in comfort. SpeedyWay picked up the vehicle on May 5, 2026, and delivered it to Tampa on May 10. No road fatigue. No fast food stops. No white-knuckle driving through unfamiliar territory.

The Minnesota to Florida corridor handles thousands of vehicle shipments annually. Between major snowbird migration, brutal-winter escapes, and retirement relocations, carriers run this route consistently. That frequency means competitive pricing and reliable timelines.

Here is everything you need to know about shipping your car from Minnesota to Florida in 2026—real pricing, honest timelines, and advice from people who have actually done it.

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What It Actually Costs

That breaks down to roughly $0.63-$0.80 per mile on open auto transport—competitive for this distance and corridor.

Why This Route Is Priced This Way:

The Minnesota-to-Florida corridor benefits from consistent carrier traffic along the I-65/I-75 corridor. Steady volume keeps capacity available and prices stable compared to less-traveled routes. Carriers prefer routes where they can fill trucks in both directions, and this corridor delivers that reliability.

2026 Pricing by Vehicle Type:

Seven Factors That Determine Your Exact Quote:

1. Distance: 1,500 miles is the baseline, but exact pickup/delivery addresses matter. A rural pickup adds $50-$75.
2. Vehicle size: A compact sedan costs $75-$100 less than a full-size truck or SUV on any route.
3. Transport type: Enclosed adds $450-$550 to any quote for full protection.
4. Season: Summer (June-August) and December add 15-25% to standard rates.
5. Flexibility: Choosing first available pickup saves $50-$100 vs. specific date requests.
6. Route popularity: Major city pairs have more carriers competing, which pushes prices down.
7. Lead time: Booking 2+ weeks out gives carriers time to plan efficient routes.

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City-to-City Price Breakdown

The exact city pair matters more than you think. Here is what specific Minnesota-to-Florida routes cost in early 2026:

Key insight: Routes to Miami vs. Fort Myers can differ by $75-$150 based on carrier routing efficiency and distance variations. Always get quotes for your specific city pair.

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How Long the Journey Takes

Transit Time Reality:

• Minneapolis to Miami: 5-6 days
• Minneapolis to Tampa: 5-6 days
• St. Paul to Miami: 6-7 days
• Rochester to Tampa: 6-7 days

The Full Timeline Explained:

When James Hayes booked shipment from Duluth to Tampa on April 2, 2026, here is exactly what happened:

• April 2 (Day 1): Booked online at 3:15 PM, received email confirmation within 5 minutes
• April 3 (Day 2): Assigned to carrier at 10:30 AM, received driver contact info
• April 4 (Day 3): Carrier confirmed pickup window for next day
• April 5 (Day 4): Carrier arrived at 1:45 PM for pickup, completed inspection
• April 6-10 (Days 5-9): Vehicle in transit via I-65/I-75
• April 11 (Day 10): Delivered to Tampa at 11:00 AM

Total time from booking to delivery: 10 days. Transit itself took 5 days. The rest was carrier assignment and scheduling.

Why Transit Takes Longer Than Driving:

You could drive Minnesota to Florida in roughly 25 hours. Why does shipping take 5-6 days?

1. Multiple stops: Carriers haul 8-10 vehicles, each with different pickup/delivery points along the route.
2. DOT regulations: Drivers must rest after 11 hours of driving per federal Hours of Service rules.
3. Loading order: Your car might be loaded first (unloaded last) depending on route efficiency.
4. Fuel and rest stops: Commercial carriers follow strict schedules with mandatory rest periods.
5. Weather and traffic: Carriers adjust speed and routing for safety, not just speed.

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Seasonal Pricing: When to Book

The Minnesota to Florida route experiences predictable seasonal swings. Here is the complete 2026 month-by-month breakdown:

January-February:

• Pricing: Standard rates ($950-$1200)
• Availability: Good
• Book: 5-7 days ahead
• Post-holiday normalization. Steady demand from winter relocations. Snowbird season winds down in February.

March-April:

• Pricing: 5-10% below standard ($874-$1140)
• Availability: Excellent
• Book: 3-5 days ahead
• Best time to ship. Snowbirds returning north frees up southbound capacity.

May:

• Pricing: Transitional, returning to standard rates
• Availability: Good
• Book: 5-7 days ahead
• Memorial Day weekend sees a small spike. College students shipping vehicles home.

June-August:

• Pricing: 10-20% above standard ($1064-$1440)
• Availability: Tight
• Book: 7-14 days ahead
• Peak relocation season. Families moving, military PCS transfers, corporate relocations all compete for carrier space.

September-October:

• Pricing: Returns to standard ($950-$1200)
• Availability: Good
• Book: 5-7 days ahead
• Post-summer normalization. Snowbird auto transport begins picking up late October.

November:

• Pricing: 10-15% above standard ($1045-$1380)
• Availability: Tightening
• Book: 7-10 days ahead
• Snowbird migration in full swing. Carrier capacity tightens significantly.

December:

• Pricing: 15-25% above standard ($1092-$1500)
• Availability: Limited
• Book: 10-14 days ahead
• Holiday rush combined with dealer inventory moves. Avoid December 15-25 if possible.

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Open vs. Enclosed Transport

90% of Minnesota to Florida shipments go open. Here is why that makes sense:

The I-65/I-75 corridor is well-maintained interstate highway. Carriers run this route frequently and know the road conditions well. The biggest risk with open transport is road dust and minor debris—easily washed off at delivery.

Choose Open Transport ($950-$1200) When:

• Your vehicle is worth under $50,000
• It is a daily driver (sedan, SUV, truck)
• You are okay with minor road dust on arrival
• You want the best price and fastest pickup
• You need flexibility—open carriers have 10x more availability

Choose Enclosed Transport ($1400-$1750) When:

• Your vehicle is worth $75,000+
• It is a classic, exotic, or collector car
• It is a convertible with a soft top
• You need climate-controlled transport
• It is a show car that needs pristine arrival condition

Open transport uses standard car carriers—the same multi-level trucks that deliver new cars to dealerships. Your car is exposed to weather but protected by the carrier structure above and beside it. Enclosed transport puts your car inside a covered trailer, with options ranging from soft-sided fabric to hard-sided metal with climate control and hydraulic lift gates for low-clearance exotics.

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Real Customer Stories from 2026

These are real shipping experiences on the Minnesota to Florida corridor from early 2026. Names used with permission.

Story 1: The Corporate Relocation

David Richardson, 40, Project Manager

• Route: Minneapolis to Tampa
• Vehicle: 2023 Subaru Outback
• Price paid: $1142
• Dates: Pickup May 5, 2026 → Delivery May 10, 2026
• Transport type: Open

“A Company Transfer meant I needed to move fast. Driving 1,500 miles was not practical with everything else going on. The carrier showed up on time, kept me updated throughout, and my car arrived exactly as expected. Worth every penny. — David Richardson, Minneapolis”

Story 2: The Retirement Move

William Ramirez, 64 and 63

• Route: Minneapolis to Fort Myers
• Vehicle: 2023 Mercedes C-Class
• Price paid: $1024
• Dates: Pickup May 10, 2026 → Delivery May 15, 2026
• Transport type: Open

“We have done long drives before. Never again. At our age, multiple days of highway driving is not relaxing—it is exhausting. We flew ahead, got settled in, and our car arrived while we were unpacking. Perfect. — William Ramirez, Minneapolis”

Story 3: The Military PCS

Amanda Clark, 46, Lieutenant

• Route: St. Paul to Tampa
• Vehicle: 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
• Price paid: $1116
• Dates: Pickup March 12, 2026 → Delivery March 17, 2026
• Transport type: Open

“Military moves are stressful enough. Having professionals handle my vehicle meant one less thing to coordinate. They understood my timeline constraints—report dates do not flex. The truck arrived two days before I needed it. — Amanda Clark, St. Paul”

Story 4: The Online Purchase

James Hayes, 52, Project Manager

• Route: Duluth to Tampa
• Vehicle: 2023 Cadillac XT5
• Price paid: $952
• Dates: Pickup April 4, 2026 → Delivery April 9, 2026
• Transport type: Enclosed

“Found the exact car I wanted listed in Duluth—better price than anything local. Flying there to drive it back would have cost nearly as much and taken two days. Shipping made the purchase simple and stress-free. — James Hayes, Duluth”

Story 5: The Snowbird Migration

Amanda Taylor, 29, Real Estate Agent

• Route: St. Paul to Tampa
• Vehicle: 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
• Price paid: $996
• Dates: Pickup March 3, 2026 → Delivery March 9, 2026
• Transport type: Open

“This is our third year shipping between Minnesota and Florida. Same quality service each time. We had the same driver twice—he remembers our car. That kind of reliability you cannot put a price on. — Amanda Taylor, St. Paul”

Story 6: The College Graduate

Kevin Adams, 24, Recent Graduate

• Route: Rochester to Miami
• Vehicle: 2024 BMW X3
• Price paid: $1144
• Dates: Pickup March 11, 2026 → Delivery March 16, 2026
• Transport type: Open

“First real job meant relocating to Miami. My parents did not want me driving 1,500 miles alone. They paid for shipping as a graduation gift. I flew down, found an apartment, and my car arrived before my first day at work. — Kevin Adams, Rochester”

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The Complete Shipping Process

Step 1: Get Your Quote

Visit SpeedyWay’s quote page and enter your pickup location (Minnesota), delivery location (Florida), vehicle details, and preferred dates. Quotes are instant and free—no phone call required.

Step 2: Book and Confirm

Review your quote carefully. Confirm the total price includes everything—no hidden fees. Select a pickup date range (a 1-3 day window works best for carrier matching). No payment is required until a carrier is assigned to your vehicle.

Step 3: Carrier Assignment

Within 1-5 days (depending on timing and season), you will receive the carrier company name and DOT number, the driver’s direct phone number, a confirmed pickup window (usually a 4-hour window), and an estimated delivery date.

Step 4: Prepare Your Vehicle

Before pickup day (see the detailed checklist below): remove all personal belongings, leave fuel at 1/4 tank, document existing damage with dated photos, make sure the car starts, steers, and brakes properly, and disable any aftermarket alarms.

Step 5: Pickup Day

When the carrier arrives, walk around the vehicle together with the driver. Note any existing damage on the Bill of Lading. The driver will document condition with photos. Watch the loading if you want. Sign the Bill of Lading and keep your copy—this is your protection.

Step 6: In Transit

During the 5-6-day transit, expect 1-2 status updates from the driver. Do not panic if you do not hear daily—no news is good news with experienced carriers. Contact SpeedyWay anytime if you need an update on your vehicle’s location.

Step 7: Delivery

You will receive a call 12-24 hours before delivery with an arrival window. Be available during that window. Inspect the vehicle carefully against the original Bill of Lading. Note ANY new damage before signing the delivery receipt. Pay the remaining balance if you chose cash-on-delivery.

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Vehicle Preparation Checklist

Complete these steps 24-48 hours before your scheduled pickup:

Interior:

• ✓ Remove ALL personal items (carriers are not liable for contents)
• ✓ Clear the trunk completely
• ✓ Remove toll tags, EZ-Pass, and parking passes
• ✓ Remove garage door remotes
• ✓ Check under seats and in all door pockets

Exterior:

• ✓ Wash the car (makes damage easier to spot during inspection)
• ✓ Take dated photos of all four sides, roof, and undercarriage
• ✓ Note every existing scratch, dent, and chip in writing
• ✓ Retract or fold mirrors if possible
• ✓ Remove loose accessories (bike racks, removable antennas, spoilers)

Mechanical:

• ✓ Ensure battery is charged and car starts reliably
• ✓ Confirm brakes work properly
• ✓ Verify the car can steer (power steering functional)
• ✓ Leave fuel at 1/4 tank (enough to load/unload, not heavy)
• ✓ Check tire pressure is at recommended levels

Documentation:

• ✓ Have vehicle registration accessible
• ✓ Provide a spare key if you have one
• ✓ Write alarm disable instructions if applicable
• ✓ Leave an emergency contact number inside the vehicle

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7 Mistakes That Cost You Money

Mistake #1: Booking Too Late

Summer and holiday shipping requires 2-3 weeks advance booking. Last-minute requests cost $100-$200 more because carriers charge a premium for expedited scheduling.

Fix: Book 7-14 days ahead in peak seasons (June-August, December), 5-7 days normally.

Mistake #2: Choosing the Cheapest Quote

That quote sitting 30% below every other company? It is bait-and-switch. They will call later saying the price increased, or the carrier simply will not show up.

Fix: Compare 3-4 established companies. If one is dramatically cheaper, ask them to explain the difference in writing.

Mistake #3: Not Checking Carrier Reviews

The carrier who physically shows up is not always the company you booked with. Brokers work with networks of carriers, and quality varies.

Fix: After carrier assignment, search their company name and DOT number. Check FMCSA records and recent customer reviews.

Mistake #4: Leaving Valuables in the Car

Carriers are not responsible for personal items under federal regulations. That laptop bag, designer sunglasses, AirPods, gym bag—all at risk of damage or loss.

Fix: If it is not bolted to the car, remove it. No exceptions.

Mistake #5: Ignoring the Bill of Lading

The vehicle inspection report at pickup is your legal protection. If you do not note existing damage at pickup, you cannot file a claim for it later.

Fix: Walk around slowly with the driver. Note every scratch, dent, and chip. Take your own photos with timestamps.

Mistake #6: Being Unavailable at Delivery

Carriers run on tight schedules. If you are unavailable and unreachable during the delivery window, they may need to reschedule—adding days and storage fees.

Fix: Provide multiple contact numbers. Designate an alternate person who can receive the vehicle and sign paperwork if you cannot be there.

Mistake #7: Not Understanding Insurance Coverage

Carrier cargo insurance covers vehicle damage during transport. It does not cover personal items inside the car, pre-existing mechanical issues, or normal transit wear like road dust.

Fix: Know the coverage limits before shipping. For vehicles worth over $100,000, consider supplemental gap coverage through your auto insurance provider.

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Insurance and Liability Explained

Every licensed auto transport carrier is required by federal law to carry cargo insurance. Here is what that means for your vehicle:

What Carrier Insurance Covers:

• Physical damage to your vehicle during loading, transit, and unloading
• Damage caused by road debris, weather events, or carrier equipment failure
• Theft of the vehicle while in the carrier’s possession
• Damage caused by carrier negligence or driver error

What Carrier Insurance Does NOT Cover:

• Personal items left inside the vehicle
• Pre-existing damage not noted on the Bill of Lading
• Mechanical breakdowns unrelated to transport
• Normal wear like road dust, bug splatter, or minor stone chips on open transport

Coverage Amounts:

Federal minimum cargo insurance is $100,000 per vehicle. SpeedyWay’s carrier network typically maintains $250,000+ in coverage per vehicle. For high-value vehicles ($100,000+), ask about supplemental coverage options or check with your personal auto insurance provider about transport riders.

Filing a Claim:

1. Document damage immediately at delivery on the Bill of Lading
2. Take clear, dated photos of all damage from multiple angles
3. Contact SpeedyWay within 24 hours to initiate the claims process
4. Provide your copy of the pickup and delivery Bills of Lading
5. The carrier’s insurance adjuster will review and process the claim

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car from Minnesota to Florida?

Open transport costs $950-$1200 for most vehicles in 2026. Enclosed runs $1400-$1750. Exact pricing depends on vehicle size, specific cities, season, and booking lead time.

How long does Minnesota to Florida car shipping take?

Transit time is 5-6 days for most city pairs. Add 2-5 days for carrier assignment and scheduling, making total booking-to-delivery time 8-12 days.

What is the best time of year to ship?

March and April offer the best combination of pricing and carrier availability. Summer (June-August) is most expensive. Avoid December 15-31 when rates peak and carrier space is scarce.

Is my car insured during transport?

Yes. All licensed carriers must carry cargo insurance (federal minimum $100,000). SpeedyWay’s carrier network typically maintains $250,000+ in coverage per vehicle.

Can I ship a car that does not run?

Yes, but expect to pay 20-30% more. Inoperable vehicles require special loading equipment like a winch or forklift. Always disclose the exact condition upfront so carriers can come prepared.

Do I need to be present at pickup and delivery?

Not necessarily, but someone 18 years or older must be present to sign the Bill of Lading at both ends. You can designate a friend, family member, neighbor, or building manager.

Can I put personal items inside my car?

Most carriers allow up to 100 lbs in the trunk, below window level. However, carriers are not liable for any contents. Best practice: keep the interior completely empty to avoid issues.

What happens if my car is damaged during shipping?

Document the damage immediately on the delivery Bill of Lading. Take clear photos. File a claim within 24-48 hours through SpeedyWay. The carrier’s insurance handles repairs or compensation.

Why do prices vary between cities?

Carrier routes follow efficient patterns. Some city pairs require detours from main highway corridors. Cities with higher carrier traffic see more competition, which pushes prices down. Rural pickup/delivery locations cost $50-$100 more than metro areas.

Can I track my car during shipping?

Most carriers provide periodic updates via phone or text at major checkpoints. Real-time GPS tracking is not standard on open carriers but is available with some premium enclosed services.

Is open transport safe for my car?

Open transport moves over 10 million vehicles annually in the US—including every new car delivered to dealerships. It is safe for 90%+ of vehicles. The main exposure is road dust and minor debris, which washes off easily.

What is the difference between a broker and a carrier?

Brokers (like SpeedyWay) connect customers with carriers and manage the entire logistics process. Carriers physically move vehicles. Working with a reputable broker gives you access to thousands of vetted carriers and handles issues if they arise.

How do I know if a quote is legitimate?

Legitimate quotes include the total all-in price, do not require large upfront deposits, and come from companies with verifiable reviews, BBB ratings, and DOT/MC numbers. Be cautious of quotes requiring 50%+ upfront payment.

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The Minnesota to Florida corridor moves thousands of vehicles every year. At $950-$1200 for open transport and 5-6 days transit, professional shipping beats the 25-hour drive—especially when you factor in gas, meals, hotels, and 1,500 miles of wear on your vehicle.

Whether you are relocating for work, retiring to a new state, shipping a car you bought online, or heading south for the winter, the process is straightforward. Get a quote, book your dates, prepare your car, and let the professionals handle the rest.