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Audited & Verified: Sep 23, 2025, 9:36pm
Reviewed By
| Staff EditorTo uncover the best-rated car shipping companies in Florida, we analyzed 44 providers from the ground up. Our review focused on key details like the range of offerings and the responsiveness of their customer support teams. To nail down real costs, we gathered multiple quotes from each company. Plus, we surveyed 1,600 real customers for firsthand feedback on how these companies perform in the real world.
Our team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use proprietary data and expert advice to inform all of our content, including the pros and cons of the top car-shipping companies and tips for choosing the best company for you. You can read more about our editorial guidelines for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
Nexus Auto Transport
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
2
Navi Auto Transport
BBB Score
Not Accredited
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
3
Montway Auto Transport
BBB Score
A+
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
When comparing the best car shipping companies in Florida, it’s smart to start by comparing factors such as pricing, which locations each transporter serves and if a deposit is required, as well as additional fine print like cancellation policies and perks.
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BEST FOR | ESTIMATE* | PRICE MATCHING | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.7    | Best Reliability | $800 - $1,100 | Yes | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Customer Communication | $840 - $1,225 | Yes | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Discounts | $677 - $1,151 | Yes | On AmeriFreight's Website | |
| 4.5 | Best for Customization | $839 - $1,259 | No | On Montway Auto Transport's Website | |
| 4.4 | Best Pricing | $579 - $829 | Yes | From Participating Partners |
Best Reliability
Best Reliability
Direct Connect Auto Transport
Direct Connect Auto Transport scored the top spot in this round of picks in Florida, thanks in part to its focus on getting cars delivered on time. In our latest customer poll, 91% of customers said their car arrived on schedule, one of the highest marks we saw across all providers.
Beyond punctuality, the company earns extra credit for its commitment to covering repair costs if damage happens during transit. That peace of mind clearly matters: 85% of customers said their vehicle arrived with no issues.
Its site also focuses on transparency, offering easy-to-understand pickup windows. And while a deposit is required, it’s only due at the time of carrier assignment.
To get a sense of how Direct Connect Auto Transport’s costs compare, our research team collected quotes to ship a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. For our estimate, we asked about the rate to transport the vehicle from Brooklyn, New York (11202), to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Our team was told $800 for open transport and $1,100 for an enclosed transporter, and we found that phone quotes were lower than online quotes.
Services:
Forbes Home surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers about their experiences. We found there was a good satisfaction rate among Direct Connect Auto Transport users, with 81% saying they would recommend the company to a family member or friend. Direct Connect Auto customers were equally positive about how simple it was to schedule service, with 82% saying they were satisfied with this step.
Best Customer Communication
Best Customer Communication
NX Automotive Transport
Customers who are seeking clear communication will find that NX is an excellent car shipping choice. The results of Forbes Home’s vehicle shipping survey revealed that 89% of those who worked with NX before would use car shipping again. Our team also loves that NX offers binding quotes for budget-conscious customers who don’t want to be surprised at the end of the car shipping journey. NX’s network of 20,000-plus carriers means the company’s availability for your vehicle is probable.
Our team gathered multiple pricing estimates from NX Auto Transport to ship a 2021 Hyundai Sonata between Brooklyn, New York (11202), and Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Results showed that online submissions tended to be cheaper than phone estimates. For instance, open transport was $840 via web request compared to $895 by phone. Enclosed service on the same route ran about $1,225 through a phone estimate.
Services:
When we reached out to car shipping customers, those who booked through NX gave a blend of positive and negative responses. About 44% reported their final cost was more than anticipated, which ranked among the highest percentages in our study.
NX also posted a 7.7 out of 10 for price transparency, the lowest rating of any company reviewed. On the bright side, 84% said the booking and scheduling process was straightforward.
Best Discounts
Best Discounts
AmeriFreight
We found a lot to like about AmeriFreight, including its various discounts. AmeriFreight offers a range of discounts, including those for military members, first responders, seniors and repeat customers. As for other ways to save, the company has no deposit requirement until a carrier is assigned, and you can cancel for free until that time, too.
When we received quotes, AmeriFreight had one of the lowest for open shipping, even before discounts. Additionally, in our survey, 13% of customers said they paid a bit lower than they were quoted with AmeriFreight, which was well above the average response.
The company also offers gap insurance for an extra fee that covers up to $2,000 toward your deductible if your car faces damage, including during parking or storage, which can help you to save money in the long run. With that sort of attention to detail, it makes sense that 85% of AmeriFreight customers we surveyed said they’d recommend it to friends and family.
Learn More: AmeriFreight Review
In order to get an idea of pricing for AmeriFreight, we gave the company an example car shipment of a 2021 Hyundai Sonata that we were moving from Brooklyn, New York (11202), to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). For this journey, enclosed transport was quoted to cost $1,151, and open transport was $677. We got the same quotes no matter if we called or filled out an instant online quote form.
Services:
AmeriFreight performed well in our survey, especially when it came to customer satisfaction. For example, nearly all customers surveyed said their car arrived in good condition. Also, 91% said they’d ship their car again after their experience with AmeriFreight, a rate that’s above the national average.
One potential drawback? The average cost reported by AmeriFreight customers was $1,418, compared to the overall survey average of $1,390.
Best for Customization
Best for Customization
Montway Auto Transport
Montway scored highly in our analysis because of its well-rounded car shipping services. The company can work with a wide range of vehicle shipping requirements in Florida, including motorcycle shipping and shipping for car resellers. The company can also accommodate expedited car shipping for those on a strict timeline.
And it seems the company takes the journey seriously from start to finish, as 32% of customers we surveyed said they were “very satisfied” with the ease of booking and scheduling their vehicle shipment, which was right on average. In the end, 89% said that they would recommend the company to friends or family.
However, you should note one of its policies: If you’re paying by card, the company will charge you for the full amount when a carrier is assigned. If you’re paying with cash, the payment will be broken up into two payments, with one due on arrival.
Learn More: Montway Auto Transport review
To get a clear picture of pricing, our team gathered sample quotes from Montway for shipping a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202), to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Phone estimates came in slightly lower than online quotes. Enclosed transport was $1,100 by phone versus $1,259 online. For open shipping on the same route, the quote over the phone was $839.
Services:
In our nationwide survey of recent car shipping customers, Montway emerged as a trusted pick among respondents. Roughly 89% said they’d feel confident pointing friends or family toward the company, which speaks volumes about its overall customer experience.
That said, pricing feedback was more mixed. On average, Montway customers reported spending $1,427 per shipment, slightly above the industry-wide average of $1,390 across all carriers. Since factors like distance and your starting point in Florida can shift your rate, it’s always smart to check pricing across multiple providers before committing.
Best Pricing
Best Pricing
A-1 Auto Transport
When 42% of car shippers in our survey list affordability as their top concern, it’s no wonder A-1 Auto Transport stood out in Florida. Its average quote of $1,360 helped it claim one of the lowest pricing spots on our list.
What makes A-1 especially budget-friendly is that there’s zero upfront payment, and customers still get full insurance included in the shipment. Its capabilities also run deep. This provider can move anything from RVs to yachts and offers international reach to 197 countries.
That mix of pricing power and range seems to resonate. In fact, 50% of A-1 customers told us they paid their quoted rate or less, and 36% said they’d be “very likely” to recommend it to a friend, which was above average and solid proof that the savings are more than surface-level.
The Forbes Home team sourced rates from A-1 Auto Transport to ship a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202), to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). All the estimates we received were affordable, but the phone rates came in slightly lower: We were told $579 over the phone or $625 online for open transport, and $829 for enclosed.
Services:
When we asked 1,600 car shipping customers, we saw good feedback for A-1. In addition to the cost positives we mentioned earlier, 83% of respondents said they were satisfied with the company’s communication following car delivery. Working with the company generally seemed like a breeze, with 37% saying it was “very easy” to obtain a quote, which was much higher than average.
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To help customers in Florida identify the leading car shipping company for them, Forbes Home recommends that you first determine what your needs are. Then see how companies stack up by reviewing their details and requesting customized quotes. Because transporting a vehicle isn’t an everyday event for most people, here are some points you should know in advance.
Car shipping companies often have you choose between two different types of shipping options: open and enclosed shipping. Each has its pros and cons, so it’s all about what’s right for your journey.
For example, enclosed shipping involves transporting your car in a container that is shut off from the road. This method helps prevent damage due to debris from the road and other vehicles, making it a popular choice for expensive or classic cars. However, this method is often more expensive because the company will have to ship fewer cars.
The other option is open shipping. This shipping type involves your car in a trailer that is exposed to the road. (If you’ve been on a road trip, you’ve probably seen this type of shipping, which has cars stacked on top of each other in a metal container.) While this method tends to be cheaper, it can also mean a bigger risk of damage on the journey from Florida to your car’s new home.
Scanning customer reviews for car shipping companies can highlight relevant information and potentially raise a few red flags. To get the most out of reviews, be sure to read them critically, meaning you should consider the one- and five-star reviews and also pay attention to the middle ground.
For the most relevant reviews, search for recent comments from people in Florida. Also, be aware of trends within reviews: Are there repeated comments about customer service? Damage?
Finally, consider how the company responds to comments. A commitment to quickly addressing customer reviews is a good sign.
Before booking with any provider, be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions to avoid being surprised later on.
One of the first things to check is the company’s deposit rules. Some providers require a nonrefundable deposit at booking, while others offer a free cancellation period. It’s also important to understand what happens between pickup and delivery. Some companies provide assurances that protect you in case of delays or other issues. Additional perks, like a free car wash voucher, may not carry major financial weight but can reflect the company’s dedication to customer service.
All car shipping companies in the U.S. are legally obligated to carry liability and cargo insurance. However, the details of coverage can vary widely. Depending on your situation, you may want to purchase extra coverage either through the company or your own insurer for added protection.
When shipping your car, it’s important to understand how updates will work throughout the transit. Ask the company how they keep you informed while your vehicle is en route to its destination. Will the driver reach out directly, or should you contact customer service with questions? Having a clear contact process in place makes this project much easier to handle.
Most car shipping companies today offer some type of GPS tracking, but the quality and frequency of updates can vary. Some services provide real-time pings, while others only send general progress reports. Before you book, find out whether you’ll receive updates via app notification, email or if you’ll need to manually check the tracking system.
Regarding delivery timing, expect an estimated schedule rather than a guaranteed delivery date. It’s a good idea to ask how the company handles delays and what options you have if your vehicle arrives off schedule.
Understanding the condition of the car you are shipping before it’s picked up is essential and should be thoroughly documented to support your case if issues occur during transit. If you are present with the vehicle, note and photograph its condition. If you are getting it transported to you, request that the person preparing it for shipment do the same.
When your vehicle is delivered, repeat the inspection process before completing the bill of lading. If you notice any dents, dings or other issues, address that in writing before adding your signature to the bill of lading. Failing to do so may complicate matters if you need to lodge a claim.
Wondering if requirements differ by state? In most cases, companies in Florida follow the same regulations as those nationwide, since auto transport is usually an interstate service.
Every carrier must have a USDOT number and an FMCSA Motor Carrier number, both issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Request this information to confirm the company is legitimate and to review its safety record before booking.
A vehicle shipping company you can count on will understand the particular challenges and unique aspects of transporting vehicles in Florida and your city. We recommend inquiring about how the company screens its employees to ensure they have the appropriate level of experience needed to handle the various quirks of long-distance and regional shipping.
Because car shippers cover extensive routes, the top companies employ drivers familiar with the demands of driving in Florida and beyond. Consider yourself a local expert, so if you have concerns about weather or other obstacles, we recommend asking about how these challenges are mitigated before scheduling your shipment.
Before booking a car shipment, it helps to understand who’s actually moving your vehicle. Most auto transport companies fall into one of two categories: brokers or carriers, and the difference can shape your experience.
Brokers act as matchmakers. They don’t own trucks or do the hauling themselves; instead, they line up a transport company that fits your route, budget and timeline. This often gives you access to a wider pool of carriers and more competitive quotes, but it also means there’s one more hand in the mix to consider.
Carriers, by contrast, are the folks behind the wheel. They handle the loading, driving and unloading themselves. That can mean more direct communication, but fewer options if your schedule is tricky or your route is rural.
Whichever route you choose, it’s smart to look into both parties involved before handing over your keys.
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| TRANSPORT TYPE | AVERAGE COST RANGE | AVERAGE COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|
| Open Transport | $550 - $1,600 | 60 cents - $1.10 |
| Enclosed Transport | $1,000 - $2,450 | 90 cents - $1.70 |
Based on our research, the typical cost to transport a vehicle nationwide is around $1,150, which aligns closely with the $1,390 figure reported by customers in our recent survey. However, prices can fluctuate significantly depending on several factors, with quotes ranging anywhere from $550 to $2,450 depending on the shipment.
A key factor in pricing is the type of transport service chosen. Enclosed carriers usually command higher fees, averaging between $1,000 and $2,450, while open carrier shipping tends to be more affordable, generally falling in the $550-to-$1,600 range.
Because pricing varies based on numerous elements like distance, season and vehicle size, we strongly advise requesting a tailored quote to get the most accurate pricing.
| FLORIDA TO: | ESTIMATED MILEAGE | OPEN TRANSPORT | ENCLOSED TRANSPORT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, Georgia | 345 miles | $205 - $380 | $310 - $585 |
| Houston, Texas | 870 miles | $520 - $955 | $345 - $650 |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | 384 miles | $230 - $420 | $345 - $650 |
| New York City, New York | 933 miles | $560 - $1,025 | $840 - $1,585 |
| Virginia Beach, Virginia | 630 miles | $380 - $690 | $565 - $1,070 |
In Florida, there are some unique variables to contend with that can affect the final rate to ship a car. Keep in mind that your Point A to Point B and the route between the two can influence car shipping costs, too.
Forbes Home surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers to gain a better understanding of their experiences and uncover emerging trends. The vast majority of respondents said they would use a vehicle transport company again, even though individual experiences varied widely.
The average distance shipped in the Southeast was 930 miles, closely aligning with the national average of 969 miles.
The primary factor driving customers in Florida to select a particular car shipping company was affordability. Among respondents from the Southeast, the most frequent complaint was pricing transparency, with about one-third wishing the pricing and process had been explained more clearly. The next most common suggestion for improvement was explaining the vehicle shipping process in more detail at 29%.
Additionally, while the typical peak shipping season runs from spring through early fall, the busiest time for shipments in the Southeast was surprisingly between November and January—this timeframe was chosen by 33% of customers.
To determine the best car-shipping company, the Forbes Home editorial team reviewed 44 major companies, taking into account attributes such as in-house consumer sentiment analysis, a survey of 1,600 car shipping customers, pricing, services and features, nationwide availability and more.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates car shipping companies on our detailed methodology page.
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Interstate car shipping companies are under the supervision of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). All legitimate ones will have or exclusively work with transporters that have USDOT numbers and Motor Carrier numbers. As a customer, you can use these numbers to review carriers’ safety records and more.
You can also learn about a company’s reputation through consumer reviews, both on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and third-party reviewing websites.
How much insight you get depends on the company. Some auto shippers include precise GPS tracking, while others stick to driver contact details so you can check in. Before you book, confirm what’s available so you know what to expect during the move.
Determining how long it takes to ship a car from Florida will depend on many factors, such as where you’re transporting your car. A short journey may take a few days, while a nationwide journey may take over a week. Other things like inclement weather, driver breakdowns and traffic delays can affect this timeline, but the company you choose can give you a better idea.
Car insurance usually isn’t required when shipping your vehicle but carrying your own policy can give you extra peace of mind beyond the coverage offered by the shipping company.
Always review the carrier’s policy to make sure you’re adequately covered. And if you’ll be picking up or dropping off the car, your own insurance remains important for staying legal on the road.
Ashlyn is one of Forbes Home's in-house writers and a former civil engineer-turned content writer with over six years experience. Until recently, Ashlyn focused on creating content for Forbes Home as a freelance writer. Her areas of expertise range from home improvement, moving services, home warranties and home security. As a homeowner and tireless DIY enthusiast, Ashlyn combines her deep knowledge and practical expertise to provide valuable insights and advice. Her dedication to enhancing homeowners' understanding and skills in managing their properties has been the cornerstone of her writing career.
Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of experience in the home space and 10 years of editing experience.
