Transporting a Car From NJ to Florida: Cost, Time, and More

Right about now is an important time for a section of the US population commonly known as snowbirds. Snowbirds are typically retirees who migrate to warmer climates for the winter to avoid the snow and cold temperatures of a northern winter. They tend to move from northern states such as New Jersey to warmer southern states such as Florida. 

Snowbirds typically head south between November and January to avoid the cooler season altogether. However, the exact time of migration varies each year and depends on individual circumstances. Some retirees wait until late December or early January to relocate because they want to spend the holidays with family and friends before heading to their winter destination. 

Snowbirds tend to spend around three months at their winter location, but it does depend on personal circumstances. Newer snowbirds might limit their winter stay to just a couple of months, while more seasoned travelers might spend five or six months enjoying their snowbird lifestyle. 

If you’re thinking about relocating for the winter, this post is for you.

Improve your time in Florida by taking your car

Before you start making any plans, think about how you’re going to get around when you get to Florida. Of course, there’s the option of taxis or public transport. You might also think about renting a car. But how much easier would it be if you were able to take your car with you?

Car shipping from NJ to Florida is a very valid option, and it costs less than you think. Let’s take a quick look at some of the reasons you should consider shipping your car to Florida and then back to NJ in the summer.

Driving can be dangerous

A road trip from New Jersey to Florida sounds like a great way to start your time in the south, but driving long distances is actually quite dangerous, particularly during the winter months when roads become slippery and there is an increased risk of snow. 

Aside from the weather, there are other dangers to be aware of. Certain routes can become packed with traffic as many other snowbirds head south for the winter. We all know how tedious and frustrating it can be when you’re stuck in traffic for hours at a time.  

Convenience

Many snowbirds choose to ship their vehicles because it’s so convenient. They get to travel in a relaxed and stress-free way. Whereas if they’d chosen to drive all the way there, they’d arrive stressed and tired and not in the right frame of mind to enjoy the warmer climate straightaway. 

Costs less and is quicker

From New Jersey to Florida is more than one thousand miles. That’s a lot of driving and a lot of gas you’ll have to pay for. In addition, there are accommodation costs, meals, and car breakdowns to add to the traveling expenses. 

It’s also likely that you’ll spend several days driving. This time would be much better spent relaxing and enjoying the winter sun on the beach. 

Shipping your car to Florida also means you’re not wasting money on car insurance for a car that’s sitting in your garage for the winter. 

Flexible travel

With an auto transport service, you can arrange for your vehicle to be picked up and delivered to wherever you want. This leaves you free to travel to Florida however you prefer. You could take a bus or train or rent a larger vehicle for all your luggage. 

Stress-free

Your journey to Florida will be far less stressful if you travel by plane, bus, or train rather than driving your car. You’ll be able to relax and watch the world go by, chat with family and friends, watch a movie, or read a book. 

When you arrive in Florida, you’ll feel relaxed, refreshed, and ready to accept delivery of your car and get on with your day. 

Less wear and tear on your vehicle

Every mile you drive your car causes a little more wear and tear. If there is a way to move your car without causing such damage, surely you should take it?

Put your car in the safe hands of an auto transport company like SGT Auto Transport and you’ll be able to wait longer till tires need replacing, maintenance, and repairs are required.

When your vehicle is transported from NJ to Florida it is well protected on the back of a truck and secure auto transport trailer.    

Vehicles benefit from the climate in the south

Vehicles aren’t too keen on cold weather, and they don’t like sitting unloved in a garage for several months at a time. So, do your car a favor and take it with you to Florida where it can enjoy the warmer weather. 

How much to transport a car from NJ to Florida?

One of the most important considerations for anyone who wants to transport a car from NJ to Florida must be the cost. It’s very difficult to be exact because there are so many variables.

The best way to find out the cost is to request an auto transport quote from your chosen shipping company. For your convenience, we’ve provided an online instant quote calculator. 

Want to know the cost of shipping a car with us? Get your quote today!

To give you an idea of how much it might cost, the trip from Jersey City, NJ to Miami, FL costs an average of $799 for open car transport and $1,119 for enclosed auto transport.

These figures are just a guideline because the following factors affect the final price you pay for shipping your car from NJ to FL. 

Distance

As you can probably imagine, the distance you want to ship your car is a critical factor when it comes to the cost. The further the distance, the greater the cost of auto transport. 

Make, model, and year of your car

The second most important factor is the type of vehicle you want to ship. A large SUV, for example, will cost more to ship than a small sedan. 

This is because carriers are bound to comply with weight restrictions and want to maximize each load. 

The route

While car shipping is possible to and from anywhere in the United States, some locations are more popular than others. 

The cost tends to be lower for the more popular routes and also when you’re shipping from city to city. 

The condition of your vehicle

When a car isn’t running, it costs more to transport it because the carrier needs to use special equipment for loading and unloading the car. An inoperable car also takes more time and requires more effort. 

Why would you want to ship it if it’s not running? You might need to get it to a specialist garage in Florida to get it running before you can drive it. 

The time of year

The auto transport industry is subject to ebbs and flows in demand, much the same as many other industries. Supply and demand influence the cost. 

When demand is high, such as New Year, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, prices tend to be higher. 

The weather also affects auto transport prices. For example, during hurricane season or when there are floods, it affects how much you pay to ship your car. 

The type of auto transport service

There are two main types of auto transport services: open and enclosed car shipping. They are remarkably similar in many ways, but the major differences are the price and how your car is shipped. 

With enclosed car transport, a carrier moves your vehicle inside a closed trailer which means it’s totally protected on all sides.  The cost for this service is between 30% and 40% more. 

Additional features

Other features you can take advantage of include express shipping, guaranteed pick-up, and top loading. All of these come at an extra cost. 

Price of fuel 

The price of fuel also impacts the cost of shipping a car because it increases the operating costs for shippers. Carriers tend to pass such increases onto the consumer. 

How long does car transport from NJ to Florida take?

Another variable when it comes to shipping a car from NJ to Florida is the time it takes. The exact time depends on a number of factors, aside from the distance between the pick-up and delivery locations. In terms of distance, an auto transport driver can average around five hundred miles in one day, as long as there are no holdups. 

Other factors that can affect the time it takes for your car to be delivered to Florida include:

• Remote vs. metropolitan locations: When a pick-up or delivery is in a remote location, it increases the time it takes. Metropolitan locations and those along major highways or interstates are quicker and easier to find. 
• Weather: While a little bit of sunshine and a few drops of rain isn’t going to affect the flow of traffic, more severe or extreme weather events will. Heavy rain, snow, ice, hurricanes, and tornados slow down the traffic and can halt it completely. 
• Driver’s hours: Commercial drivers are limited to working 70 hours per week for the safety of other road users and themselves. 
• Issues on the highway: Road construction, detours, and heavy traffic can slow down a carrier’s progress. 

Now you know all there is to know about shipping a car from New Jersey to Florida, it’s time to get the process underway. Call (864) 546-5038 or use our Live Chat option and speak with our shipping advisors. 

FAQs

Can I ship personal items in my car?

Yes, it’s possible to have up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk or cargo area of your vehicle while it’s being shipped. It must be contained in a single box or suitcase. 

How to get a car from NJ to FL?

You have several options if you want to get a car from NJ to FL. You could drive it yourself, fly it, get it towed, or use the services of an auto transport company like SGT Auto Transport. This is by far the most convenient, affordable, and easy to arrange. 

How much does it cost to transfer a car from out of state to Florida?

The cost to transfer a car to Florida from out of state to Florida depends on the state you’re transferring from. For example, from California to Florida costs $$1,499, from New York to Florida costs $1,079, and from Texas to Florida costs $869.