Philadelphia to Tampa Car Shipping & Auto Transport

The main carrier path between Philadelphia and Tampa follows I-95 and I-75 or I-4. Because carriers already run this corridor, pickup windows are usually short in the major metros and a little longer in rural areas.

Typical city pairs on this route:

If your address is on a narrow street or in a gated community, the driver may suggest meeting at a nearby parking lot where a full-size car carrier can stop safely.

Wash your car a day or two before pickup so you and the driver can see its condition clearly, and take dated photos of every side.

• Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
• Remove your E-ZPass transponder or store it in a shielded bag so it doesn't record tolls on the way.
• Take out valuables and loose items; most carriers allow only a small amount below the window line.
• Disable alarms and fold in mirrors.
• Have keys, registration and a photo ID ready.

Full checklist: how to prepare your car for shipping.

Florida requires new residents to register within 10 days of establishing residency, such as starting a job or enrolling children in school. Out-of-state vehicles need a VIN verification, and you'll need Florida insurance.

Rules change, so check the official agency website before your move. For a step-by-step overview, read moving a car to a new state.

Pennsylvania is a large, busy car shipping state with Philadelphia in the east, Pittsburgh in the west and Harrisburg, Allentown and Scranton in between. I-76, I-80, I-81 and I-95 carry heavy truck traffic. Snowbird demand to Florida is strong in the fall, and winter storms can slow mountain routes.

Learn more about pickups across the state on our Pennsylvania car shipping page.

Florida is one of the busiest car shipping destinations in the country. I-95 runs down the Atlantic coast, I-75 down the Gulf side, and I-4 and I-10 cross the state. Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and the Southwest Florida coast see heavy snowbird traffic from October through January and back north in spring, plus steady year-round relocation, which makes timing especially important.

See Florida car shipping for delivery cities and more routes into the state.

Snowbirds and full-time movers from the Philadelphia area head for Tampa Bay's Gulf Coast every fall.

The most common customers on this route include:

• Snowbirds heading to Florida for the winter and back home in the spring
• Online and auction buyers who found the right car in Pennsylvania and need it delivered
• Dealers moving inventory and completing dealer trades between markets

Typical open-carrier pricing on the Philadelphia to Tampa route, about 1,060 miles:

• Sedan or compact car: $950–$1,140
• Mid-size SUV or crossover: $800–$1,200
• Full-size SUV or half-ton pickup: $850–$1,350
• Heavy-duty or dually pickup: $1,000–$1,650
• Sedan, enclosed transport: $950–$1,450
• Non-running vehicle: add a winch charge, depending on whether it rolls, steers and brakes

Peak summer weeks and holidays can add $100–$300 on busy lanes. Get an exact number with the car shipping calculator.

• Exact addresses: Pickups in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh near I-95 are usually quickest and least expensive; rural addresses farther from the interstate take more time and cost a little more.
• Season: Snowbird months shift demand on this lane — fall heading south and spring heading north.
• Pickup window: A five-day window often saves $50–$200 compared with a fixed date.
• Vehicle size and condition: Larger, heavier, modified or non-running vehicles cost more.
• Transport type: Enclosed transport costs about 30–40% more than open.
• Lead time: Booking two to three weeks ahead avoids rush pricing. See when to book car shipping.

Open transport is the standard choice on the Philadelphia to Tampa route and works well for daily drivers, leased cars and most SUVs and pickups. Choose enclosed car transport for classic, exotic or luxury cars, or if you want to keep road grime and debris off a freshly detailed car.

• Pick a delivery spot in Miami, Orlando or Tampa where a full-size car carrier can stop safely — a wide street or parking lot works best.
• Keep your phone on; the driver usually calls a day ahead and again a few hours before arrival.
• Inspect the car in good light before signing the Bill of Lading, and note any new issues.
• Have a backup contact who can receive the car if your plans change.
• Start your Florida registration soon after arrival — see the section on arriving in Florida above.

• New York to Florida: about 1,200 miles, $750–$1,150
• Ohio to Florida: about 1,100 miles, $650–$1,000
• Texas to Florida: about 1,200 miles, $700–$1,100
• California to Florida: about 2,700 miles, $1,200–$1,900
• Illinois to Florida: about 1,250 miles, $900–$1,400
• Michigan to Florida: about 1,250 miles, $850–$1,350
• Pennsylvania to Florida: about 1,150 miles, $800–$1,300
• Tennessee to Florida: about 750 miles, $600–$950