Shipping a car from Florida to Massachusetts is among the nation's most common interstate transfers, peaking in spring (March to May) when the snowbirds migrate north. There is increased competition for slots on car carriers at that time of year, but the I-95 route between Florida and the Northeast is among the country's most heavily trafficked, so you may pay a bit more, but you'll be able to find a spot on a truck.
Whether you're exploring car transport from Florida to Boston for the first time or you're an experienced shipper, this guide will answer many questions about car transportation from Florida to Massachusetts.
Planning to ship a car? Use our quick online vehicle transport cost calculator.
Florida to Massachusetts Auto Transport Basics
Let’s start with the basics, so you have a clear understanding of how auto transportation works and the unique elements of shipping a car from Florida to Massachusetts.
How Far Apart are Florida and Massachusetts?
Florida is a long state, stretching nearly 500 miles, or about as long as California's coastline, resulting in varying trip lengths for Florida to Massachusetts car shipping. For example, the distance from The Florida Keys to Boston is about 1,550 miles, while the distance from Jacksonville to Boston is 1,150 miles.
The additional distance and the need to travel through heavily trafficked areas, such as Miami, increase the cost of transporting a vehicle. That can make a difference when you choose to ship car from Florida to Boston.
How long does it take to ship a car from Florida to Massachusetts?
The typical time to ship a car from Florida to Massachusetts is 3 to 5 days. The delivery window for car transport from Florida to Massachusetts varies based on your choice of an open or enclosed carrier, the remoteness and accessibility of your pickup or drop-off locations, and factors such as road closures or bad weather.
How the Florida to Massachusetts Auto Transport Process Works
To ship a car from Florida to Boston, you’ll make a handful of decisions that determine the speed of your shipment, the physical protection your car receives, your insurance or financial protection, and the level of customer support you receive during the process.
We’ll cover each issue, though not necessarily in the same order.
Should I Book with a Carrier or Broker?
When shipping a car with a professional auto transporter, you can work with carriers or brokers. Carriers own the trucks and trailers, hire the drivers, and physically transport your car from the point of origin to the destination. Brokers are intermediaries who hire a carrier that matches your needs and have customer service staff and processes to keep things running smoothly and communicate with you.
Industry estimates indicate that brokers handle nearly 90% of auto shipments, as they simplify the process for you and serve as the marketing arm for most carriers.
Should I Use an Open or Enclosed Carrier?
When choosing a Florida to Massachusetts auto transport service, a key decision is whether to ship your car on an open or enclosed carrier.
We've all seen open car carriers hauling 8 to 10 cars down the highway. Each car is locked onto a semi-trailer with sturdy platforms that lack sides or a roof. There are many more open carriers on the road than enclosed ones, and they make loading and unloading easier. An open carrier exposes your car to weather and road debris, but no more than if you drove your car on the same route. Open carriers offer greater scheduling flexibility, cost 30 to 60% less, and are the preferred solution for all but high-value vehicles.
You may not have noticed enclosed car carriers as you drove down the road, since they look like many trailers with a roof, sides, and a back door. Since your car is inside a protective shell, dust, dirt, weather, and bouncing pebbles do not impact your vehicle. Since there are fewer enclosed car carriers, they can be more difficult to schedule, but the key is their higher cost, as they are mostly used to transport classics, luxury vehicles, or cars you want shielded from potential dings and grime.
Most people choose open carriers for budget and convenience purposes, and enclosed carriers for maximum protection. You need to match your pick to your car's value and the route conditions.
How Should I Insure My Car during the Shipment?
Carriers or cargo companies generally offer complimentary insurance, but the coverage may not fully cover the value of your vehicle. Carriers generally carry $100,000 in insurance coverage per load, which is plenty to cover minor damage to a vehicle or two, but will likely fall short if there is a serious accident in which several cars sustain damage.
Carriers generally offer supplemental insurance you pay for that covers your vehicle if the carrier’s coverage tops out. Some personal auto insurance policies also cover damage to cars during transport.
Your best practice is to confirm the complimentary and supplemental insurance options available through the auto transporter and review them with your insurance agent to determine your best course of action.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Massachusetts?
The cost to ship a car from Florida to Massachusetts depends on the time of year and your:
- Origin and destination locations
- Vehicle type and weight
- Scheduling flexibility
- Choice of open versus enclosed container
- Selected insurance coverage
Today, a reasonable range of prices for Florida-to-Massachusetts car shipping is $875 to $1,550 for open carrier shipping and $1,400 to $2,500+ for enclosed car shipping.
Of course, you can use the instant cost calculator to get an accurate price for your situation.
Making Your Florida to Massachusetts Car Shipping Decision
Hopefully, this guide provides the background you need to confidently make decisions about car transport from Florida to Massachusetts. Most of your choices should be straightforward based on the type of car you are shipping.
Of course, we believe the best option for car shipping from Florida to Boston is Nexus Auto Transport, a broker with a well-earned reputation for service excellence, as demonstrated by our:
- A+ BBB-accreditation
- Being featured by Forbes and TrustPilot
- Thousands of verified 5-star customer reviews
- Coverage of all 50 U.S. states
- Decades of combined logistics experience
Regardless of your situation or needs, we've got a vehicle transport solution that'll do the trick.
Instant Quote: https://nexusautotransport.com/car-shipping-calculator/
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
Feature |
Open Carrier |
Enclosed Carrier |
|---|---|---|
Average Cost |
Less expensive |
30 to 60% higher |
Protection Level |
Subject to weather, road debris, and vandals |
High-level protection within trailer roof and walls |
Best Suited For |
Everyday shipments |
Luxury, classic, and high-value cars |
Typical Delivery Time |
Depends on distance, type of car, and available carriers |
Roughly the same delivery time, but slightly harder to schedule due to fewer specialty enclosed carriers |
Weather Exposure |
Open to the elements |
Protected inside the trailer |
FAQs
Will my personal car insurance cover shipping damage?
In most cases, your personal car insurance is considered secondary. It mostly applies to Acts of God and instances where the carrier's coverage does not fully cover your vehicle's value. Everyone's situation is different, so it is critical that you discuss your coverage and needs with your insurance provider.
Can I pack personal belongings inside the car?
The car carrier's transport insurance generally does not cover personal belongings left in the vehicle. Most auto transporters require you to remove personal items from your vehicle for insurance purposes and to minimize weight.
How will I know exactly when my car is arriving?
Delivery dates are estimates in the transport industry. Weather, traffic, and other delays are beyond the supplier's control and are not subject to penalties. Especially if your shipment is delayed, communication with your broker is critical.
You should receive updates on your vehicle's status, and the delivery window should narrow as your car approaches its destination. Normally, your driver should contact you about 24 hours before delivery to provide a several-hour window.
Are there any hidden fees not included in the initial quote?
Reputable transport companies do not have hidden fees. The tactic sometimes occurs when a broker makes a lowball offer to win your business and then cannot find a carrier willing to take the job at that price, so they come back to you later with a price increase. You should be wary of price quotes that are substantially lower than others.
The best practice is to require an all-inclusive written quote that confirms all fuel surcharges, residential delivery charges, seasonal charges, and any other potential surcharges.
What should I do to prepare my vehicle for pickup?
Key steps to prepare your vehicle for pickup include:
- Wash your car to make pre-existing damage more visible at inspection
- Document pre-existing damage with photos
- Remove personal items (most carriers prohibit or won't insure them)
- Leave the fuel tank at one-quarter full (enough to load/unload, while not adding extra weight)
- Disable toll tags and parking passes to avoid inadvertent charges
- Retract or remove antennas, spoilers, or similar items
- Check for fluid leaks (carriers can refuse leaking vehicles)
- If shipping an EV, ensure the battery has sufficient charge for loading and unloading
