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How much does it cost to ship a car from FL to CA?

How much does it cost to ship a car from FL to CA?

In this article:

Read on to get the real deal details about the costs behind shipping a car between the two sunniest states in the USA. From comparisons to frequently asked questions, we go into detail so you can know all you need.

If you are planning a move from Florida to California, chances are you’re already daydreaming about the continuation of palm trees and taco joints. You clearly love the sun. Somewhere on your to-do list is this big question: Should I ship my car or drive it myself? Don’t forget the million dollar question: How much is this going to cost me?

Welcome to your no-nonsense guide written by someone who’s made the Florida to Cali road trip route myself, not once, not twice, but seven times. Whether you're shipping your Mustang to Malibu or road-tripping your Yaris to San Fran, this article breaks it down from costs, pros and cons, and road-tested advice.

Shipping a Car from Florida to California: The Breakdown

Shipping a car almost 3000 miles across the country isn’t cheap, but it’s not outrageously expensive either if you plan ahead.

Here’s what you can expect:

Choose Item

Cost Prediction:$1,200–$1,700

Cost Prediction:$1,600–$2,500

Cost Prediction:+$200–$600

Cost Prediction:Door-to-door may cost slightly more

Factors That Affect Price:

  • Type of car (a tiny Toyota Yaris vs a Hummer will cost quite differently)
  • Condition (Broken cars or cars that cannot be driven cost more)
  • Time of year (Summer is always a time of high demand)
  • Pickup/delivery locations (Rural vs. urban as this affects demand as well)
  • Gas prices and company availability

You should know that booking 2–4 weeks in advance will usually get you the best rate. Last-minute shipments cost more. iMoving would be happy to give you a free quote to compare our services with the rest. We know our name speaks to our professionalism so know you won’t find a better service provider in the industry.

 

Driving Your Car: The DIY Route Meets Road Trip

If you're a free-spirited roadtripper or just really into podcasts, you might be thinking: "Why not just drive it myself?"

Totally valid. Let’s break it down:

If the driving distance is: 2,700–2,900 miles

Your actual route depends on where in FL and CA you're going (Miami to LA is  around 2,750 miles for example).

Estimated Costs:

Choose Item

Cost Range:$400–$500

Cost Range:$400–$600

Cost Range:$150–$250

Cost Range:$30–$100

Cost Range:~$300 (depreciation + oil/tire usage)

Total Estimated Drive Cost: $1,300–$1,800

If you’re traveling with kids or pets in your car, this means more costs. If you're a solo adventurer with a Costco snack bag and a hammock for camping, you might come in under budget. Sometimes it doesn’t pay to save.

Shipping the Car vs. Driving It: A Quick Comparison

If you are looking to save, driving is usually the way to go, but when you factor in time efficiency, stress, the miles you add to your car and more, you might come to a different conclusion. So if you hate long drives or don’t want to wear down your car, shipping is smarter. But if you're craving a cross-country story for your memoir—or you just want to blast music and see America—hit the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expect 7–10 days for the car to arrive, depending on stops, traffic, and weather. Expedited shipping can reduce this to 5–7 days, but it costs more. You can always ask for a tracker to keep tabs on the whereabouts of your car.

Yes! Reputable car transport companies are insured and experienced. Open carriers are the most common and safe for most cars. Use enclosed carriers if you have a luxury or classic vehicle. This is a common practice and with insurance you have nothing to worry about.

Technically no by law, but some carriers allow up to 100 lbs in the trunk. Always ask ahead of time and don’t assume. If you pack too much, they may charge extra or decline the shipment. Be sure your car is washed and ready to be shipped with all the junk taken out of it.

Brokers give you access to multiple carriers and may offer better flexibility and pricing. Direct carriers can be simpler but may have fewer options. Choose based on availability, reviews, and price transparency. iMoving comes in as the top option time and time again.

Wash it (for inspection photos) is a good place to start, then remove valuables, check your tire pressure, battery, and fluids. Your car mechanic deserves a proper goodbye check up. Take detailed photos before handing it over to the shipping company so that you can claim for damages if needed. Lastly- leave gas tank at ¼ full (less weight = lower cost) but still the company can drive it up and down the trucks. 

Tips for the Florida-to-Cali Road Trip From a Pro Tripper

If you opt for the drive and the scenic route let me tell you, there’s something fun and chaotic about it- here’s how to make it memorable instead of miserable as a fam..

1. Plan your route out ahead of time but don’t overschedule and don’t be down on yourself if you skip stops..

You’ve got a few classic options:

  • Southern Route (I-10): Tallahassee → New Orleans → San Antonio → Tucson → LA Warm, scenic, flat, and full of Waffle Houses. You can find plenty of coffee stops and fun city activities on this route.
  • I-40 Adventure Route: Orlando → Memphis → Amarillo → Flagstaff → SoCal
    More mountains and desert views. Cooler temperatures for hiking and national parks galore.
  • Mix it up: Go southern on the way out, northern on the way back if you are driving both ways for some reason.

Don’t plan every stop- leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best detours happen when you follow a “World’s Largest Something” billboard and end up at the Biggest Telescope in the USA. That's a world class road trip stop..

2. Budget for small surprises.

  • Need a tire fixed in Texas? That’s $90.
  • Want to stay at a Route 66 motel? That’s $90.
  • See a roadside diner selling jerky and weird sodas? You’re buying that for $40.

Give yourself a buffer of $200–$300 for “fun money.”

3. Download those main apps before you go.

  • GasBuddy (cheapest gas nearby)
    Roadtrippers (plan scenic detours and food stops)
  • iExit (tells you what’s coming up on the highway)
  • Waze (live traffic intel + police alerts)
  • Spotify Premium for those tunes!

4. Don’t rush it.

Driving 500–600 miles a day is enough. You’re not hauling cattle- you’re creating a fun memory book with your kids. Stop in New Orleans for beads. Watch the sunset in the Mojave. Camp under stars in Texas. Eat something ridiculous in Arizona. You’ll remember the journey way more than that box of sweaters you stressed over getting there faster.

5. Pack like a minimalist in the car

You’ll want to bring along:

  • Snacks and drinks
  • Portable phone charger + car plug
  • A blanket and pillow (road naps happen)
  • Emergency kit (jumper cables, fix-a-flat, flashlight)

Then, because you’re human:

  • A surprise outfit for Instagram pics by the telescope
  • Sunglasses that don’t hurt your ears
  • A “road trip hat” to block that AZ sun.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Move for You?

Let’s be honest: both options cost about the same when you factor in everything. So your choice really depends on your priorities and if you are rushed to arrive by a certain time.

Want to save time, energy, and avoid racking up miles? Ship your car.

Want to hit the open road and make memories while shouting Swift lyrics with your twins in the middle of nowhere? Drive it yourself. Either way, the journey from Florida to California is a long one- but with the right planning and the best road trip stops, it doesn’t have to be a big headache.

Just remember: whether your car arrives by truck with iMoving or drives across the country with you behind the wheel, it’s about getting to your new adventure in one piece. Safe travels from all of us at iMoving. We are here for you every step of the moving process.

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Author of the article

Rachel Kaplan

Rachel has spent the last few years writing for moving companies while actually moving across the globe. After many years of moving between many states in the US, she moved abroad to try the remote work life. She’s a pro at moving all her things with her dog and hundreds of plants. Thankfully she’s a minimalist so moves aren’t too much of an issue.

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