Lakeland, FL Car Shipping

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Lakeland, FL Car Shipping
Planning to move your vehicle to or from Lakeland, FL? Car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating across the country or buying a car online, reliable auto transport services make the process simple. This guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping from Lakeland, FL – including costs, timelines, and expert tips to ensure your vehicle arrives safely.
Popular Routes from Lakeland, FL

Key Takeaways From This Article
Lakeland, FL Auto Transport
Car shipping from Lakeland, FL typically costs $475-$1,575 depending on distance, with delivery times ranging from same-day for local Florida moves to 10 days for cross-country shipments.
Our Lakeland and Florida Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing, our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and a customer-first approach that earned us recognition as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Lakeland car shipping, but route popularity, seasonal demand, and vehicle size also significantly impact your final price.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Save money by booking during off-peak times, offering flexible pickup windows, choosing highway-accessible locations, and selecting open transport over enclosed trailers for standard vehicles.
How Car Shipping Works
The most important step is vehicle preparation – remove personal items, clean your car, document existing damage with photos, keep gas at 1/4 tank, and ensure you have working keys available.
State Insights
Florida requires new residents to register vehicles within 30 days, has no emissions testing, but mandates PIP insurance coverage and has strict window tinting laws for front windows.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying

The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 7,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from Lakeland, FL
Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lakeland
to New York City
|
1,127 mi
|
$825–1100
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Los Angeles
|
2,518 mi
|
$1150–1475
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Dallas
|
1,096 mi
|
$875–1025
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Denver
|
1,850 mi
|
$1025–1375
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to San Diego
|
2,441 mi
|
$1150–1375
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Boston
|
1,339 mi
|
$1000–1200
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Michigan City
|
1,164 mi
|
$725–950
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Phoenix
|
2,147 mi
|
$1025–1175
|
3-7 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Seattle
|
3,084 mi
|
$1250–1575
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Vineland
|
1,041 mi
|
$875–1175
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Buffalo
|
1,238 mi
|
$825–1125
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Mount Vernon
|
1,015 mi
|
$775–950
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Detroit
|
1,170 mi
|
$875–1275
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Miami
|
239 mi
|
$475–550
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
Lakeland
to Baltimore
|
940 mi
|
$700–1075
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Factors that Affect Lakeland, FL Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance plays the biggest role in your car shipping cost from Lakeland, FL. Shipping your car across the state to Miami costs much less than sending it to Seattle. Longer trips mean more fuel, driver time, and wear on the carrier truck. For example, shipping from Lakeland to Atlanta might cost $400-600, while shipping to Los Angeles could run $1,200-1,500.
Route
Your shipping route greatly affects pricing. Lakeland sits near major highways like I-4 and I-75, which helps keep costs down for most destinations. Routes that use these busy highways cost less because carriers can easily pick up and drop off multiple cars. If you’re shipping to a small town off the beaten path, expect to pay 10-20% more since carriers have to make special trips.
Season
Timing matters for car shipping costs in Florida. Winter months (December-March) are peak season as snowbirds flock to Florida, driving prices up 15-25%. Summer is typically cheaper, though hurricane season can cause delays. Spring and fall offer the best balance of good weather and lower prices for shipping from Lakeland.
Vehicle Type
Your vehicle size and weight directly impact shipping costs from Lakeland. Standard sedans are cheapest to ship. SUVs, trucks, and large vehicles cost $100-300 more because they’re heavier, take up more trailer space, and are harder to load. Luxury cars, classics, or modified vehicles may need special handling, which increases the price.
Traffic Patterns
Heavy traffic periods affect your shipping timeline and costs. Avoid shipping during major holidays like Thanksgiving week when highways are packed. Spring break season in Florida also creates delays. Plan your Lakeland car shipment during slower periods to avoid traffic-related delays and potential rush fees.
Carrier Availability
Carrier availability in Lakeland varies by season and demand. During peak winter months, you might wait 1-2 weeks for pickup as carriers are booked solid. In slower summer months, carriers are usually available within 3-5 days. Booking early during busy seasons helps secure better rates and faster service.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport is the most popular and affordable option for shipping from Lakeland, costing 30-40% less than enclosed transport. Your car rides on an open trailer like you see on highways. Choose enclosed transport for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. The enclosed trailer protects from weather and road debris but costs significantly more.
Population Density
Lakeland’s moderate size works in your favor for car shipping costs. The city is accessible without the premium prices of dense urban areas like Miami or Tampa. However, if you’re shipping to a major city, consider having your car delivered to a suburb instead of downtown. This can save you $50-150 and avoid tight city streets that large carriers struggle with.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak times to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season when rates spike. Even waiting a few weeks can significantly reduce your shipping costs to Lakeland.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offer flexible pickup and delivery windows to lower costs. Choosing a five-day window instead of exact dates gives carriers more scheduling options, resulting in better rates for you.
Hub City Advantages
Pick locations near major highways in Lakeland for better rates. Highway-accessible spots attract more carriers, creating competition that drives prices down compared to remote rural pickup locations.
Open Trailers
Choose open trailers over enclosed ones to save money. Open transport works great for most vehicles. Only use enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Lakeland, FL Work?

Car shipping from Lakeland, FL is a straightforward process that typically takes 2-6 days depending on your destination. The average shipping distance from Lakeland is 1,781 miles, with costs ranging from $725-$1575. Auto transport begins when you request a quote and book your shipment. A carrier will then be assigned to pick up your vehicle from Lakeland at a convenient location, whether that’s your home, office, or a nearby meeting point.
Lakeland’s central Florida location offers excellent access to major highways like I-4 and US-98, making it easy for carriers to reach the city efficiently. This strategic position often results in competitive pricing and flexible scheduling options. The car shipping process involves vehicle inspection, secure loading onto the transport truck, and regular updates during transit. Upon arrival at your destination, another inspection ensures your vehicle arrived safely. Most auto transport companies in Lakeland offer both open and enclosed carrier options to meet different budget and protection needs.
Lakeland, FL Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

When planning car shipping to or from Lakeland, FL, understanding Florida’s unique vehicle requirements is essential. New residents have 30 days to register their vehicles and obtain a Florida driver’s license after establishing residency [FLHSMV]. Florida requires no annual vehicle inspections or emissions testing, making auto transport transitions smoother than many states. However, the state has strict window tinting laws – front side windows must allow at least 28% light transmission, while rear windows can be darker [FLHSMV].
Florida’s insurance requirements differ significantly from northern states. Drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability coverage, but bodily injury liability isn’t mandatory unless you’ve had certain violations [FLOIR]. When shipping vehicles to Lakeland, FL, consider the climate impact. Florida’s intense sun and humidity can damage interiors and paint, so UV protection becomes crucial. Unlike colder climates, winter tires and snow equipment are unnecessary. Instead, focus on cooling system maintenance and tire pressure monitoring due to heat expansion. The state’s flat terrain means no special modifications for altitude or steep grades are needed for most vehicles during auto transport to Lakeland.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Lakeland, Florida that we Serve
Lakeland Auto Transport Service Areas & Zip Codes
Downtown Lakeland: 33801, 33802, 33803, 33805
North Lakeland: 33809, 33810, 33813
South Lakeland: 33803, 33805, 33815
East Lakeland: 33801, 33803, 33811
West Lakeland: 33805, 33809, 33815
Lakeland Highlands: 33813, 33815
Medulla: 33811
Kathleen: 33809
Combee Settlement: 33801
Grasslands: 33803
We serves the entire Lakeland region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Lakeland, FL
Students planning car shipping to Lakeland, FL should understand parking requirements at local universities. At Florida Polytechnic University, students must register vehicles and purchase parking permits through the campus portal, with residential students receiving priority parking near dormitories [Florida Polytechnic University]. Southeastern University requires all on-campus residents to obtain parking decals, though many apartment-style housing units include designated parking spaces [Southeastern University].
Before using car shipping services to transport your vehicle, verify your auto insurance coverage extends to Florida and confirm roadside assistance remains valid in your new location [Florida DMV]. Students should also consider Florida’s year-round driving conditions – no snow tires needed, but summer heat can affect tire pressure and battery life. Most universities allow vehicle storage during winter break, though some charge additional fees for extended parking periods.
Lakeland, FL Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Lakeland, FL is simple when you follow these key steps. First, remove all personal items from inside your car, including toll passes, GPS devices, and any fragile items that could be damaged during transit. Next, secure or remove exterior accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antenna toppers that might come loose on the road.
Make sure your vehicle is clean and well-documented – wash your car and take photos of any existing damage before pickup. Check that your gas tank is no more than 1/4 full to reduce weight and meet safety requirements. Finally, ensure you have a working key available for the carrier and that your car is in running condition with proper tire pressure.
For a complete preparation checklist and additional tips, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure your vehicle ships safely from Lakeland to its destination.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Lakeland, FL. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry minimum insurance coverage of $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 in cargo protection.
Before your Lakeland car shipment begins, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is current and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
This means your vehicle is covered from pickup in Lakeland through delivery at your destination. You can ship with confidence knowing professional insurance protection backs your transport.
We recommend booking your car shipping service from Lakeland, FL at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, scheduling even earlier gives you the best results.
Here’s why advance booking helps:
- Better pricing: Carriers can group your vehicle with others heading to the same area
- More flexibility: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
- Less stress: Avoid last-minute rushing and higher costs
If you need expedited shipping, we can often arrange pickup within 2-3 days. But expect to pay premium rates for rush service.
Peak season tip: During busy times (summer months and holidays), book 3-4 weeks ahead. More people move during these periods, so carriers fill up faster.
Ready to ship from Lakeland? The sooner you book, the smoother your car shipping experience will be.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.
Open auto transport is the most common and budget-friendly option where your car is loaded onto an open trailer alongside other vehicles. Your car is exposed to weather and road debris, but it’s perfectly safe for most everyday vehicles.
Enclosed auto transport protects your car inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road debris. This option costs about 50% more than open transport but is worth it for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.
For most Lakeland residents shipping standard vehicles, open transport works great and saves money. Choose enclosed transport if you’re moving a high-value car that needs extra protection. See our complete open vs enclosed auto transport guide for more details on which option fits your needs and budget.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door service for Lakeland, FL residents. This means we pick up your car from your home or office and deliver it directly to your new address.
When you book with us, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will come to you in Lakeland and handle everything. No need to drive to a terminal or meet at a far-off location.
Sometimes, large trucks can’t reach certain areas due to narrow streets, low bridges, or HOA rules. If this happens in your Lakeland neighborhood, don’t worry. We’ll arrange a safe, nearby spot like a shopping center or gas station. This is rare, but we always work with you to find the best solution.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. It’s included in most of our shipping options at no extra cost.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!