A Complete Guide to Shipping Your Car To and From Miami

Brantley Kendall

19 Apr 2022 2 years ago


Miami is a big city in the state of Florida. It is known as the Magic City because it grew so fast in the early 20th century. Today, Miami is one of the most popular cities in America, especially among tourists. Miami has a beautiful tropical climate and attracts many visitors every year, with its beaches, museums, art galleries, and great food.

Not to mention, Miami is an attractive place to live and work. If you’re moving to or from the Miami area, one of your primary concerns will be how to transport your car. Luckily, several companies specialize in car transport in Miami, and it doesn’t have to be an overly expensive or stressful process.

This article will look at what it’s like to ship a car to or from Miami, how much to transport a car to Miami, and more. Here is what you need to know when shipping a vehicle to or from Miami.

Five different ways to ship a car to or from Miami

There are many ways to ship a vehicle to or from Miami, but not all the options suit everyone. Here are five different methods of transporting your vehicle. Each comes with its set of advantages and disadvantages:

Drive Yourself 

 If you have a lot of time on your hand, you can save some money by driving your car to or from Miami yourself. While this may seem like the most cost-effective way to move your vehicle, it is crucial to consider that long driving distances can be very tiring. In addition to the wear and tear on your car, you will also have to pay for gas, food, and lodging. Getting new license plates and auto insurance is also a matter if you are moving from one state to another. Driving yourself may not be worth the trouble and cost.

Drive yourself

Hire someone to drive it For You

You can also hire someone else to transport my car from Miami if you don’t want to do it yourself or don’t have the time. Of course, engaging someone requires trust because they will have access to your car and its contents while driving it wherever it needs to go. However, this method can save time and money because you won’t have excessively high mileage on your vehicle when it arrives at its destination. But it does come with additional costs like paying for the insurance and the time it may take to find someone reliable.

Ship via Train

You can ship your car via train, which is usually cheaper than shipping via an auto Transport Company. However, it is also more time-consuming and less reliable. Train companies typically have a set schedule that they follow, so it may be challenging to find a train company that will meet your needs for shipping dates. If you choose this method, you also risk damaging your car during transportation. Even though you can get insurance for it, there’s no way to prevent damage that may occur during the trip.

Ship via Air Cargo

If you need to transport my car from Miami quickly or have time-sensitive cargo, then shipping via air cargo is probably your best bet. It is by far the fastest method of automobile transportation, and it will ensure that your shipment arrives promptly. The major downside to air cargo is that it is also the most expensive option.

Hire an Auto Transport Company

Hiring an auto transport company is probably the easiest and most reliable way to ship your car. The company will take care of the entire process for you, including pickup and delivery.

Auto transport companies provide different services for different prices. Some offer door-to-door shipping, which can be very convenient for you but will likely cost more than terminal-to-terminal service. You’ll need to pick up your car at a loading facility near you and drop it off at a loading facility in Miami or near your destination city.

Some companies specialize in certain types of car transport in Miami, such as luxury vehicles or exotic cars that require extra care during transportation. If you own one of those vehicles and want to ensure that it’s handled correctly, you should choose a company specializing in the type of vehicle you have.

The transport companies have years of experience in transporting cars safely and securely. They have trained professionals who care for your vehicle and ensure you receive your car in pristine condition. Shipping companies also offer insurance for your car which means you will get compensation if anything happens to your car during transit. Although hiring a transport company can be more costly than other options, it will offer peace of mind, and you don’t need to worry about the safety of your car.

Want to know how much it costs to ship a car with SAKAEM?

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Different Types of Car Shipping Services to or From Miami

Many car shipping services offer a variety of prices and options. From open carriers to enclosed carriers, there is a service for everyone. Each of them comes with its pros and cons. Here’s how.

Open Carrier Auto Transport 

The most common and inexpensive method of auto transport, open car shipping, is a good choice if you’re looking to ship your vehicle to or from Miami on a budget. As the name suggests, open car shipping does not involve putting your car in an enclosed trailer for transportation, and the vehicle is loaded onto the back of an open-air trailer and secured for transport. This is the most common form of vehicle shipping due to the lower costs. Open carriers can move up to 10 vehicles at a time, and it is the more cost-effective option for both the shipper and the carrier.

Enclosed Carrier Transport

 Suppose you have a particularly rare or expensive automobile that’s been fine-tuned over the years (We’re talking about you, vintage Porsche enthusiasts!). In that case, you may want to consider enclosed auto transport. An enclosed car shipping service is safer than an open auto transport service, and the covering over the carrier’s top protects your vehicle from scratches and dents during transportation. Enclosed car shipping service costs higher than open auto transport service because of the extra safety measures provided by this auto shipping service.

enclosed car shipping

How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Miami?

Many different factors come into play to determine the cost to transport the car to Miami and vice-versa. But five elements have the most influence on how much a customer will pay, and let’s take a look at them.

Distance 

The origin and destination determine the distance. The longer the distance, the higher the cost, so if you’re going to ship your car from Miami to Portland, Oregon, for example, it will naturally be more expensive than if you were shipping it within Florida.

Shipping type 

Enclosed trailers are more secure than open ones and protect cars from road debris, weather damage, and theft. Due to the extra protection, enclosed trailers generally cost more than their open counterparts.

Vehicle type 

 Larger vehicles such as trucks, box trucks, SUVs, and vans require larger shipping containers or lowboy trailers to handle greater vehicle weight and volume. These vehicles usually come with a premium price tag for transportation instead of cars like sedans or hatchbacks that can easily fit in smaller containers.

Seasonality

Peak season is when rates are high because demand is high as well. An example of peak season is the summer holidays. Thus, you can expect to pay a little more for transporting a car from Miami during peak times. However, you can save on this as long as you shop around and compare quotes from different providers.

Want to know how much it costs to ship a car with SAKAEM?

Get an Instant Quote online or call us at (888)725-0005 for a personalized quote.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to and from Miami?

Here are some key things that determine the length of time it will take for vehicle transport companies to ship your car:

The length of the Route

The Route between your current city and your new city can decide the time it takes to ship a car. Suppose you are moving across town or the state. It may only take a couple of days for the company to pick up and reach its destination, but if you are moving across the country or even internationally, then it could take anywhere from several days or weeks.

Time of Year

Car transport companies are typically busiest during the summer months and holidays, so if you plan to move during those times, you should book shipments as far in advance. Many transport companies book up at least one month in advance during these busy seasons. If you need your vehicle transported during a peak season and have already booked with a company, don’t panic if they tell you that your delivery date may get delayed by a few days due to the high volume of bookings. This is normal and part of the business!  

Weather Conditions

This is a significant determinant of the time it takes for cars to be shipped from Miami. The thing about weather conditions is that they tend to be unpredictable, and this is why shipping companies cannot predict with certainty how long it will take for them to ship your car. Your vehicle could be ready for shipment, but there are no-go areas due to storms and other extreme weather conditions. So, keep the weather in mind when looking for a company to transport my car from Miami and vice-versa.

Type of Carrier

Drivers typically transport multiple vehicles at one time and larger cars may require more loading and unloading time than smaller cars. Therefore, if you have a large SUV or other larger vehicle, you should plan for additional time for vehicle transportation.

How Does the Process of Shipping a Car to and from Miami work?

The process to ship your car to and from Miami is simple, and you only need to know about the proper steps for a hassle-free experience.

Shipping cars

Ask For a Quote And Book Online

 To get started with car transport in Miami, you need to ask for quotes from different companies and then compare to pick the right one. You can generate quotes using the online quote form available on the site of auto transport companies; alternatively, you can directly call their customer support team. One of the experts will reach out to you shortly with an estimate and help you schedule a pickup date.

Prepare the Vehicle

Before you can ship your vehicle, you will need to remove all personal items, valuables, and important documents from the car. Leave a quarter tank of fuel in your fuel tank so that it doesn’t get too heavy or too light during transport.

Vehicle Pickup

The carrier will pick up your vehicle at the agreed-upon location on the scheduled date and time. If you are not present at the location when the carrier arrives, you will have to arrange a way for your vehicle to be picked up.

Vehicle Delivery

The car shipping company will deliver the vehicle to its destination within the stipulated time unless any delay occurs due to bad weather, road conditions, or anything else. They will notify you immediately if this happens.

Want to know how much it costs to ship a car with SAKAEM?

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Documents Required For Shipping a Car to and From Miami

Following is a short list of the most commonly needed documents when shipping a car to or from Las Vegas:

  • Current Registration
  • Valid Photo ID
  • Title of the Vehicle
  • Bill of Sale (only if recent purchase)
  • Copy of Insurance Policy
  • Auto transport service contract

How to Find the Best Auto Transport Company to Ship Your Car?

Transporting a car from Miami (and vice versa) is a serious affair. When looking for an auto transport company to ship your vehicle, there are certain factors you should consider. Below are tips that will help you find the best auto transporter to ship your car.

Consider Your Budget

If you have a limited budget, then it may be better for you to choose an auto transport company that offers services at an affordable price rather than one that offers expensive packages. On the other hand, if money is not an issue for you, then choose a company that provides premium services.

Get Quotes from Multiple Auto Transport Companies

Get quotes from multiple auto transport companies if you want the best deal. There are many auto transport companies in the United States, so you should have no problem finding five or more companies that can ship your car.

Get Recommendations

Ask friends and family members who have recently shipped their vehicles. If they had a good experience in service quality and pricing, they would surely recommend the same company to you. If not, they may be able to tell you about other good companies that can ship your car.

Verify Insurance Coverage

Verify that the auto transport company has insurance coverage for vehicle damage during transit. Also, verify that the company has sufficient insurance coverage for the vehicle’s value being transported.  

Want to know how much it costs to ship a car with SAKAEM?

Get an Instant Quote online or call us at (888)725-0005 for a personalized quote.

FAQs Regarding Shipping a Car to and from Miami 

How Much To Transport A Vehicle To and From Miami?

How much to transport a car to Miami will vary depending on the weight, size of your vehicle, and the shipping service you choose. You can find your estimated cost by entering your zip code or using the quote request form.

How do I schedule a pickup of my vehicle?

Enter your vehicle’s year, add the zip code of your current location, and select the make and model of your new car. The companies will match you with carriers that meet your specific needs for pickup and delivery, and they can provide quotes from multiple carriers within seconds.

How do I know that my car will arrive safely at its destination in Florida?

The likelihood of damage to your car during shipping is extremely low. The reliable shipping companies have a near-perfect safety record, and they work hard to keep it that way. Every time they ship a vehicle, they secure it on the truck using specially designed, entirely enclosed carriers. Plus, you can always track your shipment through the unique number provided by the company.

Where can I find any required paperwork or necessary instructions?

The auto shipping company will email all necessary paperwork before transporting a car from Miami, including information on declaring a value for your vehicle. In case of any confusion, you can always reach customer support specialists.

What’s better for shipping a car, enclosed or open transport?

Enclosed auto transporters are more expensive but offer better protection against the elements. Open transporters are cheaper but may expose your car to inclement weather. Choose enclosed shipping in the case of high-end vehicles.

Will my vehicle be insured during transport?

The auto transporter will provide insurance for the duration of the auto transport service. From loading to transit and other critical points of the transport process, they cover your vehicle by a liability policy provided by Auto Transport Services (ATS).

Do I Have to Be Present at the Time of Delivery of my car?

No, you do not have to be present at delivery time. Alternatively, you can designate a representative to pick up your vehicle at the dealership. Please note that the selected individual must present their Driver’s License and a copy of your purchase agreement or offer, along with the color desired for your new car.

Want to know how much it costs to ship a car with SAKAEM?

Get an Instant Quote online or call us at (888)725-0005 for a personalized quote.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Miami

 Moving to Miami can be a great experience, or it can be disastrous, depending on many factors. Here are some of the things you might want to consider when moving to Miami:

Pros:

  • The weather is fantastic!
  • Amazing beaches, nightlife, food, and culture
  • Miami is an international city with a large Latin influence (lots of parties)
  • You can’t forget the delicious food served here

Cons:

  • Tough job market (very competitive)
  • High cost of living (especially housing)
  • Traffic is awful
  • Crime is a problem

Want to know how much it costs to ship a car with SAKAEM?

Get an Instant Quote online or call us at (888)725-0005 for a personalized quote.

Brantley Kendall