Cost to ship a car from Tampa to Wilmington
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,010 miles from Tampa to Wilmington ranges from $922 to $1,430. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Wilmington, DE in 2–8 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wilmington to Tampa car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Tampa to Wilmington car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Tampa to Wilmington, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Tampa to Wilmington, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Tampa, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Wilmington, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Tampa. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Wilmington will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Big Guava to the Chemical Capital of the World — approximately 1,010 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.
Time of the year
The season and weather in both Tampa and Wilmington can impact car shipping prices.
Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.
Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Tampa to Wilmington during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,010-mile distance between Tampa and Wilmington and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Tampa to Wilmington typically takes between 2 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Tampa to Wilmington car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Tampa to Wilmington:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Tampa and Wilmington vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Tampa: Permits are only valid at on-street, unrestricted parking spaces (not to exceed four hours). Not valid at Load/Unload, Freight Zone, No-Park or Handicapped spaces. The vehicle tag number will serve as your permit credential. Permits issued to Federal, State, County and City vehicles may be valid for up to one (1) calendar year at a cost of $156.00 per permit. Permits issued to public utility companies will be valid for a maximum of six (6) months at a cost of $117.00 per permit.
- Wilmington: Meters accept nickels, dimes, and quarters. Parking rates are posted on each meter. You may purchase 15 minutes of parking for a quarter, 6 minutes of parking for a dime, and 3 minutes of parking for a nickel. You may park at a meter for up to two hours.
Car insurance requirements
- Tampa: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
- Wilmington: Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Tampa: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- Wilmington: In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
Driver’s license
- Tampa: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
- Wilmington: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Tampa to Wilmington?
The cost to ship a car from Tampa, FL to Wilmington, DE varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Tampa to Wilmington will range from $922 to $1,430.
How long will it take to ship my car from Tampa to Wilmington?
It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,010 miles from Tampa to Wilmington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tampa to Wilmington?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tampa to Wilmington. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
