Cost to ship a car from St. Petersburg to Columbus
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 424 miles from St. Petersburg to Columbus ranges from $594 to $846. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Columbus, GA in 1–4 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 Columbus to St. Petersburg car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting St. Petersburg to Columbus car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from St. Petersburg to Columbus, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from St. Petersburg to Columbus, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving St. Petersburg, 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 Columbus, 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 St. Petersburg. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Columbus will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Always in Season to the Lowell of the South[ — approximately 424 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 St. Petersburg and Columbus can impact car shipping prices.
St. Petersburg has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from St. Petersburg to Columbus 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 424-mile distance between St. Petersburg and Columbus 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 St. Petersburg to Columbus typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
St. Petersburg to Columbus car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from St. Petersburg to Columbus:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing St. Petersburg and Columbus vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- St. Petersburg: Effective October 29, 2021, carriers may purchase Florida trip permits online through the FLHSMV Commercial Vehicle Permit Portal. A Florida Temporary Trip Permit is valid for ten (10) days and costs $30.00. Carriers may also contact the Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services at (850) 617-3711 weekdays from 8-4:30 to obtain a trip permit.
- Columbus: There is some free street parking in Columbus. Some street cost between $1-$2 an hour.
Car insurance requirements
- St. Petersburg: 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.
- Columbus: Georgia mandates drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is also obligatory, with a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, including deductible options.
Vehicle inspections
- St. Petersburg: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- Columbus: New residents in Georgia must register their vehicles with the County Tag Office where they reside. To do so, they must first have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID, which can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. New residents may need to appear in person at the County Tag Office, although rules vary.
Driver’s license
- St. Petersburg: 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.
- Columbus: New Georgia residents must obtain a Georgia Driver's License within 30 days and can do so by visiting a Customer Service Center and transferring their out-of-state license.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from St. Petersburg to Columbus?
The cost to ship a car from St. Petersburg, FL to Columbus, GA 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 St. Petersburg to Columbus will range from $594 to $846.
How long will it take to ship my car from St. Petersburg to Columbus?
It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 424 miles from St. Petersburg to Columbus. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from St. Petersburg to Columbus?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from St. Petersburg to Columbus. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
