Cost to ship a car from Port St. Lucie to Lafayette

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 864 miles from Port St. Lucie to Lafayette ranges from $848 to $1,318. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Lafayette, LA in 2–7 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 Lafayette to Port St. Lucie car shipping guide.

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Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.

Factors affecting Port St. Lucie to Lafayette car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Port St. Lucie to Lafayette, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Port St. Lucie to Lafayette, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Port St. Lucie, 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 Lafayette, 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 Port St. Lucie. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Lafayette will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the PSL to the Hub City — approximately 864 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 Port St. Lucie and Lafayette can impact car shipping prices.

Port St. Lucie summers are usually hot, with high temperatures averaging in the low 90s. Winters are usually mild to warm, with average high temperatures in the 70s. Port St. Lucie is also vulnerable to hurricanes.

It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Port St. Lucie to Lafayette 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 864-mile distance between Port St. Lucie and Lafayette 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 Port St. Lucie to Lafayette typically takes between 2 and 7 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Port St. Lucie to Lafayette car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Port St. Lucie to Lafayette:

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Port St. Lucie and Lafayette vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Port St. Lucie: 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.
  • Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.

Car insurance requirements

  • Port St. Lucie: 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.
  • Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.

Vehicle inspections

  • Port St. Lucie: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
  • Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.

Driver’s license

  • Port St. Lucie: 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.
  • Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Port St. Lucie to Lafayette?

The cost to ship a car from Port St. Lucie, FL to Lafayette, LA 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 Port St. Lucie to Lafayette will range from $848 to $1,318.

How long will it take to ship my car from Port St. Lucie to Lafayette?

It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 864 miles from Port St. Lucie to Lafayette. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Port St. Lucie to Lafayette?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Port St. Lucie to Lafayette. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Port St. Lucie resources