Cost to ship a car from Miami to McAllen

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,534 miles from Miami to McAllen ranges from $1,343 to $1,918. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in McAllen, TX in 3–9 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 McAllen to Miami car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Miami to McAllen car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the 305 to the City of Palms — approximately 1,534 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 Miami and McAllen can impact car shipping prices.

There are two basic seasons in Miami, a hot and wet season from May through October, and a warm and dry season from November through April. During the hot and wet season, daily thundershowers occur in the humid unstable air masses. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, although hurricanes can develop beyond those dates. Be sure to check your weather app, especially during June through November to avoid hurricanes.

Consider moving to McAllen city on November, March and February. The city has two distinct seasons; a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Miami to McAllen 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 1,534-mile distance between Miami and McAllen 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 Miami to McAllen typically takes between 3 and 9 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Miami to McAllen car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Miami to McAllen:

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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 Miami and McAllen vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Miami: The temporary parking of a Category 2 or Category 3 vehicle in front of the building line, or on a right-of-way, is only permitted for the purpose of loading or unloading materials, or while actively engaged in providing commercial service at the premises.
  • McAllen: Make sure to check with the City of McAllen for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to McAllen.

Car insurance requirements

  • Miami: 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.
  • McAllen: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.

Vehicle inspections

  • Miami: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
  • McAllen: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.

Driver’s license

  • Miami: 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.
  • McAllen: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Miami, FL to McAllen, TX 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 Miami to McAllen will range from $1,343 to $1,918.

How long will it take to ship my car from Miami to McAllen?

It will take approximately 3–9 days to ship your car the 1,534 miles from Miami to McAllen. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Miami to McAllen?

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

Helpful Miami resources