Cost to ship a car from New Orleans to Tampa
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 658 miles from New Orleans to Tampa ranges from $903 to $1,298. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Tampa, FL in 1–6 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 Tampa to New Orleans car shipping guide .
Factors affecting car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from New Orleans to Tampa, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from New Orleans to Tampa, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving New Orleans, 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 Tampa, 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 New Orleans. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Tampa will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Crescent City to the Big Guava — approximately 658 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 New Orleans and Tampa can impact car shipping prices.
New Orleans has short, generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. The summer months are the wettest, while October is the driest month. Hurricanes pose a severe threat to the area, and the city is particularly at risk because of its low elevation, because it is surrounded by water from the north, east, and south and because of Louisiana's sinking coast.
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.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from New Orleans to Tampa 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 658-mile distance between New Orleans and Tampa 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 New Orleans to Tampa typically takes between 1 and 6 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
New Orleans to Tampa car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from New Orleans to Tampa:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
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Comparing New Orleans and Tampa vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- New Orleans: To ensure public safety, an Oversized Load permit is required for vehicles whose dimensions are larger than legally permissible by the Code of City of New Orleans Sections 154-1521 through 154-1525 and 154-1561. The permit may be granted for a singular trip or annually depending on the needs of the operator. $40 application fee $10 for singular trip (issued for specific vehicle, route, and date) $125 for annual permit (issued for specific vehicle and all city truck routes)
- 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.
Car insurance requirements
- New Orleans: 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.
- 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.
Vehicle inspections
- New Orleans: 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.
- Tampa: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
Driver’s license
- New Orleans: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
- 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from New Orleans to Tampa?
The cost to ship a car from New Orleans, LA to Tampa, FL 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 New Orleans to Tampa will range from $903 to $1,298.
How long will it take to ship my car?
It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 658 miles from New Orleans to Tampa. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from New Orleans to Tampa. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
