Shipping a Car from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Springfield, IL
Moving a car from Fort Lauderdale to Springfield means about 1,299 miles northwestbound, across six states, from Florida to Illinois. A carrier needs about three days on the road at the usual 500 miles a day, and we estimate 2–4 days in transit once the car is loaded. Fewer trucks run this lane, so give the dispatcher a few days of leeway.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Fort Lauderdale. South Florida port and snowbird destination on I-95/I-595, busy every fall and spring. The main approaches to Fort Lauderdale are I-595 and I-95. The nearest major airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver.
Delivery in Springfield. The main approaches to Springfield are I-55 and I-72. The nearest major airport, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver. Louis.
The Route and Corridor
The direct line between the two cities crosses Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois. Florida: I-95, I-75 and the tolled Florida's Turnpike carry most traffic. Expect hot summers and the occasional ice event around Atlanta in Georgia. Kentucky: I-64, I-65 and I-75 meet around Louisville and Lexington. Metros near that straight-line path include Orlando (FL), Atlanta (GA) and Nashville (TN), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them. Pickup is on Eastern time and delivery on Central time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock. Toll roads in Florida and Illinois are built into carrier pricing.
Timing and Seasonality
Northbound moves out of Fort Lauderdale surge from March to May as seasonal residents head home; request quotes three to four weeks out. Hurricane season (June to November) can pause or reroute trucks along the coast. For a 1,299-mile trip, request quotes about three weeks before pickup. Across Florida expect afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season from June to November; across Illinois, harsh winters and strong winds off the lake.
What Fort Lauderdale to Springfield Costs
A sedan on an open trailer is priced at roughly $780–$1,105 on this haul, or $0.73 for each of the 1,299 miles. SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($875–$1,240); enclosed sedan transport is $1,130–$1,600, roughly 45% more than open. If you can start from Miami (42 mi away) the estimate is $795–$1,125, within a few dollars. A comparable-length trip, Tampa, FL to Buffalo, NY (1,251 mi), is priced at $750–$1,065.
| Service | Car Type | Estimated Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $780–$1,105 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $875–$1,240 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Open | Minivan | $875–$1,240 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,130–$1,600 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Figures assume a standard sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up the evening before the truck reaches Springfield.
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in Fort Lauderdale and again in Springfield, and note anything on the bill of lading.
- Mention port status. If the car arrives from or leaves through a port near Fort Lauderdale, say so when you request quotes.