Shipping a Car from Philadelphia, PA to Tampa, FL
A 1,104-mile trip southwestbound, across nine states, from Pennsylvania to Florida: that is Philadelphia to Tampa. A carrier needs about three days on the road at the usual 500 miles a day, and we estimate 2–3 days in transit once the car is loaded. Demand is moderate, so pickup windows are usually easy to fill.
What Philadelphia to Tampa Costs
Over 1,104 miles, an open-trailer sedan runs $660–$940 ($0.72 per mile). For a larger vehicle plan on $740–$1,055, and for enclosed carriage of a sedan plan on $955–$1,365 (about 45% above open). Going the other way, Tampa, FL to Philadelphia, PA is estimated at $670–$945. Delivery to Orlando, 86 miles from Tampa, would be $615–$875. For scale, Houston, TX to Charleston, SC is a similar 1,111-mile move at $665–$945.
| Trailer | Car Type | Typical Price | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $660–$940 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $740–$1,055 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $740–$1,055 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $955–$1,365 | Luxury, classic and low-clearance cars |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
Timing and Seasonality
Southbound traffic into Tampa peaks from October to December, so book earlier in the fall and expect firmer prices. From June to November, tropical weather can force carriers to reroute near the coast, so leave a few spare days. Three weeks of lead time works well for 1,104 miles. Across Pennsylvania expect snow on the Allegheny mountain grades; across Florida, afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season from June to November.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. In Georgia, I-75, I-85 and I-20 converge on Atlanta, where traffic is heavy. In Florida, I-95, I-75 and the tolled Florida's Turnpike carry most traffic. In Pennsylvania, the tolled Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and I-80 cross long hilly stretches. Metros near that straight-line path include Richmond (VA), Raleigh (NC) and Charleston (SC), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them. Toll roads in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware are built into carrier pricing.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Philadelphia. The main approaches to Philadelphia are I-676, I-76 and I-95. Drivers often use the Philadelphia International Airport area as a staging reference. Philadelphia has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time. Expect to meet the driver at an open lot because of street and tunnel limits.
Delivery in Tampa. Gulf Coast snowbird and port city on I-4/I-275 with hurricane-season exposure. The nearest major airport, Tampa International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver. Tampa has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Mention port status. If the car arrives from or leaves through a port near Philadelphia, say so when you request quotes.
- Vet the carrier. Check the MC number on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and get insurance terms in writing before paying a deposit.
- Compare nearby pickup points. Moving the handoff a short drive from Philadelphia can change the price on a 1,104-mile lane.