Skip to main content

Auto Transport Prices To Fort Lauderdale, FL in Late January 2025

Auto Transport Prices To Fort Lauderdale, FL in Late January 2025
dawn photo of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida auto transport prices

Auto Transport Prices To Fort Lauderdale, FL in Late January 2025

Updated: January 22, 2025
Written by: Mike Rupers

Wrapping up our tracking of Snowbird auto transport shipments to Florida in January 2025, our study demonstrates that by the end of the month, the number of vehicles available to ship on any given day decreased by 75% to 90% in the three largest car shipping markets.

We documented single vehicles available to ship in running condition, listed as preferring OPEN Car Transport.

The number started out in early January at around 5,000 vehicles available to ship daily. It stayed relatively high through late January at 4,500 vehicles. We suspect partly due to severe winter storms, such as Blair, everywhere east of the Rockies. By the end of January, that number had plummeted nationwide to 1,300 vehicles.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Auto transport prices to Fort Lauderdale, FL plummet in late January
  • The states west of the Mississippi River hardly participate in the winter snowbird season migration to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Snowbird vehicle shipping orders to Florida drop 75% to 90% from early January to late January in three key markets
  • The over-whelming majority of Snowbird Orders to Fort Lauderdale, FL originate from New England, the North East, and Midwest
  • As always, the highest paying auto transport orders to Fort Lauderdale, FL ship first
  • Cheap car shipping quotes only begin working to Fort Lauderdale, FL in late January

Our Study: Most Snowbird vehicle shipments originate in three key regions

Any customer who booked his shipment to Florida at the cheapest auto shipping price possible, likely waited until the end of January for that quote to come true. Most people come to the realization long before the end of January, that snowbird car shipping season is one of those times where it is best to book at a higher expedited or rush rate. Adding money to the vehicle shipment order saves lots of aggravation, and maybe money too. Rental cars are expensive. The Uber rides add up as well.

Rule #1 – the highest paying vehicles on the board, comparing apples to apples, always ship first. And it does not matter how long a vehicle order has been waiting.

A fresh car shipping order entered today to Fort Lauderdale, FL, paying a higher carrier fee than one entered weeks ago, will land a spot on an auto transport trailer first. The vehicle shipping industry is not first come – first served. And it does not matter how long a vehicle order has been waiting.

The lion’s share of the car shipping market is mainly concentrated in three regions. All of them cold weather winter states. So we narrow our final discussion about Snowbird auto transport to: New England, the Eastern Seaboard, and the Midwest.

Here’s our report of single vehicles available to ship in running condition, listed as preferring OPEN Car Transport, in the three largest markets on any given day:

Three Most Popular Snowbird Routes To Florida

Early January Vehicles Available To Ship

Late January Vehicles Available To Ship

Late January Vehicles Available To Ship

Comments About January

2025 Snowbird Shipments

New England (MA, RI, NH, ME, VT) to Florida

845

541

104

In the span of just three weeks in January 2025, the number of vehicles available to ship from New England to Florida steadily decreased by 88%

Eastern States (NY, NJ, PA, MD, CT, DE) to Florida

1,125

985

301

In the span of just three weeks in January 2025, the number of vehicles available to ship from the Eastern Seaboard to Florida steadily decreased by 74%

Midwest States (IL, MI, OH, IN, WI, IA, MO) to Florida

1,203

975

187

In the span of just three weeks in January 2025, the number of vehicles available to ship from the Midwest States to Florida steadily decreased by 84%

Customers should keep in mind that whether they know it or not, they are competing with other customers for car transport space. Securing a spot is the hard part. Once done, shipping is actually easier by comparison. To get a spot, your chances improve by the higher carrier fee you pay.

The above car shipping table to Florida from the three busiest regions, shows intense competition in early and late January. The competition only begins to wane by the end of January. And drops 75% to 90%.

Car shipping quotes also go down, though not as dramatically as you might suppose.

Fort Lauderdale is a popular destination for car transport companies in the winter. So are the surrounding communities such as Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Dania Beach, and more.


Auto Transport Prices Calculator To Fort Lauderdale, FL During Snowbird Season in late January 2025

Direct Express Auto Transport, with over 20 years of experience in calculating auto transport prices to Fort Lauderdale, FL, provides the following late January 2025 market pricing guide to help you make the best decision on when to ship your car.

In late January 2025, auto transport prices to Fort Lauderdale, FL fell significantly in the three major regions of New England, Eastern Seaboard, and Midwest. Snowbird season car shipping orders plummet in late January.

In most of the other regions, basically west of the Mississippi River, auto transport orders remain relatively stable to Fort Lauderdale, FL. Those regions barely participate in Snowbird vehicle shipments to Florida. They hardly go up, nor down.

Scroll down to see auto transport prices in your region to Fort Lauderdale, FL during the late January 2025 snowbird season. We include the average temperatures in late January for each starting city.

Use the Direct Express Auto Transport car shipping costs calculator for a precise quote for your vehicle shipment order.


Car Shipping Rates To Fort Lauderdale, FL From New England Cities in late January 2025

The New England states experienced an 88% drop in Snowbird auto transport shipments to Florida in late January 2025. Auto transport prices fall significantly.

Here are the late January 2025 market auto transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with average late January temperatures in each starting city: 

Auto transport prices are based on a regular-size sedan, in running condition, shipping OPEN transport.

Auto Transport Quote:

  • Boston, MA to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Car Shipping Cost: $806
    • Driving Distance: 1300 miles
  • Manchester, NH to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Vehicle Shipping Rate: $775
    • Driving Distance: 1250 miles
  • Providence, RI to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Car Transport Price: $744
    • Driving Distance: 1200 miles
  • Portland, ME to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Auto Shipping Quote: $794
    • Driving Distance: 1280 miles
  • Hartford, CT to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Vehicle Transport Cost: $713
    • Driving Distance: 1150 miles

Best Trucking Routes:

  • Boston, MA:
    Take I-95 S directly through New England, continuing through New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and then use I-295 S into Fort Lauderdale.
  • Manchester, NH:
    Use I-95 S from Manchester through Massachusetts, continuing along I-95 S through Rhode Island, New York, and Delaware, before entering Florida via I-295 S.
  • Providence, RI:
    Travel south on I-95 S through Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Delaware, then take I-295 S into Fort Lauderdale.
  • Portland, ME:
    Follow I-95 S through Maine and New Hampshire, entering Florida via I-295 S and continuing on I-75 S into Fort Lauderdale.
  • Hartford, CT:
    Take I-95 S from Hartford, continuing through New York and Delaware, before arriving in Fort Lauderdale via I-295 S.

Average Fahrenheit Temperatures in Late January:

  • Boston, MA: Highs around 39°F, lows around 25°F.
  • Manchester, NH: Highs around 37°F, lows around 22°F.
  • Providence, RI: Highs around 40°F, lows around 26°F.
  • Portland, ME: Highs around 37°F, lows around 22°F.
  • Hartford, CT: Highs around 40°F, lows around 26°F.

Your car is likely to be on a vehicle transport trailer to Fort Lauderdale, FL for a minimum of three days, and more likely four or five days.


Auto Transport Quotes To Fort Lauderdale, FL From Eastern Seaboard Cities in late January 2025

The Eastern Seaboard states experienced a 74% drop in Snowbird auto transport shipments to Florida in late January 2025. Vehicle shipping costs also decreased dramatically.

Here are the late January 2025 market auto transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with average late January temperatures in each starting city:

Auto transport prices are based on a regular-size sedan, in running condition, shipping OPEN transport.

Auto Transport Quote:

  • NYC, NY to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Car Shipping Cost: $800
    • Driving Distance: 1250 miles
  • Medford, NY to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Vehicle Shipping Rate: $794
    • Driving Distance: 1240 miles
  • Trenton, NJ to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Car Transport Price: $755
    • Driving Distance: 1180 miles
  • Pittsburgh, PA to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Auto Shipping Quote: $582
    • Driving Distance: 910 miles
  • Philadelphia, PA to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Vehicle Transport Cost: $602
    • Driving Distance: 940 miles
  • Baltimore, MD to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Car Shipping Quote: $576
    • Driving Distance: 900 miles
  • Wilmington, DE to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Auto Transport Cost: $576
    • Driving Distance: 900 miles
  • Washington, DC to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Vehicle Shipping Price: $608
    • Driving Distance: 950 miles
  • Alexandria, VA to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Auto Shipping Cost: $602
    • Driving Distance: 940 miles

Best Trucking Routes:

  • NYC, NY:
    Take I-95 S through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, continuing south via I-295 S to Fort Lauderdale.
  • Medford, NY:
    Take I-95 S through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, then I-295 S into Fort Lauderdale.
  • Trenton, NJ:
    Travel south on I-95 S to I-295 S, leading directly to Fort Lauderdale.
  • Pittsburgh, PA:
    Take I-76 E, then merge onto I-95 S to I-295 S toward Fort Lauderdale.
  • Philadelphia, PA:
    Head south on I-95 S, then merge onto I-295 S, and continue to Fort Lauderdale.
  • Baltimore, MD:
    Take I-95 S, then merge onto I-295 S toward Jacksonville and follow the route to Fort Lauderdale.
  • Wilmington, DE:
    Take I-95 S, then merge onto I-295 S, heading south into Fort Lauderdale.
  • Washington, DC:
    Follow I-95 S from Washington, D.C., merging into I-295 S to reach Fort Lauderdale.
  • Alexandria, VA:
    Take I-95 S, continuing into I-295 S, then head directly to Fort Lauderdale.

Average Fahrenheit Temperatures in Late January:

  • NYC, NY: Highs around 39°F, lows around 25°F.
  • Medford, NY: Highs around 37°F, lows around 22°F.
  • Trenton, NJ: Highs around 38°F, lows around 24°F.
  • Pittsburgh, PA: Highs around 34°F, lows around 19°F.
  • Philadelphia, PA: Highs around 40°F, lows around 26°F.
  • Baltimore, MD: Highs around 42°F, lows around 27°F.
  • Wilmington, DE: Highs around 40°F, lows around 26°F.
  • Washington, DC: Highs around 42°F, lows around 27°F.
  • Alexandria, VA: Highs around 42°F, lows around 27°F.

Your car is likely to be on a vehicle transport trailer to Fort Lauderdale, FL for a minimum of two days, and more likely three or four days.


Vehicle Shipping Quotes To Fort Lauderdale, FL From Midwest Cities in late January 2025

The Midwest states spiraled downward 84% in Snowbird auto transport shipments to Florida from early to late January 2025. Auto transport prices dropped as well.

Here are the late January 2025 market auto transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with average late January temperatures in each starting city: 

Auto transport prices are based on a regular-size sedan, in running condition, shipping OPEN transport.

Car Shipping Cost:

  • Chicago, IL to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Car Transport Price: $819
    • Driving Distance: 1260 miles
  • Milwaukee, WI to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Vehicle Shipping Rate: $806
    • Driving Distance: 1240 miles
  • Detroit, MI to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Auto Shipping Quote: $748
    • Driving Distance: 1150 miles
  • Cleveland, OH to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Vehicle Transport Cost: $702
    • Driving Distance: 1080 miles
  • Cincinnati, OH to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Car Shipping Quote: $637
    • Driving Distance: 980 miles
  • Indianapolis, IN to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Auto Transport Cost: $637
    • Driving Distance: 980 miles
  • St. Louis, MO to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Vehicle Shipping Price: $585
    • Driving Distance: 900 miles
  • Des Moines, IA to Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Auto Shipping Cost: $689
    • Driving Distance: 1060 miles

Best Trucking Routes for Each City:

  • Chicago, IL:
    Take I-94 E to I-80 E, which merges into I-75 S toward Florida.
  • Milwaukee, WI:
    Head south on I-94 E, merge into I-80 E, then take I-75 S towards Fort Lauderdale.
  • Detroit, MI:
    Follow I-75 S, traveling through Ohio, and continue to Fort Lauderdale via I-75.
  • Cleveland, OH:
    Use I-90 E to I-75 S, heading directly to Fort Lauderdale.
  • Cincinnati, OH:
    Travel south on I-75 S and continue to I-295 S toward Fort Lauderdale.
  • Indianapolis, IN:
    Take I-70 E to I-75 S, then merge into I-295 S toward Fort Lauderdale.
  • St. Louis, MO:
    Take I-55 S, then merge onto I-75 S toward Florida, following the route to Fort Lauderdale.
  • Des Moines, IA:
    Take I-80 E to I-75 S, following the same route southward to Fort Lauderdale.

Average Fahrenheit Temperatures in Each Starting City in Late January:

  • Chicago, IL: Highs around 30°F, lows around 15°F.
  • Milwaukee, WI: Highs around 28°F, lows around 14°F.
  • Detroit, MI: Highs around 32°F, lows around 16°F.
  • Cleveland, OH: Highs around 34°F, lows around 18°F.
  • Cincinnati, OH: Highs around 38°F, lows around 22°F.
  • Indianapolis, IN: Highs around 34°F, lows around 19°F.
  • St. Louis, MO: Highs around 39°F, lows around 22°F.
  • Des Moines, IA: Highs around 28°F, lows around 13°F.

Your car is likely to be on a vehicle transport trailer to Fort Lauderdale, FL for a minimum of three days, and more likely four or five days.


Bottom Line: Snowbird Auto Transport Prices To Fort Lauderdale, FL

By late January, Snowbird season is all but over. Parity begins to return to auto transport costs. Snowbird auto transport prices to Fort Lauderdale, FL decrease, and the reverse route from the city elevates. By February, and most certainly March, car shipping costs will become even to and fro.

In the Spring, come late March and April, the Florida Snowbirds will migrate home to the north, which will continue through May and early June. At that time, the madness will return, but in the opposite direction from the winter.

At Direct Express Auto Transport, we are used to it. An auto transport service will likely ship your car promptly and securely for the right carrier fee. We provide three options, which depend on the size, route, timeframe, and season.

As a consumer, it is important to understand the services involved in vehicle shipping from your region of the country to Fort Lauderdale, FL.


The Original Auto Transport Prices Calculator To Fort Lauderdale, Florida For Snowbirds

Direct Express Auto Transport originated the instant car shipping costs calculator in 2004. It is still the best, most sophisticated, reliable tool available online. We offer three options that we call tiers of car shipping quote estimates to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Standard rate is the cheapest car shipping quote. Use the Standard rate if you can be patient.

The Expedited rate, or tier as we call them, is the most recommended and best auto transport quote. We have countless satisfied Expedited rate customers because the vehicle shipping process tends to go quicker.

The Rush rate is our highest level of car transport quotes and service, and many customers are glad they went with that method too. If in a hurry, go Rush rate.

Here are just some of the major Florida destination hubs during the auto transport snowbird season that we service:

Miami
Fort Lauderdale
Boca Raton
Melbourne
Orlando
Jacksonville
Tampa
Sarasota
Fort Myers
Naples


Car Transport Cost: FAQ

Should You Ship Your Car Open or Enclosed?
About 97% of all vehicle shipments are shipped on an Open Trailer. It’s proven to be a very safe method with statistically very few problems. You may notice new cars being delivered to dealerships in an open trailer, and that’s because it’s safe. If you have a collector car or really expensive automobile, say around $75,000 or more, then we recommend shipping it in an Enclosed Trailer. Expect to pay about 33-50% more for an Enclosed transport. Our auto shipping costs calculator automatically adds the extra enclosed car transport estimate to your quote, so you can experiment with the quotes if you like.
How Long Will It Take To Pick Up My Vehicle?

Over 90% of our orders ship inside of one week. That could be anywhere from 1 to 7 days. Most of the U.S. population lives in a major metropolitan area and is shipping to another well populated area, and that makes a big difference. Cars usually ship in a very regular manner, almost half within just a few days.

If either your origination or destination locations are away from population centers, in other words, in a remote area, then you might consider meeting a driver in a nearby big city or town to increase your chances of shipping timely. Or adding money to the carrier fee may entice a carrier. Remember, anyone you choose can serve as your point of contact, which takes the stress out of shipping your vehicle.

How Do I Prepare My Vehicle For Shipment?

Clean out your vehicle of all loose items as much as possible. Leave nothing of value in the vehicle. It’s very rare that any items are stolen during transport, but we recommend extra caution to prevent loss.

Keep extra items as previously discussed to a minimum and place in the trunk or out of sight. Have only about a quarter tank of gasoline. Give the auto transport carrier a set of keys and advise them of any special instructions for your vehicle, like difficulty starting, steering, braking, etc.

Driver Consideration: Being a truck driver can be a thankless job. They work long hours and are away from their families for weeks at a time. Please be friendly and considerate to our drivers, and they will treat you in the same manner.

How Are Car Shipping Quotes Calculated?

The first factor used to calculate car shipping cost is the transport distance. Next are the length, height and weight of the vehicle, followed by running condition and type of trailer (Open or Enclosed). Finally, seasonal fluctuations may impact the overall cost.

Non-Running Vehicles Cost More

Maneuvering non-operational vehicles on and off a car transport trailer is a big challenge. Car shipping companies much prefer operational (running) vehicles because it gives them an easier option to reposition their entire load. Non-running vehicles take considerably more time to get on and off the trailer. So the car shipping quote must reflect the higher cost. Many auto transporters don’t have a winch and cannot accommodate non-running vehicles. That is one reason it takes longer on average to ship non-operational vehicles. Fewer do it. If at all possible, fixing your vehicle before trying to ship it will save on the non-running car transport cost, and make the process go faster.

How Long Does It Take To Deliver My Vehicle?

Delivering is final step in the process, and also the simplest part. Once your vehicle has been assigned and picked up, not too much can go wrong. Once the vehicle is picked up, you can estimate that it will take roughly 1 day of transit time for every 500 miles distance. Delivery Time Estimate Guide 100-500 miles takes 1 or 2 days 500-1000 miles takes 2 or 3 days 1000-1500 miles takes 3 or 4 days 1500-2000 miles takes 4 or 5 days 2000-2500 miles takes 5 or 6 days 2500-3000 miles takes 6 or 7 days Depending on the distance, weather conditions and population centers it could be a few days or weeks until a vehicle reaches its destination. The carriers usually estimate about 10 days on coast to coast trips, but they frequently arrive earlier.

Can I Put Stuff In My Car When I Ship It?

Yes and no. The strict interpretation is no, you can’t ship items inside your vehicle. The reality is that almost all carriers look the other way on items that weigh less than 100 pounds, roughly the equivalent of 2 suitcases. We recommend placing any additional items in the trunk and out of sight. The U.S. Transportation Law states that a carrier can be fined $10,000 for hauling household items in the vehicle, but it’s rarely enforced. However, the drivers do estimate the weight of each vehicle that they carry and don’t want problems at weight scales. So they must keep the personal items to a minimum. Some drivers will accept a tip ($50-$250) for hauling extra stuff, but some won’t. Rule of thumb, don’t take advantage.