Finally the moment we’ve been waiting for – the Snowbirds have begun in earnest their annual migration to Melbourne, FL and elsewhere in the sunshine state.

We have been tracking auto shipping costs to Melbourne, FL from numerous regional cities throughout the country leading up to Christmas and into early January 2025. As a reminder, Snowbirds are people who migrate to Florida from the colder northern states during the winter months.

Now that the New Year 2025 is upon us, the slow creep in higher car shipping costs has turned into a serious backlog of orders starting with Christmas Eve. It kind of explodes. See if you can follow the bouncing ball, or bouncing car transport trailer is more like it.

Starting just after Thanksgiving, we tracked how there was very little significant movement in a slow market with cheap auto transport pricing. A customer could book a car shipment to Melbourne, FL and have it timely delivered on the cheap if they did it before December 20th. If they booked their order early and scheduled it for shipping after Christmas, they are very likely to have trouble getting it shipped at that price.

Our Study: Why Car Shipping Costs To Melbourne, FL Skyrocket After Christmas & New Year’s

As we moved closer to the week before Christmas, auto shipping costs to Melbourne, FL rose about 10% and timely car transport service started to wane. But all hell broke loose the day after Christmas. Both the number of vehicles available to ship and the car shipping cost rose about 33%.

There are two reasons for that. After Christmas, the northern snowbirds are ready to flock to Melbourne, FL and elsewhere in the tropical paradise. But the auto transport carriers are not yet ready to get back to work. Seems they have families too and want to be home for the holidays.

They’ll return to work in earnest after January 1, 2025. So the orders will continue to pile up, over 5,000 vehicles and counting, as the actual car shipping service to Florida lags far behind. There are more vehicle shipments waiting than the supply of trucks can quickly handle.

As the car transport carriers get back on the road starting January 2nd, which orders will ship first? You guessed it. The highest paying freight is first on the trailer as the vehicle shipping orders poor in. And that serves to push the carrier fees higher still, as those coming into the auto transport system and those who have been waiting become impatient.

Melbourne in particular, is a popular destination for car transport companies in the winter. So are the surrounding communities such as Cocoa Beach, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and more.

Key Takeaways: 

• Vehicle Transport Prices to Melbourne, FL gradually rise moderately higher up until Christmas, and then explode during Snowbird Season after Christmas and into early January
• The western states do not participate nearly as much in the winter season auto transport migration to Melbourne, Florida
• The New England, Eastern Seaboard, Midwest and Southeastern states make up over 80% of snowbird car transport service to Florida in early January
• The highest paying car transport orders during the busy snowbird season to Melbourne, FL always ship first
• The car shipping quotes calculator greatly reduces the price on the reverse direction backhauls from Melbourne, FL during snowbird seasonal fluctuations

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

In early January 2025, vehicle transport prices to Melbourne, FL are increasing dramatically in the New England, Eastern Seaboard, Midwest and Southeastern states. It’s Snowbird season.

In most of the other regions, basically west of Florida, auto transport costs remain relatively stable to Melbourne, FL. Those regions hardly participate in winter time car shipments to Florida.

Scroll down to see vehicle transport prices in your region to Melbourne, FL during the early January 2025 snowbird season. We include the average temperatures in early January for each starting city. Use the Direct Express Auto Transport car shipping costs calculator for a precise quote for your vehicle shipment order.

The New England states account for approximately 17%, or 845 vehicles out of 5 thousand, of all Snowbird auto transport shipments to Florida in early January 2025. As a result of the high demand for car transport service, the corresponding costs also jump.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, Florida, with average early January temperatures in each starting city: 

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Auto Shipping Quote from Brockton, MA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,275 miles
Cost: $969
Best Trucking Route: Take I-95 South through New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Richmond, and continue on I-95 through South Carolina and Georgia directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 37°F, lows around 22°F.

Vehicle Shipping Price from Portland, ME to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,340 miles
Cost: $1,018
Best Trucking Route: Take I-95 South through Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., then continue on I-95 through South Carolina and Georgia directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 33°F, lows around 16°F.

Car Transport Rate from Manchester, NH to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,290 miles
Cost: $980
Best Trucking Route: Take I-93 South to I-95 through Boston, then continue along I-95 South through New York City, Washington D.C., and down the East Coast to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 34°F, lows around 18°F.

Vehicle Shipping Cost from Hartford, CT to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,180 miles
Cost: $897
Best Trucking Route: Take I-91 South to I-95 through New York City, then follow I-95 South through Richmond, Savannah, and Jacksonville directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 35°F, lows around 20°F.

Automobile Shipping Quote from Montpelier, VT to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,400 miles
Cost: $1,064
Best Trucking Route: Take I-89 South to I-91 South through Massachusetts, then merge onto I-95 South through New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 29°F, lows around 12°F.

Car Transport Price from Providence, RI to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,220 miles
Cost: $927
Best Trucking Route: Take I-95 South through New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., then continue on I-95 through South Carolina and Georgia directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 38°F, lows around 24°F.

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

The Eastern Seaboard states account for roughly 21%, or 1,050 vehicles out of 5 thousand, of all Snowbird vehicle transport shipments to Florida in early January 2025. As a result of the high demand for vehicle shipping service, the corresponding costs also jump.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, Florida, with average early January temperatures in each starting city:

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Auto Transport Quote from New York City, NY to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,080 miles
Cost: $961
Best Trucking Route: Take I-95 South through Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Richmond, and continue down I-95 through South Carolina and Georgia directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 38°F, lows around 28°F.

Car Shipping Cost from New Rochelle, NY to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,065 miles
Cost: $948
Best Trucking Route: Head south on I-95 through New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., continuing along I-95 through Richmond, Savannah, and Jacksonville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 37°F, lows around 26°F.

Vehicle Shipping Rate from Upper Darby, PA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 950 miles
Cost: $846
Best Trucking Route: Take I-95 South through Baltimore and Washington D.C., then continue on I-95 through Richmond, Savannah, and Jacksonville directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 41°F, lows around 27°F.

Auto Shipping Quote from Lakewood, NJ to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 980 miles
Cost: $872
Best Trucking Route: Take I-195 to I-95 South through Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., continuing along I-95 through Richmond and Jacksonville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 39°F, lows around 29°F.

Car Transport Price from Buffalo, NY to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,190 miles
Cost: $1,059
Best Trucking Route: Take I-90 East to I-81 South through Syracuse and Harrisburg, then merge onto I-95 South through Richmond, Savannah, and Jacksonville directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 34°F, lows around 22°F.

Automobile Shipping Quote from Columbia, MD to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 850 miles
Cost: $757
Best Trucking Route: Take I-95 South through Richmond, Raleigh, Savannah, and Jacksonville directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 44°F, lows around 27°F.

Vehicle Transport Cost from Alexandria, VA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 850 miles
Cost: $757
Best Trucking Route: Take I-95 South through Richmond, Fayetteville, Savannah, and Jacksonville directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 44°F, lows around 30°F.

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

The Carolina states account for about 8%, or 400 vehicles out of 5 thousand, of all Snowbird auto transport shipments to Florida in early January 2025. As a result of the high demand for car transport service, the corresponding costs also jump.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, Florida, with average early January temperatures in each starting city: 

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Car Shipping Quote from Newport News, VA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 690 miles
Cost: $918
Best Trucking Route: Take I-64 West to I-95 South through Richmond, Fayetteville, Savannah, and Jacksonville, continuing on I-95 South to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 48°F, lows around 31°F.

Auto Transport Cost from Charlotte, NC to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 580 miles
Cost: $771
Best Trucking Route: Take I-77 South to I-95 South through Savannah and Jacksonville, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 54°F, lows around 34°F.

Vehicle Transport Cost from Durham, NC to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 610 miles
Cost: $811
Best Trucking Route: Take I-85 South to I-95 South through Fayetteville, Savannah, and Jacksonville, continuing on I-95 directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 53°F, lows around 33°F.

Auto Shipping Quote from Summerville, SC to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 370 miles
Cost: $492
Best Trucking Route: Take I-95 South through Savannah and Jacksonville, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 61°F, lows around 38°F.

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

The Midwest states account for approximately 23%, or 1,150 vehicles out of 5 thousand, of all Snowbird car transport shipments to Florida in early January 2025. As a result of the high demand for car shipping service, the corresponding costs also jump.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, Florida, with average early January temperatures in each starting city: 

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Car Shipping Quote from Kenosha, WI to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,280 miles
Cost: $1,101
Best Trucking Route: Take I-94 East through Chicago, connect to I-65 South through Indianapolis, merge onto I-75 South in Chattanooga, and continue through Atlanta and Jacksonville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 31°F, lows around 19°F.

Vehicle Shipping Rate from Naperville, IL to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,240 miles
Cost: $1,066
Best Trucking Route: Take I-55 South through St. Louis, connect to I-75 South in Chattanooga, and continue through Atlanta and Jacksonville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 32°F, lows around 20°F.

Auto Transport Cost from Madison Heights, MI to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,150 miles
Cost: $989
Best Trucking Route: Take I-75 South through Toledo, Cincinnati, and Atlanta, continuing south through Jacksonville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 34°F, lows around 22°F.

Car Transport Price from Toledo, OH to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,040 miles
Cost: $894
Best Trucking Route: Take I-75 South through Dayton, Cincinnati, and Atlanta, continuing south through Jacksonville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 35°F, lows around 23°F.

Automobile Shipping Quote from Evansville, IN to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 950 miles
Cost: $817
Best Trucking Route: Take I-24 East to I-75 South through Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Jacksonville, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 40°F, lows around 25°F.

Auto Shipping Cost from Dayton, OH to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 900 miles
Cost: $774
Best Trucking Route: Take I-75 South through Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Jacksonville, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 36°F, lows around 24°F.

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

The Central Plains are on the outer edge of the Midwest, and with a much lower population, auto transport shipments to Melbourne, FL are negligible.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, Florida with average early January temperatures in each starting city: 

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Car Transport Price from Grand Island, NE to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,520 miles
Cost: $1,110
Best Trucking Route: Head east on I-80 through Lincoln, then south on I-29 to Kansas City. Connect to I-70 East, then merge onto I-75 South through Atlanta, Jacksonville, and down to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 39°F, lows around 19°F.

Auto Transport Quote from Olathe, KS to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,300 miles
Cost: $949
Best Trucking Route: Take I-70 East to St. Louis, then I-24 South through Nashville. Merge onto I-75 South through Atlanta, Jacksonville, and down to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 43°F, lows around 25°F.

Vehicle Shipping Rate from Broken Arrow, OK to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,220 miles
Cost: $891
Best Trucking Route: Take I-40 East through Little Rock and Memphis. Connect to I-75 South through Atlanta and Jacksonville, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 45°F, lows around 27°F.

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

The Big Sky state, Montana, and the Dakotas, are so spread out that it sometimes takes car transport services a while to put together full loads to Melbourne, FL.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, Florida, with average early January temperatures in each starting city: 

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Car Shipping Quote from Missoula, MT to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,600 miles
Cost: $1,950
Best Trucking Route: Take I-90 East through Billings, then connect to I-29 South through Kansas City. Merge onto I-75 South through Atlanta and Jacksonville, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 33°F, lows around 18°F.

Auto Transport Cost from Billings, MT to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,420 miles
Cost: $1,815
Best Trucking Route: Take I-90 East to Sioux Falls, then head south on I-29 through Kansas City. Continue on I-75 South through Atlanta and Jacksonville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 36°F, lows around 20°F.

Vehicle Shipping Rate from Fargo, ND to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,900 miles
Cost: $1,425
Best Trucking Route: Head south on I-29 through Kansas City, then take I-70 East to St. Louis. Merge onto I-75 South through Atlanta and Jacksonville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 22°F, lows around 7°F.

Auto Transport Quote from Rapid City, SD to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,080 miles
Cost: $1,560
Best Trucking Route: Take I-90 East through Sioux Falls, then I-29 South to Kansas City. Continue on I-75 South through Atlanta and Jacksonville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 34°F, lows around 17°F.

Your car is likely to be on a vehicle transport trailer to Melbourne, FL for a minimum of six days, and more likely seven or eight days.

Fortunately, the Pacific Northwest has three major cities, Seattle, Portland, and Boise, that make it somewhat easier to amalgamate a full load to Melbourne, FL. Even still, it may take time for a car shipping service to do that.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, Florida, with average early January temperatures in each starting city: 

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Auto Transport Cost from Bellevue, WA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 3,100 miles
Cost: $1,860
Best Trucking Route: Take I-90 East through Spokane, then I-82 South to connect with I-84 East through Idaho. Continue on I-80 East through Nebraska, then take I-75 South through Atlanta and Jacksonville directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 46°F, lows around 36°F.

Car Shipping Quote from Eugene, OR to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 3,000 miles
Cost: $1,800
Best Trucking Route: Take I-5 South to connect with I-84 East through Idaho. Continue on I-80 East through Wyoming and Nebraska, then merge onto I-75 South through Atlanta and Jacksonville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 48°F, lows around 36°F.

Vehicle Shipping Rate from Caldwell, ID to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,700 miles
Cost: $1,620
Best Trucking Route: Take I-84 East through Twin Falls, then I-80 East through Wyoming and Nebraska. Merge onto I-75 South through Atlanta and Jacksonville, continuing to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 36°F, lows around 24°F.

Your car is likely to be on a vehicle transport trailer to Melbourne, FL for a minimum of seven days, and more likely eight to ten days.

The Rocky Mountain states are difficult for auto transport services to Melbourne, FL because of the rugged terrain and huge land area. Vehicle shipping from Denver, Colorado is the safest bet to secure a carrier for the long haul to Melbourne.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, Florida, with average early January temperatures in each starting city: 

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Car Transport Price from Fort Collins, CO to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,900 miles
Cost: $1,102
Best Trucking Route: Take I-25 South through Denver to I-70 East. Continue on I-70 through Kansas City, then merge onto I-75 South through Atlanta and Jacksonville directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 44°F, lows around 22°F.

Vehicle Shipping Rate from Commerce City, CO to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,890 miles
Cost: $1,096
Best Trucking Route: Head southeast on I-70 East through Kansas City, then connect to I-75 South through Atlanta and Jacksonville directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 44°F, lows around 23°F.

Auto Transport Quote from Layton, UT to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,230 miles
Cost: $1,293
Best Trucking Route: Take I-80 East through Wyoming, then connect to I-75 South through Atlanta and Jacksonville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 38°F, lows around 24°F.

Vehicle Shipping Price from Cheyenne, WY to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,900 miles
Cost: $1,102
Best Trucking Route: Take I-80 East through Nebraska, then connect to I-75 South through Atlanta and Jacksonville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 41°F, lows around 18°F.

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

The Southwest states make it easier for car transport services to move cars to Melbourne, FL because the weather is less of an issue in the Southwest region.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, Florida, with average early January temperatures in each starting city: 

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Car Shipping Quote from Chandler, AZ to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,190 miles
Cost: $1,183
Best Trucking Route: Take I-10 East through Tucson, continue through Texas along I-10 through San Antonio and Houston. Merge onto I-75 South in Florida to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 67°F, lows around 45°F.

Vehicle Shipping Rate from Queen Creek, AZ to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,180 miles
Cost: $1,177
Best Trucking Route: Head east on I-10 through Tucson and El Paso, continue through Texas along I-10, then connect to I-75 South in Florida to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 66°F, lows around 44°F.

Auto Transport Quote from North Las Vegas, NV to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,460 miles
Cost: $1,328
Best Trucking Route: Take I-15 South to I-10 East through Phoenix, continue along I-10 through Texas, and merge onto I-75 South in Florida to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 58°F, lows around 37°F.

Car Transport Price from Albuquerque, NM to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,920 miles
Cost: $1,037
Best Trucking Route: Head east on I-40 through Amarillo, merge onto I-20 East in Dallas, then connect to I-10 East and follow I-75 South in Florida to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 48°F, lows around 27°F.

Your car is likely to be on a car transport carrier for a minimum of five days, and probably six or seven days.

California accounts for roughly 6%, or 300 vehicles out of 5 thousand, of all Snowbird auto transport shipments to Florida in early January 2025. But the change in car shipping costs has been negligible.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, Florida, with average early January temperatures in each starting city: 

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Car Shipping Cost from Los Angeles, CA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,520 miles
Cost: $1,285
Best Trucking Route: Take I-10 East through Phoenix, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, and Baton Rouge. Continue along I-75 South through Florida to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 67°F, lows around 48°F.

Auto Shipping Quote from Upland, CA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,500 miles
Cost: $1,275
Best Trucking Route: Take I-10 East through Phoenix, then continue through Texas, Louisiana, and Florida on I-75 South to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 64°F, lows around 46°F.

Vehicle Shipping Rate from Vacaville, CA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,820 miles
Cost: $1,438
Best Trucking Route: Take I-80 East through Sacramento and Reno, then connect to I-40 East through Albuquerque and Amarillo. Merge onto I-10 East and continue through Florida to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 55°F, lows around 40°F.

Car Shipping Quote from Tracy, CA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,770 miles
Cost: $1,413
Best Trucking Route: Take I-5 South to Los Angeles, then follow I-10 East through Texas and Florida. Continue on I-75 South to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 57°F, lows around 41°F.

Auto Transport Cost from Tustin, CA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,530 miles
Cost: $1,291
Best Trucking Route: Head east on I-10 through Phoenix, El Paso, and Houston, then follow I-75 South in Florida to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 66°F, lows around 48°F.

Vehicle Transport Quote from Salinas, CA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,840 miles
Cost: $1,448
Best Trucking Route: Take US-101 South to Los Angeles, then follow I-10 East across the southern states through Texas and Florida.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 56°F, lows around 43°F.

Automobile Shipping Quote from San Bernardino, CA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,510 miles
Cost: $1,280
Best Trucking Route: Take I-10 East through Phoenix, continue through Texas and Louisiana, then follow I-75 South in Florida to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 65°F, lows around 47°F.

Auto Transport Quote from Oakland, CA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,860 miles
Cost: $1,459
Best Trucking Route: Take I-580 East to I-5 South, then connect to I-10 East through Texas and Florida, following I-75 South to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 56°F, lows around 42°F.

Car Transport Price from Oceanside, CA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,530 miles
Cost: $1,291
Best Trucking Route: Take I-10 East through Phoenix, El Paso, Houston, and Baton Rouge, then follow I-75 South in Florida to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 63°F, lows around 46°F.

Vehicle Shipping Rate from Gilroy, CA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,820 miles
Cost: $1,438
Best Trucking Route: Take US-101 South to Los Angeles, then follow I-10 East across the southern states through Texas and Florida.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 55°F, lows around 40°F.

Car Shipping Quote from Elk Grove, CA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,850 miles
Cost: $1,454
Best Trucking Route: Take I-5 South to Los Angeles, then follow I-10 East through Texas and Louisiana, continuing on I-75 South in Florida to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 54°F, lows around 39°F.

Auto Transport Cost from Encinitas, CA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 2,530 miles
Cost: $1,291
Best Trucking Route: Head east on I-10 through Phoenix, continue through Texas, and follow I-75 South in Florida to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 63°F, lows around 47°F.

Your vehicle is likely to be on a car shipping carrier for a minimum of six days, and probably seven to nine days.

Eastern Texas, in what is called the Lone Star State, is heavily populated and bristling with large metropolitan areas, and many mid-size and smaller towns too. Texas accounts for about 5%, or 250 vehicles out of 5 thousand, of all Snowbird vehicle transport shipments to Florida in early January 2025.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, Florida, with average early January temperatures in each starting city: 

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Car Shipping Cost from Houston, TX to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 960 miles
Cost: $595
Best Trucking Route: Take I-10 East through Baton Rouge and Tallahassee, then merge onto I-75 South in Tampa, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 64°F, lows around 46°F.

Auto Transport Quote from Arlington, TX to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 990 miles
Cost: $614
Best Trucking Route: Take I-20 East through Jackson, then I-10 East through Mobile, and merge onto I-75 South in Tampa, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 58°F, lows around 39°F.

Car Transport Price from Pasadena, TX to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 960 miles
Cost: $595
Best Trucking Route: Take I-10 East through Baton Rouge and Tallahassee, then merge onto I-75 South in Tampa, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 64°F, lows around 47°F.

Vehicle Shipping Rate from Denton, TX to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 995 miles
Cost: $617
Best Trucking Route: Take I-20 East through Jackson, then I-10 East through Mobile, and merge onto I-75 South in Tampa, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 58°F, lows around 38°F.

Auto Shipping Quote from Pearland, TX to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 960 miles
Cost: $595
Best Trucking Route: Take I-10 East through Baton Rouge and Tallahassee, then merge onto I-75 South in Tampa, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 64°F, lows around 47°F.

Vehicle Transport Cost from Missouri City, TX to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 960 miles
Cost: $595
Best Trucking Route: Take I-10 East through Baton Rouge and Tallahassee, then merge onto I-75 South in Tampa, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 64°F, lows around 46°F.

Automobile Shipping Quote from Port Arthur, TX to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 940 miles
Cost: $583
Best Trucking Route: Take I-10 East through Baton Rouge and Tallahassee, then merge onto I-75 South in Tampa, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 63°F, lows around 46°F.

Your car is likely to be on a vehicle shipping carrier for a minimum of three days, and probably four or five days to Melbourne, FL.

Most of the Southern states are relatively close to Melbourne, FL which makes it far easier for an auto transport service. The Southern states account for approximately 7%, or 350 vehicles out of 5 thousand, of all Snowbird auto transport shipments to Florida in early January 2025. As a result of the high demand for auto shipping service, the corresponding costs also jump.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, FL with average early January temperatures in each starting city: 

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Car Shipping Cost from Atlanta, GA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 490 miles
Cost: $573
Best Trucking Route: Take I-75 South through Valdosta and merge onto I-4 East near Orlando, continuing on local highways to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 53°F, lows around 34°F.

Auto Transport Quote from Savannah, GA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 285 miles
Cost: $334
Best Trucking Route: Take I-95 South through Jacksonville and merge onto local highways near Titusville, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 59°F, lows around 40°F.

Vehicle Shipping Rate from Memphis, TN to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 780 miles
Cost: $913
Best Trucking Route: Take I-22 East through Birmingham, then I-75 South through Valdosta, continuing on local highways to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 50°F, lows around 32°F.

Car Transport Price from Clarksville, TN to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 740 miles
Cost: $866
Best Trucking Route: Take I-24 East through Chattanooga, then I-75 South through Valdosta, continuing to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 48°F, lows around 29°F.

Auto Shipping Quote from Birmingham, AL to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 600 miles
Cost: $702
Best Trucking Route: Take I-65 South through Montgomery, then I-75 South through Valdosta, continuing on local highways to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 54°F, lows around 34°F.

Vehicle Transport Cost from Metairie, LA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 655 miles
Cost: $767
Best Trucking Route: Take I-10 East through Mobile, then merge onto I-75 South in Gainesville, continuing to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 60°F, lows around 44°F.

Car Shipping Quote from Lexington, KY to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 720 miles
Cost: $842
Best Trucking Route: Take I-75 South through Knoxville and Valdosta, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 43°F, lows around 28°F.

Automobile Shipping Quote from Little Rock, AR to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 820 miles
Cost: $959
Best Trucking Route: Take I-40 East to Memphis, then I-22 East through Birmingham, continuing on I-75 South to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 50°F, lows around 32°F.

Auto Transport Cost from Jackson, MS to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 650 miles
Cost: $761
Best Trucking Route: Take I-10 East through Mobile, then I-75 South through Valdosta, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 55°F, lows around 36°F.

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

In the Upper Midwest states, there are fortunately some big cities to make it easier for car shipping services. It shouldn’t take too long to amalgamate full loads to Melbourne, FL. But there really isn’t much activity to Florida nor change in price.

Here are the early January 2025 market vehicle transport prices and best trucking routes from each starting city to Melbourne, Florida, with average early January temperatures in each starting city: 

Vehicle Transport Prices are based on a regular-size sedan.

Car Shipping Cost from Minneapolis, MN to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,650 miles
Cost: $1,452
Best Trucking Route: Take I-35 South through Des Moines and Kansas City, merge onto I-75 South in Atlanta, continuing through Gainesville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 22°F, lows around 7°F.

Auto Transport Quote from Lakeville, MN to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,645 miles
Cost: $1,447
Best Trucking Route: Follow I-35 South to Des Moines, then I-70 East to Kansas City before joining I-75 South through Atlanta to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 23°F, lows around 8°F.

Vehicle Shipping Rate from Iowa City, IA to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,390 miles
Cost: $1,223
Best Trucking Route: Head south on I-380 to I-80 East, take I-70 East through St. Louis, merge onto I-75 South in Atlanta, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 32°F, lows around 16°F.

Car Transport Price from Chesterfield, MO to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,080 miles
Cost: $950
Best Trucking Route: Take I-64 East to I-57 South, merge onto I-75 South in Atlanta, continuing through Gainesville to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 40°F, lows around 23°F.

Auto Shipping Quote from Kansas City, MO to Melbourne, Florida:
Driving Distance: 1,200 miles
Cost: $1,056
Best Trucking Route: Take I-70 East to St. Louis, then I-64 East to merge with I-75 South in Atlanta, continuing directly to Melbourne.
Average Early January Temperature: Highs around 41°F, lows around 24°F.

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

As the car transport carriers get back on the road starting January 2nd, which orders will ship first to Melbourne, FL? You guessed it. The highest paying freight is first on the trailer as the vehicle shipping orders poor in. And that serves to push the vehicle transport prices higher still, as those coming into the auto transport system and those who have been waiting become impatient.

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 Melbourne, FL.

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 Melbourne, 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