($682) Cost to ship a car from Columbus, GA to Port St. Lucie, FL
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 496 miles from Columbus, Georgia, to Port St. Lucie, Florida, generally falls between $682 and $936. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
rating
4.7 / 5
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
rating
4.5 / 5
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
rating
4.4 / 5
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Port St. Lucie to Columbus car shipping guide.
The best Columbus to Port St. Lucie car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Columbus to Port St. Lucie:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Columbus
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Columbus, GA:
- Exclusive Auto Shipping: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Cheap Auto Trans: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- USA Auto Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Exclusive Auto Shipping
732 S Lewis Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32305 US
exclusiveautoshipping.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the exceptional service provided by Jared at Exclusive Auto Transport. His responsiveness, reliability, and proactive communication are highly regarded. However, there are no significant negative experiences reported, indicating a strong overall satisfaction with the service.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2968838
Auto Driveaway
3485 N Desert Dr # 2110, Atlanta, GA 30344 US
autodriveaway.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers reported significant dissatisfaction with the condition and handling of their vehicles during transport, citing issues with cleanliness and unintended damage, while noting the importance of communication regarding route and timing.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Cheap Auto Trans
4555 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 US
cheapautotrans.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers highlight excellent service and communication from specific agents like Anna Smith, Lisa Webb, and Wayne Martin, noting timely deliveries, transparency in pricing, and professionalism. However, several reviews report issues such as bait-and-switch tactics, frequent price increases, loss of deposits, and unresponsive customer service, creating a stark contrast in experiences with this auto transport company.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3648529
Alternative Business Names
- cheapautotrans Inc
USA Auto Shipping
1710 russell pond ln, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 US
usaautoship.com
3.5 / 5.0
USA Auto Shipping is praised for excellent customer service, reliable and prompt delivery, and competitive pricing. Customers appreciate their clear communication and professionalism, especially from Ralph, who is highly recommended. However, there are concerns regarding unexpected price increases, unresponsive customer service, and some experiences of potential scams. Many customers highly endorse the company for vehicle transport, while a few express mistrust based on negative experiences.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3373167
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from GA to FL
When you’re moving from Columbus to Port St. Lucie, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Columbus to Port St. Lucie, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 496 miles from Columbus to Port St. Lucie might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Georgia to Florida. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Columbus. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Port St. Lucie.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Port St. Lucie is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Columbus to Port St. Lucie car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Columbus to Port St. Lucie, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Columbus to Port St. Lucie, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Port St. Lucie, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Columbus depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Port St. Lucie will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 496 miles from Columbus to Port St. Lucie will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Georgia.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Columbus and Port St. Lucie.
Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
Port St. Lucie summers are usually hot, with high temperatures averaging in the low 90s. Winters are usually mild to warm, with average high temperatures in the 70s. Port St. Lucie is also vulnerable to hurricanes.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Columbus to Port St. Lucie during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 496-mile drive between Columbus and Port St. Lucie, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Columbus to Port St. Lucie usually takes one–four days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Columbus and Port St. Lucie vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Columbus: There is some free street parking in Columbus. Some street cost between $1-$2 an hour.
- Port St. Lucie: Effective October 29, 2021, carriers may purchase Florida trip permits online through the FLHSMV Commercial Vehicle Permit Portal. A Florida Temporary Trip Permit is valid for ten (10) days and costs $30.00. Carriers may also contact the Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services at (850) 617-3711 weekdays from 8-4:30 to obtain a trip permit.
Car insurance requirements
- Columbus: Georgia mandates drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is also obligatory, with a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, including deductible options.
- Port St. Lucie: 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
- Columbus: New residents in Georgia must register their vehicles with the County Tag Office where they reside. To do so, they must first have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID, which can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. New residents may need to appear in person at the County Tag Office, although rules vary.
- Port St. Lucie: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
Driver’s license
- Columbus: New Georgia residents must obtain a Georgia Driver's License within 30 days and can do so by visiting a Customer Service Center and transferring their out-of-state license.
- Port St. Lucie: 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 Columbus to Port St. Lucie?
The cost to ship a car from Columbus, GA to Port St. Lucie, FL varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Columbus to Port St. Lucie will range from $682 to $936.
How long will it take to ship my car from Columbus to Port St. Lucie?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 496 miles from Columbus to Port St. Lucie. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Columbus to Port St. Lucie?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Columbus to Port St. Lucie. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Columbus to Port St. Lucie?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Columbus to Port St. Lucie than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 496-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.