Shipping a Car from Newark, NJ to Fort Lauderdale, FL
Newark, NJ to Fort Lauderdale, FL is a 1,272-mile southbound route that runs across seven states, from New Jersey to Florida. That is around 25 hours of driving at car-hauler speeds; our transit estimate is 2–4 days after dispatch. Demand is moderate, so pickup windows are usually easy to fill.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Newark. A working port in the Newark area means customs and terminal release can affect timing for some vehicles. The main approaches to Newark are I-78 and I-95. The nearest major airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver. Expect to meet the driver at an open lot because of street and tunnel limits.
Delivery in Fort Lauderdale. The main approaches to Fort Lauderdale are I-595 and I-95. South Florida port and snowbird destination on I-95/I-595, busy every fall and spring. Winter residents arriving or leaving Fort Lauderdale drive seasonal demand.
What Newark to Fort Lauderdale Costs
Expect open transport for a standard sedan at $765–$1,080, which is about $0.73 per mile over 1,272 miles. Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($1,110–$1,565), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $855–$1,210. Delivery to Miami, 42 miles from Fort Lauderdale, would be $795–$1,125. Loading in Jersey City, about 10 miles from Newark, is within a few dollars at $765–$1,080. For scale, Orlando, FL to Boston, MA is a similar 1,323-mile move at $795–$1,125.
| Trailer | Vehicle | Typical Price | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $765–$1,080 | Lowest cost, most common |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $855–$1,210 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $855–$1,210 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,110–$1,565 | Luxury, classic and low-clearance cars |
Figures assume a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with exact addresses, condition and season.
Timing and Seasonality
Winter residents heading to Fort Lauderdale fill southbound trucks from October through December; reserve early. From June to November, tropical weather can force carriers to reroute near the coast, so leave a few spare days. Start getting quotes roughly three weeks ahead for a move of 1,272 miles. Across New Jersey expect snow and coastal storms; across Florida, afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season from June to November.
The Route and Corridor
The direct line between the two cities crosses New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. Expect afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season from June to November in Florida. Virginia: I-95, I-81 and I-64 are busy, and Hampton Roads tunnels bottleneck. Delaware: the I-95 stretch is short and tolled at the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Metros near that straight-line path include Philadelphia (PA), Norfolk (VA) and Virginia Beach (VA), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them. Toll roads in New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland are built into carrier pricing.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Have a storm plan. For coastal legs from June to November, agree on a backup date up front.
- Vet the carrier. Check the MC number on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and get insurance terms in writing before paying a deposit.
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up about a day before the truck reaches Fort Lauderdale.