Shipping a Car from Seattle, WA to Tampa, FL
Seattle, WA to Tampa, FL is a 3,006-mile heading east corridor that runs across 12 states, from Washington to Florida. Transit after dispatch is about 5–8 days (60 hours of driving, plus stops). Demand is moderate, so pickup windows are usually easy to fill.
What Seattle to Tampa Costs
Over 3,006 miles, a standard sedan on open transport runs $1,200–$1,805 ($0.50 per mile). The longer the haul, the lower the cost per mile, and this one is long. Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($1,740–$2,615), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $1,345–$2,020. Delivery to Orlando, 86 miles from Tampa, would be $1,210–$1,820. For scale, San Jose, CA to Springfield, MA is a similar 3,099-mile move at $1,240–$1,860. Going the other way, Tampa, FL to Seattle, WA is estimated at $1,190–$1,790.
| Transport Type | Car Type | Price Range | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $1,200–$1,805 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $1,345–$2,020 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $1,345–$2,020 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,740–$2,615 | Luxury, classic and low-clearance cars |
Prices shown are for a typical sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
Timing and Seasonality
Winter residents heading to Tampa fill southbound trucks from October through December; reserve early. Mountain passes along the way can close in winter storms, adding a day or two between December and March. Hurricane season (June to November) can pause or reroute trucks along the coast. For a 3,006-mile trip, request quotes about four weeks before pickup. Across Washington expect rain and snow on Snoqualmie Pass and the Cascades; across Florida, afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season from June to November.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Seattle. Cold-season storms around Seattle can push pickup dates back by a day or two. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area. Puget Sound port city on I-5/I-90; Cascade passes and rain affect winter timing.
Delivery in Tampa. Winter residents arriving or leaving Tampa drive seasonal demand. The main approaches to Tampa are I-275 and I-4. Gulf Coast snowbird and port city on I-4/I-275 with hurricane-season exposure.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. In Arkansas, I-40 and I-30 cross at Little Rock. In Oklahoma, I-35, I-40 and I-44 cross, and turnpikes are tolled. In Florida, I-95, I-75 and the tolled Florida's Turnpike carry most traffic. Metros near that straight-line path include Wichita (KS) and Little Rock (AR), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them. Pickup is on Pacific time and delivery on Eastern time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock. Toll roads in Kansas, Oklahoma and Florida are built into carrier pricing.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in Seattle and again in Tampa, and note anything on the bill of lading.
- Pad winter dates. If you ship between December and March, build in slack for pass closures.
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $1,200–$1,805 fits most cars; enclosed at $1,740–$2,615 suits luxury, classic or low cars.