Shipping a Car from Tampa, FL to Jacksonville, FL
A 205-mile trip heading north, entirely within Florida: that is Tampa to Jacksonville. Allow 1–2 days after pickup, in line with roughly 4 hours of highway time. Fewer trucks run this lane, so give the dispatcher a few days of leeway.
Timing and Seasonality
Jacksonville has a large military community, so summer permanent-change-of-station season (about May to August) tightens carrier space. With only 205 miles between Tampa and Jacksonville, weather matters less than carrier availability; a local operator or single-car trailer can sometimes be quicker and cheaper. From June to November, tropical weather can force carriers to reroute near the coast, so leave a few spare days. Two weeks of lead time works well for 205 miles. Across Florida expect afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season from June to November.
What Tampa to Jacksonville Costs
A sedan on an open trailer is priced at roughly $350–$370 on this run, or $1.76 for each of the 205 miles. Short hauls hit a minimum charge, so the per-mile number looks high. SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($390–$415); enclosed sedan transport is $510–$535, roughly 45% more than open. Delivery to Savannah, 119 miles from Jacksonville, would be $350–$390. A comparable-length trip, Austin, TX to Dallas, TX (212 mi), is priced at $350–$370. If you can start from Orlando (86 mi away) the estimate is $350–$370, within a few dollars.
| Transport Type | Car Type | Typical Price | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $350–$370 | Lowest cost, most common |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $390–$415 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $390–$415 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $510–$535 | High-value or low cars |
Figures assume a standard sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
The Route and Corridor
Both cities are in Florida, so there are no state lines to plan around. Expect afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season from June to November in Florida.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Tampa. Tampa is a seasonal-resident destination, so fall and spring bring surges of traffic. Tampa has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time. Gulf Coast snowbird and port city on I-4/I-275 with hurricane-season exposure.
Delivery in Jacksonville. North Florida port and Navy hub on I-10/I-95 with a large auto-import terminal. Trucks serving Jacksonville lean on I-10 and I-95. Jacksonville has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Have a storm plan. For coastal legs from June to November, agree on a backup date up front.
- Compare nearby pickup points. Moving the handoff a short drive from Tampa can change the price on a 205-mile lane.
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up several hours before the truck reaches Jacksonville.