ship car from florida to colorado
Florida → Colorado

Ship Car from Florida to Colorado

Transporting a vehicle from Florida to Colorado covers approximately 1,966 miles, with most carriers completing the journey in five to seven days. Because this route relies heavily on major interstate corridors like I-70, it is a well-traveled path that allows for consistent scheduling and reliable transit. In the sections below, we cover the essential aspects of your move, including current market pricing, expected transit timelines, the step-by-step booking process, how to verify your carrier’s credentials, and practical tips for preparing your vehicle for the cross-country trip.

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Distance
1,966 mi
Transit time
5–7 days
Open carrier from
$1,100

How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Colorado?

For this 1,966-mile journey, open transport typically costs between $1,100 and $1,475, while enclosed shipping ranges from $1,775 to $2,375. As a referral service, Ship Car Pros connects you with independent carriers who set these rates based on current demand along I-70 and your specific vehicle requirements; you generally pay a deposit only after a driver is confirmed, with the remainder due at delivery. There are seven factors that determine where your final price lands, including vehicle size, current fuel costs, and your preferred pickup window. Because each load is unique, we prioritize matching your shipment with a carrier who understands this specific corridor, ensuring your vehicle remains on the same trailer for the entire five-to-seven-day transit.

What factors affect car shipping cost?

Several variables influence your final quote beyond the baseline distance of your trip. We base our estimates on these specific logistics to ensure your vehicle is matched with the right carrier:

  • Vehicle dimensions and weight: Larger trucks and SUVs occupy more trailer space and increase fuel consumption.
  • Transport type: Choosing enclosed trailers provides extra protection but carries a higher premium than standard open shipping.
  • Pickup and delivery flexibility: A wider scheduling window allows carriers to optimize their routes, often reducing your cost.
  • Seasonal demand: High-traffic times like summer or winter snowbird migrations increase competition for limited trailer space.
  • Route accessibility: Picking up or dropping off in remote, rural areas requires more time and fuel than major metro hubs.
  • Vehicle operability: Non-running vehicles require specialized winching equipment and extra labor for loading and unloading.

Open vs. enclosed car transport: which should you choose?

Choosing between open and enclosed transport comes down to your vehicle’s value and your risk tolerance. Open transport is the industry standard, used for roughly 85% of all shipments. It is the same method dealerships use to move new inventory, making it a safe, reliable, and cost-effective choice for daily drivers. With a typical cost around $1,219, it is the go-to option for most standard cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Enclosed transport provides a higher level of protection by shielding your vehicle from road debris, dust, and weather. With a typical cost around $1,986, this premium service is best reserved for high-value collector cars, luxury vehicles, or custom builds with low ground clearance. If your vehicle is an heirloom, a show car, or worth over $75,000, the peace of mind offered by a fully sealed trailer is usually worth the investment.

Open carrier
$1,100–$1,475
Standard 7–10 car hauler.
Enclosed carrier
$1,775–$2,375
Sealed trailer for high-value vehicles.

How long does it take to ship a car from Florida to Colorado?

Shipping your vehicle across the 1,966 miles from Florida to Colorado typically takes five to seven days. While this might seem like a long time, remember that carriers have to navigate traffic, fuel stops, and necessary rest periods that limit how far they can drive each day. A driver generally covers about 400 to 500 miles on a productive day, meaning they spend most of their time moving steadily across the heart of the country. Beyond the time spent on the road, your specific pickup and delivery dates will depend on carrier availability and current demand along I-70. We will walk you through the scheduling process in the next section.

Which routes do carriers usually take?

Carriers typically begin their journey by navigating Florida’s major interchanges, such as I-75 N or I-10 W, to exit the state. Once they clear the southeast, the route connects to the primary cross-country arteries that lead toward the Rockies. As they approach Colorado, drivers transition onto I-70 W. This path is the backbone of the trip, though it presents unique challenges as the terrain shifts from plains to high-altitude mountain passes. Carriers must carefully navigate steep grades and elevation changes near the Continental Divide, often managing strict traffic constraints through major infrastructure projects like the Floyd Hill reconstruction to ensure your vehicle arrives safely.

What can delay your shipment?

While carriers aim for a smooth transit, several factors can shift your delivery timeline. The most significant variable for this specific route is the I-70 mountain corridor. Winter snowstorms and avalanche control closures near the Continental Divide can cause temporary delays, as can high-wind restrictions along the Front Range. Outside of mountain weather, your pickup window is also affected by timing; shipments booked on Fridays often wait until Monday for dispatch, as carrier activity slows over the weekend. Finally, if you are coordinating an auction pickup, failing to have your lot number or gate pin ready can cause immediate, avoidable stalls in the loading process.

Popular Routes

Major city-to-city routes on the Florida → Colorado corridor.

FromToApprox. distanceTransit
Miami, FLDenver, CO~1,720 mi5-7 days
Tampa, FLColorado Springs, CO~1,480 mi4-6 days
Orlando, FLAurora, CO~1,540 mi5-7 days
Jacksonville, FLFort Collins, CO~1,490 mi4-6 days
Cape Coral, FLLakewood, CO~1,610 mi5-7 days
Palm Bay, FLThornton, CO~1,610 mi5-7 days
Port St. Lucie, FLGreeley, CO~1,660 mi5-7 days
Bonita Springs, FLGrand Junction, CO~1,780 mi5-7 days
Kissimmee, FLArvada, CO~1,570 mi5-7 days
Pensacola, FLPueblo, CO~1,130 mi4-6 days

How does shipping a car from Florida to Colorado work?

Shipping a vehicle from Florida to Colorado follows a straightforward three-stage process designed to get your car from your driveway to its destination without unnecessary complications. It begins with requesting your quote and confirming the logistics of your move. Next, a carrier is assigned to your specific route to handle the physical pickup and inspection of your vehicle. Finally, the driver transports your car across the country, concluding with a thorough final inspection upon arrival at your chosen delivery address. We manage the coordination throughout these stages to ensure a predictable and transparent experience for you.

What happens between booking and pickup?

Once you finalize your details and sign the agreement, your shipment moves from our dispatch team to the active marketplace. Here is how we bridge the gap between your booking and the driver’s arrival:

  1. We post your shipment to the national load board where our network of vetted carriers can review the route.
  2. An available carrier accepts the load, and we officially dispatch them to your Florida pickup location.
  3. We send you the carrier’s contact information, including the driver’s name and phone number, once they are assigned.
  4. The driver calls you directly to confirm a specific pickup window based on their current route and local traffic.
  5. On the scheduled day, the driver arrives and walks the vehicle with you to perform the initial bill of lading inspection.

This sequence ensures you are never left guessing, as you will have a direct line to the professional responsible for your vehicle the moment they are confirmed.

What is a bill of lading (BOL)?

The bill of lading (BOL) is both a contract for transport and a critical condition report for your vehicle. At pickup, the driver performs a thorough, 21-point visual inspection, documenting existing scratches, dents, or paint issues on this form. You will sign the report once you agree with their notes. The process repeats at delivery, where you compare the vehicle’s current state against the initial report. Always perform this final inspection in good lighting before signing off. If you notice any new damage, note it clearly on the BOL before the driver leaves. This document serves as your primary evidence should you need to file an insurance claim.

After delivery: registration and inspection in Colorado

Once your vehicle arrives in Colorado, you have 90 days as a new resident to complete your registration in person at a county motor vehicle office. You will need to provide your out-of-state title or registration, proof of Colorado insurance, and a completed VIN inspection (Form DR 2698). If you are moving to a county that mandates emissions testing, ensure that is completed as well. Be prepared for variable registration costs, which include ownership taxes and a mandatory $29 "Keep Colorado Wild" pass. Failure to meet these deadlines can result in monthly late fees, so checking your specific county requirements at dmv.colorado.gov is a smart first step.

Even after your car reaches Colorado, remember your obligations back in Florida. You must maintain your Florida insurance coverage until you have successfully registered the vehicle in your new state and officially surrendered your Florida license plate to the FLHSMV to avoid automatic driver's license suspension.

How do you verify a car transport company is legitimate?

Verifying that a transport company is legitimate is the most important step to protect your vehicle and your peace of mind. Every authorized interstate carrier must hold active credentials issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify this by searching their MC (Motor Carrier) or DOT number on the official FMCSA Company Snapshot website. This tool confirms their registration status, safety rating, and, crucially, whether they have active insurance on file.

Beyond federal oversight, look for transparency in their business practices. A legitimate provider will always offer a written agreement that outlines the terms of service, cancellation policies, and insurance coverage before any work begins. Be wary of any company that demands payment or a large deposit before a carrier is actually assigned to your load. Standard industry practice involves charging a deposit only after a driver is confirmed and dispatched to your pickup location.

Finally, supplement your research with third-party reviews. Sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Transport Reviews offer customer feedback that can highlight a company’s track record for communication and reliability. If a company lacks an online presence or refuses to provide their registration details, it is best to move on. Taking these few minutes to verify credentials ensures you are working with a professional, not a fly-by-night operation.

How do I prepare my car for shipping?

Preparing your vehicle for transport helps ensure a smooth inspection process and protects both your car and the carrier. Taking these precautions before the driver arrives minimizes risks and keeps the logistics straightforward:

  • Wash the exterior to make any existing scratches or dents clearly visible for the initial inspection.
  • Photograph the vehicle from all angles, including the roof and undercarriage, ensuring the images are timestamped.
  • Remove all personal items and loose accessories, including toll tags, parking passes, and GPS mounts, to comply with insurance limits.
  • Maintain a quarter-tank of fuel to keep the vehicle light while ensuring there is enough gas to drive it on and off the trailer.
  • Disable security alarms and provide the driver with a complete, labeled set of keys for ignition and trunk access.
  • Note any mechanical quirks, such as battery issues or fluid leaks, and share these details with the driver during pickup.

Following these steps allows the driver to focus entirely on the safe loading and transit of your vehicle.

Specialty shipments from Florida to Colorado

Some shipments involve extra logistical steps that go beyond a standard door-to-door move. Whether you are navigating the specific requirements of an auction house, handling a vehicle that cannot start on its own, or saving money by bundling multiple cars into a single order, we have the experience to manage these unique scenarios. We will walk you through the specific documentation, equipment, and planning required to ensure your specialty transport reaches Colorado without any unexpected delays.

How do you ship a car bought at Copart or IAA auction?

Shipping a vehicle purchased from an auction facility like Copart or IAA requires more coordination than a standard residential pickup. Because these sites operate as secure, high-volume yards, carriers cannot simply arrive and collect a vehicle. To ensure the driver gains entry, you must provide three specific details: the lot number, the gate pin, and your buyer number. Additionally, the auction house must have your payment confirmation on file before they release the keys.

These requirements often add one to three days to your initial pickup window. Auction facilities have strict appointment systems and limited loading hours, which can cause scheduling friction if your documentation isn't submitted immediately upon booking. To keep your shipment moving, verify that your paperwork is fully processed with the auction house before we dispatch a driver to your location. This preparation is the most effective way to avoid unnecessary delays.

How do you ship an inoperable car?

Shipping a non-running vehicle requires extra labor and specialized equipment, which adds to the standard transport rate. To qualify for shipping, the car must still roll, steer, and brake; these are essential for the driver to safely maneuver the vehicle onto the trailer. If the car is completely seized or lacks steering capabilities, it may be classified as "non-rolling," which often requires additional equipment like a forklift or specialized tow assistance at the pickup and delivery sites. Always disclose the specific condition of your vehicle upfront, as the carrier must bring a trailer equipped with a winch to pull the car aboard safely.

How do you ship multiple cars at once?

If you are relocating a household or managing a fleet transfer, shipping multiple vehicles together is often the most efficient approach. When you book two or more cars on the same route, you typically qualify for a bundled rate, which lowers the per-vehicle cost compared to shipping them separately. Because a single carrier can often accommodate multiple cars on one trailer, this setup streamlines the entire process. You will coordinate with one driver for a single pickup and delivery, simplifying the logistics significantly. If your shipment happens to exceed a single trailer's capacity, we will manage the split-load coordination to ensure all vehicles arrive in Colorado within a similar timeframe.

Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive it from Florida to Colorado?

Deciding whether to ship your car or drive it yourself is a balance of direct costs and personal time. For the 1,966-mile journey from Florida to Colorado, the choice often comes down to your personal budget and scheduling flexibility.

Shipping your vehicle via an open trailer typically costs around $1,219. This is an all-inclusive price that covers the driver’s labor, fuel, and insurance, allowing you to fly to your destination while your car arrives at your door.

Driving the distance is a significant commitment. While you avoid the shipping fee, the expenses add up quickly. Based on current AAA "Your Driving Costs" data, operating your vehicle for nearly 2,000 miles incurs roughly $1,376 in wear-and-tear costs, such as depreciation, maintenance, and fuel. When you factor in two nights of lodging at approximately $120 each, the estimated cost to drive yourself reaches around $1,616.

Beyond the numbers, consider the logistical reality. A non-stop drive takes roughly 29 hours. In practice, most people require several days to safely navigate the distance. You must account for the physical fatigue of a multi-day trip, the cost of meals, and the opportunity cost of time spent on the road rather than at work or with family. If you prefer to arrive at your new home rested and ready, shipping shifts the burden of the road to a professional carrier.

Ship itDrive it
Total cost$1,100–$1,475 all-in~$1,376 (fuel + lodging + meals)
Your time0 hours~33 hrs driving + overnight
Wear & tearNone1,966 mi added; ~$0.10/mi depreciation
RiskInsured in transitPersonal liability + fatigue

For most Florida → Colorado shipments, ship is the better value once time and depreciation are counted.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Colorado?

Shipping a car from Florida to Colorado typically costs between $1,100 and $1,475 for open transport, while enclosed shipping usually ranges from $1,775 to $2,375. These prices are all-inclusive, covering fuel, tolls, and driver fees, though your final quote depends on variables like vehicle size, seasonal demand, and the specific pickup window you choose. Because rates fluctuate based on carrier availability across the I-70 corridor, getting a personalized quote is the best way to confirm current pricing.

How long does it typically take to ship a vehicle from Florida to Colorado?

Transit for a vehicle traveling the 1,966 miles from Florida to Colorado typically takes five to seven days. While drivers adhere to federal regulations that limit daily mileage, this estimate accounts for consistent progress along major interstate routes. Factors such as winter weather in the mountain passes, traffic, and your specific pickup and delivery locations can influence the exact arrival date, but most carriers maintain a steady pace to ensure your vehicle reaches its destination within this standard timeframe.

What is the primary difference between open and enclosed transport for this route?

The primary difference is the level of protection your vehicle receives during transit. Open transport is the industry-standard method where cars ride on an exposed trailer, similar to those used to deliver new vehicles to dealerships. Enclosed transport provides a fully sealed trailer, shielding your vehicle from weather, dust, and road debris. While open shipping is the most cost-effective choice for daily drivers, enclosed transport is usually reserved for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles requiring premium care.

When exactly do I pay for my car shipping service?

Payment is split into two parts, with a deposit charged only after a carrier is confirmed and dispatched to your location. The remaining balance is paid directly to the driver upon delivery of your vehicle. You do not pay anything upfront, and your credit card information is held securely until a driver is officially assigned to your specific route, ensuring you are not charged until the service is actively in motion.

Is my vehicle covered by insurance while it is being transported to Colorado?

Yes, your vehicle is covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance policy for the entire duration of the trip. Every legitimate transport carrier is required to maintain insurance that covers your car from pickup to delivery. This bumper-to-bumper protection is included in your all-inclusive shipping quote. The initial bill of lading inspection serves as the baseline for this coverage, ensuring any potential damage is documented and addressed through the carrier’s policy if an issue occurs during transit.

Can I request a weekend pickup or delivery for my vehicle?

While carriers will deliver vehicles on weekends whenever they arrive, weekend pickups are less reliable due to lower carrier activity. Most transport operations occur Monday through Friday. If you need a vehicle picked up on a Saturday or Sunday, it may take longer to find an available driver. Friday bookings often do not get picked up until the following Monday or Tuesday, so planning for a weekday pickup window is usually the most effective way to ensure timely service.

What is a bill of lading and why is it important during the inspection process?

A bill of lading is a critical document that serves as both your contract for transport and a formal condition report for your vehicle. At pickup, the driver conducts a 21-point inspection to document existing dents or scratches. Comparing this report to a second inspection at delivery is your primary way to verify the vehicle's condition. This document is essential because it serves as your official evidence should you need to file an insurance claim for new damage.

Why do some shipping prices for this route appear significantly lower than others?

Prices that appear significantly lower than the market average are often "lowball" quotes designed to win your business without a confirmed carrier. These brokers post your shipment at a below-market rate that drivers ignore, leading to long delays. Eventually, the company may ask for more money to actually secure a driver. To avoid this, seek all-inclusive quotes that reflect current market conditions and verify that the provider is a legitimate, transparent operation before committing to a booking.