You have made the decision to ship your vehicle to Florida rather than drive it. Smart choice. Now you need to know exactly how the process works — from the moment you request a quote until you are driving your car down A1A in the sunshine.

For the complete overview of snowbird transport, see our Snowbird Auto Transport Guide. This guide walks you through the step-by-step experience.

Step 1: Request Your Quote (6–8 Weeks Before Departure)

The process begins with a quote request. You will need to provide:

Pickup location — your home address or a nearby meeting point in New England
Delivery location — your Florida address (home, condo, RV park, or seasonal rental)
Vehicle details — year, make, model, running condition
Desired timeframe — when you want pickup and when you need it in Florida
Transport preference — open or enclosed carrier

A reputable company will provide a quote within a few hours to one business day. The quote should be a firm, all-inclusive price with no hidden fees.

When comparing quotes: Compare the total cost, not just the initial number. Some companies quote low then add fuel surcharges, insurance fees, or extras at booking. See our cost guide for what to expect.

Step 2: Book Your Shipment (4–6 Weeks Before Departure)

Booking is straightforward:

Provide contact information, vehicle details, and addresses
Pay a deposit (typically $100–$200) with balance due at delivery
Receive a confirmation with your pickup window (a 2–4 day range)

Why book 4–6 weeks ahead? During snowbird season, carriers fill quickly. Early booking gives the carrier time to build efficient routes and gets you preferred dates at competitive pricing. Last-minute bookings mean higher prices or longer waits.

Step 3: Prepare Your Vehicle (1 Week Before Pickup)

About a week before your scheduled pickup window, start preparing:

Wash the exterior — clean vehicle makes the pre-transport inspection easier and helps document existing conditions
Remove personal belongings — GPS, phone chargers, sunglasses, garage door openers, toll transponders, trunk contents. Carriers are not responsible for personal items.
Reduce fuel to a quarter tank — enough for loading and unloading, no full tank needed
Check tire pressure and battery — vehicle needs to start and move under its own power
Disable aftermarket alarms — or provide deactivation instructions to the driver
Take dated photographs — all four corners, the roof, and any areas with existing damage

Read our first-time shipping guide for the complete preparation checklist.

Step 4: Vehicle Pickup Day

Your carrier contacts you 1–2 days before pickup to confirm the exact date and approximate time. On pickup day:

Condition inspection — you and the driver walk around the vehicle while the driver completes a Bill of Lading noting every existing scratch, dent, ding, and imperfection
Review and sign — make sure it accurately reflects your vehicle's condition
Loading — driver loads your vehicle onto the carrier (~15–20 minutes)
Receive your copy of the Bill of Lading and confirm delivery contact info

The entire pickup takes 30–45 minutes. If the carrier cannot access your street directly, you will meet the driver at a pre-arranged nearby location.

Step 5: Transit (5–7 Business Days)

Your vehicle is on its way to Florida. Transit time for the New England-to-Florida corridor is typically 5–7 business days.

During transit, your transport company should provide periodic updates — GPS tracking, phone, or email at key milestones.

Pro tip: Use this transit time to arrange your own travel to Florida. Many snowbirds fly down and time their flight to arrive a day or two before their vehicle's estimated delivery date, giving them time to settle in.

Step 6: Delivery Day in Florida

The driver contacts you 1–2 days before arrival to coordinate. On delivery day:

Unloading — driver unloads your vehicle
Delivery inspection — together, inspect against the original Bill of Lading. Walk around carefully, checking for any new scratches, dents, or damage.
Sign and pay — if the vehicle is in the same condition (the overwhelming majority of shipments), sign the delivery receipt and pay the remaining balance

Accepted payment at delivery: Cash, certified check, or money order. Some carriers accept credit card (processing fee may apply).

If you notice new damage: Note it clearly on the delivery paperwork before signing. Take photographs and report to the transport company immediately. See our insurance and claims guide.

Popular Florida Destinations

Region	Popular Cities
Gulf Coast	Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa Bay
Atlantic Coast	West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami
Central Florida	The Villages, Ocala, Orlando

Note: Delivery to coastal condominiums and gated communities sometimes requires meeting the carrier at a nearby location rather than at your front door. Your transport company will work with you to identify the most convenient delivery point.

The Return Trip

When spring arrives, the process works exactly the same in reverse. Many snowbirds book their return transport before they even leave for Florida, locking in pricing and ensuring a carrier is reserved for their preferred spring departure window.

Northbound peak: Late March–Early May
Book 4–6 weeks ahead for smooth scheduling and competitive pricing

See our best time to book guide for detailed seasonal strategies.

Book Your Florida Transport Today

Shipping your car to Florida should be the easy part of your snowbird season. At Baier Transport, we specialize in the New England-to-Florida corridor and handle hundreds of snowbird vehicles every season. BBB A+ rated with 250,000+ vehicles transported.

Get a Free Quote → | Call (603) 490-7309 | Contact Us →

Also read: The Complete Snowbird Auto Transport Guide →

Shipping Your Car to Florida for Winter: A Snowbird's Step-by-Step Guide