Cost to Ship a Car from South Dakota to Florida (2025)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

Cross-country car shipping from South Dakota to Florida can cost anywhere from $1,283 to $1,756, with delivery often taking 3 to 11 days depending on the season and carrier availability. Pro Tip: The South Dakota to Florida route is popular with snowbirds heading for warmer weather in the winter. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually gets better pricing.

Cost of Shipping a Car from South Dakota to Florida

Expect to pay somewhere between $1,283 and $1,756 to ship your car cross-country from South Dakota to Florida. Timing, transport style, and mileage all factor in. Explore the details in our shipping cost guide.

To get the best price, try to book in advance and compare multiple quotes.

Top South Dakota to Florida Car Shippers

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Montway Auto Transport

4.5 / 5
  • 13 yrs experience
  • Ship boat, RV, ATV

Here are the top car shipping companies:

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5.0

Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.

Get A Quote (224) 310-1412

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Live shipment tracking
  • Fast, no-hassle quotes
  • Door-to-door pickup
  • Competitive discounts

Cons

  • No international shipping
  • Pay more with debit/credit card

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door deliveries
  • Open and enclosed trailers
  • Hawaii/Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5.0

Sherpa Auto Transport started after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car. Unlike most of the auto transport industry, the company is deeply customer focused and prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.

Sherpa's Price Lock Promise and free car wash at delivery are just a few reasons the company is raising the customer service bar when it comes to auto shipping.

Get A Quote (833) 775-1461

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
  • Pay by credit card available
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No deposit upfront to schedule
  • $100k in cargo insurance
  • Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
  • Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans

Cons

  • Online instant quote not available
  • Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
  • No international shipping
  • No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Insured shipping

Montway Auto Transport

4.5 / 5.0

After 18 years in business and over one million cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.

Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.

Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.

Get A Quote (224) 206-5633

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Additional insurance provided on every shipment
  • No deposit required, pay at delivery
  • Expedited delivery available
  • Guaranteed delivery available
  • Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
  • Special discounts for return customers, military, USAA, and AARP members
  • Ships classic cars and motorcycles

Cons

  • Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Long-distance shipping
  • Hawaii and Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5.0

Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company's transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.

Get A Quote (501) 248-0223

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Price match policy
  • Quick turnaround
  • Discounts
  • White-glove transport
  • 24/7 tracking

Cons

  • Limited international shipping
  • No guaranteed pickup date

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Hawaii and Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

SGT Auto Transport

4.8 / 5.0

SGT Auto Transport is a highly-rated car shipping broker that works with more than 25,000 carriers to transport vehicles. They offer long-distance car shipping to 49 states. With the exception of Hawaii, all services are door-to-door and you can choose from open or enclosed shipping options. Get free quotes online in minutes and book an exact pick-up date for a seamless vehicle move.

Get A Quote (864) 492-1221

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Open and enclosed auto transport options available
  • Car shipping to Hawaii
  • Motorcycle shipping available
  • Free cancellation
  • Full insurance coverage included in the price
  • Nothing to pay up front
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • Limited international shipping
  • Doesn't ship RVs
  • No digital tracking

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open and enclosed transport
  • Long-distance and international shipping
  • Hawaii and Alaska shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Online instant pricing

Top Local Car Shippers

These are the best local car shipping companies in South Dakota:

Auto Transport by Stopwatch

3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD, 57702
3.78 / 5.0

Auto Transport by Stopwatch (DOT: 2965797) is an active car shipping company that offers a variety of transport services, including the transport of classic cars, electric vehicles, and inoperable cars. They also provide options for both open and enclosed transport. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google but holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

While they offer these notable services, potential customers should be aware that Auto Transport by Stopwatch does not provide a damage-free guarantee, nor do they offer international shipping or storage solutions, which might be a consideration for some customers. They do, however, ensure some flexibility in payment options as they accept payments by credit card but not by cryptocurrency or money order.

Get a Quote (616) 229-1517

Services Offered

  • Inoperable Car Transport
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate
  • Classic Car Shipping

Yada Enterprises Inc

611 N Main St, Redfield, SD, 57469
3.7 / 5.0

Yada Enterprises Inc (DOT: 1255110) is a car shipping company with a modest presence in the industry, evidenced by its Yelp rating of 2.6 and Google rating of 3.1. While they do not have a formal rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company remains active and offers a range of services to meet specific customer needs.

Yada Enterprises Inc specializes in transporting classic and electric vehicles and provides both open and enclosed transport options. Despite being fully insured, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may concern some customers seeking maximum protection for their vehicles.

Get a Quote (605) 472-3800

Services Offered

  • Fully Insured
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate
  • Classic Car Shipping

Shipping Options

When shipping your car from South Dakota to Florida, you can choose between open and enclosed transport:

Open transport

For most moves, open transport strikes the best balance of speed and cost. Delivery from South Dakota to Florida typically takes 3 days.

Enclosed transport

Offers added protection for high-value or classic cars. Enclosed transport from South Dakota to Florida takes an average delivery time of 11 days.

Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company

Choosing the best car shipping company is key to a smooth experience. For moves from South Dakota to Florida, keep in mind important factors like:

Prior route experience

Choose a company experienced in managing shipments from South Dakota to Florida smoothly and reliably.

Customer reviews

Look through ratings and testimonials to gauge overall customer satisfaction.

Pricing

Low quotes may look appealing, but they often come with hidden trade-offs.

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Montway Auto Transport

4.5 / 5
  • 13 yrs experience
  • Ship boat, RV, ATV

How Long It Takes to Ship a Car from South Dakota to Florida

For extended routes like South Dakota to Florida, expect 3 to 11 days in transit. The best car shipping companies will update you if anything shifts.

Is South Dakota to Florida a snowbird route?

Yes. This route is common for snowbirds heading south for winter. Demand peaks October through December, so prices can rise as trucks fill up. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually helps secure a better rate.

When should snowbirds book car shipping on this route?

Most snowbirds book in October or November for southbound trips and in March or April for the return. If your dates are flexible, ask about wider pickup windows to save money.

Is My Car Insured During Shipping?

Yes — your car will be covered by the carrier's insurance. On longer shipments, extra protection may be worth the cost. If you're shipping a high-value or classic vehicle, consider asking your insurer about additional options.

How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

For extended routes like South Dakota to Florida, prep your car by removing toll devices, turning off alarms, and documenting its condition. Review both states' vehicle regulations before your pickup date.

Receiving Your Car in Florida

Once your car arrives, make sure it matches the delivery report and shows no unexpected damage. Document anything unusual right away. For peace of mind, consider a quick mechanical check after long trips.

Why Ship a Car from South Dakota to Florida?

A 1,829-mile trip from South Dakota to Florida can take days by road. Hiring a professional transporter streamlines the process and cuts down on travel fatigue.

Mike Marshall
With over seven years at FreightWaves, a leading supply chain media and news organization, Mike has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s reach by launching its dedicated affiliate website. His work has helped shape FreightWaves’ position as a go-to resource for logistics, freight, and supply chain professionals. Before joining FreightWaves, Mike built a strong foundation in the financial media sector. There, he developed and implemented affiliate strategies tailored for brokerages and trading platforms, driving growth and revenue through innovative marketing partnerships. Mike’s unique blend of experience across media, finance, and affiliate marketing enables him to provide sharp insights into market trends, performance strategies, and the evolving landscape of digital media partnerships. His writing is trusted by industry professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve.