A practical guide to auto transport for franchised dealers, independent lots, and auction buyers in Central Florida — covering carrier types, pricing, documentation, and how to set up a dealer account.
Auto transport is one of the most routine — and most frequently mishandled — logistics functions in a dealership. Whether you’re doing dealer trades across state lines, picking up auction purchases, or moving inventory between lots, the way you handle vehicle transport directly affects your floor plan costs, your customer experience, and your team’s time.
This guide covers how Orlando car dealers approach auto shipping — what works, what doesn’t, and how to set up a transport program that runs on autopilot.
Dealer trades are the most time-sensitive. A trade involves shipping a specific unit to another dealer, often within a tight window before a customer expects delivery. Delays on dealer trades cost real money — both in floor plan interest and customer satisfaction.
Auction and wholesale transport is more flexible but often higher volume. You’re moving units from Manheim, ADESA, or private sales — sometimes one at a time, sometimes in batches. The key here is reliable dispatch and consistent documentation.
The vast majority of dealer transport uses open carriers — the multi-car transporters you see on the highway. This is the same method manufacturers use to deliver new inventory to dealerships. It’s safe, efficient, and the most cost-effective option for standard inventory.
Enclosed transport makes sense for CPO luxury vehicles, low-mileage exotics, and high-value units where condition documentation is especially important. It costs more — typically 40–60% above open rates — but provides an additional layer of protection and a premium impression for certain customers.
Every dealer transport should start and end with a signed Bill of Lading. The BOL documents the vehicle’s condition at pickup — every existing scratch, dent, and mark noted and acknowledged by the driver. At delivery, the receiving party compares the vehicle’s condition to the pickup BOL.
Never accept a delivery without a thorough walkdown and a signed BOL. Any new damage must be noted on the delivery BOL before signing — a clean signature means you’ve accepted the vehicle as delivered. This protects your dealership in any carrier insurance claim.
Auto transport pricing is distance-based, but volume matters significantly. Retail pricing (one-off bookings) is always higher than account pricing. Dealers who establish a transport account with a consistent carrier or broker get preferential rates — typically 10–20% below retail — because they represent predictable, recurring volume.
As a rough benchmark for Central Florida dealers:
| Orlando → Atlanta | ~440 mi | $300–$500 account rate |
| Orlando → Miami | ~235 mi | $200–$350 account rate |
| Orlando → New York | ~1,090 mi | $600–$900 account rate |
| Orlando → Dallas | ~1,100 mi | $550–$850 account rate |
The best dealer transport programs are built on a direct relationship with a carrier or broker — not one-off bookings through random brokers every time. A dedicated account means volume pricing, a direct contact who knows your operation, and priority dispatch when you need a unit moved fast.
Orlando Auto Shipping offers dealer accounts for franchised dealers, independent lots, and auction buyers in the Central Florida market. Our dealer program operates through the AutoShippingNearMe.com carrier network — giving your inventory access to vetted carriers across all 48 states with full FMCSA compliance. Setup takes one call.
Call our dealer team at (407) 794-8185 or fill out our dealer inquiry form. We’ll discuss your volume, routes, and preferred pricing — no commitment required.