Long story but I have not shipped anything in so long I have no idea about it any longer. Let’s say Florida to Oregon, how much advance notice should I expect to give? And what kind of price tag will I be paying? Insight appreciated 
Just one horse.
When I have shipped cross country (across the boarder), I received a lower price because I was flexible on ship dates and could be added to an existing route that ended up having an available spot. I organized a list of shippers that did the route I needed, and then contacted them after the PPE was complete to book. In one case the ship date was almost immediate, but in other cases I have waited 1-2 weeks.
One to two bucks a loaded mile. A week or two is fairly reasonable for notice. FL to OR, plan on a box stall
Depending on the company, ship date will depend on them getting other passengers if they think they can get other passengers. Ship date could be 1-4 weeks depending on the route for that company.
I suspect right now maybe $3-4K. Call around to find out how much notice different shippers will need, what the trip is like (for several shippers, this trip would require at least one change of trailers at their “hub” - where is that?) and what the price is. Don’t necessarily go with the cheapest shipper, go with air-ride trailers and a box stall for that length of trip. And reputation.
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I’d guess you will be routed across to California then up to Oregon by most shippers. Perhaps even swapping shippers in CA. This could require extra lead time and cost.
I shipped one from east coast to Washington St. some years ago and arranged the transfer to PNW shipper in Kentucky. It required a 1 or 2-night layover in KY, but it went smoothly. PNW shipper was American Horse Transport. They were good at that time. I’m sure pricing will have changed but as I recall it was under $2K for the entire trip.
Depending on quotes you get for van transport, it might be worth checking air transport to west coast (Oakland?) then van to Oregon.
Yes to most of this.
American Horse Transport is based in Chehalis, WA. For my OR to FL trip, they sub-contracted with Creech (a well-known Southeast shipper) to take my horse from Kentucky to FL. American Horse Transport did the Oregon to Kentucky leg. Last year, I think I paid about $3K for this trip. I paid for a stall and a half, but got a box stall. That was luck and, perhaps, showing up with BBQ for the drivers when my mare was picked up. I always bring some “real food” to long-haul drivers-- on pick-up or delivery.
Otherwise, IMO, OP you need to pick one of the major shippers out there, buy at least a stall and a half (the good guys won’t sell you a single stall for such a long trip), and give them as much flexibility as you can. I know Bob Hubbard will also do that trip, though comparing those guys and American Horse Transport, I feel I got slightly better customer service from American Horse Transport. Their communication the whole time was really top-notch.
You will also need a Coggins and valid health certificate. The latter is good for 30 days so you are creating a window for yourself when you finally get that done. And of course you need to do all that 30-days’ notice stuff with the barns on both ends. IMO, if you start getting quotes and routes from shippers about 60 days before you’d like to go, that’s the right time frame. After all, their logistics people need to gather horses and plan their routes… so your calling up too early or too late doesn’t help them figure out this giant carpool.
I love the idea of the flying option but I think your options for that are SeaTac and LAX. I’m not sure which FL airport will receive horses. It’s kind of a good idea until you consider the cost and the days of travel your horse will do on the ground. The best cross-country trip is the shortest one, but I wouldn’t mind a layover longer than 24 hours in Kentucky. For your trip, chances are that they will pick up your horse in Oregon and head straight across the country, stopping only for fuel, food and a pee. So a day or longer in Kentucky will be a welcome rest after that marathon.
Best of luck in your new move!
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