Shipping a vehicle is not a one-price-fits-all operation throughout the year. The auto transport industry faces demand, weather and travel pattern changes during the year. Understanding the pros and cons of seasonal car shipping allows planning of the ideal vehicle dispatch time and prevention of needless expenses.
Moving time matters just as much as the destination, whether a snowbird flies South for the winter, a college student returns home for summer break, or an entire family moves across the country. CarShippingCenter.com is here with advice on when to move and how to make the most economical decisions.
Below is a complete list of the benefits and drawbacks of shipping a car during each season with the superior method.
How Seasonal Demand Affects Auto Shipping
However, before we dive into the pros and cons, let’s take a look into how the seasons affect auto transport during.
Factors That Change Seasonally:
- Driver availability
- Transport route traffic
- Fuel costs
- Weather conditions
- Customer demand cycles
- Regional travel patterns
- Road closures and delays
Pricing and work scheduling are governed by these factors and should be planned as such.
The Pros of Seasonal Car Shipping
Some seasons are helpful because of price, timing, or safety while traveling the roads in the area.
More Carrier Availability During Off-Peak Seasons
Typically, the slowest time for shipping cars is around late fall to early winter (not holidays).
Advantages:
- More flexible pickup times
- Easier to secure preferred transport types
- Shorter wait times for dispatch
- Faster overall delivery on some routes
Less demand means the carriers have more capacity, giving customers more leverage and options.
Lower Prices in Certain Months
The primary benefit of seasonal car shipping for consumers is saving money during the off-peak period.
Cheapest months often include:
- February
- March
- October
- Early December
Some situations may have lower rates, such as fewer moves, vehicle purchases, or seasonal travel.
Better Route Options and Faster Transit Times
As a result, it saves carriers much larger detours in the milder weather of spring and fall.
Better conditions mean:
- Fewer slowdowns
- Less risk of weather-related delays
- Smooth long-distance transport
- More predictable transit timing
These seasons work well in long-haul, coast-to-coast, or cross-state transport of goods.
Snowbird Season Creates Flexible Opportunities
Snowbird season increases passenger demand upon these routes, with higher frequencies.
- More trucks run north–south routes
- Faster matching for popular lanes
- Consistent carrier traffic
- Reliable scheduling windows
If your route is well-traveled by snowbirds, shipping at this time may be quite efficient.
The Cons of Seasonal Car Shipping
No season is without its advantages and disadvantages: this one has its own of each to consider.
Higher Prices During Peak Months
Summer is the busiest time of year for the auto transport business.
- College students moving
- Families relocating
- Vehicle purchases increasing
- Car auctions running peak cycles
- Expect:
- Higher quotes
- Fewer carrier openings
- Longer wait times
Fewer drivers cause higher prices close to Christmas and New Year’s.
Weather-Related Delays in Winter
Shipping weather varies in the northern states and midwestern states during winter.
Winter Challenges Include:
- Snowstorms
- Ice-covered roads
- Highway closures
- Mandatory tire-chain requirements
- Driver delays for safety
Winter may mean scheduling risks if timely delivery is critical.
Limited Routing Options During Harsh Seasons
Extreme heat in the southwest or storms on the coast may affect truck routes.
Seasonal route impacts:
- Carriers may avoid wildfire zones
- Hurricanes can shut down major roads
- Spring flooding can cause detours
- High winds slow travel in mountain regions
These factors can result in increased transit times or reduced service on routes.
Increased Demand During Snowbird Season on Specific Lanes
More carriers offer service in the snowbird season, but the most traveled routes in Florida, Texas and Arizona witness higher prices. Capacity lowers with last-minute quotes, and competition increases on enclosed transport service for luxury routes. The best season for shipment of a car is based on price, speed, safety and flexibility. The best time is fall or early winter if price and scheduling are flexible, and if the company can use an open carrier. Spring has better conditions and predictable delivery times for long trips. Summer is only best if you’re looking for a very quick trip and have no flexibility (like if you’re a student moving home or a work transfer). Avoid late December and every holiday week, when delays and price increases are likely.
Tips to Maximize the Benefits of Seasonal Shipping
Whether you’re shipping during peak month or it’s the off-peak season, these tips can help you.
Book Early During High-Demand Seasons
As a rule of thumb, the earlier you book, the better your price.
Stay Flexible With Pickup Dates
The 2-3 day pickup window reduced costs and increased the speed of shipment.
Understand Weather Patterns for Your Route
Can you ship north to south in winter?
Expect delays.
Consider Enclosed Transport for Harsh Weather
Best for luxury or classic cars that need extra protection.
Work With a Reputable Company
Our many years of experience and knowledge of seasonal factors that drive routes and pricing enables CarShippingCenter.com to provide dependable, year-round nationwide auto transport services at the best rates. This means access to the best routes for each season, door-to-door service anywhere in the U.S.A., full insurance coverage, open and enclosed carriers, real-time tracking through our experts, demand-based recommendations on when to schedule transport to avoid seasonal peaks or delays.
Plan Ahead for the Best Seasonal Shipping Experience
Seasonal car shipping has pros and cons, just like any other part during the auto transport journey. Knowing benefits and drawbacks makes finding the best time of year to ship your car easier. Saving money, getting faster delivery, or avoiding terrible weather conditions become possible. Schedule with confidence. CarShippingCenter.com helps to keep costs down. Once you decide on the right season for your climate and needs, you can visit CarShippingCenter.com for a free, no-obligation quote.
