The Best Time to Ship Your Car: Seasonal Considerations

Shipping a car involves careful planning to ensure you get the best price, the shortest transit time, and the safest transport conditions. One crucial factor often overlooked is seasonality, the time of year you choose to ship your vehicle can significantly impact the cost, availability, and overall experience. In this guide, we’ll explore how different seasons affect car shipping and provide insights on when you should schedule your shipment for the best results, thus guiding you to choosing the best time to ship your car.

Seasonal Variations in Car Shipping

Car shipping is subject to fluctuations based on weather conditions, demand, fuel prices, and industry trends. These factors can affect shipping costs, carrier availability, and transit times. Let’s break down how each season impacts car transport and what you need to know before booking your shipment.

Winter: The Challenges and Opportunities

Pros of Shipping Your Car in Winter

✅ Lower demand, lower prices – Many people avoid shipping their cars in winter due to harsh weather conditions. This drop in demand often results in lower shipping rates, especially in non-snowy regions.

✅ More carrier availability – Since fewer people are moving during winter, more carriers are available, allowing for greater flexibility in scheduling and route selection.

Cons of Shipping Your Car in Winter

❌ Harsh weather conditions – Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can cause delays, especially in northern states. Road closures and accidents due to winter storms may increase transit times.

❌ Limited routes – Some carriers avoid routes through heavily affected winter regions, which may lead to longer delivery times or additional costs for alternative routes.

❌ Higher prices in snowbird states – While most regions see lower prices, states like Florida, Arizona, and California experience higher demand as retirees and vacationers (“snowbirds”) migrate south. This increased demand drives up shipping costs to these areas.

Best Strategies for Winter Car Shipping

• Book early to secure a good rate and avoid potential delays caused by last-minute scheduling.
• Consider enclosed transport to protect your vehicle from snow, ice, and road salt, especially if you have a luxury or classic car.
• Plan for possible delays and be flexible with pickup and delivery dates.

Spring: A Transition Season for Car Shipping

Pros of Shipping Your Car in Spring

✅ Moderate weather conditions – Spring typically brings milder weather, reducing the risk of snow-related delays and road closures.

✅ Increasing carrier availability – As winter demand tapers off, more carriers become available, leading to competitive pricing.

✅ Lower fuel costs – Gas prices are generally more stable in spring than in summer, helping keep shipping costs manageable.

Cons of Shipping Your Car in Spring

❌ Rising demand in late spring – As summer approaches, car shipping demand increases, causing prices to climb.

❌ Spring storms and flooding – While snow and ice may not be an issue, some regions experience heavy rain and flooding, which can delay shipments.

Best Strategies for Spring Car Shipping

• Ship early in spring to avoid the price surge that begins in late April and May.
• Monitor weather conditions to anticipate potential delays in areas prone to spring storms.
• Take advantage of competitive pricing by comparing multiple carriers for the best rates.

Summer: The Peak Season for Car Shipping

Pros of Shipping Your Car in Summer

✅ Ideal weather for transport – Warm temperatures and clear roads create optimal driving conditions for carriers, reducing weather-related delays.

✅ More routes available – Since demand is high, many shipping routes are open, offering more flexibility in scheduling.

✅ More carrier options – With more people relocating and purchasing vehicles, carriers are in full operation, increasing availability.

Cons of Shipping Your Car in Summer

❌ Peak-season pricing – High demand for vehicle shipping leads to increased rates, particularly in June, July, and August.

❌ Longer wait times – Because many people move during summer, there may be longer booking lead times and possible shipment delays.

❌ Traffic congestion – Increased road travel due to summer vacations can slow transit times in popular tourist areas.

Best Strategies for Summer Car Shipping

• Book at least 3-4 weeks in advance to secure the best rates and guarantee carrier availability.
• Be flexible with pickup and delivery dates to avoid premium charges for expedited shipping.
• Avoid peak moving periods like early June and late August, when moving season is at its highest.

Fall: The Hidden Gem of Car Shipping

Pros of Shipping Your Car in Fall

✅ Lower rates than summer – As demand slows down from the summer peak, shipping costs begin to drop.

✅ Mild weather conditions – Fall typically brings stable weather, making it an ideal time for smooth transport.

✅ More carrier availability – With fewer people relocating in the fall, carriers have greater availability and flexibility.

Cons of Shipping Your Car in Fall

❌ Hurricane season – If you’re shipping to or from coastal areas, hurricanes and heavy rains can cause delays.

❌ Increased demand in snowbird states – As winter approaches, rates to Florida, Arizona, and other warm destinations rise due to snowbird migration.

Best Strategies for Fall Car Shipping

• Book your shipment in early fall to secure the best rates before demand increases for snowbird destinations.
• Monitor hurricane forecasts if shipping to or from coastal areas.
• Take advantage of lower rates by booking when demand is lower, typically from mid-September to October.

When is the Best Time to Ship Your Car?

While each season has its pros and cons, the best time to ship your car largely depends on your priorities:

• If you want the lowest prices, consider shipping in late fall or winter (except for snowbird destinations).
• If you prefer fast and smooth transit with ideal weather, spring and early fall are the best choices.
• If availability and flexibility are your priorities, summer offers the most options, though at a higher cost.

Determined the Best Time to ship your Car?

Now that you know how seasons affect car shipping, you can make an informed decision on when to schedule your shipment. Whether you’re relocating, buying a new car, or sending a vehicle to a family member, timing your transport can save you money and headaches.

Ready to ship your car? Contact PRRAE Logistics today for a free quote and expert advice!