Seasonal Car Shipping: A Guide

Various factors influence car transportation, but one of the most significant is the time of year. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car from another state, looking into international car shipping, or need a car transport service for any other reason, understanding the seasonal differences in automobile shipping can help you save money and avoid delays.

Weather conditions, carrier availability, and demand all impact car shipping prices, so planning ahead and knowing what to expect in each season can make a big difference. This guide will explore some useful seasonal car shipping tips, the pros and cons of seasonal car shipping, to help you determine the best time to schedule your vehicle shipment and get the best car shipping cost possible.

Winter Car Shipping: Challenges and Cost Considerations

Winter is one of the most challenging times for car transport services. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can impact transit times, affecting the cost of shipping a car and overall reliability.

Pros:

• Lower Demand = Lower Costs: Fewer people transport vehicles in winter, so car shipping companies may offer discounts on your car shipping quote. This can be a great time to get affordable car shipping options.
• Availability of Carriers: With fewer shipments in winter, you may find more availability with car shippers. This could be helpful if you need a quick turnaround.
• Less Congestion: Shipping fewer cars may result in fewer delays at pickup and delivery locations.

Cons:

• Weather-Related Delays: Snowstorms and icy roads can cause significant delays. This is especially true in northern regions where road closures are more frequent during winter months.
• Limited Routes: Some areas, particularly those that experience heavy snow or extreme cold, may be difficult to access. This can lead to delays in both pickup and drop-off.
• Added Precautions: With freezing temperatures, some vehicle transport services may require additional steps to protect your vehicle, potentially raising the cost.

Spring Car Shipping: A Balanced Option

Many consider spring one of the best times for car shipping. The weather is milder, and there are fewer disruptions, but demand has not yet reached the peak levels of summer.

Pros:

• Milder Weather: With the end of winter storms and more predictable conditions, transporting a car in spring is relatively easy.
• Availability: As demand begins to pick up, car shippers are more prepared to handle the influx of shipments without significant delays.
• Flexible Scheduling: Spring is a sweet spot between the slower winter months and the busy summer season, so it’s easier to find available transport dates.

Cons:

• Rising Costs: As demand increases, the cost of shipping a car may start to rise in the spring, though it is still lower than summer.
• Weather: While generally milder, spring can still bring occasional storms or unexpected weather that can cause delays.

Summer Car Shipping: Peak Season

Summer is the most popular time of year for car shipping. Many people relocate, purchase vehicles, or go on vacation, increasing demand for car transport services. However, this popularity comes with its own set of challenges.

Pros:

• Ideal Weather Conditions: With warm temperatures and generally dry conditions, summer is the easiest time to ship a car without weather-related disruptions.
• Availability of Services: During the peak season, most car shipping companies are fully running, providing more options for vehicle transport services.
• Convenience: With more carriers on the road, shipping a car across the country or internationally is often more convenient, with better access to pickup and drop-off locations.

Cons:

• High Demand = High Costs: The increased demand means higher car shipping prices. Expect to pay a premium for services during this time.
• Longer Wait Times: Since summer is so busy, you may have to wait longer for your preferred shipping date.
• Overbooked Carriers: During peak season, car shippers often fill their schedules, which may limit availability.

Fall Car Shipping: A Cost-Effective Solution

Fall is a great time to ship a vehicle. The weather is still mild, but demand has decreased since the summer rush. This season is often one of the most affordable times to schedule a car transport service.

Pros:

• Lower Costs: As demand begins to drop, the cost of shipping a car decreases as well, allowing for the cheapest car shipping. This makes fall a great time to get cheap car shipping rates.
• Stable Weather Conditions: With fewer weather-related issues than spring and winter, fall provides an ideal environment for shipping car prices to remain steady.
• Flexible Scheduling: With fewer shipments, it is often easier to find available dates, and transit times are generally more predictable.

Cons:

• Shorter Days: As daylight hours decrease, it may be more difficult to schedule pickup and delivery during daylight hours, potentially causing delays.
• Early Winter Storms: In certain regions, fall may bring early snow or storms, which could affect the timing and routes for vehicle shipping.

Factors to Consider for Seasonal Car Shipping

Regardless of which season you choose, here are a few tips to help make your car shipping process smoother:

1. Use a Car Shipping Cost Calculator

Before booking your service, use a car shipping cost calculator to get an estimate of the price based on the time of year. This will give you a rough idea of how much it will cost to ship a car during different seasons.

2. Plan Ahead

If you’re shipping a car during peak seasons like summer or winter, make sure to book your shipment well in advance. During these times, availability is limited, so booking early ensures better pricing and more flexibility.

3. Consider Pickup and Delivery Locations

The availability of pickup and drop-off locations can vary by season. During winter, some areas may be more difficult to access, so choosing alternate drop-off locations rather than a door-to-door service or more accessible routes could help prevent delays on your load and unload times.

4. Factor in Shipping Date Flexibility

If you have some flexibility with your shipping date, you might be able to take advantage of off-peak pricing and save money on your chosen auto transportation services. Certain days of the week, especially mid-week, tend to have lower rates compared to weekends.

5. Choose a Reliable Auto Shipping Company

Choosing the right auto shipping company can make a significant difference in the overall experience. Companies like EasyHaul have a track record of providing reliable automotive shipping services, regardless of the season. Always read reviews and ask for recommendations to ensure you’re working with trusted car shippers.

6. Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport

Preparing your car for shipment is critical no matter the season. Remove all personal items from the car, document existing damages, and ensure the fuel tank is no more than one-quarter full. This helps streamline the process and reduces the risk of delays. Choose enclosed carriers and enclosed trailers if necessary.

7. Verify Insurance Coverage

Each auto shipping company offers different levels of insurance coverage. Verify the type and amount of coverage you have, as this can vary depending on the car transport service and the type of shipping (open vs. enclosed), or type of pick up and delivery.

Comparing Seasonal Shipping Costs

To understand how much it costs to ship a car at different times of the year, consider the following:

• Winter: Generally the cheapest way to ship, but road closures and delays can add to the overall cost.
• Spring: Moderate prices, but the potential for weather-related delays may still be a factor, and thus the need for enclosed trailers increasing the cost.
• Summer: The most expensive time to ship a car, due to high demand, but also the most reliable in terms of weather and carrier availability.
• Fall: One of the most affordable options, with reliable shipping services and lower prices, and the lack of wear and tear risk when compared to Winter shipping.

Additional Considerations for Long-Distance Shipments

If you’re transporting a vehicle over longer distances, seasonal factors are even more significant. Shipping a car across country or internationally involves added complexities like longer wait times and potential customs delays for international shipping. Depending on the season, the cost to ship a car long distances can fluctuate considerably.

For long-distance shipments, especially for those moving to another state or country, it’s crucial to book well in advance and factor in the cost of shipping as it relates to fuel prices and car shipping services at peak times.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right season for car shipping in the United States and beyond can save you money and time. Winter may offer discounts, but it brings weather-related delays. Summer is fast and reliable but costly. Spring and fall offer a balance of cost and availability, making them excellent choices for cheap car shipping options. 

Knowing the pros and cons of each season, understanding the factors that influence prices, and booking with a reputable auto shipping company will ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.