Nearly 91% of Americans own at least one vehicle. However, with changing seasons and life events, relocating cars can present challenges and add costs.
Seasonal car shipping solutions can help you save money and hassle by professionally moving your vehicle across long distances as needed.
7 Insights to Saving Money With Seasonal Vehicle Shipping
Whether you are relocating for work, college, seasonal living, or want to enjoy a new place with your car, consider these 7 tips for finding affordable all season car transport options.
1. Ship In Fall/spring For Lower Rates Instead Of Shipping A Car During Peak Seasons
Timing greatly affects car shipping costs. Planning your transport during fall or spring can lower rates by 10-20% compared to peak seasons.
The auto transport industry sees fluctuating demand and pricing year-round. Summer and winter are the busiest, with high demand driving up prices.
In contrast, fall and spring have lower demand, prompting carriers to offer discounts to fill their capacity.
| Season | Shipping Rates | Demand |
| Summer | Higher | Highest |
| Winter | Higher | High |
| Fall | Lower (10-20%) | Lower |
| Spring | Lower (10-20%) | Lower |
2. Book Last-minute Fall/spring Shipments
If you have a flexible schedule, booking your seasonal car shipping at the last minute during the fall or spring seasons can sometimes result in even lower rates.
Auto transport carriers may offer discounted pricing to fill any remaining capacity on their trucks during these off-peak periods.
| Advantages | Risks |
| ● Lower shipping costs
● Availability of carrier capacity ● Last-minute deals and promotions |
● Limited availability
● Difficulty securing preferred dates ● Potential for delays |
3. Delay Spring Shipping Into June
As the weather warms, demand for car shipping rises, leading to higher costs. However, delaying your spring shipment until June could save you 10-15%.
| Shipping Period | Average Cost | Potential Savings |
| Spring (April-May) | $1,200 | – |
| June (Pre-Summer) | $1,050 | $150 (12.5%) |
Flexibility in your schedule can yield significant savings. Plan, adjust your timeline by a few weeks, and research seasonal pricing trends to secure the best deal.
4. Book Winter Car Shipping in Late Summer
The key to saving on seasonal car shipping is timing. Book well in advance of winter peak for the best discounts. Carriers offer lower rates in late summer/fall to fill schedules early.
| Booking Timeline | Potential Savings |
| Late Summer/Early Fall | 15-20% off winter seasonal shipping costs |
| Peak Winter Season | Higher rates due to increased demand |
5. Ask for Seasonal Snowbird Auto Transport for Round-Trip
As a snowbird, seasonal auto transport saves money on car shipping. This service offers round-trip vehicle transport at a 10-15% discount compared to one-way bookings.
Benefits include reduced costs, convenience, and avoiding separate arrangements each season.
Plan moves in advance to maximize savings and choose a provider specializing in snowbird auto transport.
| Service | Average Cost | Savings |
| Seasonal Snowbird Auto Transport (Round-Trip) | $1,200 – $1,500 | 10-15% off one-way shipments |
| One-Way Car Shipping (Per Trip) | $800 – $1,000 | N/A |
6. Watch for Seasonal Relocation Car Transport Promotions
With seasonal shipping, timing is everything. Look out for seasonal promotions to ship your car for significant savings, especially around major holidays and events like Thanksgiving.
7. Off-peak Directional Moves Have Seasonal Impact on Car Shipping Costs
When getting vehicle shipping, the direction of your transport can significantly impact the cost, especially during seasonal shifts.
Consider the following scenarios that demonstrate the seasonal impact on car transport costs:
- Shipping your car from the Midwest to Florida during the winter (snowbird season) may be less expensive than the reverse trip from Florida to the Midwest due to the increased demand for northbound transport.
- Transporting your vehicle from the Northeast to the Southwest in the summer can be more cost-effective than the opposite direction, as carriers may have more availability heading south.
| Seasonal Movement | Potential Cost Savings |
| Northbound in Winter (Snowbird Season) | 5-10% |
| Southbound in Summer | 5-10% |
How to Safely Ship Your Car Each Season?
For spring seasonal car transport, Inspect tires for proper tread depth and check for leaks in brake pads/shoes, which decrease safety during transport. During summer, Opt for enclosed transport on hot loads to prevent interior overheating from damaging electronics or use an open carrier with added ventilation during loading/unloading.
For the fall, secure or remove loose items from the interior that could shift during travel and opt for non-mountainous routes earlier to minimize winter weather risks. Lastly, check battery charge and fluid levels, which cold conditions strain more, and protect against freezing and corrosion with fully enclosed transport in extremely cold temperatures below -20°F.
