Planning to ship your vehicle? One of the biggest factors influencing the cost, timing, and experience is the season. But it’s not just about what the calendar says; it’s also about where your car is going. Shipping a car from Miami to Los Angeles in January is a world away from shipping one from Minneapolis to Buffalo.

At The Best Auto Shipping, we handle vehicle transport year-round, on every route imaginable. We want to empower you with the knowledge to make the best choice for your needs, considering both the season and the specific path your vehicle will travel.

Let’s break down the pros, cons, and what to expect when shipping your car in summer versus winter.

☀️ Summer Auto Shipping: The Peak Season

Summer (roughly May through September) is the most popular time for auto transport. Families are relocating, students are heading to and from college, and “snowbirds” are moving their vehicles back north. This surge in demand has a direct impact on the shipping process.

What to Expect During Summer Shipping:

• Higher Demand, Higher Prices: With more people needing to ship their vehicles, carrier spots fill up quickly. This increased demand often leads to higher shipping rates. To get the best price, it’s crucial to book your transport as far in advance as possible.
• More Carrier Availability: The good news is that high demand means high carrier availability. More trucks are on the road, running frequent routes across the country. This can lead to flexible pickup windows and faster transit times.
• Favorable Weather Conditions: For most of the country, clear skies and dry roads mean fewer weather-related delays, making summer a very reliable time for cross-country transport.

Tips for Summer Shipping:

1. Book Early: To lock in a better rate and secure your spot, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
2. Check Fluids: Ensure your car’s coolant is topped off, especially if it’s traveling through hot regions like the Southwest.
3. Protect the Interior: Use a sunshade to protect the dashboard if your car will be waiting for pickup outdoors.

❄️ Winter Auto Shipping: The Off-Peak Season

Winter (roughly November through February) is generally the off-season for auto shipping. Fewer people are moving, which creates a different set of advantages and challenges that are highly dependent on your route.

What to Expect During Winter Shipping:

• Lower Demand, Lower Prices: With fewer cars needing transport nationally, carriers are often more competitive with their pricing. If your primary goal is to save money, winter can be a budget-friendly time to ship.
• Potential for Weather Delays: This is the biggest wild card of winter shipping. Snowstorms, icy roads, and blizzards can cause significant delays, especially on northern routes.
• Carrier Route Adjustments: Some independent drivers prefer to take southern routes during the winter to avoid hazardous conditions. This can sometimes mean longer waits for a pickup in northern or rural areas.

Tips for Winter Shipping:

1. Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure your antifreeze levels are sufficient, your battery is healthy, and your tires are properly inflated.
2. Allow for Flexibility: Build extra time into your schedule, especially if your car is crossing through the Snow Belt.
3. Consider Enclosed Transport: An enclosed carrier offers superior protection from snow, salt, and road grime during winter transit.

The Latitude Factor: Not All Winter Routes Are Created Equal

This is the most important thing to understand about seasonal shipping: your route matters more than anything.

• Southern & Sun Belt Routes (e.g., Texas, California, Florida, Arizona): Shipping a car between these states in the winter can be the best-kept secret in auto transport. You benefit from lower, off-season national pricing, but the actual route has minimal risk of weather delays. Carriers run these routes frequently year-round. A trip from San Diego, CA to Jacksonville, FL in January is typically smooth and cost-effective.
• Northern & Snow Belt Routes (e.g., Michigan, Upstate New York, Minnesota, Chicago, Colorado): This is where winter’s challenges are real. If your car is starting, ending, or passing through these regions, weather is a serious consideration. Major highways like I-80 through Wyoming or I-90 near the Great Lakes can close unexpectedly due to blizzards. For these routes, shippers must be prepared for potential delays as carriers navigate conditions safely.

Head-to-Head: Summer vs. Winter

Feature	Summer Shipping	Winter Shipping
Cost	Generally Higher	Generally Lower
Speed & Timing	More predictable nationwide	Highly Route Dependent: Predictable in the South, prone to delays in the North
Carrier Availability	High across all routes	High in the South, can be slower for pickup in the North
Preparation	Minimal preparation needed	Requires winter-specific vehicle prep, especially for northern climates

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The Verdict: When Should You Ship?

There is no single “best” time to ship a car—only the best time for your specific situation.

• Ship in the Summer if: You need your car to arrive within a tight, predictable timeframe (especially on a northern route) and your budget is less of a concern.
• Ship in the Winter if: Your top priority is saving money and your route is primarily through the southern U.S., or you have a very flexible delivery schedule that can accommodate weather delays on a northern route.

No matter when or where you choose to ship, the team at The Best Auto Shipping is here to ensure a smooth and reliable transport experience. Our logistics experts understand seasonal route planning, and we work with professional, vetted carriers who are experienced in navigating the roads in every condition.

Ready to get started? Click here for your free, no-obligation auto shipping quote! or call us today at 561-954-4376to discuss the specifics of your route.