Blog Post

Weather can play a significant role in the safe transportation of vehicles. As a car hauling company, we understand the importance of considering weather conditions when planning and executing vehicle shipments. It is essential to take into account the potential impacts that different weather patterns can have on safety, efficiency, and overall customer satisfaction. One of the most obvious ways that weather can affect vehicle shipping is through road conditions. Inclement weather such as heavy rain, snow, or ice can make driving conditions hazardous for our drivers. This may lead to delays or even cancellations in deliveries to ensure the safety of both our drivers and your vehicles.

Potential for severe weather conditions

Adverse weather conditions can severely disrupt auto transport carriers and their clients, complicating the transportation of vehicles across the country. The more severe the weather, the more challenging the logistics become. Therefore, it’s important to consider which weather conditions can impact the auto transport process.

• Winter weather, including lake effect snow, can strike virtually any region, from the Pacific Northwest through the steppes of Utah to the southeast’s subtropical climes. Unprepared or inexperienced individuals can find these conditions particularly hazardous on the roads, with snow and ice posing significant challenges, especially for car transportation drivers.
• Hurricanes and tropical storms, while daunting, offer a window for preparation. With early detection, most people in their path have an opportunity to prepare or evacuate if necessary. Advancements in technology allow auto transport carriers to be informed in advance about impending hurricanes, enabling them to adjust their routes accordingly.
• Flash floods, though not directly weather-related, result from severe weather events and follow periods of intense rainfall. Their unpredictable nature makes it difficult for carriers to anticipate and prepare for them.
• Wildfires, another consequence of certain weather conditions, pose a significant threat, particularly in the western United States. Carriers often avoid areas affected by wildfires, with California’s wildfire season causing numerous shipments to be delayed or declined due to the risk of fire.

Each of these weather phenomena presents unique challenges to transportation and logistics, underscoring the importance of preparedness and adaptability in the face of nature’s unpredictability.

How weather conditions affect the safety of car shipping

The weather conditions described significantly influence the auto transport process, determining the optimal time for shipping a vehicle.

Rise in cost

Car shipping rates often surge during periods of adverse weather conditions. These rates are influenced by specific locations and anticipated routes. However, inclement weather can force drivers to detour from their planned paths, potentially disrupting the scheduled pickup of other vehicles, increasing fuel expenditures, and extending transportation times. Moreover, winter not only brings snow and ice but also marks the snowbird season and a series of holidays, leading to heavier traffic on highways and further complicating car shipping logistics. Additionally, the hazardous nature of certain routes during this time can result in fewer drivers willing to undertake them, reducing the availability of suitable carriers. Consequently, the principles of supply and demand may escalate prices, especially when the need for secure car shipping intensifies.

Significant delays

Unexpected weather conditions can lead to road closures and an increase in accidents, necessitating drivers to reduce their speeds significantly. This can create substantial logistical challenges for immediate or expedited vehicle shipping, extending what might typically be a few days’ process to over a week. In instances of severe weather, such as major blizzards or hurricanes, carriers may opt not to drive, preferring to wait for conditions to improve. This cautious approach, while potentially delaying delivery, is a mark of a responsible car auto transport provider prioritizing safety and minimizing the risk of damage to the vehicles.

Damage to the vehicle

In adverse weather conditions, the choice of transportation can marginally affect the risk of minor vehicle damage. It’s important to consider the differences between enclosed and open auto transport. Opting for an enclosed trailer ensures your car is shielded from the elements, such as rain, hail, sleet, and debris, especially during high winds, offering complete protection. 

Opting for an open trailer carries more risk. It’s advisable to select an open trailer only when the route and season are less likely to experience adverse weather conditions. However, if your car is particularly valuable, classic, or unique, choosing enclosed auto transport is imperative. While it may cost about 30% more, the investment is justified by the superior protection it offers your vehicle, ensuring the highest level of safety.

How to minimize risk and ensure safe automobile transportation

Now that you understand the influence of weather on vehicle transportation, you might question if there’s a way to mitigate its effects. While altering the weather is beyond your control, there are several strategies you can employ to minimize its impact.

Investigate the weather conditions

Before arranging to ship your car, investigate the weather conditions in the destination region. Determine the optimal season for car shipping, and if possible, schedule your shipment for that time to ensure the best outcome.

• Winter Wonderland: The northeastern United States faces the highest snowfall risk, enveloping states like New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, and Maine in a blanket of white. Snow can grace these regions as early as October and linger until April.
• Hurricane Havoc: The Atlantic coast of the United States is most vulnerable to hurricanes, with the season stretching from June through November.

Select the optimal season

If feasible, steer clear of transporting your vehicle during periods susceptible to inclement weather. For example, consider avoiding the transport of a car to the northern regions in winter or to the Gulf Coast during hurricane season. Postponing the shipment until these hazardous months have passed is advisable for optimal conditions. 

Choosing Between Open and Enclosed Car Shipping

Open and enclosed car shipping represent the two main methods of vehicle transportation. While open auto transport meets the needs for most scenarios, the choice between the two ultimately hinges on the time of year and the specific type of vehicle being shipped.

Deciding Between Summer and Winter for Cross-Country Car Shipping: What’s the Ideal Season?

Seasonal changes and weather conditions significantly influence the process of vehicle shipping. This section will delve into the variations between shipping during summer and winter, outlining what you can anticipate and the optimal preparations to undertake.

Winter shipping

Winter offers an opportune moment for economical vehicle shipping, primarily due to the seasonal dip in demand. This period, often lacking in highlights, presents an advantage as carriers find themselves with additional capacity, sparking competition for your business. Despite potential weather-induced delays, the likelihood of your vehicle arriving on time remains high. Opting for auto transport during these colder months not only proves cost-effective but significantly safer than undertaking the journey yourself.

Summer Shipping

During the warmer months, carriers operate with greater efficiency thanks to milder and more predictable weather conditions. Opting to ship your vehicle in the summer might come with a higher price tag due to increased demand. However, the advantage lies in potentially faster delivery times, as vehicles are loaded and unloaded more swiftly.

Preparing Your Car for Shipping During Winter and Summer Seasons

“By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail.” This adage rings especially true when it comes to preparing for auto transport services. To ensure your vehicle is ready for its journey, there are several critical steps to take. First, ensure your radiator is filled to prevent the cooling system from freezing in cold weather or overheating in the summer. Also, it’s important to adjust your tire pressure according to the expected temperatures at your vehicle’s destination, as tires can lose or gain 1 PSI for every 10-degree change in temperature.

Additionally, consider the season when shipping your vehicle. In winter, using an open trailer exposes your vehicle to sand, salt, ice melt, and dirty snow, which could be detrimental to valuable or classic cars. Taking these precautions can significantly enhance the safety and condition of your vehicle upon arrival.

In these cases, Safe Car Hauling work closely with our clients to come up with alternative solutions and minimize any potential disruptions. Our goal is always to provide efficient and timely transportation services while prioritizing the safety of our drivers and customers.