Blog Post

If you’re curious about how the time of year impacts auto transport costs, let’s clarify things. The concept of “seasonal fluctuations in auto transport costs” might have reached your ears, leaving you puzzled. This topic rarely receives a thorough explanation, but that changes today.

What do we refer to as seasonal variations?

Like many businesses, the seasons significantly influence cost, service speed, and overall experience in car transport services, a fact likely not surprising to many. Delving into specifics, however, reveals greater complexity. For a comprehensive understanding, it’s crucial to examine the details closely. This thorough approach ensures you can make an informed decision when arranging your car transport services.

The New Year’s Frenzy

January, marking the start of a new calendar year, is not solely reserved for setting resolutions. It is also a period when many individuals return home following the bustling holiday season. Car shipping drivers are no exception. Like many of us, they too resume their duties after a well-deserved Christmas break. Despite their absence, the booking of shipments doesn’t pause, even though very few carriers operate during the holidays.

This leads to a hectic start to the year, particularly the first two to three weeks, as everyone scrambles to catch up. Additionally, this time coincides with snowbirds preparing for their journey back north, further compounding the demand. The situation involves tens of thousands of people eager to transport their vehicles, creating a perfect storm when coupled with the unpredictable weather and temperatures of early January. The result? Extended waiting times, leading to cancellations, wasted time, and a significant amount of frustration.

How to Dodge the January Auto Transport Blues

• Schedule an Early Shipment: Opt for an early December booking for your door-to-door auto transport to avoid the New Year rush. Planning ahead ensures you’re not left without a vehicle while yours is en route to its holiday destination—a preferable option to facing the alternative.
• Consider Paying More: To expedite the process, you might consider offering an additional financial incentive to the driver. This option hinges on your budgetary constraints.
• Delay Until Mid-January: If you’re not pressed for time, savor a few extra weeks with your family and plan your return after the hustle and bustle of January subsides.

Does February offer a better option for car shipping?

February typically experiences a lull in shipment volume, leading to potentially lower costs. However, caution is advised as some car transport services may not adjust their rates accordingly. As a result, you could end up paying rates comparable to those of the January peak. It’s advisable to compare rates thoroughly and engage in discussions with company representatives to understand their pricing policies better, ensuring you make the most informed decision.

March through May marks the season for snowbirds car transport

As March approaches and temperatures start to stabilize, snowbird season is upon us once again. This period marks the return of snowbirds to their cooler northern residences. If you’re planning a northward journey, keep in mind that both open and enclosed car transport costs for shipping vehicles from the south to the north will begin to increase. Additionally, there is a significantly higher demand for snowbird auto transport services during this time.

The summer season marks the peak period for the car shipping industry, witnessing the highest levels of activity annually

Summer is a popular time for relocation, often driven by job changes. It’s an ideal period for families to move, as school breaks ensure minimal disruption for children. Additionally, this season sees a spike in car purchases. College students, in particular, tend to ship their vehicles in early June and late August, aligning with their summer break and preparation for the fall semester return to college.

While demand for moving and shipping services rises, so does the availability of carriers, though rates may increase to accommodate the higher load. However, the period around July 4th can become particularly challenging. Much like the holiday season, many carriers opt to spend time with their families, leading to a reduction in available services, increased prices, and slower service.

If possible, delaying your plans by a few weeks can help you avoid these peak times, allowing for the resumption of normal service levels and potentially more favorable pricing.

Shipping a car across the country is most advantageous during the autumn season

Several factors contribute to this reality. During September, October, and November, the temperatures are mild, and there’s a decrease in the number of vehicles requiring shipment. For you, the customer, this translates to favorable pricing and expedited service.

December marks the period when complexities arise once more

December presents several factors that can significantly affect both the availability and cost of auto transport services. Firstly, the Thanksgiving holiday marks a peak travel period as many individuals journey to spend time with family, coinciding with truck drivers often taking well-deserved breaks. This convergence leads to a scarcity of carriers available to transport vehicles, consequently driving up prices.

Additionally, the onset of colder months prompts snowbirds to migrate from the north to the warmer climates of the south, further straining auto transport resources. Coupled with the general hustle and bustle of the holiday season, December emerges as a less-than-ideal time for arranging car shipments.

 To discover the cost of shipping a car, utilize our confidential online quote tool. Alternatively, you can reach out by calling Safe Car Hauling or engaging with our Live Chat feature. Moreover, it’s important to take into account seasonal variations and weather conditions when planning to ship a car. Does it make more sense to ship your car during winter or summer?

Winter vs. summer car shipping

Not everyone enjoys the privilege of choosing the optimal time to ship their vehicle. For instance, job relocations don’t allow the luxury of waiting for favorable shipping rates. Similarly, military personnel might receive relocation orders on short notice, making it impossible to delay booking military vehicle transport.

Understanding how seasonal variations can impact your shipping options prepares you better for the process. There’s wisdom in the saying, “Forewarned is forearmed.” This adage is particularly relevant in the context of auto transport, where advanced knowledge can significantly influence your shipping experience.

Transporting Your Vehicle During the Summer

Shipping a vehicle during summer months is significantly more straightforward compared to winter. The auto transport industry operates more efficiently under sunny skies, as carriers are less likely to encounter severe weather conditions, leading to minimal delays.

Furthermore, the demand for auto transport services surges in the summer, ensuring quicker pickup and delivery times for loads. However, it’s important to note that this increased demand often results in higher prices. Many people are willing to pay a premium to ship their car during these months, and some auto transport companies take advantage of this by raising their rates to compensate for slower winter operations.

Transporting Your Vehicle During Winter

Shipping your car in the winter can lead to significant savings due to decreased demand. During these colder months, carriers compete more fiercely for business, often resulting in lower prices as they look to fill up spaces on their trailers.

While the prospect of lower prices makes winter auto transport appealing, it’s important to consider the potential impact of winter weather. Adverse conditions can lead to substantial delays, especially on certain routes that may become impassable or close due to severe weather, making driving hazardous.

Consequently, shipments tend to take longer in winter, with slower pickup times and some routes not being serviced at all during the peak of the cold season.

For those needing to transport a vehicle in winter, utilizing an auto transport service is the safest option. Auto transport truckers are professionally trained to navigate harsh weather conditions and know alternative routes to ensure safe delivery. This choice is decidedly safer than undertaking a long-distance drive on your own during winter.

What Defines a ‘Better Date’?

Opting for the least expensive option may not always align with your best interests; however, timing can significantly impact costs. Shipping your car to California mid-week could prove more cost-effective than weekend transport, ensuring your vehicle arrives by Monday morning. Consulting with an experienced logistics professional at SafeCarHauling.com can be invaluable. With years of expertise in managing complex car shipping needs, our representatives draw from a wealth of real-life examples to provide accurate, tailored estimates for your shipping requirements.

Choosing an optimal date could result in cost savings or access to the safest, most suitable transport options. Larger auto transportation companies, with extensive fleets at their disposal, can offer more flexible scheduling to accommodate your convenience. Additionally, immediate availability is another factor; a company specializing in expedited shipping may offer the most advantageous solution for your unique circumstances.

Discovering Optimal Shipping Dates

The most effective strategy to identify the optimal shipping solution involves obtaining quotes for various transport dates. You can easily compare these quotes online, dedicating a bit of your time to evaluate them after soliciting estimates from several companies. Should you prefer a more direct approach, comparison websites can be extremely helpful. For those who favor personal interaction, Safe Car Hauling provides a toll-free number, allowing you to speak directly with a company representative.

Preparing Your Car for Shipping at Any Time of the Year 

When you decide to ship your vehicle, irrespective of the time of year, certain preparatory steps are essential for a smooth process:

• Prepare Your Vehicle Inside and Out: A thorough cleaning of both the exterior and interior not only saves time but also allows you to identify any existing dents, scratches, or interior wear and tear.
• Document Your Vehicle’s Condition: Taking detailed photographs of your vehicle pre-shipment is crucial. These images serve as a benchmark to assess the condition of your vehicle upon delivery, helping you spot any dents, paint chips, discoloration, or scratches.
• Perform Basic Maintenance: Ensuring basic maintenance tasks are complete before transportation is vital. This includes checking tire pressures, fluid levels, and ensuring the battery is fully charged, which guarantees your vehicle is ready to drive upon arrival.
• Reduce Fuel Level: A full gas tank adds unnecessary weight. It’s advisable to lower your gas tank to about a quarter full for the transport.
• Secure or Remove Add-ons: Secure all removable parts such as luggage, ski, or bike racks. Also, remember to fold in side mirrors, retract antennas, and if applicable, remove custom spoilers. Convertible owners should ensure the top is securely fastened.
• Clear Out Personal Items: Remove all personal items from your vehicle’s interior, including car chargers, GPS devices, after-market video and DVD players, and custom stereos. While you can ship up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk, ensure they are securely packed in a box or suitcase.
• Disable Alarms, Toll Tags, and Parking Passes: Deactivate your car alarm to prevent it from going off during transport. Also, remove toll tags and parking passes as they are unnecessary during shipment.
• Verify Contact Information: Obtain contact information from your carrier to stay updated on your shipment’s progress. Whether it’s the auto transport driver or the company, having direct contact ensures you’re informed of any delays.
• Understand the Bill of Lading: Upon pickup, you’ll receive a bill of lading, serving both as a receipt for your vehicle and a contract of service. This document is also crucial for noting any damages pre and post-shipment, ensuring a clear record is maintained.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your vehicle is well-prepared and protected throughout its transport, providing peace of mind during the process.

To ensure your vehicle operates optimally, consider the following essential checks:

• Car Radiator: Keep it filled to prevent your cooling system from overheating in the summer or freezing in the winter.
• Windshield Wipers: It’s wise to replace these to maintain visibility during inclement weather, including icy squalls or hurricanes.
• Drive Belt: Inspect for any damage, as extreme temperatures can cause it to contract in cold weather or expand in the heat.
• Tire Pressure: Remember, tire pressure can fluctuate by 1 PSI for every 10 degrees change in temperature. Adjust your car’s tire pressure based on the expected temperature at your destination.

A vital tip to remember is giving your car a thorough cleaning post-transportation. In the summer, it’s likely to face rain, dust, and mud, while winter brings sand, dirty slush, and road salt. For complete protection against these elements, consider opting for enclosed auto transport.

No matter the season—be it winter, summer, Christmas, or Thanksgiving—turn to us for your auto transport needs. We stand among the nation’s most reputable car transport companies.

Discover how affordable Safe Car Hauling services are with our instant online quote calculator. For more personalized assistance, don’t hesitate to call us or engage with our dedicated shipping advisors through Live Chat.