
Shipping a car is a task that comes with much work that needs to be done. You need to think about distance, shipping method, and car model. However, there’s another aspect that requires careful consideration, and that’s when to ship the vehicle. If you operate during certain periods of time, you might spend more money and have longer wait times.
In this blog, we will look at the seasonal impacts on car shipping, when is the best time to plan a shipment, and how to calculate freight after planning and timing your move accurately. Whether you are relocating, military personnel or operate as a snowbird, having knowledge about the market trends can save you money and time.
Why Timing Matters in Car Shipping
As is the case with a majority of industries, car shipping has specific times of the year that are busier. There are certain periods when the volume of cars requested to be shipped is too much compared to other times of the year. During those peak times, however, demand greatly exceeds supply, creating longer timeframes for completion of the work. Businesses utilising peak pricing are able to maximise earnings, which means you’ll almost certainly face higher rates, restricted access, longer lead times, and other inconveniences during this time.
For those looking to Move My Car across the country or to another state, it is essential to be aware of industry cycles.
How Seasons Affect Car Shipping
Winter (December – February)
Pros:
- Reduced demand post-holidays, especially in January and February.
- Provided shipping is during less busy times, low cost car shipping can be more readily available.
Cons:
- Severe weather may impact delivery times.
- Northern states may have limited carrier routes due to snow and ice.
- Seasonal slowdowns will result in fewer trucks on the road.
Best For:
- Those with flexible scheduling.
- Snowbirds are travelling south for the winter.
Car shipping in winter has its pros and cons. Post-holiday shipping demand tends to decline, but extreme cold can be a logistical headache. In any case, having flexible delivery timelines will help you save a lot of money.
Spring (March – May)
Pros:
- More moderate weather conditions for most areas.
- A greater supply of carriers is available as of now due to a gradual increase in demand
- Easier to find specialised, reputable car shipping companies during off-peak seasons
Cons:
- Rates will likely increase towards the end of May with the onset of summer.
Best For:
- Customers waiting to be served before the surge of summer pricing
- Military members moving under PCS orders
Spring is one of the most desirable periods of the year to ship a vehicle. Roadways are far less congested, and the pricing is much better than the summer peak. If you want to Move My Car while saving money, spring is likely your best option.
Summer(June-August)
Pros:
- You get the best driving conditions, and the carriers are fully operational.
- Due to high activity levels, you get the fastest and most efficient deliveries.
Cons:
- High demand results in elevated prices and operating costs.
- Need more advanced booking, otherwise scheduling can be nearly impossible.
- Increased competition with college students and families relocating during the summer.
Best For:
- People who have strict timelines and need guaranteed delivery deadlines.
- People who are changing residences due to school or job offers.
With the increased demand for shipping during this period, car shipping companies have their busiest season. Flexibility is lacking, and there are few discounts available, so travellers are encouraged to plan 3-4 weeks in advance.
Fall (September – November)
Pros:
- After summer’s end, there is an option of decreased demand.
- The reasonable weather is good for efficient delivery.
- Increased availability of inexpensive options for car shipping services.
Cons:
- Certain areas face early snowfall in the forecast, which can scrap routes completely.
Best For:
- Students who went travelling during the year.
- Snowbird’s making their way back down south for the winter.
If a person is travelling with flexible dates, then fall is a much more advantageous time to book everything in advance for assured discounts and minimised waiting periods.
The Effects of Seasonal Migration on Shipping
For people living in the northern U.S., travelling to warmer states during winter is common, and they are likely familiar with the snowbird season. This kind of migration greatly impacts shipping patterns:
- Fall (heading south): Serves shipping demand for Florida and Arizona
- Spring (returning north): Exports from the South to the North increase
During these times, shipping companies may have reverse routes at discounted prices. So, if you’re trying to Move My Car from Florida to Chicago in October, you might pay the price. But shipping from Chicago to Florida during that time would be cheaper.
Knowing this two-way seasonal flow makes it easier to plan your shipment for the best price.
Best Practices for Saving Money on Shipping Year-Round
All year long, these strategies work best for getting an affordable shipping price:
Plan Ahead
Booking early is the best course of action. With advanced bookings, the option to choose better deals and pricing beforehand is always beneficial.
Be Flexible with Dates
When it comes to vehicle transport dates, allowing flexibility with the delivery and pick-up makes it easier for companies to route their trucks for multiple deliveries. This often results in lower prices for customers.
Examining Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
As much as the door-to-door service is convenient, going for terminal-based shipping has its advantages when it comes to cost and reliability.
Go for a Trusted Platform
A good example is Move My Car, where you can use their services to get licensed, insured carriers to give you quotes. This ensures that there isn’t any overcharging or substandard services.
When Is the Best Time to Ship a Car?
Generally speaking, if you’re seeking low-cost car shipping, favourable weather, and availability of carriers, spring and fall tend to be the most favourable. Flexible winter months can be economical too, but only when the shipper is willing to take weather risks. Summer is efficient, but prices are high, and there’s limited availability.
Ultimately, your personal calendar, spending plan, and how fast you want things done will determine the “best” time. However, with a reasonable strategy and smart use of platforms like Move My Car, cost-effective options are available any time of year.
Concluding Remarks
Trends and seasonality have great significance in the logistics of auto transport. Knowing when and why there is demand enables making better-informed decisions that save money and time. Whether you plan to relocate, ship a car to a family member, or make a seasonal move, strategically planning the timing of your shipment can ensure a smoother experience and help reduce costs.
Your preferred vehicle transport should not be left to chance. Seasonally priced car transport services are available if arranged ahead of time with reliable companies and scheduled with industry shifts. For simplicity and appealing prices, consider those offered by Move My Car, where users can compare different marketplace offers and select the most suitable one.