Best Time to Ship a Car: Seasonal Auto Transport Guide

Advantage Auto Movers has built a reputation for professional, reliable service. In this article, our team provides a thorough overview of how seasonal patterns affect auto transport pricing and availability to help you plan with confidence.

As a full-service auto transport provider, Advantage Auto Movers monitors seasonal demand patterns to optimize pricing and capacity planning for our clients. This analysis provides insight into the annual pricing cycle and practical recommendations for timing your vehicle shipment.

The Auto Transport Calendar

January – February: Low Season (Best Prices)

These are typically the cheapest months to ship a vehicle. Holiday travel is over, fewer ‘
people are relocating, and carrier capacity exceeds demand. Northbound routes from Florida ‘
and Arizona see reduced rates as snowbird vehicles have already migrated south. If you have ‘
flexibility, this is the time to ship.

Prices: 10-20% below annual average
Availability: Excellent (carriers actively seeking loads)
Risk: Winter weather can cause delays on northern and mountain routes

March – April: Shoulder Season (Rising)

Demand starts picking up as snowbirds return north and military PCS season begins. Prices ‘
begin rising, especially on Florida-to-Northeast and Arizona-to-Midwest routes. This is still ‘
a good time to ship if you book 2-3 weeks ahead.

Prices: Near annual average, trending up
Availability: Good, starting to tighten
Key factor: Snowbird return migration drives demand on Sun Belt routes

May – June: Peak Season Begins (Higher Prices)

Summer relocations begin. Families with school-age children start moving. Military PCS ‘
moves hit full swing. College students ship cars home or to new locations. Demand surges ‘
and prices follow. Book 3-4 weeks ahead during this period.

Prices: 15-25% above annual average
Availability: Moderate (carriers have plenty of work)
Key factor: Family relocations and military PCS create heavy demand

July – August: Peak Season (Highest Prices)

These are the most expensive months for auto transport. Maximum demand, maximum carrier ‘
utilization, and maximum prices. Carriers can be selective about which loads they accept. ‘
Popular routes may have wait times of 7-10 days for pickup.

Prices: 20-30% above annual average
Availability: Tight (book well in advance)
Key factor: Highest demand period of the entire year

September – October: Shoulder Season (Declining)

Summer demand fades as school starts and the relocation rush ends. Prices begin dropping. ‘
Snowbird season starts in October as retirees begin their southbound migration to Florida ‘
and Arizona, creating demand on specific corridors.

Prices: Near annual average, trending down
Availability: Improving, good value period
Key factor: Snowbird southbound migration begins

November – December: Low Season Returns (Good Prices)

Holiday season means fewer people are relocating. Carrier availability improves and prices ‘
drop. The exception is southbound Florida and Arizona routes, which stay busy through December ‘
as snowbirds complete their winter migration. Year-end dealer inventory moves can also create ‘
temporary demand.

Prices: 10-15% below annual average
Availability: Good to excellent
Risk: Holiday scheduling complications, some carriers take time off

Route-Specific Seasonal Patterns

Snowbird Routes (Florida, Arizona)

The most dramatic seasonal pricing swings occur on snowbird corridors. Northeast-to-Florida ‘
rates spike 25-35% in October-November (southbound) and March-April (northbound). If you can ‘
ship against the flow (northbound in fall, southbound in spring), you get the best deals.

Military Routes (Near Major Bases)

Routes to and from major military installations (Fort Liberty, Fort Cavazos, Joint Base ‘
Lewis-McChord, Camp Pendleton) see demand spikes from May through September during PCS season. ‘
Booking early is essential on these corridors.

5 Tips to Beat Seasonal Pricing

Ship in January or February for the lowest annual rates if your schedule allows
Book 3-4 weeks ahead during peak season to lock in better pricing and guaranteed pickup
Be flexible with dates to let carriers optimize their routes and pass savings to you
Ship against the flow on snowbird routes for discounted rates
Avoid holiday weeks when carrier capacity is reduced and prices spike temporarily

How Weather Affects Seasonal Shipping

Seasonal weather patterns impact more than just pricing. They also affect transit times and carrier availability:

Winter storms: Northern and mountain routes can experience delays of 1-3 days during severe winter weather. Carriers prioritize driver safety and will wait out dangerous conditions.
Hurricane season (June-November): Gulf Coast and Atlantic routes may face disruptions during active hurricane seasons. Carriers may reroute shipments, adding time but ensuring safety.
Spring flooding: Midwest routes can be affected by spring flooding, particularly near river crossings. Carriers monitor conditions and adjust routes accordingly.

Seasonal tip: The single biggest money-saver is flexibility. If you can give the carrier a 5-7 day pickup window instead of a specific date, you will almost always get a better price, regardless of the season.

Summary

We hope this overview of seasonal auto transport trends has been helpful. Advantage Auto Movers is here to provide professional guidance at every step of the transport process. Please contact our team for a personalized consultation.

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Best Time to Ship a Car: Seasonal Auto Transport Guide