How to Safely Ship Your Vehicle Before Spring Moves

Spring moves are similar to peak-season moves.  The possibility of paying extra, stressing out, and delays is virtually inevitable. The solution for any car owner is proper preparation before spring moves. So, how do you ship safely while avoiding stress and scams to enjoy good prices during spring moves? 

In this guide, you will learn how to ship safely before spring moves and demands become totally overwhelming.

Why Spring is a High-Risk, High-Demand Season 

A seasonal study shows that spring (March—May) accounts for about 30.8% of all traffic accidents, second to summer and higher than winter. Spring marks the start of the peak moving season. 

In spring, shipping demand increases from: 

• College Students 
• Military relocations and job transfers 
• Snowbirds moving north

More demand directly leads to higher prices and more traffic. Making spring seasons high-risk and high-demand. 

Book Early to Avoid Last-Minute Risks and Price Spikes. 

Early booking doesn't mean 3 days before your shipment; it means 2–4 weeks ahead to avoid last-minute price spikes (up to 15–25%) and associated risks. 

Choose the Right Transport Type for Safety. 

Spring weather is unpredictable, which should inform your choice of transport type. 

• Open Transport: Cheaper and more available—a safe option for most standard vehicles.  
• Enclosed Transport; Compared to open transport, enclosed transport is expensive. But it's the perfect option for shipping luxury, high-end, weather-sensitive vehicles. 

How to Prepare Your Vehicle the Right Way for Shipping

Safety approaches when shipping your vehicle; this checklist is designed for safety: 

• The first thing you want to do is wash your vehicle and document its condition.

You can document the vehicle's condition by taking a 360-degree view photo that captures all angles.

• Next up, you remove personal items. 
• Keep your vehicle's fuel tank at 1/4. 
• Check for leaks and battery health. Leaks are risky, so if you discover one, report it to the carrier for appropriate action.
• Lastly, but not least, turn off alarms and toll tags. 

Understand Insurance Coverage Before Booking 

Many car owners incur significant costs due to their lack of knowledge about insurance coverage. But this guide is the end of it. 

• Confirming insurance limits 

After choosing a reputable carrier, confirm its cargo coverage limits. 

What's covered and what's not (like personal items, existing damage)? 

To do this, you must request and review the carrier's certification of insurance (COI).

• Check if your personal auto insurance acts as secondary coverage. 

How to Avoid Spring Shipping Scams

You can easily avoid spring shipping scams by understanding the common red flags during peak seasons: 

• Extremely low quotes. 
• The carrier doesn't have a USDOT or MC number. 
• The subtle but persistent pressure to "book immediately."
• When the insurance is vague and inconsistent with the carrier's claims. 

Be Flexible With Pickup and Delivery Dates. 

Many shippers don't know that flexibility helps carriers optimize routes. When the delivery and pickup are flexible, it reduces risk and delay. 

Inspect carefully at pickup and Drop-off. 

At pickup, the carrier will provide you with a bill of lading—a contract between you and the carrier. Meticulously review the details it contains. 

Finally, at drop-off, inspect your vehicle thoroughly before signing for delivery.  

If necessary, document everything with photos at drop-off.

In Conclusion 

Early preparation before spring move makes the whole experience burden-relieving, cost-effective, and safe approach, especially if you use the right guide.

If you're planning on spring shipping, book early with Revoway, and you will experience hassle-free shipping. Get your quote here. 

FAQs 

1. Is car shipping more expensive in spring?

Yes. Car shipping in spring is quite expensive because it is considered a high-demand period, leading to a 10–20% price increase compared to slower months. Solution? Book early.

2. What is the best timeline for scheduling spring shipping for my car?

The sooner, the better. 2–4 weeks ahead of your moving date.

3. Can I use open transport for a spring move?

Yes. Open transport is safe and widely available. Vehicles are secured to the carrier. But it might not be ideal for luxury, classic, and weather-sensitive vehicles.