What is the best time of the year to ship your car?

Understanding the best time of year to ship your car determines how much it costs you and how much stress you experience. Most people pick a ship date based on when they need the car, not when it actually makes sense to ship. This mistake can cost you $20–$40 more than necessary. So many car owners often ask this question—this blog is designed to give you all the answers you need.

The reality is that there is no single solution that works for everyone. Auto transport pricing is driven by supply and demand, and that balance shifts significantly with each season. While there are seasons when shipping is cheaper, faster, and less stressful, it all depends on weather and traffic patterns across the U.S. (for U.S. residents).

The Best Overall Time: Fall (September – Early November)

Fall is the best season due to several benefits. After summer, demand drops, so carriers have more open spots and prices are lower. On the other hand, snowbird season is still far off, meaning there are no spikes in prices.

• Lower prices: Often 15–25% less
• Faster pickup scheduling
• Fewer weather-related delays

Advance booking is still the best option. If you are flexible in your timeline, target September through mid-October. It offers the best combination of price, availability, and reliability for the year.

Cheapest Time to Ship: Winter (December – February)

Winter presents car owners with budget-friendly opportunities. If you seek to keep costs as low as possible, winter is the best season. At this time, prices hit their lowest point due to lower demand, more space on the trucks, and competitive pricing. All of this works in customers' favor.

However, the downsides of this season are weather conditions and routes:

• Weather conditions: Snow and ice can slow deliveries.
• Routes: Some northern routes become more expensive due to perilous driving conditions.
• Predictability: Delivery windows are less predictable due to weather variability.

Winter shipment is smart if you have non-urgent shipments on southern corridors, like Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California, where minimal weather disruptions are ideal. For northern routes, budget extra time and make sure your carrier has experience with cold-weather logistics.

The Most Expensive Time to Ship: Summer (May – August)

While we have addressed the cheapest time to ship your car, we won't leave you without information on the most expensive time to ship. Summer is peak season, and prices are the best evidence. During this season, several major demands occur simultaneously because of:

• College students' movement
• Military relocations (PCS season)
• Families moving during school breaks
• Skyrocketing vehicle-buying activities

A lack of carriers increases rates, which typically climb to 20–40% above fall pricing. On the other hand, summer has advantages if cost isn't a concern, due to the vast availability of carriers, well-served coast-to-coast routes, and faster pickup scheduling.

Tips for Shipping in Summer:

• Book early, at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
• Be flexible with pick-up dates—or you will have to pay extra.
• Consider open transport over enclosed if the budget is the priority.
• Avoid the late August window if possible, as college students bring a second spike in demand.

Another Price Surge Season: "Snowbird Season" (October – January)

Snowbird season, namely October to January, is for people who are "technically flying like birds" away from northern states to warmer states like Florida, Arizona, Texas, and California. This period is another spike in shipping demand as retirees and part-time residents move from northern states to warmer destinations each fall, then reverse the flow in spring.

This means that even during the "cheap" winter months, certain routes see higher prices and longer wait times.

Spring (March – May)

Spring is commonly viewed as the "golden middle" in shipping, especially early spring. In March, the benefits of winter pricing remain relevant, routes stabilize after unpredictable winter conditions, and carriers ramp back up.

The picture significantly changes in April and May. Demand starts climbing fast as students near the end of their terms, families make summer plans, and snowbirds begin their return trip north. In the spring, the earlier, the better:

• March: Still close to winter pricing, good availability.
• April: Moderate pricing, reliable routes.
• May: Demand rising fast—book at least 2–3 weeks out.

3 Insider Secrets Most Blogs Won’t Tell You

If you want to truly beat the market, forget the calendar and think about these three realities of the industry:

1. Holiday surge makes your shipment costly: Try not to ship your car between December 15th and January 5th. Many independent truckers pull their rigs over to be with their families during the holidays. As drivers note, "We lose half the driver supply and have a backlog of vehicles sitting on the boards, so we see rates spike aggressively for a three-week window."
2. Weather affects transport type choice: If you're shipping an exotic, luxury, or classic vehicle in the winter or early spring, forget the open trailer. Road salt, liquid magnesium chloride (de-icer), and flying gravel from winter road conditions can cause serious damage to premium paint jobs. You’ll pay about 40–60% more for enclosed transport, but think of it as an insurance policy you can’t do without against nasty seasonal elements.
3. Deadhead miles drive up costs: In the auto transport world, carriers make money by running full loads in both directions. If you are shipping into an area of low economic output or away from major metros, drivers will charge you more because they know they will have to drive "empty miles" (deadhead) to find their next load.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

Lead time matters as much as season. Even in off-peak months, last-minute bookings often cost more simply because you have fewer carrier options.

• Fall and winter: 1–2 weeks' booking is usually enough.
• Spring (March–April): 2 weeks is comfortable.
• Late spring and summer: 3–4 weeks minimum, especially for cross-country routes.
• Holiday windows (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year): Treat these like peak season regardless of the calendar month.

Conclusion

The best time to ship your car is either late fall (September – early November) or winter (December – February), provided you want a stress-free, affordable, and predictable shipping experience. Lead time is your best ally in any season you ship: book early, be flexible on pickup dates where possible, and use a carrier with real experience on your particular route.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest month to ship a car?

January and February are the cheapest months for auto transport. Due to low demand, carriers have open capacity, and pricing is competitive.

Is it safe to ship a car in winter?

Yes, an experienced carrier can easily handle it. The main risk is delivery delays due to weather, not damage to the vehicle. If your budget isn’t an issue, opt for enclosed transport. It’s safe and provides extra protection.

Why is summer car shipping so expensive?

Summer sees simultaneous demand from multiple groups: college students relocating, military PCS moves, family relocations during school breaks, and increased online vehicle purchases. When demand outpaces available carrier capacity, prices rise. Summer rates typically run 20–40% above fall pricing.

How much can I save by shipping at the right time?

Depending on distance and vehicle type, shipping in the fall or winter instead of peak summer could save you $150–$400+ on a typical cross-country route. You’ll save the most on high-demand corridors, like California to Florida or the Northeast to the Southeast.