Best Time of Year to Ship a Car for the Lowest Price

If you are moving your car to a different state, the timing of your shipment is critical. The exact route that costs you $800 in January might cost you $1,200 in July, and that is not a typo. Auto transport rates fluctuate a lot throughout the year due to changes in demand, weather, and even college calendars. So, when is the right time to save money?

This guide from PreOwned Auto Logistics shows you exactly how low the prices will be at different times, when you can expect peak prices, and how to time your shipment perfectly depending on your circumstances. Whether you are a snowbird heading south, a parent helping a college student move, or a worker relocating, you will leave knowing when the best time of year is to ship a car.

Why Car Shipping Prices Change Throughout the Year

Have you ever wondered why the cost of a shipping route stays the same but varies widely depending on when you book? Four major factors largely influence seasonal price changes, and understanding them helps you make better decisions about shipping timing.

• Supply and demand are the main reasons for price changes. When the volume of shipments peaks, as during the summer moving season, carriers can raise prices because they have few clients but still want to load as many of their machines as possible. On the other hand, when demand is low in winter, carriers cut their rates to attract the customers who will fill the empty spots in their trucks. So it is the basic principle of economics at work.
• Weather conditions affect pricing in unexpected ways. Snowstorms, ice, and low temperatures may cause longer transport times in the northern states, leading to delays and less attractive routes for carriers. Yet at the same time, this kind of weather lowers total demand, which is why prices fall during the winter season.
• Relocation periods that cause predictable demand peaks are one of the reasons for price fluctuations. From June to August, families move to their chosen place to start the new school year. The period from February to April is when snowbirds return to the north. These migration schemes create bottlenecks, which, in turn, raise prices on specific routes.
• Fuel prices and road congestion are among the factors. If the cost of gas increases or specific routes become too crowded due to demand, the carriers will adjust their fares. The reason major highways between popular cities are usually cheaper than rural routes is that carriers can be more efficient in how they fill trucks.

Cheapest Times of the Year to Ship a Car

Let’s be clear. You want to know when you get the best deal. There are only two periods when prices are most competitive, and savvy customers take advantage of them every year.

Winter (January to early March)

The period from January to early March is when car transport prices are at their absolute lowest of the year. The reason is that most people simply do not consider shipping their cars when it is snowing and the temperature is freezing. So, this creates a kind of perfect low-demand storm, which in turn forces carriers to compete very aggressively for gaining their share of the market.

Usually, during this interval, you will pay 20 30% less than summer rates. If your shipment is from the Northeast or Midwest to southern or western states, winter will be even more alluring. 

Are there any weather issues?

Of course. For example, northern routes may be disrupted by storms or icy conditions, resulting in delays. However, fully qualified carriers face these situations daily, so they are prepared to handle them, and the money you save is generally much more than what you lose due to the extra day or two of transit time. Moreover, carriers plan their moves, so they are well aware that winter conditions will be present.

Late fall (October, November)

Another affordable window</h3>October and November are two months that offer a second chance at lower-than-average rates. The noisy summer period has come to an end; the students are already used to the college routine, and holiday travel preparations are still in the early stages, but not at peak yet. So, carriers are pretty much waiting to fill their trucks with the last good loads before the year-end slowdown sets in.

This time is excellent, especially for those using the open carrier transport method, which is responsible for nearly 90% of all car shipments.

When Car Shipping Is Most Expensive

Let’s discuss when premium rates apply. You can avoid peak seasons or adapt your budget by knowing when they are.

Summer (June-August)

Auto transport volumes peak in summer. Before school starts, families move. Collegiate students move in. Transferred jobs triple. Military families PCS. Each person seems to ship their car at once.

Under this perfect storm of demand, carriers may charge premium prices, and they do. You may pay 25% more for the same travel than in winter. The upside? Since most carriers are running routes during peak season, pickup and delivery times are frequently faster.

At all costs, book your summer cargo at least 3-4 weeks in advance. Last-minute summer bookings usually incur rush costs, making a costly shipment even more expensive.

Mid-February to April is the snowbird season.

 After February, snowbirds migrate north, making Florida, Arizona, and Texas the most frequented routes. Due to increased demand, shipments across specific corridors will cost more.

Routes to Florida are seeing significant volume increases. If a carrier goes south in January, its return voyage in February and March may be whole. This increases transportation costs for journeys moving north due to high freight demand.

Do you wish to send your shipment snowbird-style affordably? Plan shipping for 4–6 weeks before pickup. Early bookings lock in reduced prices before demand peaks and provide carriers greater flexibility to accommodate you.

Holiday season (late November-December)

Problems arise from late November until December. Many carriers reduce their schedules around Thanksgiving and Christmas, creating a capacity constraint when demand for shipments is high. Winter weather adds to the problem by making northern routes less appealing.

Due to fewer carrier options, costs on some routes may rise, but not due to summer volume. If you can’t avoid this shipping delay, plan for the possibility of higher charges and longer delivery periods.

Best Time to Ship a Car Based on Your Situation

 Choosing the “best” timing depends on your perspective.

 The lowest overall cost

 Ship your car in January, February, or early March to save the most money.  The window always has the lowest fares because demand is low and carrier availability is high.  If budget is your primary concern and you can schedule your own time, winter is the most fantastic time to transport your car.

 You only need to worry about weather delays if you’re shipping to or from a snowy area.  These delays usually last a day or two, but they can last longer.

 For the fastest delivery and pickup

 If you need car transportation quickly, late spring (April-May) or early summer (June) is ideal.  More carriers are on active routes at these times, providing more direct routing options and speedier pickup windows.

Additionally, prices will rise during these times.  Speed and convenience are exchanged.  Accepting peak season pricing may be advantageous if time is more valuable than money.

 To snowbirds

 Snowbirds must plan their car shipping timing.  Affordable southbound travel is expected in late fall or early winter (October–December) rather than in spring.  To avoid rush-hour prices, book 4–6 weeks in advance when returning north in mid-February to April.

Snowbird routes are PreOwned Auto Logistics’ specialty, and they understand clients’ timing requirements.  Our experts can help you navigate seasonal pricing and get the best rates for your annual migration.

For college students

 Parents assisting their college students move face several pricey shipping periods that coincide with move-in and move-out dates.  Since many shipments are made in August (before the autumn semester) and May (after the spring semester), shipping is much more expensive.

 Could your goods be shipped earlier or later?  Moving your student’s automobile in July or September, rather than in August or June, usually saves hundreds of dollars.  A week or two of flexibility might significantly affect pricing.

How to Save Money on Car Shipping Any Time of Year

 Even if you can’t ship your car during the cheapest seasons, you can save money with the appropriate strategies.  These proven methods save cash on any booking. 

• Book early for lower rates: Late bookings are usually more expensive than early ones.  Why?  For urgent pickups, carriers charge high prices, and you have little negotiating power.  Booking 2–4 weeks in advance gets you better fares and more carriers.
• Flexible pickup dates:  Save money with flexibility.  If you give carriers a 3–5-day pickup window instead of a specific date, they can better organise your vehicle’s journey.  Efficiency reduces your direct costs.  Customers must be flexible for carriers to optimize routes and fill trucks.  They usually lower rates to pass on savings.

Choose open transport over enclosed.

Open vehicle transit is 30-40% cheaper than enclosed vehicle transport.  Only historic, exotic, or premium cars need covered transport.  Open transport is affordable and safe.

Open transport securely and effectively transports thousands of vehicles daily.  Your car will be handled carefully, but it won’t be enclosed.  Most autos have no issue with that.

Ship between major cities, not rural areas

 Because of carrier familiarity, shipping between large cities like Los Angeles and New York, or Miami and Chicago, is cheaper.  So, they may swiftly fill their trucks with cars headed the same way.

However, rural pickup and delivery make the procedure more difficult and more expensive.  Carriers may have to make more journeys or use various routes to reach you, raising their and your costs.  Find a meeting spot with your carrier in a nearby larger city to save money if possible.

Ship during off-peak days

Weekday pickups are cheaper than weekend pickups because car transport companies have lower demand.  Because most individuals want their automobile picked up or delivered on the weekend, demand and price rise.  However, savvy customers can save money.

Talk to your carrier about midweek vehicle pickup.  The $50-100 savings may not seem like much, but every little bit helps when cutting costs.

Work with a trusted auto transport company.

Working with a trustworthy car transportation business provides you with confidence and might save you money.

PreOwned Auto Logistics is the ideal industry partner.  We check and ensure a broad spectrum of carrier networks from coast to coast.  We employ honest pricing that never charges you without your approval.  We also recommend shipping times based on budget and weather.

We provide accurate estimates and customer care throughout your shipping trip, at your home.  When you work with industry experts, you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your cash.

Why PreOwned Auto Logistics Is the Best Choice for Affordable Car Shipping

Choosing the exemplary vehicle transport service is what separates an easy, affordable procedure from an expensive, stressful one.  Our consistent value and on-time service have earned PreOwned Auto Logistics its reputation.

Because of our long history in the market, we understand seasonal pricing.  We know when routes will be busy, which carriers offer the lowest pricing at specific periods of the year, and how to organize your cargo to save the most money.  This saves our consumers money consistently.

• Extensive network of vetted carriers: Our nationwide carrier network enables us to offer competitive pricing, no matter when or where you ship.  Our industry-leading customer care team is ready to help you through the shipping process without leaving you in the dark.
• Our operations are shaped by transparency.  We provide realistic rates with no hidden fees and door-to-door service to eliminate terminal pickup hassles.  We specialize in seasonal relocations, snowbird migrations, college reallocations, and summer moves, so we understand our customers’ time issues.

 Want to transport your automobile on a budget?  PreOwned Auto Logistics can provide a quick estimate to help you determine how much money you can save with expert and competitive prices.

Final Words

Let’s summarise everything with clear, concise instructions you can put into practice immediately.

•    Best time to ship: The first three months of the year, January through early March, bring the lowest rates of the whole year. If saving money is your top priority, winter shipping is your solution.

•    Price-wise alternative window: October through November allows for another below-average pricing opportunity without the disadvantage of winter weather.

•    Most expensive periods: Summer (June-August) and snowbird season (mid-February through April) are the times that bring high prices because of high demand.

In a nutshell, you can save hundreds of dollars by scheduling your car’s shipment at the right time. PreOwned Auto Logistics is at your service if you want to understand seasonal pricing variations and find the most cost-efficient time for your particular case. Our team is well aware of the industry’s cycles and leverages that understanding to provide the highest value to each client.

FAQs About the Best Time to Ship a Car

What month is the cheapest to ship a car?

January and February are the cheapest months to ship a car. Also, the price in Early March is still reasonable before the snowbird season starts. These low-demand seasons offer great opportunities for price-sensitive customers to enjoy lower rates.

Is it cheaper to ship a car in winter?

Indeed, the lowest car transport rates are mostly in winter. Minor weather disruptions in the northern areas can be offset by the significant savings available at that time. Most carriers are usually prepared for winter conditions.

How far in advance should I book auto transport?

It is recommended to make a reservation 2-4 weeks in advance to secure the best rates and guarantee availability. Furthermore, the need to book 4-6 weeks in advance is even more applicable during peak periods (such as summer and snowbird season). A last-minute booking will almost always cost more.

Does the weather affect car shipping rates?

The weather indirectly influences prices by affecting demand. For instance, severe winter weather conditions lower overall market demand, so prices also go down. Yet bad weather may lead to temporary waiting times, and some carriers may abandon that route during extreme conditions.

Is summer a bad time to ship a car?

It would not be correct to say that summer is “bad”; rather, it is the most expensive time to ship due to very high demand. You can expect to pay 25 40% more than in the winter. What you gain in return is that if you are in a hurry, there will be more carriers available and faster pickup times will be possible.

How can I save money on long-distance car shipping?

Some of the best ways to save on a long-distance car shipment include shipping only when the off-peak season comes around, scheduling your trip early, being flexible with your pickup day, choosing open over enclosed transport, and partnering with an experienced company like PreOwned Auto Logistics that can help you get the best prices by optimizing your timing and routing.

Does enclosed transport cost more than open transport?

Indeed, enclosed transport is generally more expensive than open transport by about 30 40%. Enclosed transports are more suitable for vehicles that need protection from adverse weather and road dirt, such as luxury, classic, or exotic cars. Open transport, widely used, offers a safe, reliable, and less costly solution for standard vehicles.