Are you considering a winter retreat to a warmer climate? Many individuals, known as ‘snowbirds,’ flock to southern states like Florida, Texas, or Arizona each year to escape the chill. While some opt for the scenic route and drive their cars, many find solace in the convenience of snowbird car shipping services, relieving them of the stress and exhaustion of a long road trip.

But why would anyone choose to ship their car rather than drive it themselves? For one thing, the drive can take a long time, especially for retirees whose winter schedule allows them to enjoy the scenery at a more leisurely pace. Even if seasonal travelers have the time to drive, a long road trip can be exhausting, frustrating, and lead to unexpected expenses along the way.

For those with the flexibility to fly to their destination, snowbird car shipping offers a range of options, empowering you to tailor your winter travel plans to your needs and preferences.

This blog post offers a quick look at some of the best snowbird auto transport options to help you ship a car south for winter. Whether you’re a snowbird or you’re thinking about becoming one, read on to learn more.

Popular Car Shipping Options for Snowbirds

Several car shipping options can help ease the burden of vehicle shipping. Let’s look at the most common car shipping options for snowbirds and their pros and cons. Let’s get started!

Open carrier transport

The most common and economical car shipping option is open carrier transport. With this option, the car is transported on an open trailer with many other vehicles. Some pros and cons to consider: 

• It is the most economical option available for snowbirds with a budget. 
• It offers flexible pickup and delivery times. 
• It can handle most cars, including SUVs and trucks. 
• The vehicles are exposed to the elements. They may get dirty or show slight wear and tear.

Enclosed carrier transport

If a snowbird is transporting a luxury car or a classic car that needs extra protection, then an enclosed carrier transport may be the right option. Some pros and cons to consider: 

• The vehicle has more– protection as it gets shipped in a closed trailer. 
• It offers more privacy because the car is not displayed to the public. 
• It is excellent for expensive or rare vehicles. 
• It is more expensive than open carrier transport.

Door-to-door transport

If the snowbirds prefer convenience and ease, then a door-to-door transport is the way to go. With this option, the car shipping company will pick up the car at the snowbird’s current location and drop it off at the snowbird’s winter location. Some pros and cons to consider: 

• It saves the snowbird time as the car shipping company takes care of the entire process. 
• With door-to-door transport, your car is delivered right to your doorstep, offering a personalized approach that makes you feel cared for and valued. 
• It may be more expensive due to the time, resources, and equipment involved.

Terminal-to-Terminal Transport

Terminal-to-terminal snowbird car shipping is a more economical choice. Some pros and cons to consider: 

• A person drops off the car at a terminal and picks it up at another terminal at the destination. 
• It is cheaper than door-to-door transport because it is less logistical. 
• It may not be convenient for the person picking up the car at the terminal.

When choosing a car shipping company, consider their reputation, insurance coverage, and customer reviews. It’s also important to get multiple quotes and compare services before making a decision. 

• Budget: For snowbirds on a budget, consider an open carrier transport or terminal-to-terminal transport. 
• Vehicle: For snowbirds with a luxury or classic car that needs extra protection, consider enclosed carrier transport. 
• Convenience: For snowbirds that value convenience and have the budget, a door-to-door transport is the most convenient option.

What It Costs to Ship a Car South for the Winter

On average, shipping costs for your vehicle for the winter range between $500 and $2,000, depending on your location, the destination, and the type of vehicle. So, your final cost isn’t fixed and could change based on some of the following essential factors.

Suppose you’re going to be shipping a luxury SUV from an isolated destination, such as a rural area. In that case, you may pay far more than someone who is transporting a small sedan from a highly populated area.

The vehicle type that you have can make a difference; if you have a truck or SUV, or a larger vehicle, it’s going to cost you more to ship it because it’s taking up more space. Some cars could even be more expensive than others, so it’s better to get an estimate to determine the cost.

• Origin: The farther you are from a major city, the higher the price will be. For example, shipping a car from Houston, TX, will, on average, cost significantly more than shipping a car from Los Angeles, CA.
• Destination: The same logic applies here; shipping a car to a major city, like Miami, FL, will generally cost less than shipping to a small, rural town.
• Vehicle type: The size of your vehicle will always be a deciding factor in price. The bigger your vehicle, the higher the price will be.

How fuel price, distance, and seasonality impact prices 

Seasonal car transport prices are different than regular days. Here’s what affects the price:

Fuel prices: Just like any other transportation, inflation also applies here, especially when it comes to fuel prices. Fuel prices can change throughout the year, and just like that, transport companies can change their expenses and consequently, prices.

Distance: The further the distance, the more it could cost you. If you’re shipping across the country, you are more likely to be paying more than someone who’s shipping from Florida to Georgia.

Time of year: It could also change the cost; for example, the winter season is often when snowbirds are transporting their vehicles, so there might be a rush for it, and because of that, the transport company might charge you extra due to the demand they’re receiving.

Urgency: The price could also be affected by factors like how quickly you need it, or other add-ons you could get, like door-to-door snowbird car transport service or expedited shipping.

Round-trip or one-way transport quotes.

If you’re considering shipping your vehicle down south for the winter, or even year-round, then consider whether round-trip transport would work better for you, or simply a one-way transport. Here are some things to consider.

Round-trip transport

If you’re going to be shipping your vehicle down there for the winter, and you plan to come back for the summer, then think about whether your car is worth shipping back up for the summer as well. If you get round-trip transport, you’re booking transport going down and up.

Round-trip transport could seem more expensive in the beginning; however, it’s likely to end up being a lot more efficient in the long run. The transport company sometimes offers discounts for round-trip transport.

One-way transport 

When shipping your vehicle down for the winter, you don’t plan on moving back for the summer, then one-way transport could work better for you. Ultimately, it’s your choice which is better for you, so you should consider getting quotes for both to understand the real difference between them.

Best Time to Book Your Snowbird Car Shipping

With snowbird car shipping, knowing how much time in advance to book can help reduce costs and avoid headaches along the way. Let’s discuss some of the reasons why you want to book your snowbird car shipping ahead of time during busy, peak travel times, and things to consider about availability and pricing trends.

Busy times of the year

For the snowbird, fall signifies travel down south, and spring means the time to wind things down and return home. These seasonal migrating patterns fuel demand for services such as auto shipping, and booking ahead of time will often be the factor that separates an easy experience from a stressful one. Here are reasons to book a slot to ship a car south for winter in advance:

Reasons to ship early

• Surge of rates: As demand gets higher, the rates can increase quickly. By booking ahead, you can lock in these lower rates before they go up.
• More options: The top shipping lanes tend to fill up during these peak times, and by making your reservation ahead of time, you will have a greater chance of getting a packing date that works for you.
• Focus on other tasks:  Arranging for your vehicle shipping ahead of time can give you more time to focus on things like making travel plans.

For example

Let’s imagine you’re planning to ship your car from New York to Florida and want to ship it in November. If you planned early – that is, if you book in September, let’s say you may be looking for $800, right? In October, it could go from this price point to $1,000+ to meet the capacity of people like you booking trips. Luckily, price trends around peak demand are easy to track.

Pros and Cons of Driving vs. Shipping Your Car

Benefits of driving your car

Gaining the freedom from moving your vehicle allows you to take greater control of your trip, giving you authority in choosing the times, routes, and stops involved. If, for example, you’re moving from California to Colorado, driving gives you the ability to see some of the national parks along the way, or to visit any friends you may know in certain cities.

Some of the main beneficial aspects of driving your vehicle:

• Greater control over your schedule
• Flexibility of stopping when you want to or for any reason
• Exploration of new locations during your travels
• No reliance on the work schedule of shipping companies
• Possible cost savings for shorter distances
• Holiday sightseeing opportunities along the way
• Inspecting the vehicle while in transit
• Knowing exactly where your vehicle is located at all times

Drawbacks of driving your car

While driving your vehicle does come with a load of benefits, it isn’t always ideal. There’s a time and effort involved, and sometimes, unexpected expenses. For example, plan on taking a long coast-to-coast trip, such as from New York to California. The drive can take multiple days, and on long-haul drives, other issues can arise, such as an accident, getting stuck due to construction and traffic, as well as the effects of weather.

The main challenges with driving your vehicle:

• Time-consuming if needing to take multiple days
• Physical exhaustion from being behind the wheel 
• Possible higher gas costs depending on distance
• Wear and tear on your car from the long haul
• Possibility of an accident or breakdown
• Additional expenses for hotels and restaurants along the way
• Doesn’t leave time available for work, family, or health issues

Benefits of shipping your car

Shipping a vehicle can be a practical solution when you’re short on time or need to complete a lengthy journey—for example, moving from Florida to Alaska? Shipping is often easier than a tiring road trip through various states with changing weather. Plus, you won’t spend days at the wheel.

The main advantages of shipping your vehicle:

• Time-saving for long-distance relocations
• No physical fatigue from extensive driving
• Safer than facing potentially dangerous driving conditions
• Prevents unnecessary mileage and wear on your vehicle
• Choose between affordable open transport and secure enclosed transport
• Ideal for high-value vehicles needing added protection
• Frees you up to concentrate on other relocation tasks besides transport logistics

The disadvantages of transporting your vehicle

The cost can escalate quickly, especially for enclosed transport options, making it a less budget-friendly choice. For instance, delivering a high-end vehicle across the nation might cost thousands, unlike just refilling the gas tank for a drive.

Key concerns regarding vehicle transport:

• More expensive than driving it yourself.
• Delivery duration is contingent on distance and the type of service.
• Weather conditions or logistics can induce delays.
• Dangers are tied to damages during transport, regardless of insurance.
• Limited authority over precise pickup/delivery schedules.
• The risk of theft exists unless handled appropriately during loading/unloading.

Tips for Snowbirds Planning to Ship Their Vehicles

Snowbird car shipping can be a lifesaver, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of your car while leaving the cold behind. Just keep these points in mind for a hassle-free, seamless experience.

Preparing your car for its winter vacation

Think of getting your car ready for shipping like prepping for a long road trip, except someone else will be doing the driving. Here’s your checklist:

• Give it a good wash: It’s hard to spot scratches or dings you’ll want to document if your ride is dirty. Plus, who doesn’t love a clean car?
• Check fluids: If your car will be sitting for a while before or after transport, you’ll want to top off your fluids, including oil, coolant, and brake fluid.
• Tire check: Make sure your tires are correctly inflated and in good shape, especially given your destination climate. If snow is in the forecast, consider switching to winter tires.
• Battery check: Make sure to disconnect the battery if you want to store your vehicle for an extended period.
• Address mechanical issues: Now’s the time to sort out any mechanical problems. Check if the engine is working correctly. There are no extra sounds. The car windows are working perfectly fine.
• Remove personal items:  Shipping companies don’t insure items inside your vehicle, so to avoid a surprise, remove anything you don’t want to risk getting lost or damaged. Think CDs, sunglasses, and garage door openers.

Timing is everything

Book your shipment ASAP, like you’d book a holiday flight; the earlier you arrange a transport, the better your chances and options.

• 2-3 months before your scheduled flight: Start contacting shipping companies to gather information.
• 1-2 months before your scheduled flight: Book your shipment. These companies may fill up fast!
• 2 weeks before your scheduled flight: Make sure you have the proper paperwork, but if you work with the right company, they’ll make sure to walk you through everything.

Finding the Right Shipping Partner

It’s essential to do your homework. Just like you wouldn’t book a hotel without double-checking reviews, you’ll want to find quotes and information on shipping companies.

• Do your research: Ask your friends and family, and read the reviews. Use Google to check ratings.
• Get multiple quotes: Don’t take the first offer just because it looks good. Ask around (but expect just to call a few places).
• Ask about insurance – If there’s one thing you’ll want to know, it’s that you’re protected in case of an insured disaster.
•  Read the fine print before you sign anything. Pay special attention to cancellation policies, delivery times, and liability agreements.
• Talk to an actual human being: Don’t be shy. If you want more details, the people who work there will walk you through anything. A good company will be happy to answer your questions. Ask about the transportation time and insurance.

 Why Preowned Auto Logistics Is a Top Choice for Snowbirds

What does it mean to ship a car the smart way? It means getting top-notch service, convenience galore, and the peace of mind that comes from having your vehicle transported by the experts at Preowned Auto Logistics. Ready for some other great reasons why so many snowbirds choose us? Here are some details about our excellent services and features that let you enjoy a world of convenience:

Reliable, seasonal experience with snowbird routes

Every year, thousands of snowbirds rely on Preowned Auto Logistics to ease their seasonal moves. With years of experience in popular East Coast snowbird routes, especially ones to Florida, PAL knows all about the timing, the weather, and the logistics of snowbird auto transport. Whether it’s a vehicle destined for a winter vacation home or one making a return trip in spring, Preowned Auto Logistics makes seasonal car transport safe, dependable, and stress-free.

Door-to-door wheels and various transport styles

Everyone wants true door-to-door snowbird car transport. Preowned Auto Logistics delivers, picking up cars at home and safely connecting them to their seasonal locations. The company offers a choice of open carriers, most travelers’ budget-friendly pick, and enclosed carriers, for extra care when vehicles need that little extra cruiser protection. Flexibility allows snowbirds to compare enclosed vs. open carrier shipping and find the right balance of cost and care.

Transparent rates and excellent customer service

What’s the cost to ship a car for snowbirds? One of the biggest traveler concerns. Preowned Auto Logistics answers with clear, upfront prices, never any hidden fees. Customers get detailed quotes based on their route and transport wish-list. And all along the way, the company keeps you informed from pickup to delivery. Seasonal car transport is simple, straightforward, and stress-free. Just the way it should be.

Chosen by East Coast snowbirds and beyond

Retirees escaping the winter cold, families seeking a warmer summer getaway, and snowbirds know Preowned Auto Logistics for a solid reputation with Florida snowbird car transport. Travelers who trust the company’s reliable East Coast car shipping service can enjoy their seasonal homes, knowing their vehicles are safe. Year after year, snowbirds choose reliability, on-time delivery, and professional care for both northbound and southbound rides.

Conclusion: Ship South the Easy Way

For snowbirds, driving back and forth long distances each year isn’t the best option, considering the stress of traffic, fuel costs, and time behind the wheel. Shipping with a trusted provider like Preowned Auto Logistics provides a more innovative solution. From dependable seasonal experience and our convenient door-to-door service to flexible transport options, transparent rates, and top-rated customer care, we deliver everything needed for a worry-free journey.

By shipping with Preowned Auto Logistics, snowbirds avoid wear and tear on vehicles, reduce travel fatigue, and arrive at seasonal residences rested and ready to enjoy the sunshine. With a track record along the East Coast and Florida snowbird routes, we provide peace of mind every mile of the way.

Snowbirds looking forward to their next seasonal journey can reach out to us for a custom quote and early booking of transport. There’s no better way to ship south than with Preowned Auto Logistics, where dependability, ease, and customer satisfaction are always included.