Just like flights and hotel accommodation, the price for auto transport does not remain the same throughout the year. Various market considerations, demand, and the shipping season all influence the price. If you are curious about the difference in the price of shipments in July and January, you are not alone.
Understanding the seasonal pricing trends in car shipping can help you save money, cut down on unnecessary delays, and plan more effectively. There is a world of difference in the amount of time and effort spent making transport arrangements for the first time as compared to working with a professional car transport service.
In this guide, you’ll find a breakdown of the most significant pricing factors and their cause, the best times to order transport, and suggestions for cost reductions.
Factors Affecting Seasonal Car Shipping Prices
Car shipping costs are influenced not just by distance and vehicle size. Distance is also influenced by demand, vehicle transport, the season of the year, weather conditions, and various logistical issues.
These include some of the most defining issues:
- Increased demand during peak periods (summer and snowbird travel windows).
- Weather-related issues are making certain routes more expensive.
- Changes in the price of fuel affect the operational cost, such as fuel price fluctuations.
- Operations connected to driver labor.
The Four Seasons of Car Shipping Prices
● Winter (December – February)
Winter does offer some benefits, but snow and ice bring hazardous driving conditions for the shipping of cars, especially in the northeast. An exception to this rule is the snowbird season. Seasoned citizens and some residents temporarily living in the northern states migrate towards warmer places, leading to increased demand for transport to warmer states like Florida, Texas, or Arizona. This shift creates demand for southbound routes.
Shipping cars to the north during the winter usually comes with lower expenditure. But one should take note of the severe weather conditions that could lead to delays or the need for express towing if the vehicle can’t be driven onto the carrier.
● Spring (March – May)
Increased shipping demand is brought forward with planned relocations and increased vehicle availability for sale. During this season, weather conditions become more favorable, making shipping more predictable and at times—less expensive—than in peak summer.
Along with spring being a popular time for auto dealerships and auctions to ship inventory, it can also create competition for transport carriers. An experienced cars transporteur can help you navigate this period and secure a spot for transport at a reasonable rate.
● Summer (June – August)
During late June to August, the car shipping demand surges due to families moving during school breaks. It marks the peak season for car shipping. The demand during this season can push prices higher, especially on popular routes.
If you intend to transport a car during this period, make sure to book in early June or late August to avoid the last-minute rate surge. If you have additional flexibility, shipping in early June or late August would be the best time to transport a car due to the lower demand.
● Fall (September – November)
If you are planning to book your transport to a different state, fall is regarded as the best time to do so. The weather is still favorable, and many carriers will be looking to fill trucks before the winter slowdown, so prices will be comparatively lower than during the summer.
If your main goal is to find the cheapest rates for transport, you can coordinate your transport strategy to take advantage of the seasonal rate shifts. Selling a car in the fall often allows for lower shipping expenses, leading to increased value overall.
By Route: Seasonal Trends
Routes do not follow the same seasonal trends. For example:
- Northern to Southern routes are more expensive during winter due to the snowbird market.
- South to North routes become more expensive during the late spring season as snowbirds return to the south.
- Cross-country moves are expensive to some degree all year, but have marked increases during the summer.
This is why it is so important to work with a proficient cars transporteur—they can assist you in navigating price changes based on your route.
Tips to Cut Costs on Seasonal Car Shipping
Pre-book: Arrange your shipment a minimum of 3 weeks to 1 month in advance to bolster savings.
- Remain Open Regarding Dates: Carriers can provide more savings due to pre-existing schedules.
- Avoid Industry Peaks: Schedule as often as possible in spring or fall to have access to lower demand.
- Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping: This is more economical than door-to-door but can save money during high-demand seasons.
- Ship in Peak Demand’s Opposite Direction: Shipping when most people are migrating south can be more affordable.
The Effects of Weather on Seasonal Pricing
Weather impacts travel comfort, but snow, ice, hurricanes, and floods often require special safety measures, increasing costs and necessitating transport through mountainous or coastal regions. These routes are especially challenging.
Adjustments around extreme weather seasons may assist in avoiding some costs.
How Seasonal Trends Affect Car Sales
If you are selling a car to an out-of-state buyer, seasonal pricing is relevant. Understanding shipping costs and routes is just one part—maximizing profit is multi-dimensional, including factoring in shipping costs to the buyer.
Fall and spring may be optimal seasons for selling to these buyers, as both have:
- Mild weather reduces the risk of transport delays.
- Lower shipping costs.
- Buyers are often open to purchasing when shipping is more affordable.
Why Choosing the Best Transporter is Essential
Navigating the complexities of seasonal trends in car shipping is a challenge, but an experienced cars transporteur knows the industry well enough to make the process smoother for you. They can suggest the right time for shipping, help you avoid holdups stemming from weather, and be ready with cost-effective options.
A seasoned car transport service will have established carrier connections that expand your options, increasing both your scheduling and price flexibility.
Concluding Thoughts
Car shipping is not a standalone service with a universal price. There are a multitude of factors that influence the price, including seasonal demand, weather, and market conditions. Knowing them helps you plan well, save money, and avoid unneeded stress.
You can prepare for seasonal fluctuations better by partnering with an experienced car transporteur, thinking strategically when deciding where can I sell my car for the most money, and having express towing ready in case of vehicle problems.
To sum up, the optimal timing of your shipping can be as critical as the selection of your carrier.
