What Are the Best and Worst Times of Year to Ship Your Car?

Timing is everything in auto transport. Get it right, and you'll save money. You will also avoid delays. Get it wrong, and you'll pay premium prices. You will deal with frustrating wait times. As a Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co., I've seen firsthand. Seasonal patterns dramatically impact shipping costs and availability.

The Seasonal Shipping Calendar: When Demand Drives Prices

Peak Season: Summer Months (May-August)

Summer is the absolute worst time for affordable car shipping. Demand skyrockets during these months. Prices follow that trend. Why? Families move between school years. College students relocate. People take advantage of good weather for cross-country moves. During peak season, expect:

• 20-30% higher prices than off-peak periods
• Extended pickup windows (often 5-7 days instead of the usual 2-3)
• Limited carrier availability for popular routes, even for a trusted car shipping broker nationwide
• More competition for space on trucks

If you're wondering why your quote seems high in July, it's not personal. It's peak season economics.

Secondary Peak: Late Spring and Early Fall

April, September, and October see elevated demand. Corporate relocations and military moves peak. These months aren't as brutal as summer. But you'll still pay above-average rates. You will also face some delays. This applies whether you're trying to ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles or relocating to Florida ship car from Texas.

The Sweet Spot: Winter Months (November-February)

Winter is typically the cheapest time to ship your car. From November through February (excluding holidays), you'll find:

• 10-20% lower prices compared to summer. This impacts how much does it cost to ship a car cross country.
• Faster pickup times (often within 48 hours)
• More carrier flexibility and better service
• Easier scheduling for your preferred dates

The trade-off? Weather delays can occur. This is particularly true on northern routes. But for most southern and cross-country routes, winter shipping offers the best value. This is especially true for open car carrier transport cost.

Holiday Periods: Short-Term Price Spikes

Major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's create temporary demand spikes. Carriers want to be home with their families. So available trucks become scarce. Prices jump significantly for about 2-3 weeks around each holiday.

How Seasonal Demand Affects Your Shipping Experience

Carrier Availability During Peak Seasons

During busy periods, carriers can be picky. They choose which loads they accept. They'll prioritize:

• High-paying routes (longer distances with premium rates)
• Easy-to-access locations (no tight residential streets)
• Multiple vehicle loads (more profitable per trip), which affects single-car transport vs multi-car load cost
• Flexible pickup/delivery windows (easier scheduling)

This means your single vehicle going to a rural address might wait longer during peak season. You need an experienced car shipping broker you can trust.

Weather Considerations Beyond Price

While winter offers better pricing, severe weather can impact delivery times:

• Northern routes may experience snow delays
• Mountain passes can close temporarily
• Coastal routes face hurricane season concerns

An experienced auto transport broker like AMG Transport Co. monitors weather patterns. They route carriers accordingly. This minimizes disruptions. We understand the auto transport safety record needs to be maintained. We're a vehicle logistics company Texas residents trust.

Strategic Shipping: Planning Your Move

When to Book for Peak Season

If you must move during summer, book 4-6 weeks in advance. Last-minute summer shipping often means paying premium rates. Or you could face significant delays. We recommend:

• Early May bookings for June/July moves
• Flexible pickup windows (our standard 72-hour window helps). This is part of our door pick-up and delivery car transport service.
• Realistic expectations about pricing and timing. We give honest auto transport quotes how to compare.

Taking Advantage of Off-Peak Windows

For maximum savings and convenience:

• Schedule November-February for the best rates
• Avoid holiday weeks for faster service
• Consider mid-month moves rather than end-of-month
• Be flexible with dates for better pricing

Why Timing Matters More Than You Think

The Cost Difference Can Be Substantial

Shipping a car from Texas to California during peak season versus winter can mean a $200-$500 difference. For luxury vehicles requiring enclosed auto transport for luxury cars, the savings can be even more significant. This is true for an enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars, or classic car transport enclosed carrier.

Availability Impacts Your Entire Move

If you're coordinating household goods shipping with vehicle transport, timing mismatches can create logistical nightmares. Getting your car shipped during slower periods means:

• Better coordination with moving companies
• Reduced rental car expenses
• Less stress about arrival dates
• More predictable timelines, important for how long does car shipping take cross country

The AMG Transport Co. Advantage in Seasonal Shipping

At AMG Transport Co., we leverage our carrier relationships. We use market knowledge to navigate seasonal challenges. We are a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide.

Proactive Planning

We monitor seasonal patterns. We adjust our carrier network accordingly. Our nationwide reach gives us insight into regional demand fluctuations. We are a key auto transport broker Texas relies on.

Honest Pricing

We provide transparent quotes. They reflect current market conditions. No seasonal surprises—just honest pricing. This is true whether you're shipping during peak demand or quiet winter months. We offer affordable car shipping without hidden fees.

Carrier Relationships Matter

Our strong relationships are with vetted insured carriers. This means we can often secure better availability and pricing. This is true even during busy periods. Carriers prioritize our loads. We perform VIN scans. We process Stripe deposits. This shows we are reliable partners.

Flexible Solutions

We offer options like our 72-hour pickup windows. We have flexible scheduling. This helps navigate seasonal constraints. We maintain service quality. We are the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves. We explain door-to-door car shipping how it works.

Making the Right Seasonal Choice

Your ideal shipping time depends on your priorities:

Choose Peak Season If:

• You have no flexibility in your moving dates
• Weather is your primary concern
• Budget is less important than timing

Choose Off-Peak If:

• You want to maximize savings. This affects what affects car shipping cost per mile.
• You have schedule flexibility
• You're planning ahead

The Bottom Line: Plan Ahead and Save

Seasonal timing isn't just about saving money. It's about reducing stress. It ensures reliable service. By understanding the auto transport calendar, you can:

• Save hundreds of dollars on your move. This includes cross-country car transport from coast to coast.
• Avoid frustrating delays during busy periods
• Get better service with more carrier attention
• Coordinate your entire move more effectively

At AMG Transport Co., we're your strategic partner. We navigate seasonal shipping challenges. Whether you're facing a summer peak or enjoying winter savings, we provide the expertise. We have the carrier relationships. We make your move successful. We are the best auto transport company Texas has to offer. We offer car shipping services Texas customers trust.

Ready to plan your seasonal shipping strategy? Get your free, no-obligation quote today at AMGTransportCo.com/get-quote. Let us help you time your move perfectly.

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.