When Are the Best and Worst Times of Year to Ship Your Car?
Shipping a car isn't like mailing a letter. There's a lot that goes into it. One big factor often overlooked is the time of year. Seasonal timing impacts everything. It affects availability and pricing for your auto transport. Understanding this can save you headaches and money.
Why Does Season Matter for Car Shipping?
Think about it. Are more people moving in January or June? More people are moving in summer. More snowbirds are heading south in the fall. These trends create seasonal demand.
More demand means carriers are busier. This can drive prices up. It can also make finding an open spot harder. Less demand means more flexibility and potentially lower rates. As a logistics manager for AMG Transport Co., I see these patterns every year.
Peak Auto Transport Seasons: Expect Higher Costs and Longer Waits
There are definite peak times in the auto transport industry. Knowing them is half the battle.
Summer Months (May to August)
Summer is prime moving season. Families relocate for new jobs or schools. College students move to and from campuses. This includes a lot of cross-country car transport from coast to coast. Shipping a car from Houston to Los Angeles, for example, will likely cost more in July. Many people are also buying cars then. This increases demand for car shipping services Texas.
Carriers are stretched thin. Truck drivers are trying to meet high demand. You might have to wait longer for a pickup. Prices for both open car carrier transport and enclosed auto transport for luxury cars typically increase. If you need nationwide vehicle shipping door to door during this time, plan ahead. Book early to secure a spot. Think of how much does it cost to ship a car cross country in peak season. It's more than off-peak.
Early Fall (September to October)
This is another busy time. Many "snowbirds" head from northern states down to the Sun Belt. Relocating to Florida and shipments from Texas are common. These are usually people trying to beat the winter weather. This creates a surge in demand along certain routes. Specifically, North-South routes become congested. Expect higher prices for vehicle transport Texas to California. Also brace for longer lead times.
Off-Peak Auto Transport Seasons: Your Best Bet for Savings and Speed
If you have flexibility, aiming for off-peak times can be beneficial.
Late Fall and Early Winter (November to December – excluding holidays)
After the snowbird rush, things calm down a bit. Before the holiday crunch, you might find some deals. Carriers have more availability. Rates can drop slightly. However, watch out for the weeks around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Those are mini-peak times due to holiday travel. How long does car shipping take cross country during these weeks? It can be longer.
Mid-Winter (January to February)
This is often the slowest time of year for auto transport. Most moves are done. Snowbirds are settled in. The weather can make driving tough, slowing carriers down. But less demand means lower costs for you. If you're not in a rush, this is a good window. It might be the best time to ship a car. This is especially true if you are looking for an affordable car shipping without hidden fees.
Early Spring (March to April)
Things start to pick up again. But it's not full-on peak yet. You can often find reasonable rates and good availability. This is before the summer moving frenzy begins. It's a good time for multi-car transport for families too.
How AMG Transport Co. Helps You Navigate Seasonal Swings
You might be thinking, "This sounds complicated." You're right, it can be. That's why you work with an auto transport broker, especially a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. AMG Transport Co. acts as your guiding light in this often-confusing industry.
Carriers don't want to deal with individual customers. They have specialized jobs. They are focused on the roads. The roads are a dangerous place. They have enough problems. They don't want people and their problems.
We do the front-end sales. We handle the coordinating. We manage the back-end systems. We handle everything outside of maintaining and driving trucks. And the truth is, carriers don't want to deal with people. They rely on brokers to solve these problems.
Carriers aren't saints either. The main reason they don't work directly with people? Many people don't pay. The carriers willing to take the risk know they can charge regular people more. That's why some don't like brokers. Brokers cut into their take. But brokers also save them time and effort. It'll never be cheap to get the job done right. A good broker, though, has strong relationships with carriers. This ensures they take care of our clients. Plus, your vehicle could be anywhere in the country at any point. We find the right truck for you.
At AMG Transport Co., we provide honest quotes. We know what affects car shipping cost per mile. We work with a vetted network of insured carriers. We manage payment securely with Stripe deposits. We offer 72-hour pickup windows to give carriers flexibility. This helps us secure better rates for you. We track your shipment from door pick-up and delivery car transport service to the final drop-off. We even handle shipping a non-running vehicle, what to know with those details.
Whether it's an open carrier car shipping pro & con discussion or enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars, we explain it all. We help you compare auto transport quotes and choose a reliable auto transport broker. We aim to be the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves. We want to be the experienced car shipping broker you can trust.
Essential Tips for Timing Your Car Shipment
Here's a quick rundown to help you plan:
- Flexibility is Key: If your dates are flexible, aim for off-peak times. This is mid-winter or early spring.
- Book Early: During peak seasons, book as far in advance as possible. This secures your spot and helps with pricing. Especially for single-car transport vs multi-car load cost. Or shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference. Early booking helps.
- Be Prepared: Have all your vehicle information ready. We use VIN scans for accuracy. This speeds up the process.
- Get Multiple Quotes (from Brokers): Not direct from carriers. Most individuals can't work directly with most carriers anyway. A trusted car shipping broker reviews will show why we are the best choice. This helps you understand market rates. We provide clear quotes about how much does it cost to ship a car cross country.
- Consider the Route: Long distance routes, like shipping a car from Houston to Los Angeles, are always in demand. But season amplifies this.
Conclusion: Don't Go It Alone – Trust AMG Transport Co.
Navigating the ins and outs of seasonal auto transport is tough. You have availability problems. You have dynamic pricing. It's a lot to manage. Trying to do it yourself can lead to frustration and higher costs. You'll also likely end up with an unreliable outfit. That's why working with an experienced auto transport broker is almost required.
At AMG Transport Co., we simplify the process. We are knowledgeable about both the broker side and the carrier side. We understand the market. We use our relationships to get your vehicle moved safely and efficiently. We focus on a stronger customer experience. We are your vehicle logistics company Texas. We provide peace of mind in a fraud-filled industry. We are diligent in finding good rates for you. We are dedicated to transparent service. We have a great auto transport safety record. We have a good reputation.
Don't leave your car shipment to chance. Let us handle the complexities. Get a reliable quote today.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.