How Much More Does Auto Transport Cost During Peak Moving Seasons?

It’s Mike, Logistics Manager here at AMG Transport Co. We get asked a lot about car shipping costs. Especially when people are planning a move. One big factor often overlooked is the time of year. Peak moving seasons hit auto transport pricing. Hard.

What Drives Peak Season Pricing?

Think about it. Summer. Everyone’s moving. College kids. Families relocating. Snowbirds heading north or south. This creates a surge in demand. More people need vehicle shipping door to door. More cars need to be on an open car carrier transport. Or an enclosed auto transport for luxury cars. This volume strains the system. It’s simple supply and demand.

The Seasonal Calendar for Auto Transport

Generally, here’s how it breaks down:

• Summer (May-August): This is the major peak. Kids are out of school. People are taking new jobs. Relocating to Florida, shipping a car from Texas. Moves from Houston to Los Angeles. It’s busy everywhere.
• Late Fall/Early Winter (October-December): Another bump. Snowbirds move south. College students head home. This can be particularly busy for vehicle transport Texas to California. Or for shipping a car from chilly states to warmer ones.
• Early Spring (March-April): A smaller peak. Some military moves. People getting a jump on summer plans.
• Mid-Winter (January-February): Often the slowest time. Lower demand means better rates.

Why Carriers Charge More During These Times

Carriers operate on tight margins. Their trucks are expensive. Fuel isn't cheap. The roads are a dangerous place. When demand is high, they can be more selective. They prioritize higher-paying routes. This means if you need to ship a car from Texas fast during peak season, you'll pay more. It's not about being greedy. It's about maximizing their own operational efficiency.

As a vehicle logistics company Texas, we see it constantly. They've got enough problems without dealing with low-paying loads. They also know that if you’re desperate, you’ll pay. It’s a harsh reality.

The “Broker Margin” and What It Means for You

We hear it. “Why do I need a broker? Can't I just go direct to a carrier?” Here's the truth: Most people couldn't work with most carriers if they wanted to. Carriers don't deal with individual customers directly. They don't want to. They don't have the sales teams. They don't have the backend systems. They want to drive their trucks. Period.

Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier. We know the inside scoop. Carriers rely on brokers to fill their trucks efficiently. Yes, brokers have a margin. But that margin covers a lot. We do the frontend sales. The coordinating. The paperwork. All the things outside of maintaining and driving trucks. And the truth is, cheap usually means trouble in this industry. A good broker provides a stronger customer experience. We're a guiding light in a fraud-filled industry. We're a buffer to keep rates reasonable for you.

We work with hundreds of vetted, insured carriers. We're a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. This network means we can find trucks even when demand is high. It means we have options. We maintain good relationships with these carriers. They're invested in taking care of our clients. That's why they work with us. Because we deal honestly, and we handle the problems.

How to Keep Auto Transport Costs Down During Busy Seasons

So, you're wondering how much does it cost to ship a car cross country during these times. Here are a few strategies to minimize the impact:

1. Book Early

This is the biggest one. As soon as you know you need car shipping services Texas, get a quote. Book it. Don't wait until the last minute. Waiting means you'll compete with everyone else. This drives up the price. Carriers are looking for loads far in advance. If your car is on their schedule early, it's often cheaper.

2. Be Flexible with Dates

If you can swing it, being flexible helps. Giving a wider pick-up window, like our standard 72-hour window, gives carriers more options. More options for them mean better rates for you. They can slot you in more efficiently with other loads.

3. Consider an Open Carrier, If Appropriate

Open car carrier transport is almost always cheaper than enclosed auto transport for luxury cars. If you're shipping an SUV vs sedan, an open carrier still might be the more economical choice. If you have a classic car transport enclosed carrier is highly recommended. But for most daily drivers, an open carrier is perfectly safe and suitable. Understand the open carrier car shipping pros & cons for your situation.

4. Understand What Affects Car Shipping Cost Per Mile

Besides seasonality, factors like distance, vehicle type, vehicle condition (shipping a non-running vehicle what to know), and transport type (enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars) all play a role. Multi-car transport for families can sometimes offer slight discounts compared to single-car transport.

5. Get Honest Quotes

Be wary of incredibly low quotes that seem too good to be true. They usually are. They could be from unscrupulous brokers. Or from carriers who will lowball to secure the load, then demand more money or delay pickup. At AMG Transport Co., we provide honest quotes upfront. We use Stripe for deposits. We conduct VIN scans for accuracy. We partner with only vetted, insured carriers. We manage expectations. That's how to choose a reliable auto transport broker. We aim for affordable car shipping without hidden fees.

Why AMG Transport Co. Is Your Best Bet

The auto transport industry is complex. It's hard to navigate. Especially during peak seasons. You're shipping a valuable asset. You need a trusted car shipping broker reviews will confirm we are. We're an experienced car shipping broker you can trust.

We offer nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. Our team understands how long does car shipping take cross country. We understand the nuances of cross-country car transport from coast to coast. We're experts in everything from shipping an SUV to a luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open. Whether you're relocating to Florida, shipping a car from Texas, or just need a door pick-up and delivery car transport service, we handle it.

We provide the peace of mind. We take on the hassles. We buffer the rate fluctuations. We simplify the process. That's why working with a good broker isn't just a good idea. It's almost required. Let us be your solution during busy times. We make sure you get the best auto transport quotes and understand how to compare them.

Get a free, no-obligation quote today. Experience the difference of working with a professional, experienced broker.

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