Best Time of Year to Ship a Car: Seasonal Price Trends and Tips

When Is the Best Time to Ship Your Car?

Planning to relocate or buy a car out of state? One of the smartest ways to save money and avoid delays is to understand the best time of year to ship a car. Shipping prices fluctuate depending on demand, weather conditions, and regional traffic patterns. By knowing how these seasonal trends work, you can better plan your vehicle transport and secure the best ship car quote.

Each season brings its own set of challenges and advantages. In this article, we’ll walk you through the high-demand and low-demand months, provide expert tips, and help you understand how to choose between automobile transport companies. Whether you’re shipping a car from California to Georgia, moving across the country, or just need a short-distance transport car service, timing is everything.

Spring and Summer: Peak Season and Higher Costs

From late spring through the end of summer, the cost to ship car typically increases. This period is known as peak season in the auto transport industry. Why?

• College students are relocating.
• Families move during summer break.
• Snowbirds return north from warmer states. 

Increased demand means more traffic for auto transporters, but also longer wait times and shipping cars cost that’s often higher. If you’re considering auto transport California during this time, expect a premium on pricing – especially with car shipping companies California seeing higher-than-average volume.

However, this season does have its perks:

• Better weather conditions mean fewer weather-related delays.
• Higher availability of carriers for diverse routes. 

Tip: Book early to lock in your ship car quote before prices surge.

Fall: The Sweet Spot for Budget-Friendly Shipping

Autumn is considered one of the best times of year to use a transport car service. Demand decreases as the moving season slows down, which leads to:

• Lower rates from car shipping companies
• Shorter wait times for pickup
• Easier access to premium service options 

This is an ideal time for car shipping companies Minneapolis or in other northern states, where early snow hasn’t yet disrupted logistics. If you can plan your move or vehicle purchase during the fall months, you’ll often find the shipping cars cost to be 10-20% lower than in summer.

Winter: Challenges and Strategic Planning

Winter brings both pros and cons. While demand dips-especially between December and February-automobile transport companies face logistical hurdles:

• Icy roads and snowstorms in the North
• Limited access to remote areas
• Fewer carriers on the road due to holiday schedules 

Still, the cost to ship car can drop significantly if you’re shipping in less busy regions like the Southeast or Southwest. Shipping a car from California to Georgia during this time, for example, is often faster and cheaper due to milder weather and available drivers on that corridor.

Tip: Choose enclosed carriers if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle through wintery regions.

How to Take Advantage of Seasonal Trends

To get the best value when shipping your car:

• Compare ship car quotes early – don’t wait until the last minute.
• Work with experienced auto transporters who understand seasonal demand.
• Use car shipping companies California with strong carrier networks for flexible scheduling.
• For snowbird routes (North-South travel), book your transport 3-4 weeks in advance. 

If you live in areas like Minnesota, using car shipping companies Minneapolis during the off-season can help avoid seasonal spikes and snow delays.

Conclusion

Understanding seasonal price trends is key to saving money on car shipping. Whether you’re planning auto transport California, moving long-distance, or looking to reduce shipping cars cost, the right timing makes all the difference. Fall is generally the best value, while summer requires early booking due to peak demand. Winter offers savings if you’re strategic, and spring marks the start of higher pricing.

For competitive quotes and reliable service year-round, trust CRC Transport. We offer dependable transport car service nationwide with transparent pricing and experienced auto transporters ready to handle your shipment any time of year.