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Quick answer
Prices usually ease in September as summer moves wind down, while routes into Florida, Arizona and Texas start to climb ahead of snowbird season. Check the current figures below, and book early if you're heading south in October or November.
What's happening in September
The summer moving rush is behind us, so demand on most national routes softens in September. That usually means more open truck space and shorter waits for pickup on busy corridors.
College move-ins also wrap up in early September, which frees up capacity around campus towns after a short spike in late August.
See the latest numbers
What to expect in October and November
- Snowbird traffic builds southbound, lifting prices into Florida, Arizona and Texas
- Hurricane season runs through November 30 and can delay Gulf and East Coast shipments
- Thanksgiving week is busy, so book around it
- Routes heading north from warm states are usually easier to schedule in fall
How to get a better price this fall
- Book southbound trips before the October rush
- Give carriers a pickup window of three to five days
- Choose open transport for everyday cars
- Compare several quotes for the same dates
- Consider meeting the truck near a major highway
Frequently asked questions
Is September a good time to ship a car?
Often, yes. Demand usually eases after summer, apart from routes into warm states that start rising ahead of snowbird season.
Best time to ship a carWill hurricane season affect my shipment?
It can, on the Gulf and East Coasts. Carriers pause or reroute for safety, so keep your dates flexible and stay in touch with the company.
Can I lock in today's price for a later move?
Some companies will hold a quote for a set period if your details don't change. Read the terms carefully.
Price lock
About this article
Written and reviewed by the Haulwide editorial team. Editorial policy
