Table of contents
Quick answer
Car shipping demand peaks in summer with household moves, shifts with snowbird traffic in fall and spring, and dips in January and February. Weather adds delays in winter on northern routes and during hurricane season on the coasts.
Season by season
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Usually the cheapest time nationally, apart from routes into warm states. Storms can slow northern routes.
Spring (Mar–May)
Snowbirds return north, pushing up northbound prices from warm states. Moves pick up in May.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Peak moving season. Prices are highest and trucks fill up early.
Fall (Sep–Nov)
College moves ease; snowbird traffic south builds from October.
Recurring events that move prices
| Event | When | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Household moving season | May–August | Higher prices nationwide |
| Snowbirds heading south | October–December | Higher prices into FL, AZ and TX |
| Snowbirds heading north | March–May | Higher prices out of warm states |
| College move-in / move-out | August–September / May | Short spikes near campuses |
| Winter weather | December–March | Delays on northern and mountain routes |
| Atlantic hurricane season | June 1–November 30 | Possible delays on Gulf and East Coasts |
Household moving season
- When
- May–August
- Effect
- Higher prices nationwide
Snowbirds heading south
- When
- October–December
- Effect
- Higher prices into FL, AZ and TX
Snowbirds heading north
- When
- March–May
- Effect
- Higher prices out of warm states
College move-in / move-out
- When
- August–September / May
- Effect
- Short spikes near campuses
Winter weather
- When
- December–March
- Effect
- Delays on northern and mountain routes
Atlantic hurricane season
- When
- June 1–November 30
- Effect
- Possible delays on Gulf and East Coasts
How to plan around the seasons
- Ship before a seasonal rush rather than during it
- Travel against the seasonal flow when possible
- Book two to three weeks ahead in peak months
- Leave extra time for weather on winter and coastal routes
- Watch prices for your route and book on a dip
Frequently asked questions
Why is car shipping more expensive in summer?
Families move when school is out, so demand for the same trucks peaks between late spring and August.
Is it safe to ship a car in winter?
Yes. Carriers drive in winter every year; allow extra time for storms, and consider enclosed transport for valuable cars on salty northern roads.
What happens if a hurricane affects my route?
Carriers pause or reroute for safety, which can delay pickup or delivery by days. Keep in touch with the company and allow flexibility.
About this article
Written and reviewed by the Haulwide editorial team. Editorial policy
