Car Shipping Seasonality
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February
Cheapest month
About $1,450 on average
July
Most expensive month
About $1,720 on average
Winter
Best season to ship
Dec–Feb
Summer
Peak season
Jun–Aug: highest demand
Monthly price index
100 = average month. The cheapest months are highlighted.
| Month | Price index |
|---|---|
| January | 93 |
| February | 92 |
| March | 97 |
| April | 100 |
| May | 104 |
| June | 108 |
| July | 109 |
| August | 106 |
| September | 100 |
| October | 98 |
| November | 97 |
| December | 96 |
Average price by month
- January$1,470
- February$1,450
- March$1,530
- April$1,580
- May$1,640
- June$1,700
- July$1,720
- August$1,670
- September$1,580
- October$1,550
- November$1,530
- December$1,510
Seasonal price comparison
Winter
Dec–Feb
$1,480
13% below summer
Spring
Mar–May
$1,580
7% below summer
Summer
Jun–Aug
$1,700
Highest prices of the year
Fall
Sep–Nov
$1,550
9% below summer
Seasonal events to plan around
These yearly patterns move prices and pickup times on specific routes.
- Summer moving seasonMay–AugustThe busiest time for household moves. Prices peak and trucks book up early.
- Snowbirds head southOctober–DecemberHeavy demand into Florida, Arizona and Texas raises southbound prices.
- Snowbirds head northMarch–MayThe return trip: northbound prices from warm states climb.
- College move-in and move-outAugust–September · MayShort bursts of demand around campuses at the start and end of terms.
- Winter weatherDecember–MarchSnow and ice can slow northern and mountain routes and close passes.
- Hurricane seasonJune–NovemberStorms can delay Gulf and Atlantic coast pickups and deliveries.
Key takeaways
- Ship in February or nearby months for the lowest prices.
- Book two to three weeks ahead from May through August.
- On snowbird routes, travel against the seasonal flow when you can.
- Allow extra time for northern routes in winter.
- Set a price alert to catch dips on your route.
Frequently asked questions
Why are car shipping prices higher in summer?
Most household moves happen between late spring and August, when school is out, so demand for the same trucks peaks.
What is snowbird season?
Retirees who winter in warm states ship cars south from about October to December and north again from about March to May. Prices rise in the busy direction during those months.
Snowbird car shippingWhen is the cheapest time to ship a car?
January and February are typically the cheapest months nationally, apart from routes into snowbird states.
Does weather affect car shipping?
Yes. Snow and ice can close mountain passes and slow northern routes in winter, and hurricane season (June through November) can delay Gulf and Atlantic coast shipments.
How far ahead should I book in peak season?
Two to three weeks ahead is a good rule for summer and snowbird months, and more for enclosed transport.
Price calendar
More market data
- Car Shipping Market DataNational prices, trends and capacity at a glance.
- Car Shipping Price IndexThe national average price, tracked monthly.
- Car Shipping Price TrendsHow prices moved over the last 12 months.
- Car Shipping Rates by StateAverage costs to and from every state.
- Car Shipping Rates by RoutePrices and transit times on popular routes.
- Carrier AvailabilityTruck space and pickup times by region.
- Market Data MethodologySources, calculations and limitations.
Price tools
Turn market data into savings on your own shipment.
- Price calendarFind the cheapest pickup dates
- Cost calculatorEstimate any route
- Price alertsGet told when prices drop
- Nearby pickup savingsSave by meeting the truck
Using these numbers
- Treat averages as a starting point. Your route, vehicle and dates set the real price.
- A quote far below the average can mean a long wait for a truck.
- Check again a few weeks before pickup, when carriers plan their loads.
Use market data to ship smarter
Get an estimate for your route, vehicle and dates.