Car shipping service
How Seasonal Car Shipping Works
- Estimates clearly labeled
- Independent company rankings
- Free to compare
Seasonal Car Shipping at a glance
- Cost per mile
- $0.70–$1.89 per mile
- Typical total
- $875 – $2,365
- Transit time
- 3–5 days
- Best for
- Snowbirds and students
Free · No obligation · About a minute
Get a seasonal car shipping quote
Ship your car with seasonal car shipping in 7 steps
From comparing estimates to signing for your car at delivery.
Pick your season and dates
Check when demand peaks on your route and choose a pickup window around it.
Your part: Look at the price calendar before you choose dates.
Compare companies early
Compare prices, reviews and licensing a few weeks before the peak.
Your part: Ask about booking both legs of a round trip.
Book and confirm terms
Get the price, pickup window, deposit and cancellation terms in writing.
Your part: Check what happens if your travel plans change.
Carrier assigned
The broker or carrier confirms a truck. In peak weeks this can take longer.
Your part: Ask for the carrier's name and insurance certificate.
Pickup and inspection
The driver inspects the car with you, records its condition on the Bill of Lading and loads it.
Your part: Name a stand-in if you've already left for the season.
In transit
Drivers can drive up to 11 hours a day under federal rules. Winter storms can slow northern routes.
Your part: Allow a few extra days in winter.
Delivery and return plans
Inspect the car and pay as agreed. If you'll ship it back, note your return dates.
Your part: Book the return trip early too.
Rules that protect you
Federal requirements every licensed company must follow.
Brokers must be bonded
Auto transport brokers need FMCSA broker authority and $75,000 in financial security, usually a BMC-84 surety bond or a BMC-85 trust fund.
Source: 49 CFR 387.307Carriers must carry liability insurance
Most for-hire interstate carriers must file at least $750,000 in liability coverage with the FMCSA. Cargo coverage for the cars on the truck is set by the carrier, so ask for the certificate.
Source: 49 CFR 387.9Drivers have daily driving limits
Truck drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, which is why long routes are measured in days, not hours.
Source: FMCSA hours of service
Get ready for pickup
Cleaning, fuel level, personal items and the paperwork to have ready — the same for every service.
Ready to ship your car with seasonal car shipping?
Enter your route to compare estimated prices, pickup dates and transport companies.