Seasonality In The Car Shipping Industry And How Does It Affects The Cost

If you need to ship your car, you probably want it delivered quickly. But if you can be flexible about the delivery time, you might save money.

Several factors affect the cost of shipping a car, like the distance, type of car, pickup and delivery locations, and the type of shipping service. Another factor is the time of year, and that’s what we’ll discuss here.

Understanding how the season affects the cost of shipping a car can help you plan better and save money.

Which seasons affect the car shipping business?

Seasonal changes play a significant role in the auto transport industry. Whenever you request a price from an auto transport company, the time of year is taken into account when giving you a quote.

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Prices for car shipping can vary, and this variation happens in both summer and winter, depending on the level of demand. In the summer, car shipping services often offer speedy service and competitive prices. In the winter, prices may be higher, and it might take longer for your car to be delivered.

However, these seasonal fluctuations aren’t always so straightforward. Many factors related to the seasons affect the cost of shipping a car, including demand, changes in traffic patterns, weather conditions, and the time of year. The extent to which these factors affect your car shipping cost depends on where you’re shipping your car from and where it’s being delivered to.

• Transporting your vehicle during the spring and the summer

Transporting your car in the spring and summer is generally more convenient because the pleasant weather conditions make the entire car shipping process smoother. Many people choose to move their households between June and October because the weather is typically better, especially in northern states.

However, one downside to shipping your car during the spring or summer is that the increased demand for car shipping services tends to push up the overall rates.

• Transporting your vehicle during the autumn and winter

Shipping your car during the fall and winter often comes with cost savings because there’s typically less demand. Auto transport companies compete to fill their trucks during these seasons, leading to lower prices. Carriers prefer not to run with half-empty trailers, so they accept vehicles at reduced rates.

However, one significant drawback of choosing to ship your car in the fall or winter is that inclement weather can slow down the process. Slippery and icy roads require truckers to exercise extreme caution, leading to controlled speeds to prevent accidents.

Additionally, road closures due to heavy snowfalls can further disrupt the shipping process. Drivers may have to wait until roads are cleared and safe to travel before continuing their journey.

Let’s take a closer look at the different times of the year.

The peak of the season is usually June, July and August

In the US, approximately 50 million people relocate each year. The peak period for car shipping falls during the months of June, July, and August.

These statistics hold significance for the auto transport industry because when people move, one convenient choice is to ship their car alongside their household items instead of driving it themselves. This results in a high volume of moving trucks on the roads, making it a bustling time for car shipping companies.

Looking for the best time to transport your car – ship September thru November

If you have the flexibility to wait and plan, booking your car shipping service between September and the end of November is an excellent choice. The weather during this time is generally pleasant, with brighter and warmer conditions, and the hectic rush of summer is starting to ease. Additionally, most college students have already completed their shipping needs by this period.

This timeframe allows you to enjoy lower prices and faster services. However, it’s important to note a slight disruption around Thanksgiving, as many drivers prefer spending time with their families during this holiday.

There is always a bigger demand for the service in the summer

During the summer, when the weather is warm, several factors contribute to increased car shipping demand. Families have more flexibility since kids are out of school, and companies often relocate their employees during this season. Additionally, July is a busy month for car sales, which results in a higher need for car shipping services. College students preparing to return to campus may also require vehicle shipping.

This surge in demand across various sectors can lead to slightly higher prices for shipping services, although the specific changes depend on the company, the type of vehicle being shipped, and whether you opt for open auto transport or enclosed auto transport.

It’s worth noting that increased demand can sometimes lead to longer waiting times because there are more vehicles to pick up and deliver, potentially causing delays. Furthermore, around the 4th of July, some truckers prefer spending time with their families, resulting in fewer available trucks and trailers, which could lead to additional delays.

Holiday Season – December and January

The holiday season can significantly impact the car shipping industry in various ways. Some people may want to surprise a loved one with the gift of a car, while many auto transport employees prefer spending the holidays with their families. Weather conditions, such as icy roads and snowstorms, often lead to road closures and dangerous driving situations.

Another factor to consider is the presence of snowbirds—individuals who relocate to warmer regions like Texas, Alabama, Southern California, Arizona, and Florida to escape winter weather. Many of these snowbirds want their cars transported to their new locations.

All these factors contribute to a hectic period from mid December thru mid January. During this time, there is usually a backlog in car shipments that may not clear until the end of January. The shipping process tends to slow down, and prices often rise due to increased demand and various challenges.

Slow season – February and March

After the January backlog clears and snowbirds have settled into their new locations, the demand for auto transport services significantly decreases. Fewer people are looking to ship their cars during this period.

It’s common for auto transport companies to reduce their prices by as much as 20% during this time. However, it’s important to be prepared for potential delays in receiving your vehicle. These delays can occur due to factors such as road closures, weather-related issues, increased accident risks, and icy road conditions.

April and May – The Time When Snowbirds Head Home