Best Time of Year to Ship a Car: A Month-by-Month Price Calendar
When is the cheapest time to ship a car? See how auto transport prices and pickup times change month by month, which seasons to avoid, and how to book for the best rate.
The same car, on the same route, can cost noticeably more to ship in July than in February. Auto transport prices are set by supply and demand: there are only so many carriers and only so many spots on each truck. When everyone wants to move at once, those spots go to the highest bidder. When demand drops, carriers compete for your car.
This guide walks through the year month by month so you can pick the best window for your move, avoid the most expensive weeks, and know how far ahead to book. If you already have dates in mind, you can get an instant quote in under a minute and see a price range for your route right away.
Quick Answer: When Is the Cheapest Time to Ship a Car?
For most routes, the cheapest times to ship a car are:
- Mid-January through February, after the holidays and before spring moving season
- September, after the summer rush ends and families are settled for the school year
- Weekdays in the middle of the month, when fewer people are moving
The most expensive time is June and July, when household moves, college moves, and vacation travel all peak at once. Seasonal "snowbird" routes to and from Florida, Arizona, and Texas follow their own pattern, which we cover below.
Why Car Shipping Prices Change During the Year
Three things move the price of auto transport more than anything else.
1. Demand for moves. Most Americans move between May and September. More cars to move means trucks fill faster, and carriers can pick the best-paying loads.
2. Carrier capacity. A typical open car carrier holds 7 to 10 vehicles. When drivers take time off around holidays, fewer trucks are on the road and the remaining spots cost more.
3. Weather. Snow and ice in the Northeast, Midwest, and Rockies slow trucks down and close some routes. Carriers price that risk and extra time into winter quotes for northern states.
Other factors, like fuel prices, distance, vehicle size, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport, affect every quote all year. Our complete guide to car shipping costs explains each of these in detail.
Car Shipping Prices Month by Month
January
Demand drops sharply after the holidays. Outside of snowbird routes, carriers are looking for loads, which often means lower prices and flexible pickup dates. The trade-off is weather: if you are shipping into or out of a snowy state, allow a few extra days for delays.
February
February is often the cheapest month of the year to ship a car. Moving season has not started, and many carriers run lighter schedules. If your timing is flexible, this is a great month to book.
March
Prices start to rise. Snowbirds begin heading home from Florida and the Southwest, so northbound routes like Florida to New York get busier first. Other routes stay close to average.
April
Spring moves pick up and the northbound snowbird return hits its peak. Expect average to slightly higher prices, especially on East Coast routes. Booking two weeks ahead is a good idea.
May
May marks the start of moving season. College students move out, home sales close, and military families begin summer relocations. Prices climb and pickup windows get longer as trucks fill up.
June and July
These are peak months for auto transport. Household moves, summer job relocations, and vacation travel all overlap. Prices are at their highest, and the best carriers book up early. If you must ship in summer, book at least three weeks ahead and keep your pickup dates flexible by a few days.
August
Demand stays high as students head back to college and families finish moves before school starts. Prices are still above average, but they usually start easing in the last week of the month.
September
September is one of the best months to ship a car. The summer rush is over, the weather is still good across most of the country, and carriers have open spots. It is a sweet spot for both price and speed.
October
Prices stay near average for most routes. Southbound snowbird season begins, so routes from the Northeast and Midwest to Florida, Arizona, and Texas start to fill.
November
Snowbird routes are at their busiest, so a trip like New York to Miami can cost more than in spring. The week of Thanksgiving is slower, as many drivers take time off. Book early if you need pickup before the holiday.
December
December is mixed. Early December is busy on southbound routes. Around Christmas and New Year's, fewer drivers are working, so pickup windows can stretch. Outside of those weeks, prices are usually moderate.
Car Shipping Seasons at a Glance
| Season | Months | Typical Price | Pickup Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Jan – Feb | Lower | Fast (weather permitting) | Flexible, budget moves |
| Spring | Mar – May | Average to higher | Moderate | Snowbird returns, early movers |
| Summer | Jun – Aug | Highest | Slower, book early | Family and college moves |
| Fall | Sep – Oct | Lower to average | Fast | Best value of the year |
| Holidays | Nov – Dec | Mixed | Slower around holidays | Southbound snowbirds |
The Snowbird Exception: Florida, Arizona, and Texas
Snowbird routes follow their own calendar. Every fall, hundreds of thousands of retirees and remote workers head south for the winter, then return north in spring. That creates two predictable price spikes on routes into and out of warm-weather states:
- Southbound (October to December): Northeast and Midwest to Florida, Arizona, and Texas
- Northbound (March to May): the same routes in reverse, back to states like New York, New Jersey, and Michigan
There is a useful trick here. When southbound trucks are full, northbound trucks are often half empty, and the reverse is true in spring. If you are shipping against the snowbird flow, you may get a better rate than usual.
Day of the Week and Time of the Month Matter Too
Season is the biggest factor, but smaller timing choices add up:
- Mid-month is usually cheaper than month-end. Leases end, apartments turn over, and many moves happen on the 1st and the 30th.
- Weekday pickups are easier to schedule. Weekend pickups are possible but give carriers fewer options.
- Avoid holiday weeks like Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas if you can.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
| When You Ship | Recommended Booking Window |
|---|---|
| Low season (Jan – Feb, Sep) | 1 – 2 weeks ahead |
| Average months | 2 weeks ahead |
| Peak season (Jun – Aug) | 3 – 4 weeks ahead |
| Snowbird routes in season | 3 – 4 weeks ahead |
| Need it there fast | Ask about expedited shipping |
Booking early does not lock you into a carrier that day. It gives your auto transport specialist time to find a reliable driver at a fair price, instead of paying a premium to fill a last-minute spot.
6 Ways to Save If You Have to Ship in Peak Season
Sometimes the move date is not up to you. If you are shipping in summer or during snowbird season, these steps help keep the price down:
1. Be flexible by a few days. A wider pickup window lets the carrier fit your car into an existing route.
2. Choose open transport. Open car transport costs much less than enclosed and is how most new cars reach dealerships.
3. Ship between major cities. Routes between large metro areas have more trucks and better prices than rural pickups.
4. Book early. Three to four weeks ahead gives you the most carrier options.
5. Avoid the 1st and last days of the month. These are the busiest days for moves.
6. Get your car ready ahead of time. A car that is ready at pickup avoids rescheduling fees. Our car shipping preparation tips cover what to do.
So When Should You Ship Your Car?
If your schedule is flexible, aim for mid-January to February or September. You will usually get the best price and the fastest pickup. If you are shipping in summer or on a snowbird route, book three to four weeks ahead and keep your dates flexible.
No matter the season, the best first step is to see what your route costs today. Get your free instant quote and an auto transport specialist will contact you shortly with an accurate quote for your dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest month to ship a car?
February is often the cheapest month to ship a car, followed by January and September. Demand is low in these months, so carriers compete for loads and prices drop.
Is it more expensive to ship a car in summer?
Yes. June and July are the peak months for auto transport because most household and college moves happen then. Prices are typically at their highest and pickup windows are longer.
How far in advance should I book car shipping?
Book 1 to 2 weeks ahead in low season and 3 to 4 weeks ahead in summer or during snowbird season. If you need your car moved quickly, ask about expedited shipping.
Does winter weather affect car shipping?
Winter weather can slow trucks on northern routes and add a few days to delivery. Prices are often lower in winter, but allow extra time if your pickup or delivery is in a snowy state.
When is snowbird season for car shipping?
Southbound snowbird season runs from about October to December, and the northbound return runs from about March to May. Routes between the Northeast or Midwest and Florida, Arizona, and Texas are busiest during these windows.
How long does it take to ship a car across the country?
Most cross-country shipments take about 7 to 10 days once the car is picked up. Shorter routes can take 2 to 5 days. See how it works for each step of the process.
