Car shipping during a storm, heatwave, or snow season? The weather plays a major role in how quickly (and safely) your car gets from point A to point B.
We’ve seen it all – and we know how to keep your vehicle protected and your timeline on track, no matter what the forecast says. So if you’re planning to ship a car soon, here’s what to know about weather-related delays, risks, and how to plan smarter.
Car Shipping in Summer: What to Watch For
Summer is peak car shipping season – and not just because people are relocating. The sunny skies make for safer driving conditions overall. But that doesn’t mean the heat doesn’t cause issues.
What can go wrong in high heat?
- Overheating engines on older trucks
- Tire blowouts from scorching pavement
- Delays due to traffic from summer travel and road construction
- Higher demand = fewer carriers available on short notice
What you can do:
- Book your shipment in advance – don’t wait until last minute
- Consider enclosed transport if your car is sensitive to sun or heat
- Make sure your A/C and battery are in good condition if you’re picking it up yourself at drop-off
Winter Weather: Ice, Snow, and Slowdowns
Winter brings a whole different set of challenges – especially in northern states or mountain routes.
Risks during winter shipping:
- Delays from snowstorms, icy roads, and poor visibility
- Chain requirements in mountainous areas
- Slower carrier availability (especially during holidays)
- Extra care needed to avoid rust from salted roads
What you can do:
- Be flexible with pickup and delivery times – safety comes first
- Choose enclosed transport for luxury, exotic, or collector cars
- Clean and wax your car before shipping to protect against road salt
- Avoid scheduling around major holidays
Spring Showers & Flooding
Spring sounds like a safer season, right? But depending on where you are, rain, hail, or flash flooding can seriously impact your shipping schedule.
Common spring challenges:
- Slippery roads and reduced traction
- Hail damage (especially in tornado-prone regions)
- Road closures from flooding
- Carrier delays due to weather-related backups
What you can do:
- Ask your transport company about recent weather on your route
- Take pre-shipping photos in case of any damage claims
- Stay in touch with your dispatcher for updates
Fall Car Shipping: Your Best Bet for Balanced Shipping
Fall often offers the best of both worlds: cooler temperatures, fewer storms, and lower shipping demand.
Benefits of fall shipping:
- Fewer delays from extreme weather
- Lower prices than peak summer months
- Roads are clearer (before snowbird season begins)
What you can do:
- Take advantage of lower demand to score better pricing
- Schedule flexible pickup and drop-off dates
- Watch out for early snow in northern areas (especially October–November)
Natural Disasters & Emergency Situations
Unfortunately, wildfires, hurricanes, and other unpredictable natural disasters can throw everything off track – sometimes for days or weeks.
If you’re shipping during hurricane season (June–Nov for coastal states) or wildfire season (summer in the West), delays may happen without warning.
What you can do:
- Communicate frequently with your carrier or broker
- Have a backup delivery location in case roads are closed
- Don’t panic – safety always comes first for drivers and your vehicle
- Be understanding if rescheduling is needed
Pro Tips: How to Prepare for Weather-Related Delays
Whether you’re shipping in snow or sun, here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Be flexible with dates – this helps carriers plan around weather safely
- Choose a reputable company like Bridgetown Express that monitors weather conditions in real time
- Take clear photos of your car before pickup (especially the roof, hood, and bumpers)
- Remove valuables and disable alarms – especially if delays are expected
- Ask about insurance coverage – your vehicle should always be protected during unexpected events
Conclusion
No one can control the weather, but you can choose a transport company that knows how to work around it. At Bridgetown Express, we keep a close eye on weather forecasts, route conditions, and seasonal trends so you don’t have to stress.
Rain, snow, or shine – we’ll get your vehicle there safely, securely, and with full transparency.
Ready to ship your car?
Get a fast, free quote now: bridgetownexpressllc.com
Or call us anytime with questions – we’re happy to help!