Snowbird life is about soaking up the sun, not stressing over your car transport. Yet every year, thousands of snowbirds make avoidable mistakes that lead to shipping delays, surprise fees, and damaged vehicles. Whether you’re headed south for the winter or cruising back north for summer, here’s your no-nonsense guide to the biggest car shipping mistakes snowbirds make – and exactly how to steer clear of them.
Mistake #1: Waiting Until the Last Minute to Book
Why It’s a Problem:
Booking your auto transport a few days before your flight is like trying to catch an Uber during a snowstorm – expensive, unreliable, and chaotic. Last-minute bookings often mean:
- Higher prices
- Limited carrier options
- Delayed pickup and delivery
How to Avoid It:
Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak snowbird seasons (October-December and April-June). Early birds almost always get better pricing and scheduling.
Mistake #2: Going With the Cheapest Quote
Why It’s a Problem:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The lowest quote often means:
- Lower-priority placement
- Unreliable carriers
- Hidden fees tacked on later
How to Avoid It:
Compare quotes and look for a balance of fair pricing, transparency, and solid reviews. If one quote is way lower than the rest, that’s your red flag.
Mistake #3: Not Prepping the Vehicle for Transport
Why It’s a Problem:
Skipping prep means a higher risk of damage, delays, or even denied pickup.
How to Avoid It:
Here’s a quick pre-shipping checklist:
- Clean the car (so you can inspect for dings/scratches)
- Remove personal items
- Disable alarms
- Leave gas tank about ¼ full
- Take photos from all angles
Mistake #4: Overpacking the Car With Personal Items
Why It’s a Problem:
Most carriers aren’t licensed to transport personal belongings – and doing so can result in:
- Insurance not covering damages
- Extra weight fees
- Risk of theft
How to Avoid It:
Only pack essential, non-valuable items (if allowed), and keep total weight under 100 lbs, max. Always ask your carrier about their specific policy.
Mistake #5: Not Coordinating Travel Dates with Shipping Window
Why It’s a Problem:
If your car’s pickup gets delayed and you’re already on a plane, you might have no one available to hand it off – or worse, it causes delivery issues at your destination.
How to Avoid It:
Plan for a pickup window of 2-5 days, and book your flight 1-2 days after the first available pickup date. Always have a backup person (friend, neighbor, or concierge) in case you can’t be there.
Conclusion
The snowbird lifestyle is meant to be relaxing and enjoyable – not filled with shipping stress or costly surprises. By avoiding these 5 common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to a seamless car transport experience, whether you’re chasing the sun or returning home for summer blooms.
Contact us today and get your free auto transport quote!