Thousands of people relocate or buy and sell cars online every day – and certain routes see more action than others. At Bridgetown Express, we’ve handled shipments all over the U.S., and over time, clear trends have emerged.
Whether you’re a first-time shipper or a dealership moving inventory, understanding the most popular car shipping routes can help you plan better, estimate costs more accurately, and get your vehicle where it needs to be faster.
Let’s look at the top 5 most common car shipping routes in the U.S.
1. California to Texas (and Vice Versa)
Common cities: Los Angeles, San Diego → Dallas, Austin, Houston
This route is always buzzing, thanks to people moving between two of the largest states in the country. Whether it’s for jobs, military relocations, or lifestyle shifts, there’s always movement between California and Texas.
Why it’s popular:
- High volume of relocations
- Big cities on both ends
- Steady demand keeps prices competitive
2. New York to Florida (The Snowbird Route)
Common cities: New York City, Long Island → Miami, Tampa, Orlando
This route is known as the “Snowbird Express.” Every year, thousands of Northeastern residents (a.k.a. snowbirds) ship their cars to Florida for the winter and then back up north in spring.
Why it’s popular:
- Seasonal demand — especially Oct–Dec and March–May
- Retirees, vacation homeowners, and remote workers use it
- Avoids racking up miles on luxury vehicles
3. Chicago to Los Angeles Car Shipping
Common cities: Chicago, IL → Los Angeles, CA and surrounding cities
This Midwest to West Coast route connects one of the country’s biggest industrial hubs to the entertainment and shipping capital of the U.S. It’s also a favorite for classic car collectors and cross-country moves.
Why it’s popular:
- High relocation rate due to jobs, schools, and cost of living
- Lots of dealer-to-dealer and private-party sales
- Popular among military families and cross-country job movers
4. Seattle to Phoenix (West Coast Sun Seekers)
Common cities: Seattle, WA → Phoenix, AZ and vice versa
This route has grown in popularity recently due to migration from the Pacific Northwest to the Southwest. Many people relocate from cloudy Seattle to sunny Arizona for retirement or lifestyle upgrades.
Why it’s popular:
- Weather-driven moves (especially during winter)
- Growing tech jobs in both areas
- Great for open transport vehicles
5. Portland/Vancouver to San Francisco Bay Area Car Shipping
Common cities: Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA → San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento
This car shipping route is often used by families, students, tech workers, and car dealers moving up and down the West Coast. It’s also a major commercial route for dealerships and auctions.
Why it’s popular:
- High volume of cars moving from Oregon to Northern California
- Dealer-to-dealer transport and online car sales
- Tech and remote workers moving between major cities
Why These Car Shipping Routes Matter to You
The more popular the route, the easier and faster it is to schedule your shipment – and often, the cheaper it is too. Since carriers prefer high-demand routes (they’re more efficient), customers benefit from:
- Faster pickups and deliveries
- More carrier availability
- Competitive pricing
If your pickup or drop-off location is close to one of these routes, it’s worth mentioning to your transport rep. Sometimes, just a slight adjustment in your location can save you money and speed up the delivery.
Conclusion
Whether you’re moving for a job, school, retirement, or buying a car online – these popular vehicle transport routes can make your life easier. At Bridgetown Express, we specialize in nationwide auto transport, with a strong presence on the routes listed above.
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