When it comes to shipping your car, timing can be everything. If you’re thinking about moving your car across the country – or even just a few states over – you need to know why spring is the best time to ship a car.
Why Timing Matters in Car Shipping
Shipping a car isn’t like ordering takeout – it requires planning, coordination, and, yep, a little strategy. Car shipping prices can fluctuate big time based on:
- Seasonal demand
- Weather conditions
- Fuel prices
- Carrier availability
And guess what? Spring checks off all the right boxes for a hassle-free, budget-friendly experience.
1. Lower Demand, Lower Prices
Spring is what you might call the “Goldilocks season” for car shipping – not too busy, not too slow, just right!
- Post-Winter Calm: After the winter holidays and snowbird season (when retirees move south), shipping companies catch their breath. Demand dips, and so do prices.
- Pre-Summer Surge: Come summer, people relocate like crazy — families moving before school starts, college students heading home, and people simply taking advantage of better weather. This spike in moves sends shipping costs through the roof!
Shipping your car in April or May could save you hundreds compared to booking in June or July!
2. Easier Scheduling and Faster Shipping
Ever tried booking something during peak season? It’s like fighting for the last slice of pizza at a party.
- More Carrier Availability: In spring, carriers aren’t yet swamped with bookings. You can usually get the pickup and delivery windows you actually want.
- Quicker Delivery Times: Less congestion means fewer delays. Your car gets to its destination faster – and you stress way less.
3. Ideal Weather Conditions
Weather can be a deal-breaker when it comes to car shipping.
- No Snowstorms: Winter shipping risks icy roads and nasty delays.
- No Heatwaves: Summer brings brutal heat that can overwork trucks and even cause breakdowns.
- Springtime Sweetness: Milder temperatures and clear roads mean safer, smoother transport for your vehicle.
In short, your car gets a safer, gentler ride.
4. Beat the Summer Price Spike
Summer is prime moving season, which means carriers are in crazy high demand. Here’s what that means for you:
- Price Wars: With more customers competing for limited spots, companies can charge a premium.
- Longer Waits: Even if you book early, you might face weeks-long delays.
- Limited Options: You may end up stuck with a carrier that isn’t your first (or second) choice.
Booking in spring lets you beat the rush – and keeps your wallet happy.
Tips for Spring Car Shipping
Wanna make the most of this golden opportunity? Here’s how:
- Book Early: Try to schedule your shipment at least 2-4 weeks in advance.
- Be Flexible: If you can wiggle a few days on pickup or delivery, you could snag a better price.
- Prep Your Car: Clean it out, check for leaks, and take photos of its condition before shipping.
Other Blog Posts You Might Love
- Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Your Car
- What Affects the Car Shipping Cost? 7 Key Factors to Know
Wrapping It All Up
Springtime is truly the best time to ship a car – lower costs, faster service, and a smoother experience overall.
Ready to ship? Contact us today and get your free quote!