When the seasons change, so do our destinations. Whether you’re a snowbird escaping northern winters or a family relocating for better weather or work, seasonal car shipping is the key to making your transition smooth and hassle-free. At Ship A Car, Inc, we specialize in helping people move their vehicles safely and efficiently throughout the United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and even Canada. Planning your seasonal move doesn’t have to be overwhelming—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
This post will cover everything you need to know about seasonal car shipping—from expert tips to choosing the right time to ship, understanding your transport options, and identifying the top seasonal destinations.
Seasonal car shipping is the process of transporting vehicles to a new location for a temporary period—typically to follow desirable weather, work, or family needs. It’s especially popular among retirees (commonly referred to as “snowbirds”), college students, military personnel, and professionals with temporary relocations.
Instead of driving long distances multiple times a year or leaving your vehicle behind, shipping your car allows you to focus on your move, save time, and avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
There are many compelling reasons why people rely on seasonal car shipping services:
- Convenience: No need to drive cross-country or plan stops along the way.
- Vehicle Protection: Avoid road hazards, weather, and added mileage.
- Cost-Efficient: Saves money in the long run on gas, lodging, and potential vehicle maintenance.
- Stress-Free Travel: Fly comfortably to your destination and have your car arrive safely.
- Long-Term Savings: Reduce depreciation and avoid renting a vehicle upon arrival.
Ship A Car, Inc. provides personalized service, ensuring that your seasonal transition is handled with care and precision.
Timing is everything. Booking early is the most critical tip we can offer.
Here are general guidelines for shipping your vehicle during peak seasonal windows:
- Fall (September–November): Ideal for snowbirds heading south before winter sets in.
- Spring (March–May): Popular time for snowbirds returning north.
- Winter (December–February): Often used by families relocating to warmer climates.
- Summer (June–August): Great for college students, professionals, and family vacations.
Demand spikes during these periods, especially for routes between the northern and southern states. Scheduling ahead ensures better pricing and vehicle availability.
At Ship A Car, Inc, we’ve helped thousands of clients transport their vehicles between top seasonal locations. Here are some of the most popular routes:
- New York to Florida Car Shipping – A classic snowbird route, especially to cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples.
- Illinois to Arizona Car Shipping – Popular among retirees heading to Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson.
- Massachusetts to Texas Car Shipping – Common for seasonal job relocations and family visits.
- Ontario, Canada to Florida Car Shipping – Canadians frequently ship vehicles to the U.S. for long-term winter stays.
- Florida to Michigan Car Shipping – Many snowbirds return home during the spring months.
- California to Washington Car Shipping – Ideal for seasonal business or vacationing.
- Arizona to Minnesota Car Shipping – Another route popular among retirees returning home for the summer.
- Ship A Car, Inc also handles seasonal car shipping to and from Hawaii and Alaska, ensuring smooth transitions for those working seasonally or vacationing in these unique states.
When shipping seasonally, you’ll choose between two primary transport types:
- Most economical
- Widely available
- Safe and efficient
- Great for standard vehicles
- Offers complete protection from weather and road debris
- Ideal for luxury, classic, or high-end vehicles
- Limited availability (book early)
Discuss your vehicle type and travel route with one of our shipping coordinators to determine the best option for your situation.
- Book Early: Reserve your shipping date 3–4 weeks in advance to lock in lower rates and ensure availability.
- Prepare Your Vehicle: Clean it inside and out, remove personal items, check fluid levels, and document pre-existing damage.
- Coordinate Pickup and Delivery: Choose safe, accessible locations for both ends of your trip.
- Communicate with Your Carrier: Stay in touch with your shipping coordinator and ask about real-time tracking options.
- Have Realistic Expectations: Allow for flexibility in pickup and delivery windows due to weather or traffic delays during peak season.
What makes Ship A Car, Inc. stand out? It’s our dedication to transparency, reliability, and personalized service. Each customer is paired with a dedicated shipping coordinator who manages the entire process—start to finish.
We only work with fully licensed and insured carriers rated 95% or higher and provide service options for any type of vehicle across all 50 U.S. states and Canada. Whether you’re shipping a sedan, SUV, motorcycle, RV, or even heavy equipment seasonally, we’ve got you covered.
At Ship A Car, Inc., we understand how important your seasonal move is—and we take pride in offering the best seasonal car shipping services nationwide. Our experienced team makes it easy, safe, and affordable to transport your vehicle to and from seasonal destinations across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.
Let Ship A Car help you make your next seasonal move smooth and stress-free. Call us now at (866) 821-4555 or visit our website to use the free auto transport calculator. Get a price for your vehicle move and book your seasonal car shipping with a trusted name in the industry—Ship A Car, Inc.
Q: What is seasonal car shipping?
A: Seasonal car shipping involves transporting a vehicle to a different location based on changing seasons, commonly done by snowbirds, students, and seasonal workers.
Q: How far in advance should I book my seasonal car shipping?
A: We recommend booking your transport at least 3–4 weeks in advance to secure the best rates and carrier availability.
Q: Can I ship my car to or from Canada with Ship A Car, Inc.?
A: Yes, Ship A Car, Inc provides international seasonal car shipping services, including popular routes between Canada and the U.S.
Q: What types of vehicles can I ship seasonally?
A: You can ship cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, boats, and even heavy equipment with our seasonal shipping services.
Q: Is enclosed shipping better than open transport for seasonal moves?
A: It depends on your vehicle. Open transport is cost-effective and ideal for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars.
Q: Are there seasonal price differences for car shipping?
A: Yes, rates vary based on supply and demand. Peak times like fall and spring typically have higher prices, so booking early can help reduce costs.
Q: Do you offer tracking for seasonal car shipments?
A: Yes, Ship A Car, Inc provides shipment tracking and real-time updates to keep you informed every step of the way.
