snowbird season

That’s the thinking behind the snowbird lifestyle, where seasonal residents, known as “snowbirds,” embrace a warmer climate for part of the year. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the sun and outdoor activities all year long?

Most snowbirds head south as fall approaches and return north in the spring. This makes fall and spring prime times for seasonal travel, and like the changing seasons, the auto transport industry also experiences shifts that can impact a snowbird’s car shipping plans.

This guide explores the key differences between fall and spring car shipping. Learn how seasonality affects auto transport, how to prepare for seasonal shipping, and find helpful tips along the way.

Auto Transport During Snowbird Season

“Snowbird season” refers to the months when seasonal travelers leave their primary residence to enjoy a warmer climate. While the snowbird lifestyle offers a welcome escape from harsh winters, moving between homes can be complex and time-consuming—especially when it involves transporting a vehicle.

For those staying at their winter retreat for an extended period, having a car is essential. While renting or relying on rideshare services is an option, it can be inconvenient and costly. Not all areas offer robust public transportation, so bringing a personal vehicle is often preferred—but getting it there can be challenging.

Driving a car south in the fall and back north in the spring is doable, but not ideal. For instance, one of the most popular snowbird routes from New York to Florida covers around 1,300 miles. This type of road trip takes time, fuel, and may lead to increased vehicle wear and tear. To avoid these obstacles, many snowbirds choose professional auto transport.

Shipping a car can be easy, convenient, safe, and often less expensive than driving it. Professional car shipping supports the leisurely pace of the snowbird lifestyle, which is why many seasonal residents rely on it year after year.

Seasonal Differences in Auto Transport

Understanding how the season impacts auto transport can help with budgeting and planning a smooth car shipment. Seasonal factors can affect shipping costs, transit times, and vehicle preparation requirements.

Fall Auto Transport

Most snowbirds head south in the fall to settle in before winter sets in. Fall marks the end of the peak moving season, and is typically less busy in the auto transport industry than spring or summer. However, fall and winter weather can introduce some challenges.

• Cost: Car shipping prices fluctuate due to weather, truck availability, fuel costs, and seasonal demand. In the fall, shipping can be more affordable due to lower demand.

• Transit Times: Delays from unexpected weather conditions or slower driving for safety may lengthen transit times. However, since demand is lower in the fall, it’s often easier to book a transporter with a flexible timeline.

• Preparation: Preparing a vehicle for fall or winter shipping is straightforward, though extra precautions can be beneficial. If the vehicle is high-value, enclosed transport may be worth considering to protect it from snow, sleet, hail, road salt, and other harsh elements. Additionally, checking the car’s battery and fluid levels is a good idea, as extreme cold can lead to issues such as dead batteries.

Spring Auto Transport

As temperatures warm and days get longer, snowbirds and seasonal travelers prepare to return north. Spring signals the end of snowbird season and coincides with the start of the peak moving season. Travel conditions are generally more favorable, but demand for auto transport is higher.

• Cost: Spring and summer see higher demand for car shipping, leading to increased prices. Many Americans move during this time, creating a busy overlap with snowbirds heading back north. May, known as National Moving Month, kicks off the busiest season for movers, when prices are typically highest.

• Transit Times: With generally mild weather, auto transport tends to run more smoothly in the spring. Since higher demand means loads are picked up quickly, you might even receive your vehicle sooner.

• Preparation: Spring shipping doesn’t require much beyond the usual prep steps. However, it’s wise to plan ahead to secure preferred pickup and drop-off dates as demand for transport services rises. The peak moving season from May to September keeps truckers on tight schedules, so early booking is recommended.

With the right planning and an understanding of how seasonality affects car shipping, snowbirds can enjoy a seamless transition between their seasonal homes. Whether heading south in the fall or north in the spring, auto transport makes moving a vehicle convenient and efficient, freeing up time to enjoy a life of leisure in warmer climates.