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The Best Time of the Year to Ship Your Car

Published by Tamar Hela.

The Best Time of the Year to Ship Your Car

Whether you're taking a road trip to your favorite spot or headed out on an epic journey, there's nothing better than hitting the open road in your car. But what do you do when it's time to move and you can't take your car with you? Shipping it is the perfect solution!

Contrary to what some people may think, shipping your car isn't just for the winter months. In fact, there are a few good reasons why now is the best time of the year to ship your car. Keep reading to find out more!

When is the best time of the year to ship a car across the country or internationally?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best time of the year to ship a car will vary depending on several factors. These include the weather conditions at your origin and destination, the availability of shipping services, and your own schedule and budget.

That said, many people find that late fall or early winter is the best time to ship a car. This is because the weather is generally more stable during this time of year, making it less likely that your car will be delayed or damaged en route. Additionally, shipping services are typically more available and affordable during the off-peak season.

If you're flexible with your dates, it's worth considering all of these factors before making a decision. Ultimately, the best time to ship a car is whenever it works best for you and your budget.

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How do seasons affect auto transport companies?

Seasonal variations generally drive the car shipping industry, so this is always incorporated in your transport quote. Prices vary between the summer months and winter, depending on availability.

The peak and the low seasons in the vehicle transport industries are affected by many factors, including traffic variations, demand, and weather. Below are things you should understand when you want to ship your vehicle.

  1. Location is part of the equation

Depending on the location of the pick-up location, the destination of the delivery can be an important factor. Cars moving through the U.S. usually reach their destination more quickly and less expensively when they travel well-known routes.

  1. Seasonal fluctuations in the auto transport industry explained

Some months are more expensive than others for transporting a car. This is because the shipping industry has a greater demand during the snowbird season. During autumn and winter, many northerners move to southern states, and they return home in May. This means October, December, April, and May are typically the cheapest months for transportation.

  1. Rush delivery means paying top dollar

People who must deliver their car immediately always pay a premium. Automobile carriers spend countless hours coordinating pickups and deliveries, delivering full-size trailers across population centers, and ensuring passenger safety. Therefore, it is more difficult and costly for a vehicle transport company to provide expedited service.

Winter vs. summer car shipping

Not all of us have a choice about shipping our cars. If you are moving for a job, you should never wait until that vehicle's shipping costs are right.

Winter car shipping is typically more expensive than summer car shipping. This is because fewer carriers are available to transport cars during the winter months. In addition, winter weather can present challenges for car shippers, such as ice and snow. As a result, winter car shipping may take longer than summer car shipping.

Summer car shipping is typically less expensive than winter car shipping because of the greater availability of car carriers during the summer months. In addition, summer weather is generally more favorable for car shippers, which can help to expedite the shipping process. Summer car shipping often takes less time than winter car shipping.

How can you make sure your car arrives at its destination safely and securely?

You can do several things to ensure your car arrives at its destination safely and securely.

  • First, make sure you have the right insurance in place. This will protect you financially if something goes wrong during transport.
  • Second, choose a reputable shipping company that has experience shipping cars. Ask for recommendations from friends or family and research companies online.
  • Third, prepare your car for shipping by disconnecting the battery, removing all personal items, and cleaning the interior and exterior. This will help prevent damage during transport.
  • Finally, stay in communication with the shipping company during transport so that you can track your car's progress and be aware of any potential problems. You can help ensure that your car arrives at its destination safely and securely by taking these steps.
a truck carrying vehicles on it

What are some things to keep in mind when choosing a shipping company for your vehicle?

When shipping your vehicle, you want to make sure that you choose a reputable and reliable company. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:

  • Make sure the company is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case of any damages that may occur during shipping.
  • Get quotes from multiple companies so that you can compare prices.
  • Ask about their experience in shipping vehicles. You want to make sure that they have a good track record.
  • Find out what their policy is in regards to cancellations and refunds. You don't want to be stuck with a bill if something happens and you need to cancel the shipment.
  • Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the contract before you sign anything. Then, read over it carefully so that you know what you agree to.

By following these tips, you can be sure that you'll choose a shipping company that will provide you with a good experience.

What are the benefits of using a professional car shipping service compared to other methods of transportation?

When you need to transport a car, several different options are available. For example, you can drive the car yourself, have someone else drive it for you, or ship it via a professional car shipping service. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your particular needs.

If you're shipping a car long distance, using a professional car shipping service is often the best option. It's more convenient than driving the car yourself or having someone else do it, and it's generally more affordable as well. Plus, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your car is in good hands and will arrive at its destination safely.

Here are some of the other benefits of using a professional car shipping service:

  1. Your car will be insured while it's in transit.
  2. The shipping company will handle all of the paperwork and documentation required for shipping your car.
  3. You can choose the date and time that your car will be picked up and delivered.
  4. You can track your car's progress throughout the shipping process.
  5. Most professional car shipping services offer door-to-door service, so you don't have to worry about getting your car to the shipper's warehouse or terminal.

As you can see, there are many benefits to using a professional car shipping service. If you're planning on shipping a car long distance, it's definitely worth considering this option.

How much does it typically cost to ship a car using a professional carrier service?

The cost for auto shipping using a professional carrier service will vary depending on the size and weight of the vehicle, as well as the distance it needs to be shipped.

Typically, most car shipping companies will charge by the mile, with prices ranging from $0.50 to $2.00 per mile. For example, shipping a car from Los Angeles to New York would cost around $1,000 to $1,500.

However, if you're shipping a larger vehicle or one that requires special handling, the price may be higher. Be sure to get a quote from multiple companies before deciding on a carrier.

transportation of vehicles in transit

How to prepare your car for shipping

It's important to properly prepare your car for shipping to ensure a smooth and successful delivery. Follow these simple tips and you'll be sure your car is ready for transport:

  • Make sure your car is clean both inside and out. A clean car will help the driver identify any potential problems during transit.
  • Check fluid levels and tire pressure. Make sure all fluids are at the correct levels and that tires are adequately inflated. This will help prevent any issues during transport.
  • Disable any alarm systems or other electronic devices that could potentially cause problems during transit.
  • Make sure there is nothing loose in the car that could shift during transit and cause damage.

By following these simple tips, you can be sure your car will arrive safely and without any problems.

Where to get the best auto transport services for vehicle shipping

There are many reasons why you might need to transport things from one place to another. Maybe you're moving to a new city and can't get your car with you, or maybe you need to ship a classic car across the country for a show. Whatever the reason, finding a reputable and reliable auto transport company is essential to ensuring that your vehicle arrives safe and sound.

A1-Auto Transport is the best option for shipping your vehicle. We have years of experience in the industry and can provide you with top-notch service at an affordable price. We offer both open and enclosed transport options to ensure that your car is shipped exactly how you want it. Plus, we have access to a nationwide network of carriers, so we can always find the best route for your particular shipment.

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Tamar Hela is one of our featured writers at A-1 Auto Transport, researching everything from AI auto shipments out of China to what paperwork is required to move long distance. We can safely say she's become well versed in all things shipping and logistics while making the information easy to digest and understandable. 

Tamar has been a copywriter for over 16 years and was trained in the 7-Figure Copywriting Accelerator course through American Writers & Artists, Inc. (AWAI). She's also an incredibly seasoned copyeditor, having previously been the Chief Editor and Publishing Director for Cosby Media Productions, based in Atlanta, Georgia. 

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Mylene Rutllant
It’s my number one pick in auto shipping to this day.
★★★★★
...my choice in terms of auto transport has to be A1 Auto Transport. It’s in the name, but also in the quality with which they do their jobs. I’ve never had a problem with this company.
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Luis Rodriguez
You have my full support and recommendation!
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A1 Auto Transport... From the get go, they were very different from my past options. Their website was very professional and up to date, full of useful information. I requested a quote using their online form, and I got an email response within an hour. Surprisingly fast!
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Cristine Benoit
I can safely say this is a legit company that will get the job done.
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There are a lot of options for auto transport these days, which surprisingly makes it harder to find a good company. I received more than 10 offers to ship my car, but I couldn’t decide on any of them... Fortunately, I made the right choice with A1 Auto Transport.
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David Osallo
We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10!
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We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10! We chose them to move our car from California to Vermont, since we needed professionals.

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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