Early spring and late winter are usually the best seasons for cheap car transport services. However, shippers often don’t tell you the situations and routes for which these months offer the best costs. We will give you a complete, data-backed analysis of which months and seasons offer the best car shipping rates and why some months should be avoided. So, let’s get started:
Finding The Cheapest Months for Car Transport in the US
The timing of your shipment can make a huge difference to your wallet. Based on real industry flatbed load-to-truck ratio data, let’s break down exactly when you should book your car transport to save some cash.
Here’s what this Flatbed Load to Truck Ratio data means:
A. February/January Window: Your Best Bet for Savings
Moving your car isn’t just about finding the cheapest car transport service - it’s about striking the perfect balance between cost and reliability. The auto transport industry has some pretty interesting seasonal patterns that can help you save serious cash.
| Month | Average Savings | Weather Risk | Carrier Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5-10% | High | Excellent |
| February | 10-20% | Moderate | Very Good |
You can score the cheapest car transport during these months, with savings hitting up to 20% compared to summer rates. But here’s the catch: winter weather can throw a wrench in your plans, especially up north. Smart move? Book flexible shipping dates.
B. September/October Period
Looking for cheap car transport services without the winter hassle? September and October are your sweet spot. The data shows really stable load-to-truck ratios around 40-50, which means predictable pricing and plenty of carriers to choose from.
What makes these months rock? The weather’s still decent, the summer rush is over, and winter storms haven’t kicked in yet. Plus, you’re dodging the crazy spring rates when everyone seems to be moving.
C. Route-Specific Considerations for Cheapest Months to Ship Cars
North-South Routes
Here’s something most folks don’t know - timing differs based on your route. Going north to south? You’ll want to avoid April and May like the plague. The graphs show load-to-truck ratios shooting up to 90-100 during these months!
Your best bet for heading north is early March before construction season jacks up prices. If you’re southbound, aim for late September or early October. The major highways (I-95, I-75) are still your friends, but timing is everything.
East-West Routes
Cross-country moves require extra planning. October’s actually showing better numbers than September lately. Want a pro tip? Keep an eye on those regional differences—what works for New York to Chicago might not work for LA to Seattle.
The biggest surprise? Early March isn’t the slam dunk it used to be. Load-to-truck ratios are creeping up earlier in the year. Your best play is dodging that April-May rush when literally everyone’s trying to move their stuff.
Remember, flexibility is your friend whether you’re shipping coast-to-coast or just a few states over. Give yourself a two-week window around these optimal times, and you’ll be in a prime position to snag those sweet deals.
Let’s Consider Snowbird Seasonal Patterns (Canada-US)
When it comes to snowbird car shipping, timing can make or break your budget. Let’s see how these seasonal moves affect prices and availability.
A. Southbound Movement
Early October is your golden ticket for the cheapest car transport between Canada and the southern US. Why? Most snowbirds haven’t started migration yet, giving you serious leverage with carriers.
| Timing | Rate Level | Carrier Availability | Weather Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early October | Moderate | High | Low |
| Mid-November | Low | Limited | High |
| Late March | Moderate | Good | Moderate |
| Early April | High | Excellent | Low |
Here’s a pro tip: cheap car transport services are easier to find before the rush. Book in early October, and you’ll dodge the November price spike when everyone’s scrambling south.
Mid-November might look tempting with lower rates, but watch out. Snow and ice up north can leave your car stuck waiting for days. Plus, many drivers have already filled their routes by then.
B. Northbound Return
Planning your return trip? Late March is your sweet spot for a cheap car transport service. The snowbird crowd hasn’t hit the road yet, and carriers are hungry for business.
Think about this: most folks wait until early April when the weather’s perfect. But guess what? That’s when prices jump. Smart snowbirds book their northbound transport in March and save some cash
Here’s what the pros know about March shipping:
- Winter storms are mostly done with, especially on major routes
- Transport companies offer better deals to fill their trucks
- You’ll dodge the spring break college car shipping rush
What about April? Sure, the weather’s nicer, but you’ll pay more. Everyone wants their car moved by early April; the cheapest car transport options are long gone.
Here’s a quick reality check for both directions: Popular routes like Toronto to Tampa or Montreal to Miami need to be booked at least 2-3 weeks ahead. Last-minute deals are rare on these snowbird highways.
The Best Months for Transport (Regardless of Price)
Sometimes, spending a bit more means getting the smoothest shipping experience possible. Let’s explore when your car gets the royal treatment during transport.
A. May-June
Looking beyond cheap car transport services, May and June offer the most reliable shipping conditions. The weather’s perfect, carriers are everywhere, and those long summer days mean more driving time.
During May-June, transport companies hit their stride. Fresh from spring deliveries, drivers know the routes like the back of their hand. Plus, those winter potholes? All patched up and ready for smooth sailing.
The cheapest car transport might not happen in these months, but here’s what you’re getting: better pickup dates, faster transit times, and way fewer weather delays. Think of it as paying for peace of mind.
B. September-October
Want perfect shipping weather without the summer rush? September and October are your best friends. The heat has backed off, but winter is still hitting snooze.
Here’s why finding a cheap car transport company is easier during these months:
- Roads are still in great shape from summer maintenance
- Experienced summer drivers haven’t switched to winter routes yet
- Companies haven’t added those winter preparation fees
Temperature matters more than you’d think. Mild fall weather means your car isn’t fighting extreme heat or cold during transport. That’s especially important if you’re getting a luxury or classic car shipping.
The real MVP move? Book in early September. You’ll dodge both the Labor Day rush and those early October snowbird migrations. Plus, most carriers still run their summer routes, giving you tons of scheduling options.
Pro tip: Open car transport shines in these months. Clear skies and perfect visibility mean your car arrives looking just as clean as when it left. There is no winter salt, no summer dust storms, just smooth sailing from point A to point B.
So What’s The Single Best Month Overall - Not Just By Price But By Convenience and Delivery Speed?
After thoroughly looking into industry data and our carrier shipping patterns, September is the clear winner for overall car transport value.
| Factor | Our September Rating | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Price Balance | 8/10 | It is not the cheapest car transport, but it is reasonably priced |
| Weather Conditions | 9/10 | Perfect temperatures, low rain chances |
| Carrier Availability | 9/10 | High availability before holiday rushes |
| Delivery Speed | 9/10 | Minimal weather delays, clear routes |
While February might offer cheap car transport services, September hits the sweet spot for pretty much everything else. The weather’s perfect, the roads are clear, and most carriers are running at full capacity.
Think about it - you’re catching that perfect window between summer moves and winter weather. Most cheap car transport service companies still have their full summer crew on board, meaning more available trucks and faster pickups.
Here’s what makes September the MVP:
- Summer road construction wraps up, but winter maintenance hasn’t started
- College students are settled, so those routes clear up
- Snowbirds haven’t started their migration yet
- Temperature stays perfect for both open and enclosed auto transport
Let’s talk numbers: while you might pay 5-10% more than winter rates, your car typically arrives 2-3 days faster. Plus, you’re way less likely to deal with weather delays or rescheduling headaches.
Do you have a classic car or a luxury vehicle? September’s mild weather means less stress on your ride during transport. There will be no extreme heat-warping rubber seals and no salt spray from winter roads.
The only catch? Book early. Smart shippers know September rocks, so prime routes fill up fast. Aim to schedule at least three weeks ahead, especially for cross-country moves.
The bottom line is that if you’re weighing price against hassle-free shipping, September delivers the best bang for your buck. You might not score the absolute rock-bottom rates, but the smooth experience makes up for those few extra dollars.
5 Months to Avoid if You Want to Get Cheapest Car Shipping Rates
Just like there are prime times for shipping, some months make finding cheap car transport services nearly impossible. Let’s break down the worst times to ship your ride.
A. July
Forget about finding the cheapest car transport in July. Everyone’s moving, and carriers know it. Prices shoot up 20-30% above normal, and that’s if you can even book a spot.
Summer heat brings its own headaches. Trucks run slower to avoid overheating, and delivery times stretch like bubble gum. Plus, good luck negotiating—carriers are booked solid.
B. December
December’s a perfect storm of problems. Holiday rushes plus winter weather equals sky-high rates. Many drivers take time off, leaving cheap car transport service options in the dust.
Those brave enough to ship in December face another challenge: weather delays can turn two-day trips into a week-long adventure.
C. Late November
Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey - it’s when shipping rates gobble up your budget. Everyone wants their car moved before the holidays, creating a massive bottleneck.
Northern routes start seeing snow, while southern routes get packed with snowbirds. This double whammy makes finding decent rates nearly impossible.
D. Early January
New Year, new problems. That post-holiday backlog means carriers can charge premium rates. Winter’s in full swing, making every mile more expensive and risky.
Think you’ll find deals because the holidays are over? Think again. January’s winter weather means fewer drivers willing to brave the roads.
E. Late October
As snowbirds flock south, prices soar. Every carrier adds winter prep fees, and the cheapest routes suddenly cost a fortune. The weather starts getting sketchy, especially up north.
The real kicker? Companies start charging “peak season” rates early, knowing demand will explode. Finding available carriers heading north becomes like finding a needle in a haystack.
| Month | Main Challenges | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| July | Peak demand, heat issues | High |
| December | Weather, holiday rush | Very High |
| Late November | Holiday traffic, weather | High |
| Early January | Winter conditions, backlog | Very High |
| Late October | Snowbird rush, weather change | Moderate |
Easy Auto Ship Offers Affordable Rates Throughout The Year By Partnering With Thousands of Carriers
Easy Auto Ship works on economies of scale, which means we partner with thousands of carriers and give them thousands of orders, earning better negotiation powers. This helps us fetch better rates for our customers throughout the year. So call us at (888) 687-3243 or use our car shipping quote calculator for free, no-obligation car shipping costs in minutes.
