Month-by-Month Car Shipping Calendar

Planning to ship your car this year? This month-by-month calendar tells you exactly when prices are lowest, when to book early, and what to expect in every season.

How to Use This Calendar

Auto transport pricing follows predictable seasonal patterns driven by demand, weather, and migration cycles. Use this calendar to:

• Book at the right time to save 10-25% on your quote
• Plan ahead for peak-season routes that require earlier booking
• Avoid frustrating delays caused by seasonal carrier shortages

January

Demand: Moderate-low | Prices: Below average | Availability: Good

Post-holiday lull. Carrier availability is strong and prices are favorable. Snowbird season is in full swing, routes to Florida, Arizona, and California are busy southbound.

• Good month for budget-conscious shippers on most routes
• Northern routes may be slower due to winter weather
• Tip: If you're a snowbird heading south, January is an excellent month to ship

February

Demand: Moderate | Prices: Average | Availability: Good

Steadily increasing as spring relocation season begins to approach. Northern snowbird routes remain active. Book spring northbound returns now before prices rise.

• Snowbird tip: Book your April/May northbound return shipment in February for best rates
• College spring semester underway; some student moves

March

Demand: High (snowbird return begins) | Prices: Above average on FL/AZ northbound | Availability: Tightening

Northbound snowbird returns surge in March. Florida to New York, Florida to Midwest, and Arizona to Pacific Northwest routes see the heaviest demand of the year.

• Book early: Northbound snowbird routes should be booked 2-3 weeks ahead
• General relocation demand begins rising

April

Demand: High | Prices: Above average | Availability: Moderate

Peak northbound snowbird returns combined with spring relocation activity. One of the two busiest months of the year.

• College end-of-year moves beginning
• Military PCS orders often effective in spring
• Recommendation: Book 2-3 weeks in advance for all routes

May

Demand: Very high | Prices: Peak season begins | Availability: Tight

May marks the start of peak shipping season. School year ends, families begin summer relocations, online car purchases accelerate. One of the most expensive months to ship.

• College move-out creates high student shipping volume
• Book 2-3 weeks in advance minimum
• Prices typically 15-25% higher than off-peak months

June

Demand: Peak | Prices: Highest of the year | Availability: Lowest

June is the single busiest month for auto transport. Summer relocations, military PCS moves, college moves, and family vacations converge.

• Carrier availability is tightest in June
• Book 3-4 weeks in advance
• Consider expedited shipping if timing is critical
• Expect 15-30% premium over off-peak pricing

July

Demand: Peak | Prices: High | Availability: Limited

Stays very busy throughout the month. Military families with summer PCS orders are heavily active. Fourth of July weekend sees brief slowdowns.

• Holiday weekend around July 4th: limited carrier availability for 2-3 days
• Same high demand as June continues

August

Demand: High | Prices: Moderately high | Availability: Improving slightly

The back-to-school surge. College move-ins drive heavy student car shipping traffic. The second half of August begins to taper as families wrap up summer moves.

• Student shipping peak: Book by early August for late-August campus deliveries
• Prices start easing in late August

September

Demand: Moderate | Prices: Falling | Availability: Good

Excellent month to ship for most routes. Peak season has passed, snowbird season hasn't started, and prices drop noticeably.

• Best value month for non-snowbird routes
• Early snowbird routes (Florida, Arizona, Southwest) begin activating late September
• Tip: September is the ideal time to ship luxury or classic cars at favorable pricing with full carrier availability

October

Demand: High on southbound snowbird routes | Prices: Mixed | Availability: Mixed

General demand is moderate, but snowbird routes (New York to Florida, Midwest to Arizona, California to Florida) surge dramatically in October.

• Snowbird southbound peak begins mid-October
• Book Florida and Arizona deliveries by late September
• Non-snowbird routes remain reasonably priced

November

Demand: Moderate | Prices: Moderate | Availability: Good (except holiday week)

Steady month overall. Thanksgiving week brings reduced carrier activity.

• Avoid booking pickups or deliveries the week of Thanksgiving (Nov 24–28, 2026) if possible
• Good month for non-holiday shipping
• Snowbird season continues on southern routes

December

Demand: Low-moderate | Prices: Below average | Availability: Good except holidays

Post-Thanksgiving through mid-December offers excellent pricing. The two weeks around Christmas (Dec 19-Jan 2) are the slowest period of the year.

• Best discount window: December 1-18
• Holiday week (Dec 19-Jan 2): minimal carrier activity, plan around holidays
• Prices are at their annual lowest in late December

Quick Reference: Best and Worst Months

Ready to pick your date? Get a free quote at webautotransport.com, call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, or use LiveChat. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded Email: info@webautotransport.com