Thanksgiving marks the start of the busy holiday travel season in the U.S. and for the auto transport industry, it’s one of the most hectic times of the year. As families prepare to reunite and snowbirds head south, car shipping services experience a surge in demand, leading to limited availability, price hikes, and possible delivery delays.
Preparing Your Car Shipment Before the Holiday Chaos
If you’re planning to ship your car around this time, early preparation is key. Here’s how to plan your car shipment before the Thanksgiving rush and ensure a smooth, on-time delivery.
1. Understand Why Thanksgiving Impacts Car Shipping
The Thanksgiving period usually means:
High Transport Demand: Many people relocate or travel for winter, creating a rush in bookings.
Limited Carrier Availability: Truck drivers also take time off, reducing available routes.
Heavy Road Traffic: Increased travel causes longer transit times for auto carriers.
Weather-Related Disruptions: Snow, ice, and early winter storms can affect routes and schedules.
Knowing these challenges in advance helps you plan your shipment strategically and avoid frustration.
2. Book Early: The Golden Rule
The best way to beat the Thanksgiving rush is to book your shipment at least two weeks in advance.
This gives the car transport company enough time to assign your vehicle to an available carrier, confirm pickup dates, and account for any unexpected schedule changes.
Waiting until the last minute often means fewer options, higher rates, and longer delivery windows.
3. Choose the Right Transport Type
When you schedule early, you can select between:
Open Transport: Ideal for most standard vehicles and offers the best value.
Enclosed Transport: Recommended for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection.
If you’re relocating long distances or across multiple states, cross country car shipping ensures that your car arrives safely, even if your route spans coast to coast.
4. Prepare for the Snowbird Season
Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the snowbird auto transport wave when retirees and travelers move from colder northern states to warmer regions like Florida, Arizona, or Texas.
If you plan to join this seasonal migration, prepare for snowbird car shipping season by booking early and securing a reliable transporter familiar with these high-demand routes.
Pro tip: Booking before mid-November often means better rates and faster pickup times.
5. Inspect and Prepare Your Vehicle
Before pickup, make sure your vehicle is ready for transport:
Wash and photograph your car (for condition documentation).
Remove personal items and toll tags.
Check tire pressure, battery charge, and fluid levels.
Leave a quarter tank of fuel.
This simple checklist helps prevent damage claims and speeds up the inspection process.
6. Allow Flexibility with Pickup and Delivery
Carriers often provide a pickup window (usually 1–3 days). During the Thanksgiving season, flexibility is even more important since carrier schedules may shift due to traffic or weather.
Stay in touch with your shipping coordinator for updates and be prepared to adjust slightly if needed. This cooperative approach helps ensure smoother delivery despite the holiday rush.
7. Consider Alternative Transport Options
If you’re shipping locally or need to move a non-running vehicle, you might explore other methods to tow a car long distance. Towing can work for short hauls or emergencies, though professional transport is safer and more efficient for long-distance or cross-state moves.
8. Work With a Reliable Car Transport Partner
Not all transporters handle the Thanksgiving rush equally well. Choose an experienced car transport company that:
Offers transparent pricing and guaranteed pickup windows.
Has a track record of on-time deliveries.
Provides insurance coverage and tracking updates.
Reading reviews, checking credentials, and confirming availability in advance can help you avoid unreliable brokers during high-demand periods.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to travel but it’s also one of the busiest times for auto transport. By booking early, choosing the right shipping option, and staying flexible, you can avoid the stress and uncertainty of last-minute arrangements.
Whether you’re relocating, heading south for winter, or managing a holiday move, planning ahead ensures your car arrives safely and on time ready for the next journey.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Car Shipping
When should I book my car shipment for Thanksgiving?
Ideally, schedule your pickup 2–3 weeks before the holiday to ensure smooth processing.
Are car shipping rates higher during Thanksgiving?
Yes, prices can rise due to limited carrier availability and high seasonal demand.
What if my car isn’t delivered before the holiday?
Most carriers will resume operations right after Thanksgiving. Stay flexible and keep communication open with your transporter.
Can I ship my car across states before Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! Just schedule early to secure state to state car shipping service before slots fill up.
