Plenty of people enjoy spending a mild summer in the north and then heading to Florida, Arizona, or Texas during the winter. It’s a good way to enjoy retirement or hybrid work while avoiding all the ice and snow.
While watching the sunset off the Florida Keys in January might be appealing, there are many considerations for snowbird auto transport. Without experience, you could end up paying quite a bit more for something that should be a biannual event.
We’ve gathered some insights into the top tips you should follow, so whether you’re on a plane flying ahead of your car or waiting in San Antonio for your personal vehicle to arrive, you’ll be covered.
When Should Snowbirds Book Car Shipping?
A snowbird is someone who prefers warmer climates and migrates, like their feathered namesakes, north in the summer and south in the winter. Southbound snowbird traffic is usually between October and December, while northbound is from March through May. April and November tend to be the peak seasonal demand on routes.
Snowbirds tend to be in the millions, with a couple of million moving to Florida alone. There are also plenty of people in Mexico who head north or Canadians who go south, so you get some congested highways. In general, you want to plan about 4 to 6 weeks ahead of time to beat that higher demand. Try for:
- 4–6 weeks before travel: Get a snowbird auto transport quote from Nexus Auto Transport to set your budget. Ensure you’ve filled out all the information accordingly, including open, expedited, or enclosed car shipping.
- 2-4 weeks before travel: Book the shipment by signing any required paperwork to secure your spot, especially if you’re shipping in late October to November before Thanksgiving or in late March to early April before spring break.
- 1 week before pickup: Make sure the car shipping company has the correct pickup and drop-off locations, and provide any updates on your vehicle’s condition, any gate codes for delivery, or whether you have a friend meeting your car carrier.
- 1–2 days before pickup: Give your vehicle a good wash and check for any personal items that should be removed. Make sure your battery, tires, and fluids are in good condition. Take photos or videos of the vehicle’s condition.
- Pickup day: Do a vehicle inspection with your carrier and sign the Bill of Lading. Make sure your fuel tank is about a quarter full or your EV’s battery is around 20% to 50% charged.
- Delivery day: Inspect the car with the carrier and compare it to the Bill of Lading. Document any changes and accept your keys.
The earlier you can book your snowbird car shipping, the better. You want at least 2 to 4 weeks ahead of time to secure good availability and pricing, but if you can do 4 to 6 weeks before your estimated pickup date, that’s all the better.
Snowbird Car Shipping Planning Timeline
Planning Stage |
Recommended Action |
Best Timing |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
Travel Dates Confirmed |
Identify your approximate departure date, destination, vehicle, and preferred transport method |
6–8 weeks before departure |
Establishes the basic information needed to plan the shipment and compare options |
Request Shipping Quotes |
Get current pricing for your route and compare open versus enclosed transport |
4–6 weeks before departure |
Gives you time to evaluate costs before seasonal carrier availability tightens |
Book Auto Transport |
Reserve your shipment and provide accurate pickup and delivery information |
2–4 weeks before departure |
Improves scheduling flexibility during busy fall and spring snowbird migrations |
Confirm Shipment Details |
Verify addresses, contact information, vehicle condition, accessibility, and authorized recipients |
1 week before pickup |
Helps prevent last-minute problems with the carrier or pickup location |
Prepare Your Vehicle |
Wash and photograph the car, remove belongings, check tires and battery, and leave about a quarter tank of fuel |
1–2 days before pickup |
Prepares the vehicle for loading and creates a record of its pre-shipment condition |
Complete Pickup Inspection |
Inspect the vehicle with the driver and review the Bill of Lading before signing |
Pickup day |
Documents existing vehicle condition and establishes the shipment record |
Plan the Return Trip |
Set a reminder, request updated pricing, and begin arranging the opposite seasonal shipment |
4–6 weeks before returning |
Avoids a last-minute search for northbound or southbound capacity during the next seasonal rush |
Plan Fall Snowbird Car Shipping Before the Rush
There will be a rush for southbound snowbird auto transport in the fall. People just like you will move from New York to Florida or Michigan to Texas. If your goal is to close up your northern home by November 1st each year, don’t wait until October 28th for snowbird car transport.
Demand matters. The more snowbirds there are, the fewer spaces available to bid on. The same is true for getting a seat on a plane. The current industry advice is to book air travel 4 to 12 weeks ahead of your travel dates. Use that same logic for your car shipping.
Whatever you do, try to avoid Thanksgiving. About 1.3 million more drivers are on the road during that holiday. There are often more accidents due to a few more glasses of wine when visiting family. If you’re booking snowbird car transport, avoid college move-in weeks and major holidays, and you should be fine.
Start Planning Your Spring Return Before Winter Ends
For the trip back up north, shoot for a window before winter has actually ended. Demand tends to spike from March to May, with April being the most common month of snowbird car shipping.
You should shoot for February or March instead of waiting for April heat. Think about your travel as an annual cycle. You arrive at your winter home in November and return to your summer property in March or May. It helps to keep a repeatable folder of information in your car. That may include:
- Northern and southern addresses
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Preferred fall and spring travel periods
- Typical flight schedule
- Transport preference
- Contact information at both residences
- Previous shipping paperwork
If you need a reminder, use a wall calendar or mobile application. Set reminders for when you want to travel, when you want to book, and when to prepare your vehicles. Don’t forget to tell friends, family members, or neighbors that you’ll be asking them to meet the carrier at delivery locations.
Popular Snowbird Routes and Estimated Delivery Times
Origin |
Destination |
Distance |
Transit |
Typical Carrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New York |
Florida |
1,200–1,400 mi |
3–5 days |
Open |
Pennsylvania |
Arizona |
2,200–2,400 mi |
5–7 days |
Open |
Wisconsin |
Texas |
1,300–1,500 mi |
3–5 days |
Open |
New Jersey |
Arizona |
2,300–2,500 mi |
5–7 days |
Open/Enclosed |
Maine |
Florida |
1,500–1,700 mi |
4–6 days |
Open |
What Will Impact Your Snowbird Car Shipping Pricing
The number one thing that will change your carrier availability and auto transport quote is when you request an estimate. The earlier the better. Beyond that, it’s about the logistics of your journey that may include:
- What season you’re shipping and how much demand from other clients
- The size, shape, weight, and operability of your vehicle
- If you want open, expedited, or enclosed auto shipping
- How far (distance) your car will need to be shipped
- Current fuel prices and insurance rates
- What direction you’ll be traveling
- If there are any special requests like meeting at a nearby grocery store parking lot or needing extra equipment for a luxury car’s low ground clearance
An ideal scenario would be open car shipping with flexible pickup and drop-off dates. That tends to give you a greater chance of hitting the best price points without sacrificing customer service or communication along the route. That being said, if you have a luxury, antique, or exotic car you want shipped, use enclosed delivery. It’s more reassuring to avoid bad weather like hail damaging the windshield or road debris putting a minor scratch on the bumper.
Make Snowbird Auto Transport Part of Your Annual Calendar
The major difference between new and experienced snowbirds is that veterans who have booked snowbird car shipping services often want predictability. They appreciate knowing what to expect along the way so when they arrive at their winter retreat in Malibu or summer haven in Bar Harbor, they’ll know their personal car is safe and waiting.
Book early, prep your vehicle accordingly, and plan around your flights. You should be well accommodated by professional, reliable snowbird car transport from Nexus.
With over 500,000 successful door-to-door auto deliveries, Nexus is your partner ensuring you have all the information you need and transparent pricing your budget wants. Learn more by using our free car shipping calculator to plan for this season’s trip.
FAQs
Can I book both my fall and spring car shipments in advance?
Yes, you should always plan your car shipping details about 4 to 6 weeks before your pickup date. Try to time them around your scheduled flights for the best results.
What happens if my car arrives at the destination before I do?
You can always arrange for a trusted family member, neighbor, or close friend to be there at pickup. Send them all the details about what to expect and how to take photos to compare against the Bill of Lading. Make sure they are legal adults and let your carrier know whom to expect.
Can my vehicle be stored if I have not yet arrived at the destination?
A carrier can deliver a car to a storage facility, but you’ll need someone there to meet them and finish all paperwork. The carrier does not offer storage on its own.
How should I arrange car return shipping at the end of the snowbird season?
Plan your northbound trip 4 to 6 weeks ahead of your anticipated departure date. Make sure to update Nexus with any details that may have changed. Set a reminder in your phone so you don’t miss the best planning window.
