Snowbird Car Shipping 2025–2026: Best Dates, Routes, and Pricing Windows

What is Snowbird Car Shipping?

Snowbirds move with the seasons. They head south in fall to warmer states. They return north in spring. Many prefer to fly and have their car shipped door-to-door. The car arrives clean and ready to use. This saves time and long highway miles.

Two flows define the year:

• Southbound: Northern states to Florida, Arizona, Texas, Southern California, and the Gulf Coast.
• Northbound: The same states in reverse when spring comes.

Capacity follows the same tides. When many people go one way at once, prices move. We will show how to ride those tides and keep your plan smooth.

Best Dates: Southbound 2025 and Northbound 2026

Southbound 2025 (to FL, AZ, TX, CA)

• Early window: September 23 – October 15. Good availability. Often the best rates before the peak.
• Main peak: October 16 – November 20. Very active lanes. Plan a wider pickup window.
• Holiday squeeze: November 21 – December 5. Limited runs around Thanksgiving. Book early or wait one week after.
• Late movers: December 6 – January 10. Slots open up again, yet winter weather can slow trucks.

Northbound 2026 (back to the Northeast/Midwest/Canada)

• First wave: March 10 – April 5. Strong volume out of Florida and Arizona. Prices are steady; availability is good with a 3–5 day pickup window.
• Main wave: April 6 – May 10. The busiest month. Book early for preferred dates and faster placement.
• Late season: May 11 – June 10. Good pricing again as demand tapers. Great for flexible travelers.

Week-of tips: Avoid pickup on major holidays and the day right after. Mid-week pickups (Tue–Thu) keep things calm. Add a day or two of buffer for weather on northern lanes.

Top Snowbird Routes and Corridors

The big east-west and north-south corridors carry most snowbird moves. Carriers group cars by corridor to keep your price low and the transit time short.

I-95 East Coast to Florida

New England, NY, NJ, PA down to Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Naples, Miami. This is the classic snowbird lane.

• Pros: Highest frequency. Many carriers. Many departures per week.
• Watch-outs: Peak demand in late Oct–Nov southbound and in Apr northbound. Urban pickup restrictions in NYC and parts of South Florida can require nearby meeting points.

I-75 Midwest to Florida

Detroit, Chicago, Ohio Valley to Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples. Busy in both directions.

• Pros: Excellent capacity. Good rates per mile.
• Watch-outs: Winter weather can slow north segments. Keep a flexible window if shipping late Nov–Jan.

I-10 and I-17 to Arizona and Southern California

Texas, New Mexico, Southern Plains to Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Palm Springs, San Diego.

• Pros: Strong lanes to AZ in fall and back in spring. Easy access from Texas metros.
• Watch-outs: Fewer carriers serve remote desert towns. Be open to a nearby city meeting point.

West Coast I-5 and Inland Corridors

Seattle, Portland, NorCal down to SoCal or across to Arizona.

• Pros: Good frequency along the coast. Enclosed options for premium cars.
• Watch-outs: Mountain passes in early winter or late spring. Build a buffer day.

Cross-Border Snowbirds (US–Canada)

Common flows: Ontario/Quebec to Florida and BC/Alberta to Arizona. Paperwork and customs timing add steps.

• Pros: Many carriers know the routine. Door-to-door with border coordination is common.
• Watch-outs: Have documents ready. Factor a day for customs if exporting/importing the vehicle rather than transiting.

Pricing Windows and Cost Factors

Prices follow supply, demand, and weather. Knowing the windows helps you choose the best week and the right carrier type.

Core cost factors for snowbird shipping

• Distance and lane balance. Busy corridors cost less per mile than thin lanes.
• Seasonality. Fall southbound and spring northbound are peaks.
• Trailer type. Open costs less than enclosed.
• Vehicle size and weight. Large SUVs, lifted trucks, and heavy EVs add surcharges.
• Pickup windows. Tighter windows cost more. Flexible dates save money.
• Location type. Downtown streets, islands, and gated communities may require a nearby lot.
• Fuel and weather. Diesel and storms can move prices week by week.

Planning ranges for 2025–2026 (open carrier, running cars)

• Short 300–500 miles: $500–$900
• Mid 800–1,200 miles: $850–$1,400
• Long 1,300–2,000+ miles: $1,150–$2,000

Enclosed adds about 30–60%. Oversize or inoperable adds more. For a live lane quote, use the TCI calculator.

Windows that often price better

• Early southbound: late September through first half of October.
• Post-holiday: early December after Thanksgiving week.
• Early northbound: mid-March before Easter crowds.
• Late northbound: mid-May to early June.

Open vs. Enclosed Carriers for Snowbirds

Open carrier

• Best value. Most snowbirds choose open transport.
• Fast dispatch. Many trucks run the main corridors daily.
• Normal exposure. Vehicle sees weather and road dust.

Enclosed carrier

• Maximum protection. Clean ride, low ramp angles, covered sides and roof.
• Great for premium cars. Sports, classics, new luxury deliveries.
• Higher price. Plan for 30–60% more than open.

Tip: If you have a new car or plan to ship during winter storms, enclosed is worth it. For daily drivers and fair weather weeks, open works well.

Pickup and Delivery: Door-to-Door, Terminals, HOAs

Most snowbird shipments are door-to-door. The truck meets you on a wide street near your home or community.

Door-to-door basics

• Share gate codes and parking rules when you book.
• If the truck cannot enter, choose a nearby shopping center or service plaza.
• Meet the driver with keys and do a quick walk-around.

Terminals and meeting points

• Terminals help when you travel on a strict schedule.
• They can store a car for a short time if your flight changes.
• Fees may apply. Ask before you book.

HOAs, condos, gated communities

• Check with management. Some allow only small carriers inside.
• Use the visitor lot or an outside street if needed.
• Keep a backup meeting spot ready for a smooth handoff.

How to Book Snowbird Car Shipping (Step-by-Step)

1. Pick your week. Choose your travel week with a 3–5 day pickup window.
2. Price the lane. Get an instant estimate with the TCI quote calculator.
3. Choose carrier type. Open for value. Enclosed for premium cars or storm season.
4. Share full details. Year, make, model, trim, and any mods (lowered, lifted, racks).
5. Access notes. Gate codes, condo rules, preferred streets for the truck.
6. Confirm insurance. Carrier cargo policy, USDOT/MC numbers (your agent will verify).
7. Book with buffer. Add one day on each end for weather or traffic.
8. Prep the car. See the checklist below.
9. Meet the driver. Do the walk-around and sign the Bill of Lading.
10. Receive the car. Inspect, compare to pickup photos, and sign off.

Pickup-Day Checklist for Snowbirds

• Wash the car. Clean surfaces make photos clear.
• Remove personal items. No loose cargo inside the cabin or trunk.
• Charge or fuel. Quarter tank for gas cars; 20–40% state of charge for EVs.
• Two keys/fobs. One for the driver, one in a labeled envelope in the car.
• Photos. All sides, corners, bumpers, wheels, glass, roof, interior odometer.
• Alarms off. Disable motion and proximity alerts.
• Ground clearance. Note lowered cars; ask for ramps or enclosed with low angles.
• Folding mirrors. Tuck in mirrors and antennas.
• Paperwork. Have your order and contact details handy.
• Meeting spot. If your street is tight, use a nearby lot you already picked.

Insurance, Photos, and the Bill of Lading

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the trip record. It shows condition at pickup and at delivery. It lists the VIN and the odometer. It protects both sides.

• Before pickup: Ask your agent to confirm the carrier’s cargo policy and limits.
• At pickup: Review the BOL notes before you sign.
• At delivery: Inspect in daylight if possible. Note any new damage on the BOL and take photos.
• Keep copies. Save your photos and both BOL pages.

Examples: Dates, Lanes, and Typical Ranges

Example A — Boston MA to Naples FL (I-95/I-75), mid-October

• Dates: Pickup window Oct 14–17, delivery within 4–7 days.
• Carrier: Open.
• Range: $1,050–$1,450 depending on exact pickup, truck availability, and urban access.
• Tip: Meet the truck in a wide plaza lot if your street is narrow or restricted.

Example B — Chicago IL to Sarasota FL (I-75), late October

• Dates: Pickup window Oct 22–25, delivery within 3–6 days.
• Carrier: Open for value; consider enclosed if storms are forecast.
• Range: $1,000–$1,350 open; $1,400–$2,000 enclosed.
• Tip: Add one day of buffer if temps drop and snow starts north of Kentucky.

Example C — Toronto ON to West Palm Beach FL, early November

• Dates: Pickup window Nov 3–6, delivery 5–8 days due to the border.
• Carrier: Open.
• Range: $1,300–$1,900 depending on customs timing and meeting points.
• Tip: Have cross-border documents ready and accessible.

Example D — Phoenix AZ to Minneapolis MN, mid-April (northbound)

• Dates: Pickup window Apr 12–15, delivery 4–7 days.
• Carrier: Open.
• Range: $1,050–$1,500; add for oversize SUVs.
• Tip: Avoid Easter weekend if you want faster placement.

Example E — Miami FL to Boston MA, late May (northbound shoulder)

• Dates: Pickup window May 21–24, delivery 4–7 days.
• Carrier: Open, strong capacity.
• Range: $950–$1,300 thanks to easing demand.
• Tip: This is a value window if your travel is flexible.

EV Notes for Snowbird Season

Snowbirds ship many electric vehicles now. Keep the process easy with a few small steps.

• State of charge: Hand off at 20–40%.
• Transport mode: Know the steps for your model. Leave a note for the driver.
• Adapters: If you include one, put it in the glovebox in a labeled bag.
• 12-V battery health: Weak 12-V systems can block loading. Service it if needed.
• Photos: Add close-ups of wheels and lower panels. EVs sit lower and need careful ramp work.

If Your Plans Slip: Delays and Back-up Plans

Travel plans change. Carriers adapt fast when you share updates early.

• Flights moved? Shift to a terminal or a new meeting spot. Ask your agent for options.
• HOA changed the rules? Meet just outside the gate or use a nearby fuel plaza.
• Weather delay? Your agent will track the truck and set a new ETA.
• Driver full? The dispatcher can place your car on the next truck in the corridor.

Snowbird Shipping FAQ

How far in advance should I book?

Two to four weeks is ideal. Peak weeks fill faster. If you are flexible on dates, one to two weeks can still work on busy corridors.

What pickup window should I allow?

Plan a 3–5 day pickup window for the best rate. Tighter windows cost more because the truck must re-route.

How long does transit take?

East Coast to Florida is about 3–7 days. Midwest to Florida about 3–6 days. Arizona to Midwest around 4–7 days. Distance, traffic, and weather change these numbers.

Can I put luggage in the car?

Keep the car empty. Small, soft items in the trunk are sometimes allowed, but the carrier may refuse non-stock cargo. Ask your agent before packing anything.

Is open transport safe?

Yes. It is the standard for daily drivers. The car may see road dust and weather. If you want full cover, pick enclosed.

What if the truck cannot access my street?

Meet at a nearby parking lot. Big box stores and service plazas work well. Your agent will help pick a spot.

What happens if the car is damaged?

Note it on the Bill of Lading at delivery and take photos. Your agent will file a claim with the carrier’s cargo insurer.

Do I need to be present?

It is best if you are there. If not, assign a trusted person to sign the BOL. Share their name and phone number with your agent.

When do I pay?

Most shipments take a small deposit at dispatch and collect the balance on delivery. Your agent will outline payment options.

How do I get a firm price?

Use the instant quote calculator for your lane and dates. Then lock the order with your agent. Prices can move with demand, so booking early helps.

Get a Quote or Book

Ready to plan your snowbird move? Get a live price now with the TCI quote calculator. Want help from a human? Visit tciships.com and chat or call. Share your lane, your dates, and any HOA notes. We will match you with the right truck on the right week.