If you are planning to ship a car, timing matters! The peak season for car shipping is usually:
- Summer months: When families are on vacation, and college students are relocating
- Holiday periods: High activity during end-of-year sales and festivities
- Snowbird season: A surge in shipments as people migrate to warmer climates
During peak seasons, cross-country car shipping faces higher demand and limited carrier availability, causing cost hikes. Specific increases often come from fuel surcharges and premium rates. That’s why planning is crucial. By booking early and keeping dates flexible, you can secure better rates and avoid the costs associated with the peak shipping season. This proactive approach not only saves you money but also helps you avoid common mistakes when shipping a vehicle, such as last-minute bookings, rushed decisions, or limited carrier options.
Preparation even starts before the car shipping process, so it’s essential to check the vehicle’s history with online tools especially if you’ve just purchased it from out of state or online. Skipping this step could mean paying to ship a car that ends up being unreliable or not worth the cost.
Challenges When Shipping a Car During Peak Season
Shipping your car during the peak shipping season can be a real headache if you’re not prepared. One of the biggest challenges is the surge in demand during popular times, which means there’s stiff competition for available carriers. With more people needing to move their vehicles at once, you often face higher prices caused by increased fuel surcharges.
There are also the hiccups of scheduling conflicts and potential delays when everyone is trying to move their vehicles at once. Finally, unpredictable weather during these busy periods can easily throw a wrench into even the best-laid plans.
High Shipping Costs and Limited Carrier Availability
Ever notice how shipping your car can cost a fortune during peak times? It all comes down to the basic principle of supply and demand. When demand is high, like during holiday rushes, there just aren’t enough carriers to go around. This shortage means shipping companies have the luxury to charge more, which pushes up your shipping cost. If you try to book at the last minute, you are likely to face even higher cost because carriers have no choice but to increase their prices.
High demand in the auto transport industry means fewer carriers to take on new jobs. This imbalance means during busy times, carriers are booked solid, leaving fewer options for new shipments. As a result, your car might not be picked up as quickly as you’d like, and the transit time could be longer than you wanted.
Potential Delays and Extended Transit Times
Shipping your car during peak season can turn into a waiting game. High demands often lead to congestion. With congestion at pickup points and delivery hubs, delays become all too common. Carriers often struggle to manage the high volume of shipments, which means your vehicle waits longer than expected before it leaves the lot. Add unpredictable weather conditions and heavy traffic to the mix, and extended transit time becomes inevitable.
Increased Risk of Damage or Loss
The pressure is on carriers to meet tight deadlines, and that can sometimes mean shortcuts during loading and unloading. With cars being handled quicker than usual, there is an increased risk of damage. Your car can get bumped or scratched simply because there is not enough time to handle it carefully. Additionally, the risk of mismanagement rises when companies overbook their shipments to maximize their profits. This can result in delays or in rare instances, a vehicle getting lost in the mix.
Seasonal Weather Challenges
Each season comes with its weather challenges. Summer shipping can be tricky with the high temperatures and blistering heat. Carriers are forced to work faster, sometimes at the expense of handling the car carefully. Also, excessive heat buildup can affect the carrier schedules and the performance of your vehicle after transit.
Winter, on the other hand, brings freezing temperatures, icy roads, and unpredictable snowstorms, making loading and unloading vehicles difficult, leading to delays. Then there are the holiday periods when unpredictable weather meets high demand, creating congestion and additional risk, adding an extra layer to the complexity of the shipping process.
How to Choose the Right Car Shipping Company During Busy Season
During peak season, shipping can be a logistical challenge, but choosing the right car shipping company can make all the difference. During these high-demand periods, the market gets crowded, and prices soar. To avoid these hassles, research companies with high customer ratings and glowing reviews. These testimonials are a good indicator of the company’s reliability and the quality of service it provides, even during hectic times.
Next, verify that the shipping company is fully licensed and insured. The risk of mishaps increases significantly during peak season. Therefore, you want to ensure that your vehicle is in safe hands. Ask for evidence of their insurance coverage and licensing. Reputable companies will gladly show you this evidence without hesitation.
After that, compare the range of services offered. Look into their pricing, cancellation policies, and additional features, like expedited or special handling, for high-value vehicles. Some companies may even offer more flexible terms or special discounts during peak seasons. You should prioritize those with a proven track record during busy times. They are most likely experienced in handling the extra pressure of peak demands.
Finally, pay attention to how transparent a company is about its costs. Last-minute bookings often lead to inflated prices. Planning ahead and comparing multiple quotes can land you a better car shipping deal.
By following these tips for shipping your car during peak season, you’ll not only be on your way to a smooth and stress-free car shipping experience, but you will also get your car to its destination safely and on schedule.
Related Stories:
Patrick has been with 
