Winter Weather Vehicle Management: How Snow and Ice Impact Auto Transportation

A massive winter storm is currently impacting the Northeast. This winter storm has already closed several highways and canceled more than 1,600 flights. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in more than 35 counties. She is warning residents to stay home while crews work to remove snow.

It’s unfortunately the worst possible time for cross-country transportation of goods. Most truckers were hoping to deliver their holiday loads before the end of the year. Now they are left idling until the roads are cleared.

Heavy Snow and Ice Warnings – Northeast Winter Forecast

The states in the northeast are experiencing hazardous situations. The snow measured 4.3 inches in Central Park in NYC by Saturday morning. Some parts of Connecticut registered more than 10 inches of snow. There are ice storm warnings in certain parts of Pennsylvania.

The National Weather Service issued travel advisories from the Great Lakes to New England. Truckers have been barred from driving on major highways in New Jersey. The ban was removed early Saturday, though icy conditions are present.

These weather conditions generate a ripple effect. When major roads in a country are closed, the whole country’s transportation system is affected. Motorists do not simply sit and wait for the storm to pass. They look for ways to circumvent traffic or park their rigs until favorable weather returns.

Northeast States Vehicle Shipping Regulations During Winter

Federal rules restrict the amount of driving that can be done in a day. The driving limit is 11 hours after 10 hours rest. Bad weather further reduces the driving hours. The drivers lose hours as they are stuck in traffic and waiting for clearance of accidents on the road by road crews.

States also have restrictions during severe weather conditions. Pennsylvania restricted commercial vehicles from some of its highways during the worst of Friday’s storm. New York has restrictions on chains or snow tires for vehicles over 26,000 pounds when weather conditions worsen.

Some states will close roads entirely when visibility becomes poor to a quarter mile. This choice is not left to drivers. It’s determined by the state police and transportation authorities.

Winter car transport firms are always in touch with weather bureaus. They monitor several forecasts and weather condition updates. The aim is to redirect drivers before they are trapped. There may be instances when the vehicles are left at the point of origin until a storm has cleared.

Cost Comparison: Self-Driving vs Hiring Auto Transport Services

The prices for fuel decrease during the winter season. The average cost of gas within the country is $3.86 per gallon. This is a decrease of 10 cents compared to the previous year. Decreasing fuel prices always result in more favorable transport prices.

Diesel Prices For 2022–2025 From The EIA data

Weather turns the equation around in no time. Delays add up when vehicles cannot move. Every day a vehicle spends on the trailer will mean losses for the transport company. This will be reflected in the end in the form of weather charges.

Winter driving by automated vehicles adds its own costs. There are expenses to cover lodging if you have to wait out bad weather. Hotels close to highways tend to fill up with snowstorms. There are, too, costs related to damage to your car.

Professional transport services also carry cargo insurance. This provides liability coverage for your car, regardless of whether weather forces it to take an indirect route. The cost savings alone make this justification enough to transport yourself.

The price may vary due to several considerations that come into play. The distance is irrelevant when it comes to accessibility. A journey that spans 500 miles, provided that it is through an accessible roadway, incurs a higher cost than a 300-mile journey through an area that contains mountain passes.

See Also: Short Mile Transport Experience

The Impact of Heavy Snow and Ice on Vehicle Shipping Schedules

Normal times for transit cease to matter in extreme weather conditions. It could take five or six days to complete an average task that took three days before. It is not just about reduced speed. It is about stopping to wait for roads to open.

Most car carriers leave some leeway in their winter routes. They give a wider range of delivery times from December to March. Open transport delivery may take 7-10 days compared to the usual 5-7 days.

Forecasts are helpful but not foolproof. It was determined that the Nor’easter that affected the Northeast this week was forecast a number of days in advance. Corporations began redirecting motorists early on. Some motorists opted to go through the South even though additional mileage was involved.

Communication is very important during delays. Customers want and need regular information on the status of their vehicles. Organizations that lack communication will see higher incidents of disputes and complaints.

The system that is presently active is expected to impact schedules into early next week. The temperatures are not going above freezing. This is expected to result in ice being left on the roads even as the snow ceases. Motorists will move at a pace until the roads have been treated.

See Also: Winter Car Shipment Completed From West Lafayette, IN to San Diego, CA

Open Carrier vs Enclosed Transport for Winter Snow and Ice Conditions

The open transport is just fine in all winter conditions. The truckers are used to snow and ice on roads annually. Your car is going to be exposed to elements, but that is not typically an issue for regular road vehicles.

Some customers prefer the enclosed transport option during winter. The covered trailer is protective of cars against road salt and ice damage. The salt tends to rust the cars if allowed to stand on the paint or undercarriages for a while. The trailer is also protective of cars against debris that is knocked up by vehicles along the road.

Discrepancies in prices between open trucks and enclosed trucks widen in the winter. There are fewer enclosed trucks to start with. As a result of increased demand in inclement weather conditions, the number becomes even smaller. Prices can rise between 40-60% in peak winter seasons.

While it’s worth noting that classic or luxury  automobiles will typically need enclosed transport every year, having this extra cost can be well worth it if it protects an important purchase. Other automobiles will usually be just fine on an open carrier unless their buyer has other preferences. 

Loading and unloading take longer during the winter months for all modes of transportation. Drivers must have well-defined surfaces on which to maneuver their ramps. Snow and ice represent dangers. Some pickup and delivery spots will be blocked until the property owners clear the driveway and parking areas.

Conclusion: Winter Weather and Vehicle Transportation

The car transport industry adjusts to winter every year. Car transporters are aware of how to deal with snow and ice. Car transporters alter their timing depending on the forecast. Customers must be aware that car transporters face delays despite their best efforts. Planning in advance is a big help. Arrange the winter car transport as early as you can. Allow a longer transportation time.

Be flexible with the dates of pickup and dropoff in case of weather constraints. Storms taking place in the Northeast or in California are reminding people of the value of communication. Transportation companies are monitoring conditions on a consistent basis and are alerting clients about any delays that have resulted. 

Selecting a company that values these alerts can make all the difference in the customer experience even in situations where the weather hampers smooth transportation. In winter, transportation is not impossible, nor is it a rarity. Millions of vehicles traverse the country during winter. The important thing is doing business with trusted carriers, as they know how to deal with winter conditions.