As with any other industry, the auto shipping industry is influenced by seasonal fluctuations. There are times when the demand for auto transport services reaches its peak and times when the demand drops off. While some people have limited control over the best time to ship their cars due to binding commitments, others have more flexibility.
Flexibility with auto transporters is always rewarding, and those who can be patient will get the best service at the best price. This article will talk about shipping a car in winter, summer, transition seasons, off-season, and the benefits of shipping a vehicle during the off-season.
Auto transport & the year’s seasons
Shipping a vehicle in winter is quite different from shipping it in the summer, with both having their pros and cons.
Auto shipping in winter
Winter is widely known as one of the roughest times of the year. Blizzards, snowstorms, and even hurricanes in some areas affect productivity, especially that of auto haulers. Harsh weather conditions can close particular routes, and driving on slippery roads exposes cargo drivers to serious risks such as road accidents.
With all mentioned challenges in mind, the demand for auto shipping services in winter noticeably declines. Except for the holiday season when there is increased demand for auto transport services and fewer carriers on the road.
Auto shipping prices obviously rise at peak times during the holiday season and are generally high in winter when shipping across hard-to-reach areas. Still, there are times when auto transporters are willing to undercut the auto shipping costs to fill up the empty spaces in their trucks. This happens when the demand for auto shipping is low, carriers are empty, and the competition is high.
Auto shipping in summer
The pleasant and warm weather in summer inspires people to move, relocate, or go on vacation. As a result, summer is the busiest auto shipping season, in contrast to winter, when auto shipping times are much shorter, and there are fewer chances of shipping delays.
Contrary to what people think, auto shipping costs in the summer are higher than at any other time of the year. People expect to pay less for shipping their vehicles in summer because it is an easy time to haul a car. Yet, other factors need to be considered regarding car shipping costs during the summer.
Although there is less rerouting or longer journeys due to weather conditions, the high demand for auto transport certainly affects the price. Also, fuel costs tend to be higher in summer due to the more frequent movements, which, in turn, adds up to the final auto-shipping quote. After all, transporting a vehicle at the start of summer could save dollars instead of waiting until mid-summer.
Auto shipping in transition seasons
Shipping a vehicle between summer and winter is the most cost-effective option. Fall and spring are two seasons when there is less demand for auto transport, the roads are clear, and the weather is good. Consequently, hauling costs are lower.
One thing to consider during this time of year is snowbirds moving to the south before winter and returning to the north once winter ends. During the snowbird’s relocation, there is a tendency for a slight rise in car shipping prices due to the increased demand. Other than this time, prices are much fair, and carriers’ availability is maximized in the fall and the spring.
Off-season auto transport and its benefits
After providing a brief account of auto shipping conditions at different times of the year, it is easy to recognize the auto transport’s off-season. Obviously, the request for auto-hauling services significantly increases during spring and fall. At the same time, there is notably less demand for auto shipping in February once the holiday season’s hustle is over.
Benefits of shipping a vehicle in the off-season
Car owners shipping enjoy a set of benefits during the off-season. The first is carrier availability, as clients won’t have difficulty finding a carrier to load their vehicles since there are plenty of empty spots. During the off-season, the competition to win customers is fiercer than at any other time, and several companies offer special discounts to attract more people.
Shipping vehicles during this time doesn’t take long since driving conditions in the off-season are good, and the demand is lower. Not to mention decreased road traffic at this time of year, which will guarantee fast delivery. In short, all the advantages of car hauling can be obtained when shipping a vehicle during the off-season, from lower prices and availability to timely delivery.
Talking about shipping a vehicle at a competitive cost, Tempus Logix offers the most competitive auto transport prices in the market. We research the market before giving our customers a shipping cost to ensure that they get the best price. Get a free auto-shipping quote using our online calculator, and you can contact us anytime for any inquiries.
Finally, several factors influence the auto transport industry, with its popularity and demand fluctuating from time to time. To take advantage of this, consider choosing the right time t
