For someone who is relocating, buying a car from another state, or wanting to send their vehicle seasonally to a different location, cross-country car shipping can be a form of convenient vehicle transport. Still, the coast and experience can be affected by the exact time of the year one choses. In this post, we provide a breakdown that features side-by-side comparisons of the advantages and disadvantages of winter and summer car shipping.
Why Timing Matters for Cross-Country Car Shipping
Car shipping during a particular season can greatly affect the expenses that one is likely to incur, the duration of travel as well as the safety of the vehicle. Each season poses it’s own challenges and understanding them can guide one to come up with an informed decision that is cost efficient.
Winter Shipping Considerations
– Weather Conditions: While winter has its holidays which a lot of people look forward to, it can also post a challenge with severe snow, ice and below-average temperatures. Both the snow and ice can make the roads significantly more dangerous, which may delay the car’s delivery and potentially lead to detours being taken so that dangerous places can be skipped.
– Vehicle Protection: The vehicle’s most sensible components, such as the battery and tires, can be damaged during the cold weather months. Cars are typically transported using enclosed shipping during winter months in order to shield the vehicle from costly damage.
– Shorter Shipping Times: Even though other seasons may experience operational delays, there is less traffic during winter months resulting in decreased vehicles on roads and faster travel times.
Considerations for Shipping in Summer
– Better Weather Conditions: Additionally, there is lower probability of severe delays associated with summer as the weather is more favorable and predictable, thus aiding in car transportation.
– Increased Prices and Demand: Expect higher and long awaiting expenses due to the favorable summer weather conditions as this season comes with peak demand for vehicle shipping.
– More Shipping Options: The available shipping options and flexibility for choosing a company expands drastically during summer owing to high demand.
Cross-Country Car Shipping in Winter: Pros and Cons
Where winter may seem more of a hindrance when it comes to car shipping, it does have some distinct benefits, especially when coupled with the right transport options. Let us analyze the advantages and disadvantages of shipping your car across the country in the winter season.
Pros of Winter Car Shipping:
– Lower Price of Shipping: The gray winter months makes for cheaper transport as a distinct benefit of winter car shipping. This is due to the offseason period of transport during which companies see less demand for their services, thus, are willing to offer discounted rates to attract customers.
– Removal of Competing Shippers: Due to less demand for vehicle shipping in these months, there are fewer vehicles competing for shipment. For you, this helps achieve a better value, as well as, being able to book a slot way faster.
– Protection from Excessive Heat: For vehicles that may be sensitive to extreme temperatures, winter serves as a good option. The hotter summer months may cause extensive damage to the interior, tires and other vital components of the car. During the summer, vehicles are more likely to experience such damage much more compared to winter months.
Cons of Winter Car Shipping:
– Inclement Weather Delays: During the winter months, the likelihood of having snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and icy roads is high which all may hinder shipping progress. Even the routing paths have changed or lengthened employing safer travel methods which can further increase the delivery time.
– Cold-Weather Damage Risks: Severe weather conditions may also affect the car battery and other mechanical parts. Fluids also have the possibility of freezing which can cause damage, car batteries are more prone to die in lower temperatures as well.
– Limited Open Transport Availability: If you are thinking about open car transport, winter may not be the most suitable season. Low temperatures along with a heavy fog may result in a lack of visibility and snow and ice can freeze on top of your vehicle, which makes accidents more likely. It is wise enclosed transport is used to mitigate these concerns.
Summer Cross-Country Car Shipping: The Good and the Bad
With summer comes a new list of pros and cons. Although the weather is generally favorable, other aspects such as an increase in demand during the summer season may affect the cost and time taken for the car to ship.
Advantages of Shipping a Car in Summer:
– The vehicle transport will be more time efficient than other seasons. Unlike winter, summer has minimal weather events that could delay car shipping, allowing transport companies to meet their deadlines. You can expect a smoother journey for your vehicle thanks to strong summer weather.
– The availability of services and carriers will increase because summer is a peak season for car shipping. Due to carrier surplus, finding the right transport option for your vehicle will significantly increase.
– There are fewer weather-related hazards on the road. Warm weather improves safety and decreases the likelihood of freezing rain, snow, or ice, which transports trucks would otherwise need to navigate around during winter.
Disadvantages of Summer Car Shipping:
– Most services increase their rates in summer. Expect to pay higher than normal rates if you are transporting a car across the country, especially if you are using enclosed transport.
– Access to preferred shipping dates is difficult during peak shipping season. Last-minute bookings can be impossible and you may end up missing your window.
– Heat-Related Risks: While summer conditions are generally pleasant, the extreme heat can damage components of some vehicles. Tires, batteries, and the vehicle’s exterior may undergo scorching that expires them over time.
How to Prepare for Cross-Country Car Shipping in Both Seasons
Regardless of your seasonal preference for shipping in winter or summer, taking good care of your vehicle ensures a hassle-free transport experience. Following are useful recommendations to get your vehicle ready for shipping.
1. Clean Your Vehicle
Shipping plans should always start with cleaning the vehicle. A clean car can be inspected for damage easily, and if any is found, it can be documented prior to transport. In addition, cleaning reduces dirt that can accumulate during the journey break.
2. Remove Personal Items
Auto transport companies usually deter the shipment of personal items inside the vehicle due to insurance limitations. Be sure to remove any valuable or personal items prior to shipment.
3. Look for Fluid Leaks or Mechanical Defects
Inspect your car for leaks or mechanical difficulties before transporting it. Any issues with your automobile should be rectified prior to shipment in order to avoid complications.
4. Fuel Level Requirements
Just enough fuel should be left in the vehicle to facilitate loading onto the transport truck. A quarter tank is usually considered enough by most car shipping companies.
5. Safety Precautions
Responsible movers must pay attention to the proper securing of the vehicle for transport. This includes ensuring the tires are immobilized, the parking brake is set, and the transmission is in the neutral position. The transport company will help secure the car onto the truck.
Final Thoughts: Shipping A Car Across Country
Your preferred time to ship a car across the country is determined mainly by your budget, required timing, and how well the vehicle needs protection during transport. Cost effective option in winter offers lower shipping rates but comes with the risk of delays due to weather. Summer provides faster shipping and safer conditions but comes at higher costs, limited availability, and increased demand.
Carson Shipping values satisfying customers on all auto transport service requests regardless of the time. Our personnel make certain that your vehicle is transported in the right conditions and on time in the summer or winter. Contact us now to get an accurate quote that has no obligations and allows us to assist in shipping your vehicle across the country.
