Car shipping is quite expensive, especially in today’s economy. The good news is, there is a time of year when shipping your vehicle can be done for a low price. Planning on shipping your car cross country? Timing cab indeed reduce the costs associated with shipping a car. In this guide, we will help eliminate other factors so that you can plan the best time of year to ship your car, and learn ways to reduce the costs associated with cross-country distance car booking.
Understanding the Factors That Influence Car Shipping Costs
1.We understand you want your spring break to be the most epic weeks of the year, and all you have to do is to figure out a shipping timeline for your car cross country. But let us try to walk you step by step through the cost assessing process of car shipping so that you can independently analyze all the factors determining cost through a comprehensive framework.
2. Vehicle Size and Type: Cars and trucks differ in size and thus would incur different shipping costs, with the latter being pricier due to more space being occupied. Classic and exotic cars would also cost more due to needing additional attention and resources for transport.
3. Shipping Method: The difference in types of transport, whether open or enclosed, gives a range of prices for each vehicle. Open transport is more common and economical whereas enclosed transport gives better protection, albeit at a higher cost.
4. Time of Year: When it comes to seasonality, these are the factors that can greatly influence the prices: In the summer, while most students are on vacation, it tends to be school year for parents. Contracting schedules set the stage for a spike in demand for car shipping services between June and August.
Best Time of Year to Ship a Car for Lower Costs
The school year also creates yields dual-period peaks in mid to late August and draws sharp for the rest of the summer. Car shipping becomes more expensive in the summer months due to newly added demand. On the other hand, the period of late Fall to Winter seems to present the best opportunity for getting a deal when booking shipments.
- Winter (December to February)
Not surprisingly, this is the Winter where required to incur the lowest cost of shipment across the country. The dip in demand directly influences the December to February period. The period of February in particular is increasingly less popular as fewer people seem to be willing or in the need to buy, sell or shift their vehicle and moving has less popularity as a choice.
– Reasons it’s cheaper: There is decreased demand for car shipments, which results in fewer vehicles being transported.
– Pros: More affordable prices, range of schedule options, and multiple shipping methods.
– Cons: Northern states are more likely to experience delays due to weather, like snow and ice, which can be problematic during winter months.
- Fall (September to November)
In between September and November, fall months provide the best opportunities to capture low rates as the demand is the lowest during this season. This is the block of time when people consume fewer travel services and there is a lower influx of cars into the market. Consequently, shipping firms have surplus resources and are able to reduce their charges.
– Why it is cheaper: Prices tend to drop as there is a substantial decrease in demand after the summer season.
– Pros: Reasonable quotations along with less rivalry in the space for carriers.
– Cons: There may be a slight surge in the demand at the early parts of the season as some people prepare to move before winter starts.
- Spring (March to May)
The period after March through May is another good bracket for car relocation as spending supports begin to surge with the blossoming of spring. Following the holidays and the winter capping off, many make plans for the summer season with the intention of purchasing cars and even relocating. Even though there is a slight surge in demand, it is generally lower than the summer timeframe.
– Why it is cheaper: The increase in demand for relocating cars is lesser compared to the summer.
– Pros: Comfortable temperatures and intersections with lower demand than summer.
– Cons: Prices might slowly increase as demand moves toward summer.
The Worst Time to Ship a Car: Summer (June to August)
The summer months, especially from June to August, are the most costly periods for shipping a car across the country. This is peak moving season, coupled with vacation travel, and a surge in the buying and selling of cars. Since people are busy during this period, car shipping companies are busy, and availability may be limited.
– Why it’s more expensive: Demand is high due to relocating, buying vacation homes, and taking vacations.
– Cons: Increased costs, less availability, extended wait time for vehicle pickup.
- Holidays
Holiday seasons like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are also high-demand periods for car shipping when people prefer to travel or gift cars and are celebrating. If you have a holiday car shipping requirement, be ready for prolonged wait time and higher fees.
– Why it’s more expensive: Demand is very high during primary traveling times.
– Cons: Hold ups because of hectic timeframes and carriers that are available.
Best Tips for Saving Money When Shipping a Car Cross Country
In the preceding section, you learned how to select the time of shipment for the most affordable prices. In this section, I aim to provide additional advice that will further diminish your expenses in interstate car shipping.
- Select Open Transport
Open transport is the most affordable shipping option, and it’s the most commonly used method. Your car will be exposed to the elements, but rest assured it is still safe and secure due to the carrier’s safety measures. This option is preferable to standard cars and basic vehicles that don’t need particular handling.
- Allow some flexibility with the pickup and delivery dates
For clients who have some flexibility with their schedule, there is an even greater saving opportunity if the car shipping company is able to select a less busy period for pickup and delivery. Being realistic with your schedule will help eliminate times of peak shipping periods and reduce overall costs.
- Ship More Vehicles
If you’re shipping more than one car, they can have even better discounts for multiple vehicles on the same carrier. So consider organizing shipments for family or friends if you can. This is a great way to maximize saving potential.
- Acquire Several Quotes
Make sure to get multiple quotes. It is important to get quotes from several shipping companies and compare them. Make sure to check the particulars like insurance, coverage, and the type of transport for which you are paying to ensure that it is worth the amount spent.
- Schedule Early
Try to schedule your car shipment a few weeks in advance. Making reservations early can help avoid higher prices associated with busier periods. Furthermore, having more time to plan makes people more likely to take advantage of better offers.
Conclusion
Cross-country car shipping is among the more costly expenditure. However, considering different factors while preparing for the shipment can ease the burden. Weeks regarded as off-peak are the winter and fall months as there is less demand, meaning shipping companies have more available spots. This means, regardless of the season, being flexible with dates along with choosing open transport helps lower overall expenditure.
To avoid the hassle and the high expense of shipping a car, using a reputable provider such Carson Shipping will ensure their services are timely. With the right planning, chosen tips, and timely execution, one will be able to ship a car across the country priced conservatively.
