Every fall, hundreds of thousands of “snowbirds” — retirees and seasonal residents — ship their cars from cold-weather states to warm-weather destinations. If you’re shipping a car for snowbird season, here’s what to know about timing, pricing, and routing.
What Is Snowbird Car Shipping?
Snowbird car shipping is the seasonal pattern of shipping vehicles from cold-climate states (especially the Northeast and Midwest) to warm-climate destinations (primarily Florida and Arizona) for winter, then reversing the route in spring. The cycle runs:
- October-December: Heavy outbound from NY, NJ, MA, PA, OH, IL, MI, MN, WI to FL and AZ
- April-May: Reverse — heavy outbound from FL and AZ back north
- Summer (June-September): Light snowbird traffic; rates drop
How Much Does Snowbird Car Shipping Cost?
| Route | Off-Peak (May-Sep) | Peak (Oct-Apr) |
|---|---|---|
| New York → Florida | $700-$900 | $900-$1,300 |
| Chicago → Florida | $800-$1,000 | $1,000-$1,400 |
| Michigan → Florida | $900-$1,100 | $1,100-$1,500 |
| Pennsylvania → Florida | $700-$900 | $900-$1,300 |
| Boston → Florida | $800-$1,000 | $1,000-$1,400 |
| Ohio → Florida | $800-$1,000 | $1,000-$1,300 |
| Midwest → Arizona | $900-$1,200 | $1,100-$1,500 |
Open carrier pricing for standard sedans/small SUVs. Trucks and larger vehicles add 15-25%. Enclosed adds 40-60%.
When Should You Book Your Snowbird Shipment?
Outbound to FL or AZ (fall): Book 3-4 weeks ahead. The peak window is mid-October through November — carriers fill up fast. Booking in late September can save $100-$200 vs. waiting until November.
Return north (spring): Book 2-3 weeks ahead. The peak return window is mid-April through May, with the heaviest week being late April. Avoid the last week of April if you can.
Top Snowbird Destinations in Florida
- Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers (Gulf Coast)
- Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice
- The Villages (Central Florida)
- Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach (Atlantic Coast)
- Vero Beach, Stuart, Palm City (Treasure Coast)
- Marco Island, Sanibel
- Miami, Miami Beach, Aventura
Top Snowbird Destinations in Arizona
- Mesa, Apache Junction
- Sun City, Sun City West
- Scottsdale, Cave Creek
- Tucson, Green Valley
- Yuma
- Lake Havasu City
Snowbird Shipping Tips
- Lock in your spring return slot when you ship in fall. Booking both legs together can save 10-15% on the round trip.
- Be flexible on pickup window. A 5-day window saves $100-$200 vs. demanding a specific day.
- Coordinate with your HOA / condo association. Many gated communities and condo high-rises have truck-access restrictions. Have a meet point ready.
- Don’t overpack the trunk. 100 lbs max in soft bags. Save the moving for actual movers.
- Insure your golf cart separately. Auto transport covers your car only — not attached items.
FAQs: Snowbird Car Shipping
Should I drive my car down myself or ship it?
Driving a 1,500-mile snowbird trip costs $300-$500 in fuel + 2-3 hotel nights ($300-$600) + food + 3 days of driving fatigue. Shipping is typically cost-neutral and gets you to the warmth via flight in 4 hours instead of 3 days.
Can I ship my car to a hotel or short-term rental?
Yes, as long as the address has truck access. Resort properties and short-term rentals work fine for delivery — confirm with the front desk that they can receive a vehicle.
Will my car be safe on an open carrier in winter?
Yes. Open carriers ship cars 365 days a year through every weather condition. The only weather-related concern is delays from severe storms (which dispatch will notify you about).
Should I use enclosed transport for snowbird shipping?
Only if your car is worth $50K+ or is a classic/exotic. For standard daily-driver snowbird vehicles, open carrier is fine and 40-60% cheaper.
Book your snowbird shipment: Get an instant quote or call (279) 300-3808 — Mon-Sat 8 AM-3:30 PM PST.