- Southbound peak
- Oct–Jan
- Northbound peak
- Mar–May
- Book ahead
- 2–3 wks
How the snowbird season moves prices
Every fall, tens of thousands of drivers from the Northeast and Midwest send cars to Florida and Arizona within a few weeks of each other. Carriers fill quickly heading south, so a November pickup costs about 10 to 10 percent more than the same trip in April on the routes below. The same trucks then need loads to bring back north, so northbound prices drop. In spring the pattern flips.
Seasonal prices on popular routes
Open carrier, running sedan, standard pickup. Southbound in November versus April shows how much timing matters.
| Route | South · Nov | South · Apr | North · Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York ↔ MiamiNY ↔ FL · 1,289 mi | $1,655 | $1,505 | $1,740 |
| Newark ↔ OrlandoNJ ↔ FL · 1,105 mi | $1,540 | $1,405 | $1,615 |
| Boston ↔ Fort LauderdaleMA ↔ FL · 1,457 mi | $1,760 | $1,600 | $1,850 |
| Detroit ↔ Fort MyersMI ↔ FL · 1,282 mi | $1,650 | $1,505 | $1,735 |
| Chicago ↔ PhoenixIL ↔ AZ · 1,713 mi | $1,895 | $1,720 | $1,995 |
| Minneapolis ↔ PhoenixMN ↔ AZ · 1,508 mi | $1,795 | $1,630 | $1,885 |
Tips for a smooth winter move
- Book two to three weeks ahead in October and November.
- Give a pickup window of a few days if you can. Flexible dates cost less.
- If you live in a gated community, share the gate code or a meeting spot.
- Schedule the spring return at the same time so it's on the calendar.
- Don't pack the car full. Carriers limit personal items, and they aren't insured.
Snowbird routes
Questions about snowbird shipping
When is snowbird car shipping season?
Southbound season runs from October through January. Northbound season runs from March through May. Prices in each direction are highest in its season and lowest in the other.
How far ahead should I book?
Two to three weeks before your pickup date during peak season. Earlier booking gives your dispatcher time to match you with a truck already running your lane.
Can I ship my car down and back with the same company?
Yes. Book the return trip when you schedule the first leg and we'll price it for the spring dates you choose.