Shipping a vehicle during the winter months can be very different from shipping during spring or summer. Snow, ice, holiday demand, shorter daylight hours, and difficult road conditions can all affect auto transport.
At LISCA Auto Transport, we want customers to understand why winter vehicle shipping may sometimes cost more and why pickup or delivery can take longer than expected.
Why Does Auto Transport Cost More During Winter?
One of the biggest reasons winter auto transport prices can increase is limited driver availability.
During winter, fewer carriers may be willing to travel through areas with heavy snow, icy highways, mountain passes, or severe storms. When fewer trucks are available for a particular route, drivers may charge more to accept the shipment.
Fuel usage, delays, road closures, and difficult driving conditions can also affect transportation costs.
For example, shipping a vehicle through states such as Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, or other northern regions during the winter may be more challenging than during warmer months.
Winter Weather Can Cause Delivery Delays
Safety always comes first when transporting a vehicle.
Heavy snow, freezing rain, ice, high winds, and poor visibility can slow down an auto transport truck. In severe weather, highways may temporarily close or truck drivers may need to stop until conditions improve.
Because of this, pickup and delivery dates should generally be considered estimated timeframes rather than guaranteed arrival times, unless a specific guaranteed service has been arranged.
A trip that normally takes several days could take longer if the driver encounters a major winter storm or road closure along the route.
Holiday Season Demand
November and December can also bring changes to the auto transport market.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s can affect driver schedules and availability. Some drivers take time off during the holidays, which means there may be fewer carriers available while customers are still trying to move vehicles across the country.
Booking early can give your transport company more time to locate a qualified carrier for your route.
Snowbirds Can Increase Demand
Winter is also a popular season for snowbird auto transport.
Many customers transport their vehicles from colder northern states to warmer destinations such as Florida, Arizona, California, and Texas for the winter.
When thousands of vehicles are moving in similar directions during the same period, carrier space can fill quickly. Increased demand and limited truck availability can cause prices to rise on certain routes.
Why Drivers May Need to Change Their Route
Auto transport drivers cannot always take the fastest route during winter.
If a highway or mountain pass becomes unsafe, a driver may need to take an alternate route. Even if the new route adds additional miles or driving time, it may be necessary to transport the vehicles safely.
Drivers must also follow federal driving-hour regulations, so weather delays cannot always be made up simply by driving additional hours.
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport During Winter
Both open and enclosed auto transport are available during winter.
Open transport is generally the more affordable option and is used for most everyday vehicles. However, vehicles transported on an open trailer are exposed to outdoor conditions such as snow, rain, road salt, and dirt.
Enclosed auto transport provides additional protection from the elements and may be worth considering for luxury, exotic, classic, collectible, or high-value vehicles.
Enclosed transportation generally costs more than open transportation because there are fewer enclosed carriers and fewer vehicles fit on each trailer.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Shipping
Before your vehicle is picked up, make sure it is ready for colder temperatures.
Check that the battery is working properly, maintain appropriate tire pressure, keep enough fuel for loading and unloading, remove unnecessary personal belongings, and make sure the vehicle can be safely driven onto and off the carrier.
It is also important for the vehicle to be accessible. If there is heavy snow at the pickup or delivery location, the carrier may need to meet you in a nearby safe location with enough room for a large transport truck.
Book Your Winter Auto Transport Early
If you know you will need to ship your vehicle during the winter, booking ahead can help.
More flexibility with pickup dates gives dispatchers a better opportunity to locate a reliable carrier at a competitive rate. Waiting until the last minute—especially around holidays or major winter storms—can result in fewer available drivers and higher prices.
Nationwide Winter Vehicle Shipping with LISCA Auto Transport
LISCA Auto Transport provides nationwide door-to-door vehicle shipping throughout the United States.
Whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle from another state, heading south for the winter, sending a vehicle to family, or transporting a luxury or classic car, our team can help coordinate your shipment.
Winter weather can make auto transportation less predictable, but proper planning and communication can make the process much easier.
Planning to ship a vehicle this winter? Contact LISCA Auto Transport today for a free auto transport quote and let our team help you plan your shipment.