Two hundred thousand vehicles head to Florida and Arizona each fall. Here is how to not pay peak rates with everyone else.
Snowbird season is the most predictable capacity crunch in auto transport. Northbound in April and May, southbound in October and November. Everyone books the same three weeks and rates climb 20–35%.
Book earlier than feels necessary
Six to eight weeks out for peak season. Rates are set by supply and demand on the day your order posts — booking early locks a rate before the rush compresses capacity.
Ask about round-trip pricing
If you know you are coming back in April, say so in October. Carriers value a guaranteed return lane and that often translates into a better rate on both legs.
Shoulder weeks are your friend
Shipping the last week of September instead of the third week of October can save real money for the sake of moving your plans by three weeks.
