Transporting a vehicle across the country or within a state is not a straightforward process. Price fluctuations for transporting a vehicle with a car shipping service are affected by the weather. Be it the winter frost or the heat of summer, every season comes with its own set of hurdles and cost fluctuations.
If you are looking to transport your vehicle in the near future, knowing about the seasonal trends in car transport services can help you save on cost, make a proper plan, and pick a suitable service provider. In this article, we will explain how car shipping companies adjust their services during summer and winter. Also, we will elaborate on how the shipments’ cost, duration, and experience are affected.
How the Supply and Demand Model in the Market Affects Car Shipping Costs
Auto transport is dictated by the economy. A major factor affecting cost is how many people are trying to transport a vehicle at a particular time and how accessible the transporters can make those pickups and drop-offs. The weather, road conditions, public holidays, and local market demand are some of the factors that impact this model.
Summer
Optimum Season for Car Transport: Analyzing Potential Reasons that Affect Car Transport Pricing.
- Price Escalation People who tend to relocate, like families and college students coming back home, are in countless numbers during Vacations. As a result of that, Car Transport Services are in high demand, which in turn increases the pay. Hence, summer serves as the peak season.
- Increased Availability of Services and Quicker Transport. Countless Auto Transport Companies come on board in the summer for the same reason students are on break. As a result of favorable weather, risks of summer delays on transport are very minimal; thus, Car Shipping Times tend to be quicker. In addition to the peak demand, the car shipping
- Services Offered During the summer, snow and ice are enormous problems when it comes to vehicle care. However, transport spacing and air conditioning can minimize overheating fluid issues on a vacation over summer.
For the same reason that there’s a scarcity of car transport companies in peak summer, expedited requests become much easier to fulfill.
Heading into the New Year: Things to Note!
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Depressed Demand equals Depressed Pricing (at times)
From November to February, the demand for auto transport services tends to slow. Not as many people are moving and purchasing vehicles with the intention of moving them during this period. However, pickup and drop-off locations are weather-dependent, and some carriers may choose to plot a different route to avoid bad weather. This may lead to slight increases in pricing.
Here is something to watch out for:
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Risks Involved
Increased holiday traffic, icy roads, and snow on the roads can all lead to increased wait times. Based on all of these factors, transport companies build this unpredictability into their pricing models. During winter, in case the base demand is lower, for whatever reason, adding in the costs for insurance, new routes, additional delays, or other winter-related costs can lead to added effects.
In the winter, the risks associated with transport are much greater. This is where a professional car transport company comes in. Having the routes all figured out and being able to adjust when to drop off your goods is a great time saver.
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Increased Worry
The shipping time processes for vehicles added in winter can lead to increased worry for you. If you do not want the increased worry, added through holiday and New Year’s chaos, winter is not the best time to operate. Winters can slow down roads, and carriers can choose to drive less. If you wish to be on a strict time limit, you can choose to have the car expedited and transported, or on an express towing.
Snowbird Season: A Secondary Sub-Trend
Snowbirds are retirees who migrate to the southern parts of the U.S. during the winter to avoid the cold and journey north during the summer. This trend greatly influences vehicle transport to and from states like Florida, Arizona, and California.
Snowbird spikes occur from October to December and from March to May, making those times more expensive during peak travel. Vehicle transport is overpriced during peak times, especially during the snowbird surge. Along snowbird routes, vehicle transport is overpriced during peak times.
The holidays overshadow the reasons for the price surge.
Vehicle transport is temporarily shut down during the holidays, leading to a surge in demand. A decrease in the number of drivers, coupled with reduced terminal hours, increases the time to pick up the vehicle and adds delays and a premium price.
If a shipment cannot be scheduled for the vehicle, then it’s as good as stranded, leading to a surge in demand and limited transport options. For those trying to sell their vehicles, timing delays greatly impact their “sell window.”
Considerations Based on Region
Northern Routes
While navigating routes in the north during the winter season can be particularly challenging due to the snow and ice, the region’s highways can be completely locked snow and ice. Also, due to the increased risk, you may be charged extra to fully protect the vehicle’s transport.
Southern Routes
While the searing heat in the southern states during summer is unlikely to disrupt transport scheduling, it certainly can increase the cost of long-distance vehicle shipping due to the wear and tear.
Guidelines to Optimize Costs in Any Season
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Timed Booking
Traveling in summer or winter will not affect the pricing. However, booking in advance is likely to yield savings. Last-minute shipping is always more expensive, especially for express or specialized shipping.
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Give Windows
Budget-friendly pick-up and drop-off provide the vehicle shipping company room to schedule optimally. Streamlined scheduling means load consolidation and cheaper routing.
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Manage Risk with Minimal Stress
Shifting the entire responsibility of transport services means the cars transporteur will update you on timelines and pricing changes due to seasonal fluctuations. They will also ensure the vehicle and provide tracking during transit for added protection and peace of mind for the driver.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Seasonal Shipment
Regardless of the season, there are always measures to be taken in prepping for the safe transport of a vehicle.
- Take note of any damage to the vehicle and the transport box
- Clean the cabin and the transport box thoroughly
- Remove any personal items or valuables
- Make sure the battery, tires, and brakes are in an operational state
This strategy is particularly helpful in selling a vehicle. After removing the items, the seller is able to sell the car for its maximum value, and knowing that the car is in great condition, he can answer the question “where can I sell my car effortlessly.
Conclusion
Being aware of the trends in car shipping can be a great aid in saving money. During the summer, demand increases, allowing sellers to charge more, while the winter season brings demand down. The winter season, though, brings risks of delay and hidden costs for transport.
In all these scenarios, there is a reliable carrier who can help. During the busy summer months or the risky winter months, a reliable car transport service will be there.
Being attentive to seasons gives you an upper hand in making informed decisions, ranging from preparing your car for transport to using options such as express towing. In case you plan on upgrading or selling your car, proper timing of your move can assist you in figuring out where can I sell my car for the most money, thus maximizing your return.
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