Kevin Wallace JrAs spring approaches, thousands of snowbirds begin planning their return trips north. While booking flights and closing up seasonal homes may be top of mind, securing reliable vehicle transport is just as important.
April and May are two of the busiest months for auto transport, with demand surging as snowbirds all head home at the same time. If you wait too long to book, you may face delays, limited availability, and higher rates. Whether you’re shipping your car back for the first time or have been doing it for years, planning ahead can make all the difference.
Why Spring is the Busiest Season for Auto Transport
Snowbird travel creates peak demand in both fall and spring. When winter arrives, retirees, seasonal workers, and second-homeowners head south to states like Florida, Arizona, and Texas. As temperatures rise, they all prepare to return north at the same time, putting pressure on transport carriers.
For those who wait until the last minute, this means:
- Fewer available transport slots
- Longer wait times for pickup and delivery
- Higher pricing due to increased demand
To avoid these challenges, securing your transport several weeks in advance is the best approach.
How to Book Your Return Transport
To ensure a smooth transport experience, follow these key steps:
1. Book Early
Spring auto transport demand spikes in April and May, which means availability becomes more limited as the months progress. Reserving your transport early ensures you secure a spot before carriers fill up.
2. Decide on Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Most vehicles are shipped on open trailers, which are widely available and more affordable. However, for high-value, classic, or luxury cars, enclosed transport provides added protection from road debris and weather conditions.
3. Choose a Reliable Transport Provider
Not all transport companies are equipped to handle high-volume seasonal shipping. Look for a provider with experience handling snowbird routes, transparent pricing, and a reputation for timely deliveries.
Be cautious of brokers offering unrealistically low rates. Some companies advertise cheap prices upfront but may increase costs later or struggle to secure a reliable carrier. Always verify the company’s reputation, check reviews, and ensure they provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
4. Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping
Before your scheduled pickup, make sure your vehicle is ready:
- Remove all personal belongings from the car.
- Leave only a quarter tank of fuel.
- Check fluid levels, including antifreeze.
- Document the vehicle’s condition with photos.
Taking these steps ensures a smooth handoff and minimizes any potential delays.
Key Considerations for Snowbird Shipping in 2025
Beyond planning ahead, a few factors may impact vehicle transport this season:
- Increased demand for enclosed transport – More owners of high-end and classic cars are opting for enclosed carriers, meaning these spots fill up even faster.
- Economic factors affecting transport pricing – Fuel prices and carrier availability can shift throughout the season, reinforcing the need to book sooner rather than later.
- Longer routes may require additional time – During peak snowbird season, transporters covering major routes from Florida to the Northeast or Midwest may face increased demand, seasonal traffic patterns, and potential weather-related slowdowns. While carriers work to stay on schedule, booking early ensures more control over pickup and delivery timing.
Book Your Return Trip Now?
Snowbird season brings some of the highest vehicle transport demand of the year, and waiting too long to schedule your shipment could lead to costly delays. Booking early ensures you get a spot with a trusted carrier, allowing you to focus on your return home without the stress of last-minute logistics.
If you’re ready to secure your vehicle transport, request a quote today and get your spot reserved before peak season fills up.