Car shipping prices don’t stay the same all year. They change every few months depending on how busy the transport market is. The good news is, if you plan it right, you can save hundreds of dollars just by choosing the right month to move your vehicle.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll explain the cheapest time to ship a car, why the prices go up and down, and how you can make the most of off-season shipping. You’ll learn how weather, demand, and even driver availability affect what you pay.
A lot of transport brokers use “seasonal” excuses to change quotes or add hidden fees. Nova Auto Transport is different. Their transparent pricing means what you book is what you pay, no sudden changes halfway through. They use real-time data from verified carriers so customers always get fair rates, whether it’s summer, winter, or any time in between.
By the end of this blog, you’ll know when it’s best to book, how much you can save, and why Nova remains one of the most trusted names in the auto transport industry.
Introduction – Why Timing Matters in Car Shipping
Timing plays a big part in how much you pay to ship your car. The cost isn’t just about distance, it’s also about when you choose to ship. Rates change from month to month because the car transport industry works a bit like airline tickets. When demand is high, prices rise. When fewer people are shipping cars, the rates drop.
For instance, during summer, a lot of families are moving, students are moving for school (even for college there are many student-car shipments), and snowbirds head north. This is when the demand lifts considerably. More demand means less trucks available to move the automobile and higher prices for transportation. Then when winter occurs and consumers hold put, demand drops every which was a time when you can find rates that are much less expensive. A few other factors will influence cost, mainly the weather, drivers schedules, and lanes. Some lanes, such as California to Texas, or Florida to New York have basic rates because carriers run those lanes of freight a majority of the year. Smaller or rural lanes will be more expensive during certain times of the season, restricted availability being the biggest cost variable. The other important piece about Nova Auto Transport is that they are consistent on pricing, even if the cost on the quote is not specific to the customer’s lane. Nova is upfront with surcharges on Christmas and other eminent holidays. Nova does not use seasonal pricing or the so-called bait and switch on quotes just before pick up time. Nova Auto Transportation relies on a real time quote calculator that uses data form actual carriers including the carriers themselves, so the consumer can see actual pricing based on season, distance and the current fuel rates shared with the consumer market.
If you plan around seasonal trends, you can save anywhere between $150 to $500 on average car shipments, without cutting corners or compromising safety. That’s why knowing the cheapest time of the year to ship your car really matters.
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Prices
Car transport prices move up and down for many reasons. It’s not random, it’s a mix of demand, routes, weather, and carrier availability. Understanding these can help you plan the best time to ship and avoid surprise costs.
Seasonal Demand
This is the biggest factor. Every year has peak seasons (summer and holidays) and off-peak seasons (fall and early winter).
- Peak season (June–August): Students move to college, families relocate, and snowbirds go home. Carriers get fully booked fast, which drives prices up.
- Off-peak season (February–March, September–November): Fewer people are shipping cars. Drivers want to fill up their trailers, so they lower prices to keep routes profitable.
For example, shipping a car in July might cost $1,100 from California to Texas, but the same route in February could be $850–$900.
Weather Conditions
Inclement weather can slow everything down. Snow, ice, and storms can delay trucks, especially routes further up north, such as in Chicago, Denver, or New York. When this happens, there may be fewer drivers, which could raise rates.
Here’s the thing: winter can still be cheap if you stick to the right route. The southern routes, such as those in California to Florida or Arizona to Texas, stay moderate all year long; therefore, rates will remain steady. At Nova, we monitor the national weather forecasts to effectively route shipments while maintaining fair pricing.
Driver Availability
When there are more vehicles being shipped, there is more demand for drivers. Whether we are in the busy summer season or other busy times of the year, the drivers’ schedules book quickly. Unfortunately, this leads to pricing increases.
However, during the months when car shipping is slower (such as in February or September), the opposite occurs, where the carriers will actually compete for bookings, meaning they will offer lower rates to fill of space. Nova likes to take advantage of this time and pass on the savings to our customers.
Route Popularity
Popular routes are cheaper because carriers drive them regularly. For instance:
- Los Angeles to Dallas
- Miami to New York
- Phoenix to Chicago
These routes have constant demand, so trucks rarely return empty. That keeps prices lower. Less common routes, like rural towns or small states, cost more because the carrier might need to travel extra miles with an empty trailer.
Nova’s nationwide network covers 20,000+ carriers, so they can find efficient routes even for remote locations without overcharging.
Vehicle Size and Transport Type
The type of vehicle you ship also affects the total cost. Large trucks, vans, and SUVs weigh more and take extra space, which adds to the quote. The transport method also matters:
| Transport Type | Description | Average Price Range |
| Open Carrier | Most common, multiple cars on one trailer | Cheaper ($0.60–$1.00 per mile) |
| Enclosed Carrier | Covered trailer for luxury/classic cars | Higher ($1.00–$1.50 per mile) |
Most students, families, and everyday car owners go with open transport because it’s affordable and safe. But for exotic or collectible cars, enclosed shipping offers full protection from weather and debris.
Nova gives customers both options, clearly priced with no hidden fees or surprise add-ons.
When Is the Cheapest Time of Year to Ship a Car
The cheapest time to ship a car in 2025 is usually February, right after the busy holiday season. Most people are done with their winter moves, and snowbird traffic is lower. Truck demand drops, which means carriers offer better prices just to keep routes filled.
February tends to be one of the quieter months for the shipping / moving industry. There are generally fewer long-distance hauls scheduled, no holidays to contend with, and most drivers are just looking for round-trips for their freight. This works out well for clients who want to save money on their transportation outlets. As an example – a load from California to Texas costs around $1,100 in July (a peak month) – but you could get the same load in February for around $850.
March is another favorable month to ship a load, because the weather is typically better, and demand has not reached the peak season yet. Drivers can go faster, and flexibility in the shipping date (across geographical locations) can be offered. Most carriers offer minor discounts – just to get their last few trucks full.
Another good time is September or late fall (October–November). After summer relocation season ends, prices go down again before the winter rush starts. These months are like “shoulder seasons,” where demand is balanced, not too busy, not too empty.
Nova Auto Transport closely tracks these patterns every year. Their pricing system adjusts automatically based on real market trends, not random guesswork. This means when rates drop, Nova passes that saving straight to you, no seasonal markups, no fake “limited-time offers.”
If you plan your move in one of these off-peak months, you can easily save $200–$400 compared to summer shipping rates.
When Is the Most Expensive Time to Ship a Car
The most expensive time to ship a car is during summer, from June to August. That’s when everyone seems to be moving, students going to college, families relocating, and snowbirds returning home. The roads are full of moving trucks, and drivers are booked solid.
During summer, transport prices can rise 20%–35% higher than winter rates. A 1,500-mile route that costs $900 in February might go up to $1,200 or even more in July. It’s not just because of demand. Fuel prices often climb in summer too, adding another layer to the cost.
The other costly season is around the holidays, mainly December and early January. During this time, carrier availability drops. Many drivers take time off to be with family, while customers still need urgent deliveries before the new year. Fewer available trucks mean higher quotes and slower schedules.
There are transportation brokers that exploit the season by offering fake low quotes, promising to not raise the rate before pick-up and then alters the rate just before pick-up. This is known as “bait and switch,” and it happens much too often.
Nova Auto Transport does not do that! Their locked in quote guarantee means that whatever you see when you booked, that is the rate, with no add-ons later even if the market changes. Nova Auto Transport’s rates will remain predictable even during busy months because they work directly with trusted carriers, who secure trucks for the season early on.
So, if you must ship a car during summer or holidays, the best way to save is to book early, at least 2–3 weeks ahead. That locks your spot before prices rise further.
Tips to Get the Best Car Shipping Rate (Any Season)
Even though the time of year affects prices a lot, there are ways to get a better deal any time you ship. You don’t have to wait until February or September to save, you just need to be smart with your timing and choices.
Book Early
The earlier you schedule your shipment, the better the rate. Booking last minute almost always costs more because trucks are already full. Try to confirm at least 2 weeks before pickup, especially in summer.
Be Flexible with Pickup Dates
If you allow carriers several days of flexibility (a 3–5 day time frame for example), the carrier can match you with the most efficient route for your car. This may save you about $100–$200.
Choose Open Carrier Transport
Unless your car is a luxury or collectible vehicle, the best option is open carrier shipping. It’s reliable, safe, and the cheapest option; normally it is 25–40% less than enclosed option.
Ship Door-to-Door Instead of Terminal
everal people think terminal shipping saves money, but you may have hidden fees for storage or parking. Door to door is easier and you won’t have surprise costs. Nova will pick up from your home and deliver your car right near your destination; therefore, you are also saving time and fuel.
Avoid Rush or Expedited Delivery
Although expedited transport “sounds” great, it may be the highest priced option. When you elect for expedited you will typically pay a 30–50% increase in your rate. Unless you need an expedited delivery than standard delivery is always the best option.
Compare Quotes from Reputable Companies
Don’t just pick the cheapest quote. Check if the company is FMCSA-licensed and insured. A low quote from an unverified broker can turn into a big problem later. Nova Auto Transport offers instant quotes online, verified carrier info, and full transparency from start to finish.
These small tips might sound simple, but together they make a big difference. On an average 1,200-mile route, a few smart choices can bring your cost down from $1,000 to around $850, and that’s before seasonal discounts kick in.
Beware of Broker Tactics During Peak Season
During peak times for car shipping, like summer or holidays, a lot of online “companies” pop up with prices that seem too low you can’t believe them. Many are brokers who do not have trucks, they are simply posting your job on a board and waiting for a carrier to pick it up.
Here is how it usually goes: you receive a quote for $800, pay a small deposit, and then weeks later, you’re probably getting a call from the broker who tells you something like “the carrier canceled” or that “fuel prices just went up” – and now your $800 quote is now $1,100. This is called bait and switch, it is an old trick. Some you hire to transport your vehicle will even sell your booking to someone else and keep you waiting days or weeks while your car sits.
They might even take your booking and “broker” it out to another professional dispatcher for more money, your car is just still sitting there. Others will bury small print fees in the cost of long-distance transporting your vehicle. Things like “carrier release” and processing insurance fees will add another hundreds there as well.
This is where Nova Auto Transport stands apart. They don’t overpromise or change numbers halfway through. When you book with Nova, the quote you get is locked in. It won’t change unless you change something about the shipment, like the car type or pickup location.
Nova works with only verified carriers who have active FMCSA licensing and coverage. Every truck is guaranteed to carry coverage of at least $1 million, so your car is protected from pickup until delivery. Plus, there are no call centers. You get real spoken conversation with dispatchers who communicate constantly while your car is being moved.
Many customers say that it is the honesty of Nova that keeps them coming back—this type of honesty is very unusual in the industry. During the high season and 2024, when most shipping companies increased prices at least 20%, Nova maintained customer shipping rates. There is no gamesiness in pricing, no hidden costs, and certainly no lame excuses at Nova. Just fair, honest service and pricing all year long.
Real-World Example
Let’s look at how much difference timing can make when shipping your car. Below is a sample rate table based on real 2025 routes from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX.
| Month | Route Example | Average Price | Notes |
| February | San Francisco → Dallas | $900 | Lowest rates of the year (off-season) |
| June | San Francisco → Dallas | $1,200 | High demand due to relocations and summer moves |
| October | San Francisco → Dallas | $950 | Stable off-peak pricing before holidays |
As you might have noticed, February offers the most inexpensive shipment. This can be accounted for with a simple explanation, demand drops, traffic declines, and carriers need to load the trucks. Long story short, by April the pricing continues upward as more people relocate for new jobs and school.
And then we have the month of June and July, which is when the entire country seems to move, and carriers create a surge in pricing, up to $200-$300/trip. Then, when we get to October, prices will again drop as people settle in for the fall.
If you want details of these pricing seasonal repeats, its like a big wave, up in the summer, down in the winter. The best time to ship is before the wave rises.
These changes in pricing per shipment are readily available on Nova Auto Transport’s online quote calculator, which runs every hour. You can price with 100% confidence. If prices drop by next week, the quote (your price) will drop accordingly and you paid for a live quote from Nova which always uses live carrier data each day to track transport pricing.
Some customers even ship in February or September on purpose, not because they have to move, but because it’s simply the best deal of the year.
FAQs About Seasonal Car Shipping
Is winter really cheaper for car shipping?
Yes, in most cases it is. Winter has less demand since fewer people move. Carriers lower prices to stay busy, especially on routes between southern states like California, Texas, and Florida.
How much can I save by shipping off-season?
You can save between $150 and $400, depending on distance and route. Long trips like coast-to-coast see the biggest difference.
Does weather delay deliveries in the winter?
That is sometimes the case, though particularly in snow-prone areas. Nova takes great care in managing and planning routes and avoids poor road conditions as much as possible. Routes south of us are seldom impeded due to inclement weather.
Can I get enclosed transport in February or March?
Sure. Enclosed carriers can run year-round, and winter is usually better since they frequently have better availability and since prices are reduced from summer months.
Should I avoid shipping near holidays?
Yes, if you can. Christmas, New Year’s and Thanksgiving are notoriously slow times for the trucking business and booking up to and including around the holidays can create delays or possibly excess charges.
Does Nova Auto Transport adjust quotes daily?
Yes. Nova uses live market tracking that updates every 24 hours. Prices move with gas rates, carrier demand, and route trends, so what you see is always current and fair.
Conclusion – Ship Smart, Ship with Nova
So what’s the cheapest time of year to ship a car? In 2025, the best months are February, March, September, and late fall (October–November). These are the off-peak periods when demand drops, drivers are more available, and rates hit their lowest point.
By timing your shipment for off-peak months, you can save enough to cover all your gas for the trip, in some instances, even more. If you plan accordingly and are flexible in shipping your vehicle with an open carrier, typically, you will save the most money, if you want a hassle-free, no-risk car shipping experience.
Car shipping does not need to be complicated and fraught with risk. If you use Nova Auto Transport you will have an easy to follow, transparent and predictable process. Real-time car shipping quotes means no hidden fees, verified carriers mean no surprise charges, and with $1 million in insurance coverage means peace of mind.
Whether you’re attending school, relocating for work, buying a car from another state, or whatever your needs may be, Nova makes your shipping experience affordable, worry free, easy and on time. Don’t wait until the next price increase hits, check your quote now and see how much off-season shipping could save you this year.
Get your instant quote today with Nova Auto Transport, transparent, reliable, and always in season.
