Why Prices Change Daily in Auto Transport
Pricing & Cost Insights
12/16/2025
Wimple Auto Transport guarantees transparent car shipping with no hidden fees. Every shipment is fully insured and handled by vetted carriers. We have delivered thousands of vehicles safely nationwide. Enjoy a low price on every route with instant quotes and clear updates. Terms and conditions apply.
Wimple Auto Transport guarantees transparent car shipping with no hidden fees. Every shipment is fully insured and handled by vetted carriers. We have delivered thousands of vehicles safely nationwide. Enjoy a low price on every route with instant quotes and clear updates. Terms and conditions apply.
Snowbird Car Shipping
Are you returning home in the spring or heading to a warmer climate for the winter? Wimple offers transparent ETAs, licensed, insured carriers, and pricing that takes into account the actual capacity on your route when arranging door-to-door snowbird auto transport. Select an enclosed carrier for superior protection or an open carrier for the best deal.
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What is “snowbird car shipping”?
In accordance with the snowbird calendar, it is a seasonal, state-to-state auto transport service that runs north to south in the fall and early winter and south to north in the spring. Planning is important for price and pickup windows because demand spikes on these corridors.
When should I book?
Best windows: reserve two to four weeks in advance for spring (northbound) and fall (southbound) travel to secure better seats on congested lanes.
Expect seasonality: the majority of snowbirds travel south from October to February and north from March to June, which can push up prices due to capacity constraints.
Weather watch: road closures, hurricanes, and winter storms can all impact scheduling; flexible pickup windows help keep prices low during busy times.
How much does snowbird car shipping cost?
The majority of snowbirds travel between $700 and $1,300 one way on open carrier land, with longer routes resulting in lower per-mile rates. For instance, the average trip from New York to Florida takes three to five days and costs about $788, whereas the trip from Chicago to Tampa costs roughly $1,004 to $1,651 over 1,171 miles.
Current seasonal averages indicate approximately $0.80/mi (0-500 mi), $0.70/mi (1,000-1,500 mi), and $0.35/mi (2,500-3,000 mi) as a planning guide.
How long will it take?
Depending on routing, traffic, and stops, long-haul progress after pickup typically ranges from 500 to 700 miles per day. ETAs are scheduled with safety and compliance in mind, as drivers are subject to federal Hours-of-Service regulations, which limit their driving to 11 hours during a 14-hour on-duty window with mandatory breaks.
500-1,000 miles: about two to four days
Approximately 3-6 days for 1,000-1,800 miles
2,000+ miles in 5-8 days
Door-to-door, explained for snowbirds
Door-to-door refers to pickup and delivery to your address or, in the event that large trucks are unable to reach your street due to low trees, narrow roads, HOA or city restrictions, to the closest safe, authorized location. As is customary and legal on residential and condo routes, your driver will arrange a meet location in the vicinity.
The detailed process of snowbird shipping
1. Check prices and select services.
We offer both open (best value) and enclosed (premium) pricing options for your lane. Request an expedited plan over the phone so we can verify live capacity if you require the earliest pickup.
2. Carrier assignment
We pair your car with a DOT/MC-licensed carrier that has been screened and is operating your route.
3. Pickup
The driver texts or calls in advance, takes pictures of your car, and records the condition on the Bill of Lading (BOL), which is your record on both sides.
4. In transit
We provide ETA updates; expect progress related to HOS limits and routing.
5. Delivery
Walk around, check the pickup notes, and sign the BOL at your address or a secure meeting place nearby.
What am I allowed to put in the car?
Personal items weighing less than 100 pounds may be shipped in the trunk in one suitcase or box for free. Remember that the designated trucker has the right to search the trunk for illegal items due to safety regulations.
Popular snowbird routes we cover
Most affordable state-to-state auto transport routes
New Jersey to Florida car shipping
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Boston to Naples car shipping
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Chicago to Tampa car shipping
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Cleveland to Gulf Coast car shipping
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Don't see your route? We ship all 50 states!
Why snowbirds prefer car shipping instead of driving
Extra luggage allowed
A small amount of luggage, usually up to about 100 pounds, can be carried by some carriers as long as it is secured in the trunk or below window height. Obtain permission first, pack in closed containers (no loose boxes), and keep in mind that personal belongings are not always covered by insurance. To find out if your lane is allowed, ask your advisor.
No long road trip needed
Avoid highway travel days, hotel check-ins, and concerns about breakdowns. Your car is driven door to door by a vetted driver while you concentrate on your family, job, or studies. Your car comes with a documented Bill of Lading inspection, and you avoid accumulating hundreds of miles and wear and tear.
Avoid road-trip expenses
Costs associated with flying out and driving back include airfare, gas, lodging, meals, tolls, parking, and lost time. You only pay one clear, all-inclusive price when you use a professional state-to-state auto shipping service. Select enclosed for superior protection—no unexpected extras—or open carrier for the best deal.
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Frequently asked questions about snowbird car shipping:
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Visit our help center or reach out to our customer support team.
Usually, spring northbound and fall/early winter southbound traffic generates the most demand on those lanes.