If you’re heading south for the winter, it’s something to look forward to, but what about the logistics of getting there? A long drive could mean several days on the road, overnight stops, and the prospect of repeating the journey in reverse a few months down the line, which might take the shine off your adventure.
Snowbird car shipping services can lighten the load. You get to fly to your seasonal home while your vehicle travels separately on a transport truck. You still need to plan a few things, including choosing your shipping dates and getting your car ready for pick-up. But don’t let this put you off. This guide covers what to expect, what affects the price, and the steps you need to take to avoid last-minute holdups.
Snowbird car shipping is a service for people who spend the winter months at a seasonal home in the south. It lets them bring their vehicle from their main home in the north without driving it themselves.
You arrange a transport company to move your car south for the colder months, then book a return trip when you’re ready to head north in the spring.
Common routes include the Northeast and Midwest to Florida or Arizona, but there are plenty of other similar destinations. Your car travels on a trailer, allowing you to make your own travel arrangements.
Depending on the provider and location, you could choose between door-to-door transport and dropping off or picking up your car at a terminal. Door-to-door snowbird car shipping is the most convenient option because the trucker gets as close as is safe and legal to your address.
A few days behind the wheel can be fun, but when you do it every year, the experience can start to lose its appeal. Car shipping for snowbirds lets you take a shorter flight and still enjoy having your own vehicle for shopping, appointments, and days out.
There are several other reasons why you might want to consider such an auto transport service:
Start planning your car shipping for snowbirds as soon as you’ve got a rough idea of when you want to move. You don’t need exact details, but if you wait until the last minute, you’ll have fewer options to match your preferred pick-up dates.
Early booking applies at both ends of the seasonal rush. Drivers head south during fall and early winter, then return north in spring. If you’re planning to move during these busy periods, allow extra time to arrange your seasonal car shipping.
It’s sensible to start contacting transport companies several weeks before your preferred pick-up date. Ask how much notice they recommend for your route and type of transport.
Remember that requesting a quote is not the same as making a booking. Once you’ve chosen a snowbird car shipping company, confirm your booking and check the estimated pick-up and delivery dates. Allow some flexibility in your travel plans because the exact arrival date depends on weather, traffic, and other stops the trucker has to make.
Snowbird Car Shipping Checklist: How to Prepare Your Vehicle
It won’t take days to get your vehicle ready for shipping, but there are a few things you can do before the trucker arrives. Start by following your transport provider’s instructions, then work your way through this snowbird car shipping checklist.
Wash the outside of the vehicle so it’s easier to spot and document any scratches, dents, and other marks during the pick-up inspection. Clean the inside as well, and remove anything you don’t want to leave with the car.
Take out any personal belongings from the vehicle, such as luggage, electronics, important documents, and valuables. Check the glove compartment, door pockets, and trunk. If you want to leave items in the vehicle, check with the transport company first, as restrictions vary. Keep any irreplaceable belongings with you.
Take clear photos of every side of the car, including the roof, bumpers, and any existing damage. Keep these images safe until the delivery is complete. At pick-up, walk around the vehicle with the driver and record any marks you’ve found on the condition report.
Check your vehicle for leaks and let the transport provider know about any mechanical problems before pick-up. Make sure the tires are properly inflated and the battery is secure and charged enough to start the car. Leave around a quarter tank of fuel, unless advised otherwise. If the vehicle won’t start, roll, steer, or brake, explain this when booking, as other loading arrangements may be needed.
Secure any loose accessories and remove detachable racks if necessary. Fold in mirrors and retract the antenna where possible. Disable the alarm or instruct the driver on how to do it. Remove toll tags or place them in their approved shielding bags to help prevent unwanted charges.
Document requirements vary by provider, so don’t assume you’ll need to leave your vehicle’s title or original ownership paperwork inside the car. It’s always best to ask what documents are needed.
Generally, you’ll need to have your booking confirmation and any vehicle identification or vehicle documents the company requires. It also makes sense to confirm the pick-up and delivery addresses are correct and that a valid phone number is available for the person handing off and accepting the vehicle at pick-up and delivery.
The person handing over or receiving the vehicle doesn’t have to be the actual owner. A third party, such as a friend, neighbor, or relative, can be nominated, but arrange this with the company beforehand. They must be 18 years or older, available for the inspection, and understand what paperwork they’ll have to sign.
Once you know where your car needs to go and when you’d like it shipped, here’s how the process usually works.
When you book snowbird car shipping, let the company know about any gates, narrow streets, condo parking rules, or other access restrictions. If needed, the driver will arrange a suitable nearby meeting point with enough room to load and unload safely.
Choosing between open and enclosed snowbird car shipping depends on the car you want to transport, your budget, and your preferred level of protection during the journey.
The price for shipping a car for snowbirds depends on where it’s going, what it is, and when you need it moved.
Someone shipping a compact car from New York to Florida will receive a different quote than someone sending a large SUV from Washington to Florida.
The main influences on the cost include:
Always request more than one quote and give each company the same shipment details so you can accurately compare. Check what’s included, when payment is due, and whether any additional charges could apply.
Before you book, it pays to know who you’ll be trusting with your car. Check their registration and read the most recent customer reviews. Pay close attention to comments about communication, pick-up arrangements, and how they handled any problems.
Request the price and shipment details in writing and make sure to understand the estimated schedule, payment terms, cancellation policy, and where you stand if your plans change. Ask about insurance coverage, including any exclusions and the process if damage occurs.
While a low quote can be attractive, consider why it’s lower. Is the same type of transport and level of service being offered? Are there likely to be other charges to pay?
Even small oversights can complicate your move. Here are some to be aware of:
It pays to plan for a few days without your car at either end of your move. Plan for airport transfers, grocery shopping, and appointments so you’re not caught short while your vehicle is in transit.
Keep the transport company’s contact details close at hand and inform them immediately of any changes to your plans. A backup contact is also useful, especially if you’ll be flying when the driver needs to speak with someone.
When you head south in the fall, it doesn’t mean you’ll be leaving winter conditions behind for the entire journey. Some sections of the route may still have snow or ice. The same applies when you return north in spring. Because of this, remember to allow for weather-related delays.
Before you leave your seasonal home, check any relevant collection rules again. Gate access, parking restrictions, or contact details may have changed since your arrival.
There’s a lot to organize when you’re moving between homes, but getting your car there doesn’t have to add to it or mean a long, tiring drive. Arrange your seasonal car shipping early, choose the right service for your vehicle, and leave time to get it prepared before pick-up.
Keep some flexibility in your travel plans and make sure someone is available to meet the driver at each end. Once you’ve sorted those details, you can look forward to your seasonal stay.
Are you ready to plan your shipment? Request a quote from Passport Transport and discuss your route, vehicle, and preferred dates with the team.
With over 55 years of trusted service, Passport Transport is the leader in enclosed auto shipping. We’re committed to delivering your vehicle safely, securely, and on time – every time. Get your free quote today and ship with confidence.
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