When the weather turns to freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and heavy rain, an increasing number of people choose to head south, where the weather is much warmer. These retirees, dual homeowners, and long-term travelers are fondly called snowbirds. 

If you’re considering joining the snowbirds family, you might want to think about how you’ll get around in your winter location. While your winter quarters may be blessed with excellent public transport, it’ll be far more convenient if you’ve got your car to drive around. 

Taking a road trip in the dead of winter might not be the greatest idea. Far better to get your car delivered right to your door while you start your winter sojourn with a relaxing flight.

In this snowbirds guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about snowbird car shipping, including the benefits, transport options, the best time to book, and how to get your vehicle ready for snowbird vehicle transport. 

When and Why Snowbirds Ship Their Cars

Snowbird car shipping is a seasonal service offered by many auto transport companies, including Passport Transport. The service involves shipping cars south to the American sunbelt for the winter months and then returning them during the spring or early summer. Popular destinations for these seasonal travellers include Florida, Arizona, Texas, and California. 

The benefits of using snowbird vehicle transport include:

• Safety: Driving hundreds of miles during the winter months is dangerous. There’s also an increased risk of breakdowns, making snowbird car shipping a safer option. 
• Convenience: Having your car shipped can avoid travel delays and other disruptions.  
• No extra travel spending: Driving your vehicle might sound attractive, but when you add up all the costs, such as gas, hotels, and food, an auto transport service might save you money.  
• Avoiding wear and tear on older vehicles: By choosing car transport for snowbirds, you can avoid unwanted and costly wear and tear on your vehicle. 

Your Options: Driving vs. Shipping vs. DIY

When you’re heading south for the winter and want to take your vehicle with you, you have several options: driving yourself, hiring a driver, open or enclosed auto transport, and DIY towing. As you’ll see in the table below, each option has pros and cons.  

Method	Pros	Cons
Drive yourself	Flexible	Time-consuming, tiring, increased risk of damage, added costs, added mileage and wear and tear
Hire a driver	Personal service	Costly, not insured, hard to find a reliable driver, delays and unexpected costs are common, risk of damage and wear and tear
Open auto transport	Affordable, no added wear and tear, access to reputable carriers, multiple transport options	Exposure to the elements
Enclosed auto transport	Ultimate protection, around-the-clock support, door-to-door delivery, full management of shipping, all-inclusive pricing	Higher cost
DIY towing	Cheapest upfront	Risk, stress, limited range

Why Enclosed Auto Transport is Ideal for Snowbirds

Enclosed auto transport provides complete peace of mind for snowbirds heading south for the winter. This is particularly important if you’re shipping high-value, custom, antique, luxury, or classic vehicles.

With enclosed auto transport, vehicles are transported inside enclosed trailers that protect what’s inside from the weather, road grime, dust, and debris. In addition, it shields the vehicle from prying eyes, unwanted attention, and wear and tear. 

Passport Transport is a company that specializes in snowbird car shipping, particularly white-glove pick-up and delivery door-to-door using enclosed auto transport. We take the hassle out of seasonal travel, and our experienced drivers handle your car with the utmost care and attention. Our services include custom loading, full insurance coverage, and real-time updates along the way.  

Snowbird Car Shipping Timeline: When to Book

Timing is critical when it comes to shipping your car. If you want to benefit from the best rates possible, it’s recommended you book 2-4 weeks in advance. Planning ahead gives you more flexibility and helps you avoid last-minute price hikes common during peak snowbird seasons. 

The busiest times for snowbird vehicle transport are fall, September through November, and spring, March through May. During these times, demand increases, which affects availability. If you book early, you’ll likely lock in your preferred spot with a reputable carrier. 

Prices also tend to fluctuate according to the seasons. When demand is high, rates may increase because of limited carrier availability. When you book in advance, you get to avoid such price increases and ensure your car arrives on time. 

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Seasonal Shipping

For the smoothest snowbirds car shipping experience, it pays to spend time getting your vehicle ready. Here are some steps you can follow:

• Clean your car: Clean your vehicle inside and outside to help you spot any preexisting damage. 
• Take good photos: These should be from all angles, inside and outside, paying close attention to any existing damage. 
• Document all damage: As well as photos of existing damage, keep a written note of any dings, dents, and chips. 
• Maintenance checklist: Inspect the tires, fluid levels, and make sure the car is operational. 
• Remove personal items: Remove all personal items as these are not covered under the carrier’s insurance. 
• Fuel level and battery charge: The battery in a standard car should be fully charged, and the gas tank should be 1/4 full. For electric vehicles, the battery should be charged between 45% and 65%. 
• Disable alarms and toll tags: Disable all car alarms and remove toll tags. 
• Make a spare key: If you don’t have a spare key, make sure one is available. 
• Documentation needed: This includes vehicle registration and insurance, a copy of your transport agreement, and any special instructions for pick-up and delivery. 

Why Snowbirds Trust Passport Transport

Snowbirds need a transport company they can count on, which is why so many turn to Passport Transport for their shipping needs. We are nationwide specialists in enclosed car transport and have decades of experience delivering exceptional care and protection. 

Our state-of-the-art equipment includes a modern fleet of company-owned, fully enclosed, hard-sided trailers, all lift-gate equipped. They are well-maintained and have advanced features like air-ride suspension and GPS tracking, ensuring the safest and most comfortable journey for your vehicle. From the moment we pick up your vehicle, it’s handled with white-glove precision, fully insured, and handled by our veteran drivers. 

Passport Transport specializes in door-to-door service, making the process as smooth as possible for retirees and luxury vehicle owners. We pick up your car at your location and deliver it safely to your winter or summer home.   

Step-by-Step: Booking Your Snowbird Transport

Shipping your vehicle for the snowbird season seems much less complicated if you know what to expect. Here’s a quick step-by-step snowbirds guide to the process: 

• Get a custom quote: Start by requesting a personal quote based on your vehicle type, location, and preferred travel dates. 
• Schedule your pickup depending on when you want to travel: Choose a pick-up window that suits your travel plans. Aim to book 2-4 weeks in advance, particularly during the fall and spring seasons when the industry is busiest. 
• Prepare your car: Clean your car inside and out, take out all personal items, check fluid and battery levels, make sure your gas tank is no more than one quarter full, and check tires are correctly inflated. 
• Track delivery and relax: Once your vehicle is safely on its way, we can regularly update you on its progress. 

Expert Insight: Advice from a Snowbird Car Shipping Specialist

Purpose: Showcase Passport Transport’s authority and real-world experience.

• Interview or quote from a seasoned transport coordinator or driver
• Tips on prepping a vehicle, avoiding delays, and choosing the right service
• Position Passport Transport as a trusted voice in the snowbird community

Real Stories: Snowbirds Who Trust Passport Transport

Purpose: Reinforce experience and trustworthiness with testimonials or customer snapshots

• A couple from Michigan who ships to Arizona annually
• A retired veteran who trusts Passport with his antique car
• Include short quotes and photos if available

Cost Factors That Affect Snowbird Car Shipping Rates

Several factors impact how much it costs for snowbirds to ship their cars. Consider the following:

• Distance: The greater your car needs to travel, the higher the cost.
• Vehicle type: It costs more to ship large or modified vehicles.
• Time of year: Peak snowbird car shipping times are fall and spring. This is when prices are the highest. 
• Carrier type: Enclosed auto transport is more expensive but your car gets maximum protection from weather and damage, and ensures peace of mind. 
• Booking window: Try to book 2-4 weeks in advance because this helps secure better rates and improved availability. 

Snowbird Safety: Why Door-to-Door Enclosed Transport is Worth It

Convenience and peace of mind are crucial if you’re heading south for the winter. Passport Transport’s door-to-door enclosed service provides both. Why is it worth it? Let’s explain more:

• Lower risk of damage or theft: Your vehicle is fully protected from the weather, road debris and dirt, and prying eyes. The chance of theft pr transit damage is also minimal because your vehicle is never left exposed at a public terminal or moved between multiple carriers. 
• No terminal visits or long road trips: We pick up your car from your home and deliver it directly to your seasonal residence, eliminating the need for time-consuming logistics. 
• Hands-off process for older travelers: For retirees and those wanting a stress-free move, door-to-door enclosed transport is a game-changer. No heavy lifting, coordination hassles, or extra travel time is required. With snowbird vehicle transport, you can focus on your seasonal relocation while we care for your car.  

Seasonal Checklist for Snowbird Travelers

Getting ready for your seasonal move? We thought providing a seasonal checklist in our snowbirds guide would be helpful. Use the following handy guide to make your move smooth and worry-free. 

 ✔ Travel Prep

• Book auto transport 2–4 weeks in advance
• Arrange mail forwarding or USPS hold
• Notify bank, utilities, and healthcare providers
• Confirm seasonal accommodation and travel plans

✔ Packing Essentials

• Bring medications, insurance documents, and IDs
• Pack clothes for varying weather
• Don’t forget chargers, travel snacks, and pet supplies
• Store important documents in a weatherproof folder

✔ Car Shipping To-Dos

• Clean your car and take photos of its condition
• Remove personal items and toll tags
• Leave ¼ tank of gas, check battery, and tire pressure
• Confirm pick-up date and drop-off location

✔ Destination Arrival Tips

• Check local service providers (internet, utilities, etc.)
• Purchase essential groceries and basic household items
• Inform healthcare providers of your current location
• If necessary, get your vehicle inspected after delivery

Passport Transport’s Credentials & Compliance

We are a fully licensed and insured auto transport provider, strictly complying with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. 

With decades of experience specializing in enclosed vehicle transport, we’re trusted by classic car collectors, luxury vehicle owners, and seasonal travellers. We carry comprehensive insurance coverage for added peace of mind and maintain active membership in leading industry associations, highlighting our commitment to safety, reliability, and professional standards.  

FAQs

What is the best time for snowbirds to ship a car?

Book early to secure the best rates and your preferred pick-up window. Shipping rates tend to be higher during spring and fall.  

Is enclosed auto transport worth it for seasonal travel?

Yes, enclosed auto transport is worth the expense because it protects your precious vehicle against weather, road debris, and wear. 

How much does it cost to ship a car as a snowbird?

The cost to ship a car varies depending on the distance, type of vehicle, and shipping option. Enclosed shipping is more expensive but offers premium protection and service. 

How far in advance should I book snowbird vehicle transport?

Try to book 2-4 weeks in advance if you want to secure the best rates and scheduling. 

Can I put personal items in the car during transport?

For safety and insurance reasons, putting personal items in your car during shipping is not recommended. 

Conclusion: Snowbird Car Shipping Made Simple

If you want to ship your car, the smartest move is to choose enclosed auto shipping with Passport Transport. However, make sure you book a few weeks in advance. It is the safest, most convenient way to protect your vehicle from the elements and avoid the risks of long-distance driving. 

With decades of experience, compliance with industry-leading safety standards, and white-glove door-to-door service, Passport Transport stands out from the crowd. We’re a trusted partner for snowbirds across the country. You can count on us to deliver your car with care right to your winter doorstep. 

Get a free quote now and make your seasonal move smooth and secure with Passport Transport.

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