Bad weather can delay a car shipment by anywhere from a few hours to several days, and in major events like hurricanes or large winter storms, by a week or more. Snow, ice, high winds, flooding and wildfire smoke can close roads, slow trucks or make loading unsafe, and drivers must still follow federal hours-of-service limits while they wait. The best defense is to build a few buffer days into your plan, ship early before peak storm periods, and stay in touch with your carrier for updates.
Key takeaways
- Most weather delays add 1–3 days, but hurricanes and big blizzards can add a week or more.
- Winter storms on mountain passes and the northern plains, and hurricanes in the Southeast and Gulf, cause the most disruption.
- Drivers have legal limits on driving hours, so time lost waiting out a storm can't always be made up later.
- Enclosed transport protects against hail, salt and grime, but it doesn't make the truck faster in a storm.
- Buffer days, flexible pickup windows and live updates make weather delays much easier to handle.
How weather slows a car carrier
A loaded car carrier is a long, heavy truck with a tall load. That makes it more sensitive to weather than a passenger car. Here is how different conditions typically affect a trip:
| Weather | What happens | Typical delay |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy rain | Slower speeds, harder loading, poor visibility | Hours to 1 day |
| Snow and ice | Chain rules, road closures, slow mountain passes | 1–3 days, sometimes more |
| High winds | High-profile vehicle warnings, bridge and pass closures | Hours to 1–2 days |
| Hurricanes and tropical storms | Evacuations, closed ports and roads, flooding | Several days to 1–2 weeks in the hardest-hit areas |
| Flooding | Closed highways, detours | 1 day to a week |
| Wildfires and smoke | Road closures, rerouting | Hours to several days |
| Extreme heat | Slower driving, equipment breakdowns | Usually small |
| Hail | Trucks may stop and shelter; damage risk on open trailers | Hours |
These are general ranges. Your actual delay depends on the route, the storm and how many other trucks are stuck in the same place.
Why a short storm can cause a longer delay
Truck drivers follow federal hours-of-service rules. Property-carrying drivers can typically drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour on-duty window before they must take a 10-hour break. If a driver spends half a day stuck at a closed pass, those hours are gone. The driver can't simply drive through the night to catch up. A storm that closes a road for 8 hours can push a delivery back a full day or more.
Car carriers also make many stops for pickups and deliveries. A one-day delay early in the route can shift every stop after it.
Seasonal weather by region
Knowing what each season brings helps you plan the right shipping date.
Winter (December to March)
- Mountain passes: I-80 over Donner Pass in California, I-70 through the Colorado Rockies and I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass in Washington often see chain controls or closures.
- Northern plains and Midwest: blizzards and ground blizzards can close long stretches of I-80, I-90 and I-94.
- Northeast: nor'easters can slow I-95 and local streets, making pickup and delivery harder.
- South: rare ice storms can shut down roads in areas that are not set up to treat them.
Winter is also peak snowbird season, when many cars head south. Demand plus weather can tighten schedules on routes like the New York to Florida corridor.
Spring (March to May)
Spring brings severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and hail across the Plains, Midwest and South. Delays are usually short, but hail is a real risk for cars on open trailers.
Summer (June to August)
Heat and afternoon thunderstorms cause small slowdowns. Wildfires in the West can close highways. Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1.
Fall (September to November)
The heart of hurricane season is typically from mid-August through October, and the season officially runs to November 30. Early snow can also hit high passes in October and November.
Hurricanes: the biggest scheduling disruptor
Hurricanes affect car shipping more than almost any other weather event because they can close whole regions at once. During a storm threat:
- Carriers may stop accepting loads into the forecast path.
- Evacuation traffic fills highways heading inland.
- Ports may close, delaying ocean shipments, such as cars going to Hawaii or Puerto Rico.
- After the storm, flooding, debris and power outages can keep roads closed for days.
If you are shipping to or from Florida, Texas or the Gulf Coast between August and October, keep your dates flexible and watch the forecast for a week before pickup. Moving pickup a few days earlier to get ahead of a storm is often smarter than waiting it out.
What carriers usually do
Professional drivers watch the weather closely. They may reroute, stop early at a safe truck stop, or hold cars in a secure location until roads reopen. That's the right call. A delayed car is better than a damaged car, or a driver put in danger.
Open vs. enclosed in bad weather
Many people ask whether enclosed shipping helps with weather. It depends on what you mean by "helps."
| Concern | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Road salt and slush | Car will likely arrive dirty | Car stays clean |
| Hail | Exposed | Protected |
| Rain and snow | Exposed, usually harmless to sound paint | Protected |
| Road closures and delays | Same delays | Same delays |
| Cost | Lower, typically $500–$1,900 | Higher, typically $800–$2,900 |
For a daily driver, open transport is usually fine year-round; a car wash at delivery takes care of road grime. For classics, exotics or freshly painted cars, especially in winter or hail season, enclosed transport is worth considering.
How to plan around the weather
Use this checklist when booking, especially between November and March or during hurricane season:
- Add buffer days. Plan for at least 2–3 extra days in winter or storm season, and more for coast-to-coast trips.
- Book early. More notice gives your carrier room to adjust around storms.
- Stay flexible on pickup. A pickup window of a few days lets the driver avoid the worst conditions.
- Don't plan a tight handoff. If you need the car the day you arrive, ship it earlier or rent a car for a few days.
- Prepare the car for cold. Check antifreeze, battery and tires, and leave the fuel at about a quarter tank.
- Keep your phone on. Drivers often call to adjust pickup or delivery times because of weather.
- Choose a safe meeting spot. Ice and snow can make residential streets even harder for big rigs; a plowed parking lot works better.
- Consider a guaranteed delivery date if your schedule has no room for change, and ask how weather is handled.
See our guide to preparing your car for shipping for the full prep list.
What to expect if your shipment is delayed
Communication
You should hear about a weather delay as soon as the driver or dispatcher knows about it. CTS provides 24/7 in-transit updates, so you can check on your car's progress at any time instead of waiting for news.
Your car's safety
When a truck stops for weather, cars stay strapped on the trailer, usually at a truck stop or secure yard. The car isn't unloaded unless there's a reason to.
Costs
A normal weather delay usually doesn't change your price. If it causes you extra expenses, like a rental car, check your agreement and your own insurance. If anyone tries to add a "weather fee" that isn't in your written agreement, ask for it in writing before you pay.
Delivery day in bad weather
If your car arrives in snow, rain or after dark, still do a careful inspection before signing. Note on the bill of lading if conditions made it hard to see, then check again in daylight and report anything new quickly.
It also helps to know your own limits. If you must have the car on a specific day, for a new job or a lease start date, say so when you book. Your carrier can then suggest an earlier pickup, a faster service level or a route less likely to be hit by storms. Telling the company early gives them options; telling them after a storm hits leaves very few.
Weather and long-distance routes
The longer the route, the more weather systems a truck may pass through. A cross-country shipment normally takes about 7–10 days. In winter, a northern route can face several storms in one trip, so drivers often choose southern routes like I-10 or I-40 when they can. Short trips under 500 miles usually take 1–3 days and are less likely to be hit by more than one storm.
Weather and ocean shipments
Cars going to Hawaii, Alaska or Puerto Rico travel part of the way by ship, and sailings can be delayed by storms and high seas. A delayed sailing can push your car's arrival back by several days, and a missed connection at the port can add more. If you are shipping overseas within the U.S. during hurricane season or the stormy winter months, add a full week of cushion to your plans. Our Hawaii car shipping page explains how port schedules work.
A quick weather-ready plan
Think of your plan in three stages:
- Two weeks out: book your shipment, mention any firm deadlines, and ask how the company handles weather delays.
- The week of pickup: watch the forecast along your route. If a major storm is coming, talk with your carrier about shifting pickup earlier or later.
- In transit: check updates, keep your phone on, and be ready to adjust the delivery time or meeting place.
Weather is the one part of car shipping nobody controls. A little planning keeps it from becoming a bigger problem than it needs to be.
Frequently asked questions
Will my car be shipped during a snowstorm?
Drivers will travel in winter weather when it's safe, but they will stop or reroute when roads close or conditions become dangerous.
How much can a hurricane delay my shipment?
In areas directly hit, delays can last from several days to a couple of weeks, depending on road and port closures. Areas outside the path usually see smaller delays.
Is it a bad idea to ship a car in winter?
No. Many cars ship every winter. Just add buffer time and expect your car to arrive dirty on an open carrier.
Can I get a guaranteed delivery date during storm season?
A guaranteed delivery date option is available on many routes. Ask how severe weather and road closures are handled before you book.
Should I ship my car before or after hurricane season?
If you have the choice, shipping in late spring or early summer avoids the busiest part of the season. If you must ship in fall, stay flexible and watch the forecast.
Planning a move during winter or storm season? Get a free quote and we'll help you pick dates with room to spare.
Updated November 4, 2026