Snowbirds who ship their car south usually pay $500–$1,900 for open transport, and the trip takes about 7–10 days from the Northeast or Midwest to Florida, Arizona, or Texas, depending on the route. The key to a good price is timing: book 3–4 weeks ahead, because demand jumps southbound from about October through December and northbound from about March through May. Many snowbirds ship the car, fly down, and have it waiting within a few days of arrival.
Key takeaways
- Southbound peak is roughly October–December. Northbound peak is roughly March–May. Prices rise in those windows.
- Book 3–4 weeks ahead and keep your pickup dates a little flexible.
- Line up someone to release the car at home and someone to receive it at your winter address.
- Check your HOA or community rules on large trucks, and plan a nearby meeting spot if needed.
- Staying in another state part of the year doesn't usually change your registration, but long stays can. Confirm with the state DMV.
Why snowbirds ship instead of drive
The drive from New York to South Florida is about 1,200 miles. From Chicago to Phoenix, it's around 1,750. That's two to four long days behind the wheel, plus hotels, meals, and fuel, then the same trip back in spring.
Shipping saves that time and stress. It also keeps several thousand miles off your car each year, which helps with resale value and service costs. And many couples bring two cars: one ships, and one is driven, or both ship while they fly.
Our snowbird car shipping service is set up for these round trips, with simple scheduling for both legs.
The snowbird shipping calendar
Car shipping prices follow supply and demand. When thousands of snowbirds head the same way at once, trucks fill up faster. Here's what to expect through the year. Exact timing varies with weather and holidays.
| Period | Main direction | Demand | Planning tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | Southbound starts | Building | Good time to book early and lock in a price |
| October–December | Southbound | Peak | Book 3–4 weeks ahead; avoid the week of major holidays if you can |
| January–February | Mixed | Moderate | Easier scheduling for late arrivals |
| March–May | Northbound | Peak | Book your return trip before you leave home in the fall, or by February |
| June–August | Mixed | Lower for snowbird routes | Good for off-season moves |
One handy trick: trucks heading north in fall and south in spring often run lighter. If your dates are flexible and you travel against the flow, you may find a better price.
Popular snowbird routes
Most snowbird shipments run between the Northeast, Midwest, or Canada border states and warm-weather states. Here are typical transit times on common routes. They don't include the few days it can take to schedule pickup.
| Route | Approx. miles | Typical transit |
|---|---|---|
| New York to Florida | 1,000–1,300 | 3–6 days |
| Boston to Florida | 1,200–1,500 | 4–7 days |
| Chicago to Florida | 1,150–1,400 | 4–7 days |
| Michigan to Arizona | about 2,000 | 6–9 days |
| Minnesota to Texas | 1,200–1,400 | 4–7 days |
| Northeast to Southern California | about 2,800 | 7–10 days |
See our New York to Florida car shipping page, our Florida car shipping guide, or browse car shipping routes for more.
Planning both legs of the round trip
Snowbird shipping is really two shipments. Planning them together saves stress.
Fall (southbound)
- Pick a pickup date a few days before you leave, so the car arrives close to when you do.
- Name a trusted neighbor or family member to release the car if you'll already be gone.
- If your winter community has a gate, give the driver's info to the gate or front office.
Spring (northbound)
- Book your spring trip early, ideally by February.
- Ask a neighbor or property manager to receive the car if you'll leave before it arrives.
- Check your home's driveway for winter damage or snow piles before delivery.
With CTS, there's $0 deposit to book, and you can get a guaranteed delivery date option if you need the car by a set day.
Pickup windows and delivery timing
Car shipping doesn't work like a flight with a fixed departure time. Most carriers plan routes around several pickups and deliveries, so you'll usually get a pickup window of a few days rather than a single hour. The driver will call ahead, typically 12–24 hours before arrival, to set a time.
A few tips help snowbirds line everything up:
- Give a wide pickup window if you can, such as a 3–5 day range. Flexible dates often mean a better price.
- Don't book your flight for the same day as pickup. Leave a day of buffer in case the driver runs late.
- Plan for the car to arrive after you. For most routes, it will reach your winter home a few days after you land. Many snowbirds rent a car or catch a ride for those first days.
- Need a firm date? Ask for the guaranteed delivery date option, or see expedited car shipping. Same-day pickup is available in most major metros.
Open or enclosed for a snowbird car?
For a daily driver, open car shipping is the usual choice. It's the most common and budget-friendly option, typically $500–$1,900. Cars arrive with some road dust but are otherwise exposed to the same conditions as when you drive.
Choose enclosed car shipping, typically $800–$2,900, if you're sending a convertible you love, a classic, or a luxury car. Many snowbirds bring a "fun car" for winter, and enclosed transport keeps it clean and protected.
Community access, HOAs, and delivery spots
Many 55+ communities, condos, and gated neighborhoods don't allow large trucks inside. A full car carrier can be up to about 80 feet long. That's normal, and our door-to-door car shipping gets as close as is legal and safe.
- Ask your HOA or management office about truck rules.
- Pick a backup meeting spot, like a shopping center lot near the entrance.
- Give the driver gate instructions and a phone contact for the guardhouse in your booking notes.
Registration, insurance, and residency
Most snowbirds keep their home-state registration, license, and insurance when they spend the winter elsewhere. But states have their own rules, and some can change if you become a resident. For example, Florida typically requires new residents to register their vehicles within a short period after establishing residency, such as by taking a job, enrolling kids in school, or filing a homestead exemption. Seasonal visitors who keep a home elsewhere typically aren't affected.
Because these rules vary and can change, confirm with the DMV in your winter state (in Florida, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles). Also tell your insurer where the car will spend the winter, as some policies care about garaging location.
Driving vs. shipping: a cost comparison
It's easy to assume driving is cheaper. But for a long snowbird route, the true cost of driving adds up. Here's how the two compare on a trip of 1,200 miles or more.
| Cost item | Driving yourself | Shipping the car |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 2–4 days each way | A short hand-off at each end |
| Fuel | Paid by you | Included |
| Hotels and meals | 1–3 nights each way | None |
| Wear on the car | 2,400+ miles a year for the round trip | None |
| Your travel | You drive | Airfare for you |
| Shipping fee | None | Often $500–$1,900 per trip, open transport |
For many retirees, the deciding factor isn't money. It's skipping two long days on I-95 or I-75 in each direction. Use our car shipping cost calculator to see a price for your route.
Getting the car ready to sit for the season
Snowbird cars often sit for months at one end of the trip. A little prep keeps them ready to drive when you return.
The car you're leaving behind
- Fill the tank and consider a fuel stabilizer for long storage.
- Use a battery tender, or ask a neighbor to start the car now and then.
- Check tire pressure; tires lose air in cold weather.
- Keep insurance active. Ask your insurer about storage coverage options instead of canceling.
The car you're shipping
- Get any due maintenance done before it ships, so you're not hunting for a shop the first week.
- Check that your registration won't expire while you're away. Renew early if needed.
- If you have a SunPass, E-ZPass, or other toll account, make sure your transponder works in the new state.
Shipping two cars or a golf cart
Couples often ship both cars at once on the same truck. This usually costs less than two separate bookings and keeps the timing simple. Ask for both vehicles on one quote.
Some snowbirds also want to move a golf cart, motorcycle, or small trailer. Many carriers can handle these, but they need the size and weight in advance. See motorcycle shipping for bikes.
Snowbird car shipping checklist
- Book 3–4 weeks ahead for the fall trip, and plan the spring trip at the same time.
- Confirm who will release and receive the car at each end.
- Check HOA truck rules and pick a backup meeting spot.
- Wash the car and take photos and a video of every side, the interior, and the odometer.
- Remove personal items, toll tags, and garage door openers.
- Keep fuel at about a quarter tank.
- Check tires and battery, especially if the car will sit for months.
- Hand over one set of keys and keep the spare.
- Inspect the car at delivery and note any new damage on the Bill of Lading before signing.
For more detail, see our full vehicle shipping checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How much does snowbird car shipping cost?
Most open-carrier snowbird shipments run about $500–$1,900, depending on distance, vehicle size, and timing. Peak months cost more. Enclosed transport typically runs $800–$2,900.
How far ahead should I book?
Book about 3–4 weeks ahead during peak season. Earlier is better if your dates are fixed.
Do I have to be there for pickup and delivery?
No. A trusted adult can release and receive the car for you. Share their contact info when you book.
Can I ship two cars at once?
Yes. Many couples ship both cars on the same truck. Just ask when you request a quote.
Should I book the spring return trip in the fall?
It's a good idea to plan it early. Spring northbound dates fill up fast, especially in April. Getting a quote and setting your preferred dates by February gives you the best chance at the pickup window you want.
Can I pack things in my car?
It's best not to. Carrier insurance generally doesn't cover personal items. Ship belongings separately.
Planning your winter move? Get a free quote and lock in your dates before peak season fills up. Our Best Price Guarantee means we'll match or beat a lower written quote.
Updated November 4, 2026