Each fall, as leaves turn golden across the northern states, thousands of Americans- known affectionately as snowbirds – pack up and head south. Whether escaping New York winters for sunny Florida, or trading Michigan’s frost for Arizona’s warmth, snowbirds create one of the busiest seasons in the auto transport industry.
At Corsia Logistics, October marks the start of this migration. Planning early can mean the difference between a smooth, affordable shipment and a costly last-minute scramble.
Who Are the Snowbirds?
Snowbirds are retirees, remote workers (digital nomads), and families – who spend the colder months in warmer regions. Many own second homes in the south, and prefer to have their vehicles shipped rather than drive thousands of miles.
Typical travel patterns start in October and continue through December, with a reverse migration northward in the spring (March–May).
Why October Is the Best Month to Ship a Car?
We would like to think of October is the sweet spot for snowbird car shipping:
- Lower demand than November – December means better rates and more carrier availability.
- Milder weather reduces the risk of storms or delays on major routes.
- Flexible scheduling lets you coordinate delivery before your arrival and often better rates.
Waiting until mid-November or later can easily raise prices by 20 to 30%, as carrier space becomes scarce.
Most Popular Snowbird Routes
Corsia Logistics coordinates shipments nationwide, but the snowbird flow follows a few key migration corridors:
| Route | Average Miles | Popular Cities | Average Open Transport Price | Average Enclosed Transport Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York → Florida | ~1,200 | NYC, Long Island, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples | $900 – $1,200 | $1,400 – $1,800 |
| Boston → Tampa | ~1,350 | Boston, Providence, Tampa, Sarasota, Cape Coral | $1,000 – $1,300 | $1,500 – $1,900 |
| Chicago → Phoenix | ~1,750 | Chicago, St. Louis, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Scottsdale | $1,200 – $1,500 | $1,700 – $2,200 |
| Detroit → Naples | ~1,300 | Detroit, Toledo, Atlanta, Naples, Fort Myers | $1,000 – $1,250 | $1,500 – $1,800 |
| Philadelphia → Fort Lauderdale | ~1,200 | Philadelphia, DC, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale | $950 – $1,200 | $1,400 – $1,700 |
| Minneapolis → Tucson | ~1,700 | Minneapolis, Kansas City, El Paso, Tucson | $1,200 – $1,500 | $1,700 – $2,200 |
| Cleveland → Houston | ~1,300 | Cleveland, Nashville, Houston, Galveston | $1,000 – $1,250 | $1,400 – $1,800 |
| Denver → Palm Springs | ~1,000 | Denver, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Diego | $950 – $1,200 | $1,400 – $1,700 |
Prices above reflect average rates for October 2025 based on recent Corsia data. Rates vary depending on exact pickup/delivery zip codes, vehicle type, seasonality, and carrier availability.
Price Estimates by Vehicle Type
Vehicle size and weight play a major role in shipping cost. Here’s what to expect for standard snowbird routes like New York to Florida or Chicago to Phoenix:
| Vehicle Type | Open Carrier (est.) | Enclosed Carrier (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Car (e.g., Toyota Corolla) | $900 – $1,100 | $1,400 – $1,700 |
| Mid-Size Sedan (e.g., Honda Accord) | $950 – $1,200 | $1,500 – $1,800 |
| SUV (e.g., Ford Explorer) | $1,100 – $1,350 | $1,600 – $2,000 |
| Pickup Truck (e.g., F-150) | $1,200 – $1,500 | $1,800 – $2,200 |
| Luxury / Classic Vehicle | — | $1,800 – $2,500 |
Open carriers are the industry standard—ideal for most snowbird travelers—while enclosed carriers offer additional protection for high-value or collectible cars.
Open vs. Enclosed: Which to Choose?
Open Transport
- Most common and cost-effective option.
- Car is exposed to weather and road dust but safely secured.
- Best for daily drivers, SUVs, or newer vehicles under warranty.
Enclosed Transport
- Premium protection from weather and debris.
- Car is loaded in a covered trailer, often with fewer vehicles per load.
- Ideal for luxury, vintage, or exotic cars.
Example: Shipping a 2024 Mercedes E-Class from New Jersey to Naples, FL — around $1,650 via enclosed transport.
Tips for Smooth Snowbird Car Shipping
- Book Early (2–3 weeks in advance):
October carriers fill up quickly as more snowbirds schedule their trips. - Be Flexible with Pickup Dates:
Giving carriers a 1–3 day window helps secure a better rate. - Clean and Inspect Your Car:
Carriers perform visual inspections before loading—clean surfaces help document any existing marks. - Remove Personal Items:
Avoid delays or overweight fees. A few light items (under 100 lbs) in the trunk are often acceptable—check with your Corsia agent. - Check Battery and Fluids:
A running vehicle loads faster and avoids extra fees. - Communicate Delivery Plans:
Let your agent know if you’ll be out of town or if someone else will receive the car.
Corsia’s Advantage for Snowbirds
At Corsia Logistics, we specialize in snowbird car shipping and have built long-term partnerships with reliable carriers serving all major routes:
- 25,000+ vetted carriers across the U.S.
- Fast pickup (1–3 days average).
- Transparent pricing—no hidden fees.
- Personal agent from quote to delivery.
Whether you’re heading to Naples, Fort Lauderdale, Tucson, Palm Desert, or Houston, Corsia makes the process simple and stress-free.
When Should You Book?
For most snowbirds, mid to late October is the ideal time to book for early November arrivals. This ensures:
- More carrier options.
- Competitive pricing.
- Flexible delivery dates around your travel plans.
Final Thoughts: Travel Light, Ship Smart
Heading south for the winter should be about sunshine, not stress. Let Corsia handle the logistics so you can enjoy the drive after your car arrives safely.
Ready to book your snowbird car shipping?
Get your personalized quote today at corsia.us or call (818) 850-5258.
We’ll help you find the best route, carrier, and price — all with personal attention from pickup to delivery.
