College Students and Military Moves: Affordable Car Shipping for October Relocations
October marks a quieter but still significant relocation season across the United States. College students wrapping up transfers, families moving for mid-semester jobs, and military members receiving new PCS orders all face the same car shipping challenge – how to move a vehicle quickly, safely, and affordably.
Whether you’re a student heading back to campus or a service member preparing for a new base assignment, Corsia Logistics can help you navigate fall car shipping with clarity and confidence. Here we will break down everything you need to know – from seasonal prices and timelines to car preparing tips and special discounts available this time of year.
Why October Is a Smart Month to Ship Your Car
The auto transport industry has high and low seasons, and October sits in a sweet middle ground between two busy peaks:
- Summer demand (May–August) driven by families relocating and college moves
- Winter rush (November–February) when snowbirds head south and holidays spike carrier rates
That makes October an ideal window for budget-friendly shipping. Car shipping rates are moderate, the weather is still manageable across most regions in the U.S., and carriers have more open spots on their trailers.
Typical advantages for October car shipments:
- Lower average cost (5 – 20% less) compared to late summer.
- Flexible pickup windows, as carriers finish summer routes.
- Reduced delay risk, since snow and storms haven’t fully hit.
For college and military customers who often need to move on short notice, that combination means better prices and faster service!
Who is Shipping Cars in October?
1. College Students
Many universities and colleges see students transferring mid-semester – whether to switch majors, change campuses, or move closer to home. Some take internships, co-ops, or study-abroad programs that start in the fall.
Shipping a car makes sense when:
- The distance exceeds 500 miles.
- Parents want peace of mind knowing the car is delivered safely.
- Driving isn’t practical or affordable with gas, hotels, and time off.
2. Military Members
Military families often relocate during fall PCS (Permanent Change of Station) season. October is a common reassignment month following fiscal-year planning.
PCS orders may send members across the country or the world. For example, some typical relocation routes could be:
- Fort Drum (NY) → Fort Hood (TX)
- Camp Pendleton (CA) → Fort Carson (CO)
- Naval Station Norfolk (VA) → Jacksonville (FL)
For service members with multiple vehicles or limited time to drive, auto transport saves stress and mileage. Most of these moves may even be partially or fully reimbursed depending on duty status.
Average Car Shipping Costs in October
Shipping prices vary by distance, route, vehicle type, and carrier availability. Below are average October 2025 estimates based on Corsia’s national data.
| Route | Distance (approx.) | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA → Austin, TX | 1,950 miles | $1,259 – $1,489 | $1,849 – $2,200 |
| Los Angeles, CA → Seattle, WA | 1,150 miles | $959 – $1,200 | $1,449 – $1,789 |
| Chicago, IL → Tallahassee, FL | 1,050 miles | $1,100 – $1,289 | $1,400 – $1,789 |
| Fort Hood, TX → Camp Lejeune, NC | 1,250 miles | $1,059 – $1,349 | $1,500 – $1,900 |
| Philadelphia, PA → San Antonio, TX | 1,800 miles | $1,200 – $1,450 | $1,700 – $2,100 |
| San Diego, CA → Denver, CO | 1,050 miles | $959 – $1,159 | $1,449 – $1,700 |
Prices reflect averages for standard sedans for open trailer. SUVs, trucks, or inoperable vehicles can add $100–$300 to total cost, as well as enclosed transport that could add up about $400 – $500 on top. Most prices are valid for one week only, so requesting a current price is crucial.
What Factors Affect the Price to Ship a Car?
- Distance:
The main variable in the equation is distance. The further away you travel to more expensive it is. Longer routes cost more, this is an obvious element.
Price per mile goes down, but this is not something customers would need to consider. Price formation always starts with the distance and then the other variable come into the equation. - Vehicle make and model:
Smaller car will cost less. A small Honda Civic weighs about 2,800 lbs, while a Ford F-250 can exceed 6,000 lbs. Heavy vehicles occupy more space and limit carrier capacity. Thus vehicle size and weight is a major base factor that we consider when checking prices and it is a parameter in our online car shipping price calculator. - Type of Transport:
Open carrier is the standard method of car transport. Most carrier can load up to 10 vehicles per trailer; they are the most economical (90% of shipments) and you see them roaming the highways often. Enclosed car carrier could be for one car or up to six vehicles,. It offers full protection for high-value or restored cars. They are less available and more expensive. - Pickup & Delivery Locations:
Location matters just as much as distance. Shipping to and from popular metro areas usually means faster service and better rates, Rural or hard-to-reach areas may require longer wait times or slightly higher prices. Shipping from a small college town like Bozeman, MT might add around $300 compared to major locations such as Chicago metro area. - Flexibility:
Being flexible and open for bigger pick-up window definitely matters when it comes to pricing. Customers with a 3 to 5 day pickup window generally secure lower prices than those needing 1 to 2 days or exact day pickup.
Student Car Shipping: Affordable and Simple
Common Student Routes
| From – To | Avg. Open Carrier Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| New York → Florida (University of Miami, UF Gainesville) | $950 – $1,200 | |
| Illinois → California (USC, UCLA, UC San Diego) | $1,300 – $1,600 | |
| Texas → Colorado (CU Boulder, CSU) | $900 – $1,100 | |
| Michigan → Arizona (ASU, U of A) | $1,050 – $1,300 | |
| Pennsylvania → North Carolina (UNC, Duke) | $850 – $1,050 |
Why Students Ship Instead of Drive
- Time: Mid-semester transitions or co-ops leave little room for multi-day drives.
- Safety: Long-distance trips mean fatigue, weather risk, and added mileage.
- Cost: Fuel, food, and lodging can easily exceed $600–$900 for a cross-country drive.
Shipping a car could end up comparable in cost to driving it to your destination, but saves wear and tear and provides insurance coverage throughout the journey.
Corsia’s Tips for Students
- Book Early, Especially Around Holidays.
Carrier availability tightens near Thanksgiving and Christmas. - Ask About Flexible Delivery Options.
If your dorm or campus restricts large trucks, choose a nearby meeting point (parking lot or off-campus location). - Keep Essentials Out of the Car.
Transporters are not licensed to carry household goods. Light items in the trunk (under 100 lbs) are typically fine. - Inspect Before and After Shipping.
Take photos for your records — Corsia’s carriers perform full pre-load inspections.
Military Car Shipping: Trusted Transport for Service Members
Corsia Logistics proudly assists active duty, reserve, and retired military members moving between bases or returning home. We understand PCS timelines are strict and every day counts. Corsia offers military car shipping discount not only in the fall!
Military Routes in Demand
| From – To | Avg. Open Carrier Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Drum, NY → Fort Hood, TX | $1,200 – $1,400 | |
| Camp Pendleton, CA → Fort Carson, CO | $950 – $1,200 | |
| Norfolk, VA → Jacksonville, FL | $850 – $1,050 | |
| Fort Bliss, TX → San Diego, CA | $900 – $1,150 | |
| Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA → Fort Riley, KS | $1,100 – $1,350 |
Corsia regularly services all major military installations nationwide and internationally.
How Corsia Helps Military Families
- Fast pickup and delivery coordination aligned with PCS orders.
- Multi-vehicle options for families relocating with two or more cars.
- Military discounts available for active duty and veterans.
- One agent support from booking to delivery – no call-center transfers.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport: Which Is Right for You?
| Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Exposed to elements | Fully covered, weather-protected |
| Cost | Most affordable | 30–50% higher |
| Best For | Daily drivers, student cars, standard sedans | Classic cars, luxury vehicles, motorcycles |
| Availability | Widely available nationwide | Fewer carriers, limited spots |
Most students and military families choose open car transport for affordability and speed. For high-value vehicles – such as restored Mustangs, Teslas, or any classic car – enclosed is worth the investment.
Preparing Your Car for Shipment
- Wash and Inspect the Vehicle
– Dirt can hide small scratches or dings. Clean it inside and out before the carrier arrives. - Document Existing Condition
– Take dated photos from all sides and keep a copy of the Bill of Lading (inspection report). - Remove Personal Items
– Transporters are not permitted to carry household goods or luggage. Light items in the trunk under 100 lbs are okay if disclosed. - Check for Leaks and Battery Health
– Your vehicle must be operable. Non-running cars require special equipment and cost extra to load. - Disable Alarms and Toll Tags
– Prevent false triggers or unwanted toll charges during transit. - Leave About ¼ Tank of Fuel
– Enough for loading/unloading, but light enough to keep weight down.
Insurance and Peace of Mind
Every shipment booked through Corsia includes full insurance coverage from pickup to delivery.
- Carrier cargo insurance covers a minimum of $250,000 or more depending on trailer and customer request.
- Proof of insurance and USDOT/FMCSA licensing are verified for every carrier.
- Corsia agents keep customers informed at every stage via phone, email, or text.
For additional protection, Corsia recommends checking your personal auto policy for supplemental coverage or deductibles.
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal Shipping
- Door-to-Door is when the carrier picks up and delivers as close as safely possible to your chosen addresses. Ideal for both student dorm areas and on-base housing. This is Corsia’s most popular option.
- Terminal-to-Terminal is when you drop off and pick up the vehicle at regional hubs. It could be slightly cheaper sometimes, but not all the time and it is definitely less convenient, and storage fees may apply if pickup is delayed.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car?
Transit times depend on distance and route congestion.
Typical October shipping estimates are as follow :
| Distance | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| 0 -500 miles | 1- 2 days |
| 500- 1,000 miles | 2 – 5 days |
| 1,000 -2,000 miles | 5 – 7 days |
| 2,000+ miles | 7 -10 days |
Corsia provides updates throughout transit so you’ll always know where your car is. Check our customer reviews for more details and stories from thousands of happy customers.
Real-World Example: Military PCS from Virginia to Texas
- Customer: Active-duty Army sergeant
- Route: Norfolk, VA → Killeen, TX (Fort Hood)
- Vehicle: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Transport Type: Open carrier
- Pickup Window: October 10–12
- Delivery: October 15
- Total Cost: ~$1,250
The carrier coordinated directly with base access security, and the vehicle arrived in perfect condition ahead of schedule — exactly what PCS families need during a stressful transition.
Real-World Example: College Transfer to the West Coast
- Customer: Student transferring from the University of Illinois to UCLA
- Route: Champaign, IL → Los Angeles, CA (~2,000 miles)
- Vehicle: 2019 Toyota Corolla
- Transport: Open carrier
- Pickup: October 8
- Delivery: October 14
- Cost: ~$1,300
The student flew to L.A. and met the driver at her off-campus apartment — saving a 30-hour drive and nearly $700 in gas, hotels, and meals.
Why Students and Military Members Trust Us?
- Family-run company since 2013 — we treat every customer like family.
- 5-star reviews nationwide for honesty and communication.
- Direct agent contact: You’ll work with one dedicated specialist from start to finish.
- Experienced carrier network: Thousands of insured, FMCSA-licensed drivers.
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or surprise add-ons ever.
We know that relocation can be stressful — whether it’s your first semester or your tenth PCS. Our goal is to make your car one less thing to worry about.
When Should You Book?
- Students: 2-3 weeks before your planned move or internship start date.
- Military: As soon as PCS orders are confirmed — the earlier, the better.
Booking your car shipment early helps you secure the best rate and your preferred delivery window, especially before the holiday season rush begins in November.
Move with Confidence!
Moving in October doesn’t have to mean long drives, tight deadlines, or logistical headaches. With Corsia Logistics, college students and military members can rely on affordable autumn rates, transparent service, and the reassurance that your car will arrive where and when you need it.
